FCPS

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Students enjoyed participating in our spirit days this week.

From the Principal's Desk:

Winter Break starts this afternoon, and we would like to wish all of you a wonderful break. As mentioned at Thanksgiving, we take these opportunities to remind our staff at each long break the need to give our students (and themselves) a respite from schoolwork during the holiday. While teachers may have long-term assignments that span over the course of a break, we have shared with the staff to not assign homework, projects, essays, etc. to be specifically done over the break. 

This break, all of us need the opportunity to spend time with our families and friends. We want our students to have the opportunity to catch a breath from schoolwork and to enjoy time with friends and family. We also want our teachers to decompress and put their lesson plan books and laptops away for a few days to enjoy time with their friends and family. Our goal is to have students and teachers return to school anxiety-free without the pressure of looming deadlines. This is a unified message that Madison pyramid principals are sending out to all our schools. 

The entire Louise Archer staff hopes you find ways to take time to relax and make new memories with your family over the upcoming winter break. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the new year and we are excited to start 2025 together!

Announcements

Louise Archer Office Closed

The front office will be closed from December 23rd - January 3rd. Students and staff will return on January 6, 2025.

Winter Break Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs. 

Middle School Start Time

It is important that all of you are informed about the discussion on Middle School Start Times, which don’t just affect Middle School! At a recent School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent. Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Reminders

Winter Weather and Outdoor Recess

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. We are notified by safety and security if the temperatures get too low. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing (labeled with the name!), so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. On the majority of days, students will go outside for recess.

Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season.

If you need assistance getting cold weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.

Upcoming Events

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break 

January 6 - Return to school

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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We are thrilled to honor our school's namesake every day with the beautiful mural in our lobby area.

From the Principal's Desk:

Our front office is a beacon of warmth and kindness, thanks to the exceptional staff who greet our students and families each day. We want to share some bittersweet news with our community - our registrar, Kathy Cutri, will be retiring and her last day at school will be on December 20th.

Ms. Cutri has been a valued member of the Louise Archer family for the past 28 years. She has been a constant source of support and positivity in the front office. Her dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on our school community. We wish Ms. Cutri all the best in her retirement. Please join us in thanking her for her years of service and stop by the office to say goodbye.

Announcements

Louise Archer Office Closed

The front office will be closed from December 23rd - January 3rd. Students and staff will return on January 6, 2024.

Arrival and Dismissal Safety Reminders - No parking at First Baptist Church

It is a busy place around Louise Archer during arrival and dismissal each day and it is a priority for all of us to make sure our students are safe during this time. There are many students walking and cars driving around Louise Archer and on Nutley Street. Please help us by monitoring your surroundings and adhering to the directions of our crossing guard, our school staff, and all road signs.

Students and adults should only be crossing Nutley Street at the designated crosswalks. Parents are not allowed to park at the church parking lot and walk over to pick up students as walkers. The church does not allow us to park in their lot at arrival or dismissal. You should use the kiss and ride line if you are driving your child to or from school. Please do not park across the street and motion your child across.  We have had several near accidents in this congested area. In addition, drivers should not be texting or using cell phones during kiss and ride, in the parking lots, or while driving because it presents a safety concern.

Please help us keep all of our students safe by using caution and maintaining a focus on the roads and students during arrival and dismissal. Thank you for your support with these school safety reminders!

Chronic Absenteeism

A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of their enrolled days in the school year for any reason (that’s excused or unexcused) – that’s only two days a month. Being in school at any grade level is critical to continuity of learning. A school’s chronic absenteeism rate is measured by calculating the percentage of students chronically absent out of all enrolled students in each school. I think that it is important for our community to know that chronic absenteeism is one of only two areas of the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) common across elementary, middle, and high schools. Louise Archer’s overall performance is measured in part by the chronic absenteeism rate at our school. Please remember this fact when scheduling trips, doctor’s appointments, and other events with your families. Please expect to see an email in the near future outlining the absenteeism rate for your student/s at Louise Archer. If you have any questions, please let us know in the office. Thank you for your support and help!

Winter Weather and Outdoor Recess

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. We are notified by safety and security if the temperatures get too low. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing (labeled with the name!), so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. On the majority of days, students will go outside for recess.

Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season.

If you need assistance getting cold weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.

