A Note From Administration
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited about our events that are coming up in March. Note that we have collaborated with the PTA and know that the dates and timing are not always in alignment with our community and in transparency we apologize. Our goal is as always to be inclusive and we value all of our community. When planning Heritage Night, an evening was inadvertently selected that conflicts with some of our staff and community. In order to include all members of the community, we are working with the PTA on a different plan to ensure that all are included. Finding a date that ensures all can be included and that there are no major conflicts with the spring calendar with upcoming events (local sports) etc. is challenging. We will be releasing more information shortly with new plans to include all of our families. For now, March 16th is cancelled and we will offer new plans shortly for an event later in the spring.
That said, as we go forward, we would love to invite more voices to the PTA and school to support our diverse school community. Please reach out to KGPTAPresident@gmail.com. We welcome your support and input.
We have many events to note! We do have Literacy Night on March 13th which will be held 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. The week of March 11 - 15, we also have the Spring Book Fair sponsored by the PTA. The book fair will be open during Literacy Night as well.
Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact KG administrators regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Note that March 5th, schools are closed for the Presidential Primary. SACC is open. Thanks for all of your continued support!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Student Placements ~ Parent Input
We welcome parent input for placements for the upcoming school year 2024-25. Here is a link for you to include your thoughts and responses. Note that we cannot make guarantees but will consider your feedback. This form should be completed by March 31, 2024.
Student Intentions If Moving
If you plan on moving or attend a different school for the 2024-25 school year, please complete this form. Note that students who are affected by the boundary change do not need to remit this form. It is to capture students who are moving out of state or otherwise.
Dates, Attendance and Office Reminders
March 5 - School Closed - Virginia Presidential Primary
March 6 - Spring Picture Day - See info. below
March 11 - 15 - Spring Book Fair
- March 12 - Parents and Pastries 8 a.m. - 8: 45 a.m.
- March 13 - Parent Night ~ 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
March 13 - Literacy Night - Google form for volunteer students! Parents should attend with your child(ren)
March 16 - This event is cancelled - new information to follow in order to support and involve all families
March 20 - Virtual Parent Kindergarten Information Session 8:00 a.m. (Link to follow - see blurb below)
March 21 - PTA Meeting - 7 p.m. An evening event !
April 2 - In Person - Parent/Child Kindergarten Orientation 2:00 p.m. (See detailed blurb below)
April 6 - Fun Run is Back!!
April 13- Spring Grounds Clean-up
SAVE THE DATES
Sixth Grade Farewell - June 10
Sixth Grade Celebration - June 11
FCPS annual calendar is here. Attendance link is here. Please do use our links at the Kent Gardens website to notify of tardy, early pick up, absence or change in dismissal (temporary transportation change). Office Reminders are here for your review.
Early Check Out: If you must check out your student early, submit online request preferably before 9:30 am. Your notification helps your teachers and office to coordinate, prepare and locate your child. Sign out on the Office Sign out clipboard and wait in the lobby/office. We will call the student upon your arrival. Students will only be released to parents, guardians, and authorized emergency contacts. Please be prepared and have your drivers license or other identification ready. The latest checkout is 2:45pm.
Kent Gardens also posts pictures weekly on Facebook. Many new pictures are uploaded this week! Like our site to see pictures of our daily work and activities!
Kindergarten Updates 2024-25
We look forward to meeting our rising kindergarten students. We will hold two events to support the entry into Kent Gardens.
Order your KG Yearbook Now!
Use the QR code and order today! The code is 21772 accessible at Yearbookorddercenter.com
We had an amazing number of entries - stay tuned for the yearbook finalists!! Thanks to ALL who participated - we appreciate your participation and hard work! #kgpride
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Kent Gardens Spring Clean Up!
We are looking for some students, staff, and community members to join our Get2Green team in cleaning up our school. We will be working on Kent Gardens’ grounds led by Mr. Blake. The meeting will be Saturday, April 13th in the Kent Gardens Courtyard from 9 AM to Noon. Come out and meet some new friends doing something fun outdoors! All are welcome! Please bring gloves and a rake/shovel/ or watering cans to participate with your students. Here is a google form to sign up! https://forms.gle/gYP72NoPqZ3LDYw3A This event also qualifies for 6th graders who need service hours.
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Spring School Picture Day
School Picture Day is coming Wednesday, March 6, 2024! Images will be available to view and purchase approximately 10 days following our school's picture day. Victor O’Neill Studios is pleased to offer free shipping during a two week period once images are online. Please feel free to direct questions regarding picture day or online ordering to: Underclass@vosphoto.com
We will need volunteers - stay tuned!
