KG Update 5.25.20

School Distribution Information and Sign Up

Dear Kent Gardens Families,

As we approach the close of the school year, we will begin the process of distributing student items left at school.  We will also collect items loaned out to students by Kent Gardens – these items include library books, classroom books and instruments (6th graders only). Detailed information is shared below.

We have held two sessions for medicine pick up.  If you still would like to pick up your medication, please email Pier McGrath at psmcgrath@fcps.edu.

Our teachers have packed up the student items and placed in bags. Note that some families may choose not to pick up the students’ belongings. If that is your decision, please complete the google form ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT PICKING UP the student belongings. This form will allow us to dispose of the belongings immediately.

We have also collected many students’ jackets left in the classrooms.  We will hang the clothing on the fence for your retrieval. Note that only one person per car may approach the fence to retrieve the item.  The items will be donated to SHARE if left at the school. 

Directions for Student Belonging Pick Up

We will begin distributing student belongings on Tuesday- May 26th, Wednesday - May 27th and Thursday - May 28th. The following steps should be taken:

Review the Health Screening Questionnaire – if you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions, let administration know that you will need to delay pick up at this time.

  • Sign up for a time slot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B4FAEAB2DA13-student. Note we may expand the times based on need on Wednesday and Thursday.
  • Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment and wear a mask. You will be greeted as you drive into the Kent Gardens. The names of your children should be displayed in the passenger window. (see next bullet).
  • On an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper, print the student’s first and last name (include all students in the family) on a piece of paper and tape it to the front passenger window before coming to Kent Gardens ES.
  • The KG staff will direct you to turn into the bus loop. When directed, please open your trunk or sliding door if you have the capacity to do so without getting out of your vehicle  If not, please be sure it is unlocked. The staff will be masked and wearing gloves.
  • If you have items for drop off please follow directions below. Note, we will not be collecting laptops at this time. Items we will collect include:
    • Library books (place in bag)
    • Classroom books (place in bag)
    • School instruments (6th graders ONLY)
  • Please place in trunk in a bag or in sliding door area and the staff will retrieve. You should not get out of the car. The staff will grab the bag and will place the student belongings in your car. Closer to the end of the school year there will be an opportunity to return laptops if you are not continuing in an FCPS school or are changing schools. If you are staying in FCPS and continuing in your music program (Grades 4 and 5) you will be able to keep your instrument for the summer.
  • Lost and Found items will be displayed along the fence in the Kiss and Ride area. You may drive through as directed by staff as need be.  Note that only one family member should get out to retrieve the item.

Health Screening Questionnaire

  • Before signing up, and then again before coming to the school, please review the health questionnaire and if you answer “yes” to any of the questions do not come to drop-off or pick-up of materials.
  • Do you have a cough and/or sore throat? Yes_____ No _____
  • Have you had a fever in the last 72 hours (3 days)? Yes______ No______
  • Do you have any shortness of breath or is it hard for you to breathe? Yes_____ No____
  • Is anyone in your house ill with a fever or a cough? Yes____ No_____
  • Have you had any contact with someone known to have or under investigation for Coronavirus in the last 14 days (2 weeks)? --Yes____ No_____

**If you answer yes to any of the above questions, you cannot come up to the school and will need to be rescheduled.

Thank you in advance for your patience as we work through this process. As mentioned, please wear a mask when you arrive at the school and do not get out of your car.

Yours in Health!  Virtually ~The School Leadership Team

Holly McGuigan,Pier McGrath,Tia Hawkins,Sarah Talley,Gail Barnett, and Sheri Emory


School Updates:

Parent Coffee: Weekly Parent Coffees will continue to be held on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. Join us on Tuesday, May 26th  - tomorrow -  by accessing here

Yearbooks: The yearbooks look fabulous!  They will arrive in early June. We will let you know when and how the distribution will take place soon! A special thanks to Heather Devlin for supporting the creation!

Registration for Kindergarten If you have a rising kindergartner please register by completing the FCPS registration forms and registering with Tracy Dean by emailing  tadean@fcps.edu. In order to collect additional information regarding your child, we request that you complete the following form

Kindergarten Orientation – We enjoyed see everyone at our orientation.  Here is the link if you wish to review and share with other family members.

New Students to Kent Gardens – Registration:  We welcome all new students to Kent Gardens.  You may register by emailing Tracy Dean tadean@fcps.edu.   The registration forms are here.  Please complete the Home Language survey if you speak another language at home. We have also created a google document that will collect academic and other social/emotional behavior information to assist us in placing your child.  You should complete the form for each child.  Note that the kindergarten registration has a separate google form and can be found in our announcements and in the kinder registration information above.

Enrollment Intentions for 2020-21:  Are you leaving Kent Gardens?  We have reached out to many families who indicated that their family would be departing.  Due to Covid-19, many families have decided to stay and will remain enrolled until their plans are confirmed/adjusted.  Please email Iveliz Charles at icharles@fcps.edu to let us know of your status.  We only need parents to email if your child(ren) will not be enrolled for the 2020-21 school year.

Positivity Character Strength: Bravery is the character strength for the week of May 24th – 30th.  Bravery refers to voluntary (not coerced) action in the face of a dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgement; the brave person must understand the risks and consequences involved in acting. Bravery can take many forms. Physical bravery involves overcoming fear of bodily injury. Moral bravery occurs when a person does what he/she believes is right in the face of social consequences. Mental bravery occurs when people overcome their everyday fears and anxieties. Individuals with this strength might be described as…courageous, heroic, daring, valiant, noble, or valorous.

Counselor Support: The Kent Gardens’ Student Support Team would like to bring attention to the importance of maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle during these unprecedented times. Please visit the Counselor’s Corner on your child’s Blackboard Specialist page in Blackboard Learning 24/7. We invite you to engage in wellness family challenges that will keep you upbeat and happy and encourage you to utilize any of the resources that may be helpful to you and your child. Other resources include the FCPS webpage for resources. Here is a link for free webinars that might support your family as well.