Flu and Cold Season

Please monitor the health of your children. Students should not come to school unless they have been fever-free for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students should not come to school if they have vomited within 24 hours. Sending your child to school when they’re sick spreads illnesses so that other families – and our staff – face the same difficulties.  Remember that students are working in small spaces together.  Students who are sick are not able to do their best work.  Please help us stop the spread of germs by keeping sick children home.

Reminders

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to our AART, Tera Crenshaw, [email protected], no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Tera Crenshaw at [email protected].

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Louise Archer PTA Silent Auction

Ready, Set, Shop!  The Louise Archer PTA's Silent Auction goes live on December 6th at noon, with tons of amazing donations and experiences up for bid!  Join the virtual auction, live December 6 at 12pm though 16th at 12pm, at www.32auctions.com/louisearcherpta2024 and help support our school's PTA while winning some amazing items!

Please don’t forget the upcoming Boundary Review Community Meetings! Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria. Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

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Winter Spirit Week at LAES

Please see the Spirit Week flyer below and encourage your children to participate the week of December 16th. 

Upcoming Events

December 9 - Early Release for students at 1pm

December 16 - Cookie Carry  

December 16 - Winter Concert, 6:30pm

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break 

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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The Sock Hop was a wonderful event for our families last Friday night!

From the Principal's Desk:

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I would like to wish all of you a wonderful break. To that end, I have communicated to the Louise Archer staff the need to give our students (and themselves) a respite from the daily grind of schoolwork during the Thanksgiving holiday. While teachers may have long-term assignments that span over the course of a break, I have shared with the staff to not assign homework, projects, essays, etc. to be specifically done over the break. 

This Thanksgiving all of us need the opportunity to spend time with our families and friends. We want our students to have the opportunity to catch a breath from schoolwork and to enjoy time with friends and family. We also want our teachers to decompress and put their lesson plan books and laptops away for a few days to enjoy time with their friends and family. Our goal is to have students and teachers return to school anxiety-free without the pressure of looming deadlines. This is a unified message that Madison pyramid principals send out three times during the year: Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Again, I wish you a happy and restful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Liz Calvert, Principal, Madison High School

Teresa Khuluki, Principal, Thoreau Middle School

Allison Hoak, Principal, Cunningham Park Elementary School

Eben Montaquila, Principal, Flint Hill Elementary School

Michelle Makrigiorgos, Principal, Louise Archer Elementary School

Matt Chapman, Principal, Marshall Road Elementary School

John Carmichael, Principal, Vienna Elementary School

Maggie Grove, Principal, Wolftrap Elementary School

Cheronda Farrish, Principal, Cedar Lane School 

Announcements

Lost and Found

We have a new space for our lost and found items. Please have your child stop by the lobby at Door 10 to find any missing items from school.

We will donate any unclaimed items during Winter Break.

 

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, yoview the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

PTA Silent Auction

Ready, Set, Shop!  The Louise Archer PTA's Silent Auction goes live on December 6th, with tons of amazing donations and experiences up for bid!  Join the virtual auction, live December 6 though 16th, at www.32auctions.com/louisearcherpta2024 and help support our school's PTA while winning some amazing items!

Walking Wednesdays

Walking Wednesdays are over for 2024, and they were a huge success this Fall - special thanks to Craig Floyd for organizing, and to Caffe Amouri for donating coffee every week. Walking Wednesdays will be back in early 2025!

Reminders

Early Release Mondays

The three-hour early release Mondays planned throughout the school year are essential to allow elementary educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

Please let us know your plans for the remaining early release days by filling out this form. Even if you completed a form at the beginning of the school year, we are asking that you submit this information again. If you have multiple children at Louise Archer, you will need to submit multiple forms.

The remaining dates for Early Release Mondays are:

• December 9
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

We will send out a confirmation form to families one week prior to each of those dates as well for any last-minute changes.

Impact Aid Forms

Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups.

Please fill out your Impact Aid Form as soon as possible (one for each child in FCPS). To access the form, log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and select the Online Packets tab in the top right corner.

Upcoming Dates

11/27-11/29 - Thanksgiving Break

12/9 - 3 Hour Early Release for students at 1pm

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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Louise Archer honors all active, reserves, and veterans for Veterans Day 2024. Please stop by the bulletin board in the gym hallway to see our display. Thank you for your service!