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Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3
FCPS is partnering with independent research firm K12 Insight to administer a Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Your feedback is critical in helping FCPS to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs throughout the district. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight. A public link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Please stay tuned for more information.
Sixth Grade Field Trip!
Our sixth graders enjoyed the field trip this past week. Our next group will attend this week! Thanks to our chaperones!
FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
CTE programs are available for students currently in grades K-5 to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing; and for students currently in grades 6-11 to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration.
IFTA and E-IFTA are weekly arts camps for students in grades 2-11. E-IFTA is for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. IFTA allows older students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage or E-IFTA webpage to register.
FCPS ACE Online STEM Courses
Fairfax County’s Adult and Communication (ACE) are offering K12 Enrichment classes starting in Jan. They are offering classes for grades 2-12. Learn more at ACE 4 KIDS or at the ACE K12 FCPS website.
FCPS Summer Learning Page
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning
Summer Programs for Preschoolers and Kindergartners
Please see the camps in the links below.
https://dmv.kidsoutandabout.com/content/preschool-summer-camps-dc-metro-area
https://dcmoms.com/ages-stages/toddler/toddler-friendly-summer-camps-in-dc/
https://www.brighthorizons.com/programs/summer-camp https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/camp-programs
PTA News
Come volunteer this year! Fill out the PTA's volunteer interest form and let us know if you'd like to be matched with an opportunity to give back to this amazing community! Find the form here!
Ways to Get Involved at Kent Gardens
Spring Book Fair Needs Volunteers
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Our Book Fair will run March 11- 15 and coincide with literacy night. Let us know if you are interested in supporting this year.
Cultural Heritage Night - Event is on hold - More news to share.
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KGES Food Bus Food Rescue Program Volunteers Needed on FRIDAYS
Do you have a half-hour to spare on Friday afternoons to deliver food to SHARE of McLean Food Pantry at McLean Baptist Church? Interested in getting involved in this program? Please sign up here and/or email lanavu@gmail.com or beccadw@gmail.com with questions. Service hours available for middle/high school students! Thank you for your ongoing support. We could not do this amazing program without you.
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Teacher Love Days on Wednesdays
Sign-up to provide treats for our KG staff on Wednesday! Are you a blue-ribbon award winning baker? No. That's okay. Our teachers appreciate ALL treats that we deliver to the teacher's lounge every Wednesday. You can create little bags of candy, stop by your favorite bakery, or whip up great-grandma's kugel or simply bring some coffee to share. The only limit is your imagination. Sign-up to provide treats here!
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Girls On The Run
Registration for the spring Girls on the Run program takes place Feb. 5-27, and the program will run from March 4 through May 19. By using a curriculum that creatively integrates physical activity with life lessons, GOTR empowers girls in grades 3-6 to develop the confidence and character they need to become strong and healthy young adults. The standard program fee is $185. GOTR offers military and sibling discounts, as well as financial assistance. Register now. If the link appears broken, it's not! Just redirect your browser to gotrnova.com.Contact site liaison Danielle Newman at kges.gotr@gmail.com with any questions.
The KGES "Spring Into Reading!" Book Fair is coming March 8-15
 We are SO excited for our Spring Book Fair!
March 11-12 Student In-School Preview Days
March 12 Parents & Pastries 8-845am
March 13 and 14 Student In-School Purchasing Days
March 13 Literacy Night 5-630pm
Please note that an adult must accompany children into the book fair space for Parents and Pastries and Literacy Night. Students will be directed to locate their adult before entering. Now is the time to set up an e-wallet for your student. Teacher e-wallet information will be available soon!
While our physical book fair is March 8-15, our ONLINE Book Fair runs March 8-21. Be sure to check out the online fair for additional titles, or titles that have sold out during our school fair.
NEXT PTA Meeting Thursday, March 21 at 7pm
A few times a year, we meet in the evenings so we can meet the needs of ALL of our KGES families! We hope you'll join us at 7pm on 3/21!
What happens at a PTA meeting? And why should you attend?
Not only do you get to hear about ALL the ways that you can support our school through your time, talents, and financial gifts, but you get to hear about timely information from Mrs. McGuigan, the PTA, and other parents about what's happening in the life of our school. At our last meeting, we learned about ALL of the Spring events coming up!
Join us on 3/21 at 7pm in the Cafeteria for our next meeting!
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