Literacy Night - Wonderful Time!
Thanks to our teachers and staff for supporting Literacy Night. We enjoyed supporting and exploring reading strategies, Fluency Karaoke, estimating for books and KG TedTalks.
A Note From Administration
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to partner with the PTA and share that Heritage Night will take place on April 20, 2024! With the adjustment in the dates, the focus will be on building community and sharing through our food and the fabulous parade. We will have tables set up for various countries to share their culture/artifacts and the option of including a small activity for students. We will not have musical presentations on the gym stage nor in the classrooms, but you are welcome to play music at your table. We welcome all and hope that everyone is able to attend. The event will be from 4 - 6 p.m. Here is a new google form to complete. Please do complete again even if you signed up on the previous document. For the next school year, we will schedule a Heritage Night that is more expansive in the fall.
Spring Break is upon us~ only one week away! Please note the dates and plan ahead!
We want to thank everyone for participating in the Book Fair as well as Literacy Night. The Book Fair was a HUGE success and will support our library resources going forward.
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.
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KG Chess Club Team K-5 State Champions
Congrats to our student team who placed Kent Gardens as state champions. We appreciate Mr. Mehler who led the team!
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Dates, Attendance and Office Reminders
March 13 - March 30 - McLean Project for the Arts School Exhibition - McLean Community Center
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!
March 22 - Third Quarter Ends
March 25 - 29 - Spring Break
April 1 & 2 - Professional Workdays - No students Attend
April 2 - In Person - Parent/Child Kindergarten Orientation 2:00 p.m. (See detailed blurb below)
April 6 - Fun Run is Back!! Sign Up Information below!
April 13- Spring Grounds Clean-up
April 20 - Cultural Heritage Night 4 - 6 p.m. Google Form Sign 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!
Tardy Students and Morning Arrivals
We have had a rise in students who are tardy. Please do include ample time for traffic. Note that parents should always obtain a badge if coming into the building to volunteer or otherwise.
Tardy: Please arrive to school by 8:40 am. Students are tardy if not in the classroom by 8:50 am. If your child is late, you must park and walk the student to the office. Please DO NOT drop your child off and leave. Many students are arriving late and not able to fully participate in the morning work. This time is essential for a calm and successful start of the day.
Morning arrivals: For safety and security reasons, walkers and bus riders use front door only and enter at 8:40 am. Kiss and Ride may enter Door 8 beginning at 8:35 am.
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.
Solar Eclipse - Please Read and Take Note
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 encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
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!
Standards of Learning Dates
Parents please mark your calendars for these dates to plan ahead!
- May 7- Fourth and Fifth Grade Reading SOL
- May 8 - Third and Sixth Grade Reading SOL
- May 14 - Fourth and Fifth Grade Math SOL
- May 15 - Third and Sixth Grade Math SOL
- May 17- Fifth Grade Science SOL
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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Team Unity - KG Equity Team
Our student equity team visited with the McLean HS team and enjoyed sharing and learning about current issues and discussed proactive measures to support our schools in the pyramid.
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Heritage Night - April 20
We have rescheduled the Heritage Night in collaboration with our PTA. With the adjustment in the dates, the focus will be on building community and sharing through our food and the fabulous parade. We will have tables set up for various countries to share their culture/artifacts and the option of including a small activity for students. We will not have musical presentations on the gym stage nor in the classrooms, but you are welcome to play music at your table. We welcome all and hope that everyone is able to attend. The event will be from 4 - 6 p.m. Here is a new google form to complete. Please do complete again even if you signed up on the previous document. For the next school year, we will schedule a Heritage Night in the fall that is more expansive.
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.
McLean Pyramid Art at McLean Community Center
Thanks to our fabulous art teachers, Ms. Kladler and Ms. Leavitt, selected artwork from our students' work to represent our school. The show runs until Saturday, March 30th. The Gallery hours are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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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.
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!
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McLean Community Center Movie - Tales of the Night - In French!
Check out Michael Ocelot's "Les Contes de la Nuit. The screening will take place on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 pm. It is part of the free foreign language film series and reservations are not required. The movie will be shown in the original French with English subtitles.
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Fun Run is Back! April 6th
We are excited to announce that the PTA’s Spring Spectacular 5K & 1K Fun Run is back! This year’s event will take place on SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH starting at 9:00 AM. Come enjoy an early morning race around McLean with your friends, neighbors and classmates! Funds raised will be used to support Kent Gardens - our faculty, staff, classrooms and school community. Our 5k and Fun Run start and end at Kent Gardens Elementary. Check out the COURSE MAP and see where you'll be running!
WHEN: 5K starts at 9:00 AM Fun Run starts at 10:00 AM
REGISTRATION & FEES:
Online registration is now open - REGISTER HERE!
5K: $30 through April 3rd, $40 cash only during packet pick up and on race day. Fun Run: $20 through April 3rd, $40 cash only during packet pick up and on race day.
**Online Registration will close on Thursday, April 4th at 8 PM**
Packet Pick Up will take place on Friday, April 5th in front of the school from 3:30-5:30 PM. Late registrations and packet pick up will be offered on race morning, Saturday, April 6th at the race site from 7:45-8:45 AM. All race participants will receive a special swag item! Awards will also be given to overall winners as well as age group winners. Additionally, we need many volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re interested in helping – please SIGN UP HERE!. Thank you in advance! We are so excited to bring this event back this spring and hope to see everyone there!
Afterschool Academy Registration Opens 3/14
Ways to Get Involved at Kent Gardens
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 was a Success!
Thanks to our PTA and staff support - we had a wonderful Spring Book Fair which will help provide additional books and resources for our library.
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!
Girls on the Run - Few Slots Left to Participate
The spring Girls on the Run program has open spots with late registration available through March 15. 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. Late registration is $215. 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.
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