From the Principal's Desk:

As we move into the second quarter of the school year, take a moment to reflect on your child's progress so far. Please take some time to discuss with your child their strengths and goals for the coming quarter. Parent-teacher conferences offered valuable insights into their daily experiences. We appreciate your ongoing partnership in fostering a love of learning and responsible citizenship. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to another successful quarter together.

November offers countless opportunities to express gratitude and give back to our school and community. Let's continue to inspire our students by modeling the values we hold dear. Our Junior Optimist Club is dedicated to fostering a spirit of service throughout the year. We're proud to see our students actively contributing to our community this month as we begin a food drive. More details to follow!

Announcements

Early Release Mondays

The three-hour early release Mondays planned throughout the school year are essential to allow elementary educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

Please let us know your plans for the remaining early release days by filling out this form. Even if you completed a form at the beginning of the school year, we are asking that you submit this information again. If you have multiple children at Louise Archer, you will need to submit multiple forms.

The remaining dates for Early Release Mondays are:

• December 9
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

We will send out a confirmation form to families one week prior to each of those dates as well for any last-minute changes.

Language Arts Curriculum Updates

With the introduction of the new language arts curriculum, progress reports this year might look different than in the past. With our new Benchmark curriculum, rather than teach discreet skills each quarter, every skill is taught every quarter and continually reinforced and built upon. Students are not expected to have mastered any skill by the end of first quarter. Because it is the first quarter and most skills have just been introduced, do not be alarmed if you do not see 4s on a first quarter report card in language arts. This does not necessarily mean your child needs extra support in that area, just that we have only begun to practice the skill. Likewise, please also remember that a "progress report" is different than a traditional report card and progress is what students know at a point in time rather than an average of performance over an entire period. You can read more on the FCPS website.

Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for FCPS's Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Louise Archer outstanding employee in one of the categories below, please click on the appropriate nomination link. You may nominate more than one employee, or employees, across multiple categories. All that is required for this preliminary nomination is a brief statement. If your nomination progresses within FCPS, you will be contacted to provide additional detailed information with specific examples. Additional information regarding each of these awards, as well as the eligibility requirements, are included within each link.

Outstanding Teacher – a teacher or librarian with 3 or more years of experience

New Teacher - a teacher or librarian with less than 3 years of experience

Principal – a building principal with 3 or more years of experience

Outstanding Leader – assistant principal with 1 or more years of experience

Professional Employee - these positions could include School-Based Technology Specialists, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor

Operational Employee – these positions could include administrative and office staff, custodial staff, food service staff, Instructional Assistants, Public Health Assistants, Public Health Training Assistants

Note: The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, November 11th, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Becca Stille in the front office.

2024 Silent Auction - Coming Virtually In December!

PTA's planning for this year’s virtual silent auction is now underway!

In addition to fun experiences with faculty and staff and goods/services from local businesses, we very much welcome donations from families that could be included in our silent auction.

We’ll happily accept:

*gift certificate to an online or local shop

*tickets to a sporting event

*tickets to a theater or concert venue

*bundle of books or games

*experiences such as vacation home rental

* . . . and more!

If you are willing to make a donation, please email [email protected] with a brief description and a member of our planning committee will follow up shortly. All proceeds will help fund PTA initiatives that benefit the LAES community.  

We thank you in advance for your support and please stay tuned for more information about the event!

Impact Aid Forms

Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups.

Please fill out your Impact Aid Form as soon as possible (one for each child in FCPS). To access the form, log in to your SIS ParentVUE account and select the Online Packets tab in the top right corner.

Reminders

Main Office

The main office is now located at the front of the building. All parents and visitors should now enter through Door 1. Please ring the doorbell located on the right side of the doors and the office staff will buzz you into the building. 

PTA Sock Hop

Put your dancing shoes on for the Sock Hop at Louise Archer. The event will be on Friday, November 15th. We will have food in the Cafeteria from 6-7:30 pm and a DJ in the Gym from 6-8:30pm. As always our 6th graders will hop the tables and raise funds via tips for their 6th grade celebration.

Please note, this is NOT a drop off event. Chaperones, parents and caregivers must ensure that children follow school-wide hallway expectations as they move from the cafeteria to the gym. No children are permitted on the playground or blacktop during this event.

