Lost and Found - Coats and More Coats!
Come check out the lost and found items in front of the school all day Monday, March 7th. We have many, many jackets and encourage parents to find your child's belongings. Please DO write your child's names on ALL articles - water bottles, coats and other belongings.
The table was outside all day Friday and will be out on Monday, March 7th. After that, we will donate to a local charity. Thanks for your support!
Dates to Note
March 9 - Dr. Brabrand Meets with Students (info. below)
March 16 - Virtual Family Engagement Night - 5:30 p.m. Link to follow and more information below.
March 25 - Kindergarten Virtual Parent Orientation 8:00 - 8:30
March 26 - Special Education Conference
March 31 - Kindergarten Parent Tour and Student Meet and Greet 2:15 - 3:00 p.m. (SIGN UP is required for the student meet and greet- see the info below)
March 31 - End of Third Quarter - 2 hour Early Release
April 23 - Save the Date for KG Fun Run ~ Spring Celebration!
School Calendar: 2021-22
The 2022-23 school calendar was approved by the school board recently. To find out more about next year’s school calendar, visit the FCPS website.
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Spring Picture Day!
Thanks to our volunteers for supporting our school on March 1st. We are awaiting the link for the pictures. Stay tuned!
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Dear Kent Gardens' Families,
We hope that you are enjoying your three day weekend! During the early release and professional development day, the teachers participated in Culture Proficiency work and explored how data supports decisions through an equity lens.
We also would like to thank everyone for your support as we transitioned our mask policy to meet the new CDC guidelines. Students and staff worked together to be aware and respectful of individual family choices. We will continue to ensure safety and space for all decisions.
Our students enjoyed Read Across America Week. It was great to see them celebrate reading during the week. Please do check out the pictures below!
Some highlights to note for the upcoming week:
- Note the kindergarten virtual orientation for parents on 3/25 and the in person parent tour and student 'Meet and Greet' on 3/31. Parents must sign up your rising kindergarten student for the meet and greet. See the links in the blurb below. We will remit the Zoom invite for the virtual parent orientation closer to the date.
- Mark your calendar for the Virtual Parent Engagement Night on March 16th at 5:30 p.m. We will have select grade level teachers and specialists with us. Parents will be able to join breakout groups to learn about uploaded instructional videos that were created by our staff. See below.
Congrats to our Science Olympiad students! We are going to the State Finals - such a tribute to their hard work. Let's wish them luck! Thanks to Jeff Shivnen for supporting!
Please make sure you health screen your child before sending them to school on March 7th. If your child does not feel well or presents with any COVID-like symptoms, please keep them at home and seek medical advice. We appreciate your support in keeping our Kent Gardens community healthy! For parent convenience, click here for the Daily Health Questionnaire.
Thanks for your continued support!
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
KG Lions Celebrate Readers Week!
Positivity Project: Social Intelligence
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This week, we are focusing on Social Intelligence. You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
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"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”
~Ernest Hemingway
Questions you might enjoy talking about:
- What does a good listener do?
- What does being a good listener have to do with Social Intelligence?
- What can you do to be a better listener?
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Dr. Brabrand ~ Opportunity to Meet with Students
On March 9th, there is an opportunity for students to meet with Dr. Scott Brabrand and engage with him on questions/concerns that are relevant to students in our area. This event will take place at McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101 from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Beggs directly at: jimbeggs@icloud.com
Congrats to ALL of our Spelling Bee Participants!
We wish our winner good luck with the county competition! We went close to 20 rounds - so many talented students. #kgpride!!
Attendance Updates
If your child will be absent or late, please do use this link to notify the school. If your child has an early dismissal, please do notify the school utilizing this link.
Arrival time is 8:50 a.m. at the latest for our kiss and ride and walkers. Note that staff is not available at kiss and ride beyond that time. Please have your child arrive on time! It is essential for them to start the day in a calm manner.
Virtual Family Engagement Night 3/16/2022
We are excited to offer our first virtual Parent Engagement Night on March 16th at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Our teachers prepared short videos for parents to support learning at home. Many parents have inquired how to support reading and math. We will introduce these instructional supports during the virtual Parent Engagement Night. Some insight to our offerings are shown below:
- Place Value - Building Models and Playing Games to Solidify Understanding of Place Value
- Fluency in Math - Using Calendar Math to Practice Skills
- High Frequency Works - Games to Play to Reinforce
- Phonological Awareness - Spelling Strategies
- Reading Comprehension - Supporting Focus on Main Idea or Theme
- Fractions - Supporting Understanding of Fractions and Decimals
- Specialists - Resources and fun activities at home (P.E., Art, Music, FLES, STEAM and Counselor)
These will be placed in Schoology for access to all parents as needed. We look forward to seeing you virtually on March 16th. We will record if you are unable to attend. The link will be remitted closer to the date.
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Kindergarten Registration and Interest 2022-23
We are excited to begin our thinking about 2022-23! Do you have a child at home who will be five by September 30th? Please start your registration now by filling out this google form. If you have any neighbors with little ones, please send this information to them as well. This form simply collects information in order to help us plan for staffing for the next school year.
If you are ready to register, please email Tracy Dean, tadean@fcps.edu to set up a convenient time to come into the office.
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Kindergarten Orientation and Tour!
Thanks for completing the google form above! We will host a Zoom Parent Orientation meeting on March 25th from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. We will post the Zoom link as we approach the date. There is no sign up needed for this session.
