Laurel Ridge Update 10/11/2026
A Lion's Tale

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lucky

Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events

Monday, October 12 - Holiday - Indigenous Peoples' Day

Wednesday October 21 - 3-Hour Early Release - 12:55 (see below)

Thursday, October 29 - Fall Picture Day (see below)

Friday, October 30 - 2-Hour Early Release 1:55pm - End of Quarter

Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3 - Student Holidays

Friday, November 6 - Fall Field Day (see below)


counts

Principal's Message

Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,

We had so much fun on Wednesday celebrating Walk & Bike to School Day, seeing so many smiling faces arrive safely on two feet and two wheels! As we continue through the fall, please remember to help us keep our Lions safe by always using our designated crosswalks during arrival and dismissal. I also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported our Scholastic Book Fair this week. There was an incredible energy in the building as our students browsed the shelves, and nothing warms our hearts more than seeing our young readers so eager to dive into new books.

Consistent routine plays a huge role in that daily growth, which is why attendance is so vital. Missing just 10% of school—which breaks down to only two days a month—can negatively affect a student’s academic performance and key foundational skills. To support your child's regular attendance, try establishing a consistent "evening launchpad" routine: set out clothes, pack backpacks, and confirm lunch plans the night before. Removing that morning rush helps reduce anxiety, ensures a calm start to the day, and makes arriving at school on time much smoother for the whole family.

Finally, Laurel Ridge prides itself on being a caring community.  If you would like to celebrate a staff member for going above and beyond with kindness, please submit an FCPS Cares.  It warms our hearts to hear the amazing things that are happening every day.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership!

Megan Counts
Laurel Ridge Principal


picture day

Fall Picture Day - October 29

Victor O'Neill Studios will be taking Fall Pictures on Thursday, October 29.

You will be able to view and order your child’s photos in their online gallery approximately ten days after picture day. If you have any questions leading up to picture day, please reach out to Victor O’Neill Studios by emailing Underclass@vosphoto.com 


field day

Volunteer for LRES Fall Field Day! 

We need YOU!

Get ready for both indoor and outdoor fun! On Friday November 6 our amazing Specialists Teams are organizing a fun Fall Field Day Event and need help running various stations. Students will rotate all day to different stations, both in and around the school.  

Check out the Volunteer Sign-up here

Please note, in order to volunteer at field day, you will need to sign up through Volunteer FCPS here and begin the process

Thank you so much for your consideration!


10/21 - Early Release Wednesday

Three-hour early release day for FCPS elementary schools will continue for the 2026-27 school year. This year, Laurel Ridge will have four early release Wednesdays when we dismiss at 12:55. They are on:

  • October 21

  • December 2

  • February 10

  • May 5

We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. While these are designated as early release days — where necessary, we will ensure that every student has supervised activities at the school and returns home at the regular time if that is what works best for your family. 

FCPS is offering student supervision at no-cost to families for those who have unique childcare needs. Students will be supervised by FCPS school-based staff, substitute teachers, and central office staff.  Students who stay after school may be placed in mixed-aged groups. Students will not receive instruction between early release and the regular dismissal time. Instead, they will participate in afterschool activities under the supervision of FCPS staff.

Learn more about early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.

Parents and caregivers may use the Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet in SIS ParentVUE to confirm whether or not child care on the four early release Wednesdays will be needed. If your plans change during the school year, please notify your child’s school directly. 


LRES PTA

PTA Update!

The PTA's Boosterthon fundraiser kick-off is next Monday, October 19th!  If 20% of students register between now and then, there will be a fun reward: The principals will parade the hallways in inflatables costumes! Sign up today at www.mybooster.com.

Our goal is to raise $45,000. Funds raised will go toward our plans for the year, including field trip support, assemblies, classroom materials, school improvement projects such as the tunnel mural, and 9 family events! Learn more about our fundraiser on the PTA's website: Click here


Immunization Events

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available. 


Transportation Survey

Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School

The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools. 

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.  


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


School Lunch Week

National School Lunch Week

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is an annual celebration from October 12 to October 16, 2026, that recognizes the vital role school meals play in nourishing students nationwide.

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus. 



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