Please consider volunteering and/or donating needed supplies via this Sign-Up for this event to make it a success! We greatly appreciate your help!and we can’t wait to host this fun event for students and families! Contact Molly Peng or Reshma Patel with any questions.

Upcoming Dates

11/11 - Veteran's Day, School Holiday 

11/27-11/29 - Thanksgiving Break

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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From the Principal's Desk:

As we close out the month of October and begin November there are many celebrations and days of recognition to include Diwali, All Saints Day and Veterans Day. We also have early releases on 10/28 (staff state mandated PD) and 10/31 (end of quarter early-release).  If you are planning to travel in October or November, there are several opportunities to do so that will not impact your child’s school attendance. Due to the end of the quarter, as well as holidays, students have off on November 1, 4, 5, 11, 27, 28 and 29. No doubt they are excited about having seven days off of school in November!

Please keep these dates in mind if you are planning to travel and do your best to avoid traveling on the days when school is in session. As we shared at the beginning of the year, Fairfax County Public Schools does not consider travel an excused absence. We want to help ensure students are present in school as much as possible in November and ask for your help with this as you make any plans.

Announcements

Main Office

The main office is now located at the front of the building. All parents and visitors should now enter through Door 1. Please ring the doorbell located on the right side of the doors and the office staff will buzz you into the building. 

Honoring our Veterans 2024

Do you have a family member who serves or has served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces? Louise Archer will honor all those who serve or have served in our nation's military on Veterans Day 2024. Take a moment to complete the form below and your family member's information will be written on a star and displayed in the school.  Please complete this form by Tuesday, October 29th. Our Louise Archer students and staff will be excited to have the loved ones of our community honored and on display for the school to see. Thank you to all our veterans for your service!

Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for FCPS's Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Louise Archer outstanding employee in one of the categories below, please click on the appropriate nomination link. You may nominate more than one employee, or employees, across multiple categories. All that is required for this preliminary nomination is a brief statement. If your nomination progresses within FCPS, you will be contacted to provide additional detailed information with specific examples. Additional information regarding each of these awards, as well as the eligibility requirements, are included within each link.

Outstanding Teacher – a teacher or librarian with 3 or more years of experience

New Teacher - a teacher or librarian with less than 3 years of experience

Principal – a building principal with 3 or more years of experience

Outstanding Leader – assistant principal with 1 or more years of experience

Professional Employee - these positions could include School-Based Technology Specialists, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor

Operational Employee – these positions could include administrative and office staff, custodial staff, food service staff, Instructional Assistants, Public Health Assistants, Public Health Training Assistants

Note: The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Becca Stille in the front office.

MAD Wings Program

All Madison seniors participate in the Mad WINGS program, a 30-hour volunteer career shadowing / community service opportunity at a senior’s choice of business or service organization in May of their senior year. This year, the Senior WINGS Experience dates are May 12 - May 28, 2025. We are seeking additional organizations to sponsor one or more seniors for their WINGS Experience. As parents, we know you have many contacts in the local community with businesses and organizations. More information can be found on the Madison website.

Please consider giving students an opportunity to career shadow at your business/community service organization and forward to anyone who may be interested in supporting. Sign up by completing this form by Thursday, October 31st.

Reminders

PTA Sock Hop

Put your dancing shoes on for the Sock Hop at Louise Archer. The event will be on Friday, November 15th. We will have food in the Cafeteria from 6-7:30 pm and a DJ in the Gym from 6-8:30pm. As always our 6th graders will hop the tables and raise funds via tips for their 6th grade celebration.

Please note, this is NOT a drop off event. Chaperones, parents and caregivers must ensure that children follow school-wide hallway expectations as they move from the cafeteria to the gym. No children are permitted on the playground or blacktop during this event.

Please consider volunteering and/or donating needed supplies via this Sign-Up for this event to make it a success! We greatly appreciate your help!and we can’t wait to host this fun event for students and families! Contact Molly Peng or Reshma Patel with any questions.

Upcoming Dates

10/28 - 3-hour Early Release Day

10/31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2-hour Early Release

11/1 - School Holiday, Diwali

11/4-11/5 - Teacher Workdays, Student Holiday 

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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From the Principal's Desk:

We're delighted to unveil our new main office and lobby at Louise Archer this week. The response from students and visitors has been incredible! The design seamlessly blends historical elements, like the original clapboard siding, with modern touches like vibrant lighting. The mural honoring Louise Archer remains a focal point as you enter the school. We're nearing completion of the front doorways and outdoor learning area in the courtyard and will keep you posted on their progress. We'd love for you to visit Louise Archer and see the new office and lobby area in person!