On March 31st, we will hold parent tours and a student 'meet and greet' with the teachers from 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Note that March 31st is a student early release day. It is REQUIRED to sign up for one of the two sessions. Please sign up here for one of the two sessions. Parents will drop off your child(ren) in a designated kindergarten classroom and our School Student Ambassadors will conduct the parent tours. Students will meet their parents on the playground after the tour. We look forward to seeing you!
Family Liaison Introduction
We are pleased to introduce our new Family Liaison, Mami Gebereegziabher. Her role is to support families and serve as a liaison on behalf of Kent Gardens’ families, community, and school staff. In addition, she will have the ability to facilitate communications and provide FCPS information and resources to families. She will also promote understanding of families’ cultural diversity and ensure that families feel welcome, trusted, and valued by the school. Ms. Gebereegziabher has been a part of our school and community for many years! To contact her, please note her email, mgebereegzia@fcps.edu . You may also contact the office to connect with her. We are thrilled to have her in this capacity!!
Technology Support - ParentVue
If you or your child is experiencing issues with technology, a Student Portal is available for parents, guardians, or students to submit a request directly for technology help. For parent support with SIS or Schoology, submit a request for help through the Parent Portal. Progress reports will be available in ParentVue. Note that you can also seek additional information regarding ParentVue in this link. As noted above, progress reports are available online on January 29th.
SOL Dates for 3rd- 6th Grade Students
State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards. The format for state assessments vary by grade level and content area. These include:
- Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science; More information can be found on the SOL assessments webpage;
- Local alternative assessments (LAAs) including performance-based assessments (PBAs) completed as part of classroom instruction throughout the school year for science, writing, and social studies; More information can be found on the LAA and PBA webpage.
- Calendar dates are detailed below. Please plan around these scheduled dates so that your child is available during testing time:
- Grade 3
- Reading - Thursday, May 12
- Math - Thursday, May 19
- Grade 4
- Reading - Wednesday, May 11
- Math - Wednesday, May 18
- Grade 5
- Science -Thursday, May 5
- Reading - Tuesday, May 10
- Math - Tuesday, May 17
- Grade 6
- Reading - Monday, May 9
- Math - Monday, May 16
Student Screening Testing
FCPS will move to a dynamic testing plan. Screening testing will be available during moderate, substantial and high community transmission to the greatest extent practicable in alignment with CDC guidance. Screening testing for students will not be offered during low transmission.
At this time, we will still have student testing until notified that transmission rates are consistently lower. Despite low transmission, there will be testing on Monday, March 7th. Please note it is a random selection. We will continue to test until we receive further guidance.
One-time parent/legal guardian consent is required to begin COVID screening testing for a student to be tested at school. You may withdraw your consent for testing at any time. If you want your child to begin participating in COVID-19 screening testing, you must pre-register your child(ren) and provide consent using the LTS secure online portal. If you do not want your child to participate in COVID-19 screening testing, no action is required. You will have the option each week to update your child’s vaccination and consent for testing.
For all the details about optional COVID-19 screening testing, visit the FCPS website and review the FCPS COVID-19 Screening Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Screening testing is a recommended layered prevention strategy that keeps Kent Gardens safe for in-person learning. Thank you for considering enrolling your child.
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Order Your Yearbook Now!
Yearbooks are sold ONLY online; Purchase one by scanning the QR code - the cost is $20. Yearbooks and order options will be delivered to the school at the end of the school year. We will close yearbook sales in February! Buy one now!
We are working on selection of the cover! We have many, many fabulous entries with over 85 entries. We have shown a few of the entries below. Amazing artwork! The back cover of the yearbook will have other entries - one per grade level. Stay tuned! THANKS to ALL! #kgpride #strongertogether #WeAllBelong
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Special Education Conference on March 26
FCPS’s 17th Annual Special Education Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, March 26, with a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions. Registration for this free conference will begin in March. More information on the Special Education Conference is available online.
Summer Program for Fine Arts and Tech Adventure Camp
 
PTA News and Updates
BOYS Running Group
There have been requests for a running group for boys at Kent Gardens, and there is an organization in Northern Virginia called Let us Run! If anyone is interested in supporting and leading this project as the leader/coach, please reach out to Let Me Run contact, and the PTA will help spread the word to get things rolling!
ANIMAL SHELTER COLLECTION
The 6th grade community service team is collecting donations for a local animal shelter called The Animal Welfare League of Arlington. They are collecting items like wet and dry cat/dog food, blankets, new animal toys, leashes, collars, etc. Donations will be collected in a labeled box outside the front office until March 18th. Thank you for your support!
SPIRIT WEAR & CLASS SHIRTS: While we offer many styles in our current in-stock shop Spirit Wear, we have also launched an on-demand spirit wear store: kgpride.itemorder.com Families can find a wide range of items for both kids & adults with merchandise options previously not offered. All items ship directly from the manufacturer to the customer, and new styles and colors will be added shortly. Class Shirts for each grade level are still available to buy - Click here!
DONATION DRIVE FOR REFUGEES:As a KG Family, we have been supporting the Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center, a 501(c)3 organization that provides resettlement services to newly arrived refugees. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. You can drop off items at Mariam Afzal's home - please email mmasheeb@gmail.com for the address. If you would like to make a monetary donation, click here. Thank you so much for your support!
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