Fort Hunt ES Weekly Newsletter - April 8, 2024


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Military Child Banner

 From the Principal's Den

Greetings Fort Hunt Family!

We hope this newsletter finds you in the best of health and in great spirits.  Has anyone seen Spring 2024? Perhaps the anticipated total solar eclipse today will usher her in this evening. I welcome the warmer weather.

Last week was National Assistant Principals’ Appreciation Week. We had a great time showing Mrs. Patty Settel how much we appreciate the wonderful relationships she has built and the great job she is doing for our Fox Den.

With a heavy heart and supportive spirit, we bid farewell to our beloved Instructional Coach, Krystal Styles. Ms. Styles will be leaving us Friday, April 12, 2024. She has been promoted to Assistant Principal and will be joining the Haycock Elementary Family effective Monday, April 15, 2024.

With just 45 school days left this year, the staff and I are committed to the following: resetting our practices in order to address the important work that we do to support teaching and learning within a positive school culture; reflecting on our why as a reminder of the reason we chose to do this important work, and reaching for a strong finish for the 2023-24 year!  Together we are Fort Hunt Strong!

Wishing each of you an amazing and blessed week filled with joy, peace, and hope! 

All the best,
Mattie S. Fallen, Ed.D.
Interim Principal


solar eclipse

Safely View Today's
Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will occur TODAY, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because 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.


Calendar Reminder: Eid al-Fitr Holiday - April 10 -
School Closed

In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three-day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Tuesday, April 9, is an evening observance day. There is school on this day, but important events will not be held after school. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday; all schools and offices will be closed. See the school year calendar.

Eid Graphic

Order Yearbook  Image

Last Chance to Order Your Yearbook!

Mr. Green has been working hard on putting together a wonderful yearbook for Fort Hunt.

Order yours today! 

You can order online using the school yearbook ID code: 14445624. Yearbooks are $18 each. The deadline to order a yearbook is April 12th. 


Purple Up tshirts

FCPS T-Shirt/FHES T-Shirt

Last Day to Order FHES Purple Up! T-Shirts is

TOMORROW, April 9th 

FCPS and FHES are gearing up to honor and celebrate our military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day! 

This is a time for our community to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support, gratitude, and appreciation for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

Fort Hunt ES PTA Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase now through Tuesday, April 9, 2024 here(Please Note: The FCPS T-shirt is no longer available for purchase.) 

You can wear your Purple Up! t-shirt or anything purple on Wednesday, April 17th for Purple Up! Day. 


Purple Up for Military Kids

Purple Up! for Military Children

April is the Month of the Military Child, and this year Wednesday, April 17th, is Purple Up! Day. There are currently more than 14,000 military-connected students enrolled in Fairfax County schools. Here at Fort Hunt we have 121 military-connected students.  That’s almost 22% of our school!

This month-long celebration of our military-connected students raises awareness and thanks them for their service as part of a military family.

The week of April 15 will be FHES Purple Up! Spirit Week:

- Tuesday – Wear Red, White & Blue
- Wednesday – Purple Up! Day – Wear Purple & Military-connected Students Recognition Breakfast
- Thursday – Wear your favorite military branch colors
- Friday – PJ Day

Stay tuned for announcements for activities and events to come throughout the month of April!


Lost & Found April 2024

Lost and Found Items Will Be
Donated Next Week

Our Lost and Found area is very, very full of lost items. If your student is missing something, please come take a look. All items left by the end of the day on Friday, April 12th will be packed up and donated. 


Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)
Screening Services

FCPS is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners. Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time during the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. 

For more information about the program, please visit the AAP website or email our Fort Hunt AART, Preshion Lynch at pmlynch@fcps.edu


 Community Forums on
Middle School Start Times

Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule: 

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.


Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award Nomination Window is Open

Nominations are open for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.  The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.  

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18th.

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website


📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will discover how FCPS is integrating this program into the classroom to support student literacy growth. Tips for supporting students at home will also be shared. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.


Calendar Reminder

April Awareness Events

Month of the Military Child - April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.

National Arab American Heritage Month - FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Muslim American Heritage Month - Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.

School Library Month - In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.

Autism Acceptance Month - One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
National Poetry Month


Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.


Greater Mount Vernon Head Start

The Greater Mount Vernon Head Start program is looking to enroll students ages 3 and 4. They encourage families to visit their location at 8100 Fordson Road in Alexandria or contact Alexis Grant (ERSEA Manager) at 703-324-2467 for more information.


calendar reminder graphic

Mark Your Calendar!

April 2024

1-30 - Autism Awareness Month
1-30 -
Month of the Military Child
8 -
Solar Eclipse
8-12 - National Library Week
9 - Last Day to order FHES Purple Up! T-shirts
10
- Eid al Fitr - SCHOOL CLOSED
12 - Last Day to Order Yearbooks

15 - Purple Up! for Military Children Week
16 - Wear Red, White & Blue
16 - Strings Spring Concert
17 - PTA April Birthday Books & Cupcakes
17 - Purple Up! Day - Wear Purple
17 - Report Cards Go Home
17 - Walking Wednesday
18 - Wear Your Favorite Military Branch Colors
18 - Band/Chorus Spring Concert
19 - Pajama Day


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