Announcements

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures and Safety Reminders

We are observing unsafe practices by students and parents during arrival and dismissal. As a reminder, if you are dropping off your child or picking them up in a car, you need to use the kiss and ride lot in the designated area only. Students should not be dropped off in the staff parking lot. Door 11 is only for walkers, and students should only use the crosswalks on school grounds and on Nutley Street. No one should walk across the front bus loop to access the crosswalk on Nutley Street. When driving, please make sure you do not stop in the middle of a crosswalk while waiting for Kiss and Ride. Please help us by adhering to the designated areas and locations. For your reference, the map is available on our Louise Archer website in our Parent Handbook.

Digital Citizenship Week

Next week, from October 15-18, we will recognize Digital Citizenship Week. To engage students with the concepts they will be learning about digital citizenship, we will hold a spirit week. Each morning, a brief video will be featured during the news broadcast to highlight the focus for the day. Students will explore topics such as finding balance online, making informed choices, standing up for others, and understanding their online actions leave a trail. Below are the Spirit Week themes for each day! We look forward to educating all students about being positive digital citizens!

Youth Survey Administration

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Louise Archer Elementary School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Nov. 18, 2024 at 11:40am.

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

In Plain Sight (HIPS) Program to be offered at Madison High School on November 7th. See flyer below:

Reminders

Advanced Academics Program News

Tera Crenshaw, Louise Archer’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will be hosting a virtual information session about the Advanced Academic program on Friday, October 18th at 9:30AM. The session will cover two topics: AAP Overview/Continuum of Services and AAP Full Time Screening, Referral, and Identification Process. You can attend the virtual session through this zoom link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91767185974

The format for this session will include a presentation followed by time for questions. If you have questions, you can submit them ahead of time using this google form.

Save the Dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 15 – AAP Full-Time Referral Form for new FCPS students (gr 3-6) enrolled after January 2024 due to AART, Tera Crenshaw.

Friday, Oct. 18 @ 9:30AM - Virtual Parent Information Session about AAP Services & AAP Full Time Screening via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91767185974

Sunday, Dec. 15 -  AAP Full Time (Level IV) Referral Forms (gr 2-6) for the 2025-2026 school year and optional materials due to AART, Tera Crenshaw.

If you have questions about AAP services or screening, please contact Ms. Crenshaw at [email protected]

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Upcoming Calendar Dates

10/14 - Student Holiday, Indigenous Peoples’ Day

10/28 - 3-hour Early Release Day

10/31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2-hour Early Release

11/1 - School Holiday, Diwali

11/4-11/5 - Teacher Workdays, Student Holiday 

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
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Second grade students enjoy viewing the butterfly release last week.

From the Principal's Desk:

Next Monday, September 23rd begins our first Early Release Mondays planned this school year for elementary schools. This is essential to allow our staff time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed at 1pm, unless you completed the google form sharing your child needs to remain at school due to a childcare hardship. You should have received an email this week confirming your decision so we know which students will stay until 4pm. Here is some additional information to help Monday run smoothly:

• It is vitally important that you remain with the dismissal plan that has been communicated to school. We want to ensure all of our students get home safely, as planned, on Monday and your cooperation is needed so your family's plan is clear. 
• If you plan on picking up your child between early and regular dismissal times, please know that due to high demand, this may take longer than usual.
• If your child is staying until regular dismissal time, please include an afternoon snack, if possible.  

There will be six additional times throughout the school year for early release days. As a reminder, the following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• October 28
• December 9 (FCPS Date Change)
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

Announcements

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures and Safety Reminders

We are observing unsafe practices by students and parents during arrival and dismissal. As a reminder, if you are dropping off your child or picking them up in a car, you need to use the kiss and ride lot in the designated area only. Students should not be dropped off in the staff parking lot. Door 11 is only for walkers and students should only use the crosswalks on school grounds and on Nutley Street. No one should walk across the front bus loop to access the crosswalk on Nutley Street. Please help us by adhering to the designated areas and locations. For your reference, the map is available on our Louise Archer website in our Parent Handbook. In addition, all parents will receive a color copy of the Parent Handbook in next week's Tuesday folder, which includes this map.

