A Note From Administration
Dear Parents and Guardians,
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 PTA welcomes volunteers to help make the book fair a success! The book fair will be open during Literacy Night as well. Check out the spirit days below - it will be fun and coincide with Read Across America!
With the arrival of Spring, the weather is very inconsistent. Our Lost and Found is overflowing. Please stop by and see if your student has any items when you attend any of the Book Fair events, Literacy Night or pick your child up from after school academies. We will be donating after Literacy Night so please come take a look for any lost articles.
Daylight Saving begins on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. Don't forget to move your clocks ahead by one hour! Note that the total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8th. The eclipse will begin around 2:04 p.m. and end at 4:32 p.m. with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m. As the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We hope that every takes the time to review the Solar Eclipse Resources for eye safety.
We will update all with our plans coordinated with the PTA around supporting the Heritage Night. We appreciate your patience and 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 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 13 - March 30 - McLean Project for the Arts School Exhibition - McLean Community Center (Reception - Thursday, March 14th - 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.)
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!! More information to follow for sign ups!
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!
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Literacy Spirit Week!
Come show your love of literacy every day this as we enjoy the book fair this week and Literacy Night on Wednesday, March 13th from 5:00-6:30 PM
Monday: Dress Like a Teacher Day
Tuesday: Get “Tied” up in a good book
Wednesday: “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”: wear your favorite middle school, high school, college, sports team, military sweatshirt/t-shirt
Thursday: Read to a Fluffy Day: bring a stuffed animal to read to today
Friday: Celebrate Diverse Readers: Wear clothing or bring a book that represents your heritage/culture to show diversity in our learning community
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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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Principal Feedback Form
On Monday, March 18, Kent Gardens’ parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
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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Ramadan Accommodations
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.
This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11th. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality. Note that March 11th is an FCPS "O" day which means that there will be school but there won't be significant tests, quizzes etc. on this day. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
Family Engagement Survey
FCPS' Family Engagement Survey is open. Parents will receive the survey link via email from our independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate - your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve our practices to best support our students. Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and Kent Gardens. The survey is available in 10 languages. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.
Author Visit!
Our 3rd through 6th graders enjoyed listening and learning about author, Stuart Gibbs. Thanks to the PTA and Karen Hershey, our fabulous librarian for supporting this fantastic opportunity for our students! They clearly loved it!
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.
Elementary Institute for the Arts: Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a weekly Arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades during the month of July. Students take classes in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Elementary Institute for the Arts website for more information or email eifta@fcps.edu.
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
Learn about how summer can be a time for twice exceptional students to encourage the love of learning, develop talent, socialize, and reflect. Find out about inclusive summer camps both in our local community and nationally that serve students of all abilities.
Webinar Highlights:
- Learn about the benefits of summer enrichment for twice-exceptional students.
- Learn about what families can do at home to continue to encourage talent and skills development for their twice-exceptional child.
- List of FCPS summer opportunities and resources.
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Presenter: Dr. Nonye Oladimeji, FCPS Specialist for Twice Exceptional (2e) Children
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Date: April 12, 2024 Add to your Calendar
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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
Register for this event
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.
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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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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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