Administration Note
Dear Parents,
We are certainly getting into the swing of virtual learning. We are working on ensuring that we are meeting with students in small groups and truly getting a baseline for reading and math. We continue to work to ensure that we give enough screen breaks and also have engagement by utilizing various technology platforms.
Note to parents of NEW students, many of you have not provided needed registration information that includes: school entrance physical and immunization records for your student(s) who is NEW to Kent Gardens.
As you have heard, FCPS is preparing to begin in-person instruction for very small groups of students. The students identified are those who might find virtually learning very challenging. We have reached out to the students who will return but note that we are thinking forward and beginning to plan for a safe return to school. Here is more information regarding the FCPS plan.
We would love for you all to share some love for our Kent Gardens Staff members. One option to recognize them is through the FCPS Cares Program. This site provides an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can acknowledge our fabulous KG staff members.
We have also included a note from the PTA - please do Join the PTA and also contribute to One & Done. Our teachers have truly benefitted with the beginning of the year checks! We appreciate partnering with you and your generosity.
Note that we had a wonderful and fun Spirit Week! We have included pictures that were shared during the week! What fun to bring our school together and show our #kgpride!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Pier McGrath Tia Hawkins
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Advanced Academic Updates
The Advanced Academic Referral window for students NEW to FCPS in grades 3 through 6 is September 8 - October 8, 2020. The referral window for ALL other students in grades 2 - 6 has been accelerated. It will begin on September 8 - December 1, 2020. Our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) Debra Bulford, drbulford@fcps.edu has recorded two sessions for parents to review.
- AAP Overview - This video will provide you with information regarding the different levels of service available to all FCPS students.
- AAP Screening Process - This video will provide you with information on how to refer your child for Level III, or IV services.
We will host Q&A sessions. You should only attend one session per topic as needed. To help us prepare, here is a google link to input your questions.
- AAP Overview: 10/13 from 6 - 6:30 p.m. at this link.
- Referral Process: 10/15 from 6 - 6:30 - p.m. at this link.
Additional information regarding AAP Screening and Identification can be found by visiting the county website
Tech Reminders and Caring for Your Laptops
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Students should keep their FCPS issued computers on as much as possible, and conduct frequent restarts so that all updates and virus scans can complete. This will help so those updates are not being completed while the student is using the laptop first thing in the morning.
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Family Choice Board!
We have added a family choice board to our website and will include in our weekly news to parents. This choice board is an optional activity guide (non virtual) to provide family fun and creative thinking that will not include your laptop! You may choose to use this board during the Family Lunch Hour, in the afternoon or on the weekend!
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Monday Specialized Instructional Activities
We are excited to offer a four-week session of Specialized Instructional Activities on four Mondays, October 19, 26, November 9 and 16. Led by our multi-talented Specialists, groups will be limited to 20 students and use Google Meet through a Google classroom invitation. Activities will range from reading in French to bucket drums, mixed media art projects and developing computer skills. Stay tuned for specifics on times and age groups and how to register.
Positivity Character Strength
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This week, we are focusing on Open-Mindedness. You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions. “Progress is impossible without change; those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~George Bernard Shaw
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Questions you might enjoy talking about: What does your attitude have to do with being open minded? How is jumping to conclusions being closed minded? Why might that be a negative in building relationships? How open minded do you think you are?
October - Bully Prevention Month
National Unity Day is Wednesday, We encourage all KG Lions to join us on every Wednesday in October by wearing ORANGE to represent our stand against bullying. Bullying can be physical- like intentionally hitting, pushing, shoving, or tripping someone. It can also be emotional like repeatedly name calling, teasing, excluding others, or spreading rumors about others. Bullying can happen anywhere ~in schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, or through technology. Sending mean text messages, posting statements online that are unkind or not true or agreeing with someone who posts negatively about someone can be examples of Cyberbullying.
Bullying is NEVER OK or ACCEPTABLE!
Help us take a stand against bullying. If you see something or know something about someone being bullied, please report to a trusting adult. For more information on bullying you can go to your school counselor or visit trusted websites such as… pacer.org/bullying.
Walking Wednesdays!
Walking Wednesdays is a county-wide community program designed to promote physical and mental health. FCPS Safe Routes to School in collaboration with Fairfax County Park Authority’s Move Your Way and Healthy Strides campaign encourages students and parents/guardians to take time each Wednesday to walk and connect with friends, neighbors and classmates before the school day and workday begins. Whether your walk takes you around the block, to the bus stop, or to your school, we hope you will find others out walking and can greet one another from a distance.
Walking Wednesdays will kick off on October 7, 2020, which is International Walk to School Day. Coming in November will be Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 18, 2020. More information about Walking Wednesdays can be found here.
Families, neighborhoods or schools can register their participation in International Walk to School Day on October 7, 2020 here.
Here are some ideas for your neighborhood Walk to School Day 2020.
PTA News - One and Done!
If you have not yet contributed to One and Done, we encourage you to make a donation. While $150 is our suggested amount, we will appreciate anything you are willing to give towards this year’s fundraiser. This year’s goal is $40K in 40 days. We are half way there with only 14 days to go. Help us come close to or meet our goal by contributing here!
Please do please do Join the PTA ! Our next meeting is October 15th - the PTA has released the link to participate in the meeting.
PTA and KG - Partnering on Square 1 Art
Wouldn't you love to share your child's artwork with family and friends? The Square 1 Art fundraiser will provide you the opportunity to purchase keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art! Every order profits your school.Welcome to Square 1 Art! We are so excited to partner with your child's school to celebrate their creativity and raise funds for the school. We are celebrating 20 years of helping schools raise funds for education through the visual arts!
3 Simple Steps!
- Your child creates art. Art Creation Instructions will be provided by your Square 1 Art coordinator.
- Take a photo of your child's art with your phone or tablet. Upload your art online at www.square1art.com/shop/upload.
- You may then begin to shop for keepsakes!
Together, we can help support the school, and create lasting keepsake memories of your child's art to enjoy for years!
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