Advanced Academics Program News

Tera Crenshaw, Louise Archer’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will be hosting a virtual information session about Advanced Academics on Friday, October 18th at 9:30AM. The virtual session will cover two topics: AAP Overview/Continuum of Services and AAP Full-Time Screening, Referral, and Identification Process. The format for these sessions will include a presentation followed by time for questions. If you have questions, you can submit them ahead of time using this google form. The Zoom link can be accessed below and is also available on the Louise Archer webpage à Academics à Advanced Academics Programs.

Save the Dates:

Friday, Oct. 18 9:30AM - Virtual Parent Information Session about AAP Services & AAP Full Time Screening via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91767185974

Tuesday, Oct. 15 - AAP Full-Time Referral Form for new FCPS students (gr 3-6) enrolled after January 2024 due to AART, Tera Crenshaw, [email protected].

Friday, Dec. 15 -  AAP Full-Time Referral Form (gr 2-6) and optional materials due to AART, Tera Crenshaw, [email protected].

 

If you have any questions about AAP services or screening, please contact Ms. Crenshaw at [email protected].

Language Arts Information Session

Our Reading Specialist, Laura Higgins, will host a parent information session on Friday, 9/27, at 9:30 in the Louise Archer Cafeteria. She will share updates regarding the language arts curriculum and the new basal, Benchmark Advance.

Reminders

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Upcoming Calendar Dates

9/23 - 3-hour Early Release at 1pm 

10/3 and 10/4 - Student Holiday, No School

10/14 - Student Holiday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

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Ms. Rocha-Hick's kindergarten class starts the day off right with a Morning Meeting activity together.

From the Principal's Desk:

We were thrilled to host our Back to School Night last night and have our families back in Louise Archer! Thank you to all the parents who were able to come to school and hear from our staff about this school year. If you were not able to attend, you will receive information from your child's teacher sharing the slides from their presentation for you to view at your convenience. Thank you for staying engaged, connected, and informed regarding happenings in FCPS and Louise Archer!

Announcements

Back to School Message

If you have not had chance to meet our school board representative, Ms. Melanie Meren, please take a moment to view her welcome back video. Learning about your local School Board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved. Learn more about the School Board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch their meetings.  

Early Release Mondays

We have 7 early release Mondays this year when students will dismiss at 1pm. All families must complete the parent survey to let us know if your child requires supervision until 4pm or will go home at 1pm on September 23 and October 28. 

SACC at Louise Archer - Now Enrolling

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is pleased to announce the opening of the School Age Child Care program at Louise Archer.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in SACC’s Before and/or After School program, please contact the SACC Registration department at 703-449-8989 or register online at Registration | Neighborhood and Community Services (fairfaxcounty.gov).”

Madison HS County Fair - New Date

9/20 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Warhawks Rush @ 6:45 (running of the field)

Reminders

Parent Consent Forms 

Please use the Parent Digital Consent Link to complete the required information for this year for each child attending school in FCPS. You must have a ParentVUE account to complete these online forms., if you do not have a ParentVUE account, please contact the school to set one up. This video shows how to log in and provide consent.

Upcoming Calendar Dates

9/23 - Early Release at 1pm

10/3 - School Holiday, No students or staff

10/4 - Student Holiday, Teacher Workday

10/14 - Student Holiday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day

324 Nutley Street N.W. Vienna, VA 22180  |  Main Phone: 703.937.6200 
Attendance: 703.937.6262 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Back to School Night is tonight, September 5th from 6-7:30pm. As a reminder, this event is for adults only.

There are two identical sessions:

• 6:00 - 6:35 - K - 6 (Session 1)
• 6:45 - 7:15 pm - K - 6 (Session 2)

The teachers will present the same information in each classroom session, so you can choose which one is most convenient for you to attend. Specialists will be available in the foyer by Door 10 if you'd like to talk with them.

Parking will be challenging, so plan accordingly. There is parking available in the First Baptist Church across the street, or on Nutley Street. 

Everyone should enter the school through Door 10 (in the back by the basketball courts) to get to all Back to School Night presentations and classrooms. Please look for signage to help get you to the right location. 

We look forward to seeing you tonight!