GBE Happenings - May 6, 2026

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


A smiling student sits next to a tabletop egg incubator filled with several brown eggs in a classroom setting.

 

A fourth-grade student carefully observes developing chicken eggs in the classroom incubator as part of a science investigation.


Calendar Reminders 

  • Wednesday, May 13: Math SOL (Grades 3-6)
  • Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 - Early Release Wednesday 
  • Monday, May 25 - Wednesday, May 27: Student Holidays - NO SCHOOL

Adjusted Lunch Schedule – Wednesday, May 13

Due to SOL testing on Wednesday, May 13, we will be following an adjusted lunch schedule. If you are planning to visit and eat lunch with your student that day, please refer to the modified times to ensure you arrive at the correct time.

  • Grade 1: 10:40 – 11:10
  • Ms. Perry's Class: 11:00 – 11:30
  • Grade 2: 11:10 – 11:40
  • Ms. Davila's Class: 11:30 – 12:00
  • Kindergarten: 11:45 – 12:15
  • Grade 3: 12:15 – 12:45
  • Grade 4: 12:30 – 1:00
  • Grade 5: 12:45 – 1:15
  • Grade 6: 1:00 – 1:30

Early Release Wednesday - May 20

Our next Early Release Wednesday is quickly approaching. Your student will keep the same dismissal time for the 3 Hour Early Release on Wednesday, May 20

If an emergency comes up and you need to request a change to your student’s dismissal time, please email Mr. Pietzman at djpietzman@fcps.edu as soon as possible. 

Please be sure to submit any dismissal change requests to Mr. Pietzman by Friday, May 15


Class Placement Family Input for 2026-2027

The planning for the 2026-2027 school year has begun! Since we work in partnership with our families to provide a supportive school environment for our students, we would like to invite you to share some information about your child. If you have more than one child attending GBE, please be sure to submit an individual form for each student. This form is not intended for families to request specific teachers.  

Completion of this form is optional, but must be received by Friday, May 29


Update from Generation Supply at GBE

A bin overflowing with green boxes of Ticonderoga Number 2 HB yellow pencils.

 

Cesar from Generation Supply wants to thank the GBE community for all the generous donations so far. Because of your help, we now have enough supplies to last through next school year. Right now, we are running low on scissors and could use your support. Please consider donating student scissors to help keep our supply inventory strong. We are grateful for everything the school community has done to support this project.


Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

A smiling teacher watches two young students build tall towers with colorful plastic peg toys in a bright classroom.

 

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.


Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 91


Fairfax County Parenting Education Programs

Parenting Education Programs (PEP) offers free virtual and in-person parenting classes at locations across Fairfax County. These classes are designed to support parents in building healthy parenting strategies, strengthening family values, and fostering nurturing, respectful relationships with their children. Dinner, childcare, and all program materials are provided to make participation as easy as possible.

The ARC Reflections curriculum emphasizes creating safe, consistent routines that help children feel secure and supported. Caregivers gain practical tools to help children and youth develop self-regulation, strengthen connections, and build on their natural abilities.

The classes also offer space for parents and caregivers to reflect on how their own experiences may shape their responses, while connecting with others who share similar journeys. For more information, visit the Parenting Education Programs webpage. 


GBE PTA News & Notes

GBE PTA Meeting next Thursday!

Event flyer: PTA Meeting on May 14 at 6:30 PM in the GBE Library. All are welcome to connect with community, PTA, and school leaders.

 

Join us next Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. for the monthly meeting. The session is held live in the GBE Library. It's a great time to disconnect from your routine and connect with your community. All are welcome!



This email was sent to npkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Fairfax County Public Schools · 8115 Gatehouse Road · Falls Church, VA  22042 GovDelivery logo