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December 12: Volume 2, Issue 17 (English)
Episode Notes: Winter Preparations & Understanding Westlawn’s VDOE Status
Episode Summary In this episode, we unpack the December 12, 2025, edition of The Feather Report (Volume 2, Issue 17). We discuss Westlawn’s recent designation by the Virginia Department of Education, crucial deadlines for Advanced Academic Programs, and practical tips for navigating the upcoming winter break—from dressing for the cold to managing screen time.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
1. Westlawn’s New VDOE Status The Virginia Department of Education has released new school categorizations based on 2024-2025 data.
• The Status: Westlawn is currently categorized as off-track.
• The Factors: This designation is based on a points system involving standardized test mastery, the progress of multilingual learners, chronic absenteeism rates, and the performance of federally identified subgroups. Notably, parent refusals of standardized tests now count against the school.
• The Plan: The school has hired a SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) teacher and is revamping support for multilingual families.
• How Families Can Help: The administration urges families to prioritize daily attendance, use intervention software (Lexia, ST Math, Summit K12) at home, and maintain open communication via TalkingPoints.
2. Critical Deadlines & Events
• AAP Referrals (Dec 15): This is the final deadline for parents of students in Grades 2–6 to refer their children for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP). No late referrals will be accepted.
• Upcoming Events:
◦ Dec 15: Chili Day (Volunteers needed to feed staff).
◦ Dec 16: Gingerbread House Decorating event (Tickets required).
◦ Dec 17: Restaurant Night at Chipotle (Mosaic) and "Grinch Day" (wear green).
• Winter Break: There is no school from December 22 through January 2.
3. Winter Wellness & Safety
• Dressing for the Cold: Students will continue to go outside for recess and to access trailers unless the wind chill is negative. The school provided a layering guide: 1–2 layers for "Chilly," 2–3 layers for "Cold," and 3+ layers with face masks for "Extreme Cold".
• Need Assistance? Families needing winter clothing can contact parent liaison Ms. Reyes or social worker Ms. Cortez for resources. FCPS also has a winter resources page for food, housing, and mental health support during the break.
4. Tech Talk & Home Learning
• Screen Time Management: Staff suggests creating a "family contract" for laptop use over the break and using timers to enforce limits.
• AI Resources: For adults looking to upskill, the newsletter highlights "Virginia Has Jobs," a state website offering web-based AI career opportunities.
• Off-Screen Fun: The school recommends strategy games (like RushHour or Sequence) and creative building using recycled materials like boxes and wrapping paper tubes.
5. Community & Equity
• Anti-Racism Resources: Families are encouraged to view the Georgetown University Anti-Racism Toolkit to help discuss plurality and fairness with their children.
• Multilingual Podcast: Check out the "In A Few Words FCPS" podcast, available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
Staff Spotlight: This week we celebrate Rebecca Lentz, the Preschool Autism Classroom (PAC) teacher, who loves math, plays the piano, and enjoys chocolate-covered almonds.
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By Alanna DushokEpisode Notes: Winter Preparations & Understanding Westlawn’s VDOE Status
Episode Summary In this episode, we unpack the December 12, 2025, edition of The Feather Report (Volume 2, Issue 17). We discuss Westlawn’s recent designation by the Virginia Department of Education, crucial deadlines for Advanced Academic Programs, and practical tips for navigating the upcoming winter break—from dressing for the cold to managing screen time.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
1. Westlawn’s New VDOE Status The Virginia Department of Education has released new school categorizations based on 2024-2025 data.
• The Status: Westlawn is currently categorized as off-track.
• The Factors: This designation is based on a points system involving standardized test mastery, the progress of multilingual learners, chronic absenteeism rates, and the performance of federally identified subgroups. Notably, parent refusals of standardized tests now count against the school.
• The Plan: The school has hired a SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) teacher and is revamping support for multilingual families.
• How Families Can Help: The administration urges families to prioritize daily attendance, use intervention software (Lexia, ST Math, Summit K12) at home, and maintain open communication via TalkingPoints.
2. Critical Deadlines & Events
• AAP Referrals (Dec 15): This is the final deadline for parents of students in Grades 2–6 to refer their children for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP). No late referrals will be accepted.
• Upcoming Events:
◦ Dec 15: Chili Day (Volunteers needed to feed staff).
◦ Dec 16: Gingerbread House Decorating event (Tickets required).
◦ Dec 17: Restaurant Night at Chipotle (Mosaic) and "Grinch Day" (wear green).
• Winter Break: There is no school from December 22 through January 2.
3. Winter Wellness & Safety
• Dressing for the Cold: Students will continue to go outside for recess and to access trailers unless the wind chill is negative. The school provided a layering guide: 1–2 layers for "Chilly," 2–3 layers for "Cold," and 3+ layers with face masks for "Extreme Cold".
• Need Assistance? Families needing winter clothing can contact parent liaison Ms. Reyes or social worker Ms. Cortez for resources. FCPS also has a winter resources page for food, housing, and mental health support during the break.
4. Tech Talk & Home Learning
• Screen Time Management: Staff suggests creating a "family contract" for laptop use over the break and using timers to enforce limits.
• AI Resources: For adults looking to upskill, the newsletter highlights "Virginia Has Jobs," a state website offering web-based AI career opportunities.
• Off-Screen Fun: The school recommends strategy games (like RushHour or Sequence) and creative building using recycled materials like boxes and wrapping paper tubes.
5. Community & Equity
• Anti-Racism Resources: Families are encouraged to view the Georgetown University Anti-Racism Toolkit to help discuss plurality and fairness with their children.
• Multilingual Podcast: Check out the "In A Few Words FCPS" podcast, available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
Staff Spotlight: This week we celebrate Rebecca Lentz, the Preschool Autism Classroom (PAC) teacher, who loves math, plays the piano, and enjoys chocolate-covered almonds.