First Graders Enjoyed CRIT!
Problem solving and critical thinking - All enjoyed including the parents!
A Note From Administration
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope all are enjoying Spring Break! The weather hopefully will be wonderful for all - wherever you are relaxing! Note that April 1st and 2nd are teacher workdays and students do not come to school. On April 2nd, we will host the kindergarten orientation. Sign up links are in the section below.
In this News You Choose, please review the following items - all have additional detailed information in the sections below:
- Sign up for the Spring Spectacular- Fun Run on April 6th! Here is the link to sign up with additional information below.
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Cultural Heritage Night is April 20 - Sign up here to participate! The event will be from 4 - 6 p.m. Here is a new google form to complete. More info. below.
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Solar Eclipse will take place April 8th. Note the information below. We are looking to partner with the PTA to purchase glasses for all to ensure safety. We are exploring a safe way to teach students about the eclipse and keep safe.
- Virtual Kinder Orientation slide deck available. April 2nd is the in person kindergartener/parent tour - link is here to sign up your kinder who will go into the classroom and for parents to take a tour led by our 6th graders.
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Spring Pictures are available in this link- see the information below to access.
- FCPS Budget Information detailed below.
- Updated COVID Recommendations shared below.
We look forward to seeing all of our students return on April 3rd!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Heritage Night - April 20 ~ 4 - 6 p.m.
We have rescheduled the Cultural 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.
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.
Fourth Grade Field Trip!
Thanks to our parents for supporting as chaperones. It was a great time - lots to learn and enjoy!
Dates, Attendance and Office Reminders
March 25 - 29 - Spring Break
April - Month of the Military Child
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 4th - Lost Dog Cafe 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (see details below)
April 4th and 5th - Fourth Grade CRIT
April 6 - Fun Run is Back!! Sign Up Information below!
April 12 - Homeroom Class Picture Day
April 13- Spring Grounds Clean-up
April 17 - Purple Up Day - Let's Celebrate our Military and wear purple!!
April 19 - PTA Meeting 8:45 a.m.
April 20 - Cultural Heritage Night 4 - 6 p.m.
May 9th and 10th - Second Grade CRIT
May 6 - 10 - Teacher Appreciation
May 8 - Bike & Walk to School Day
May 20th and 21st - Sixth Grade CRIT
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!
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.
We are looking to partner with the PTA and purchase approved sunglasses for all! Stay tuned for additional information!
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Spring Photos Are Online!
Please use this link: vosphoto.com/uc
The online code is your child's student identification number. Please direct parent questions/concerns regarding picture day to underclass@vosphoto.com
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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.
Save the Date - Longfellow MS Jump Start 2024
Jump Start is an opportunity for rising 7th grade students to learn more about middle school and meet other students before the school year begins. Jump Start dates are August 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. Students choose to attend during Session 1 (Monday & Tuesday) or Session 2 (Wednesday & Thursday) from 8:30 - 12:00 each day. Further details forthcoming regarding the registration process! If you have any questions feel free to contact our After-School Specialist, Lavina Gangwani-Colaco - lkgangwanico@fcps.edu.
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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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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Sixth Grade Reading Buddies♥
FCPS Budget
🏐🤼♀️ New sports, new opportunities for students! FCPS’ advertised budget for next school year expands high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being.
🗣️ FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details: bit.ly/FCPSBudgetCalendar
✅ Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25
🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved. Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school. Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
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!
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!
Ways to Get Involved at Kent Gardens
Volunteer to Host a Kinder Playdate
Kinder Playdates are informal gatherings on the KGES playground so our rising kindergarteners and their families can meet each other. We are looking for hosts, preferably current kinder or 1st grade families who can help answer questions. We need hosts for:
Saturday, May 18, 10:00am - 12:00noon Saturday, June 23, 9:00am – 11:00am Wednesday, July 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
It's an easy and fun volunteer opportunity. If you're interested, email Andrea!
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
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. The only limit is your imagination. Sign-up to provide treats here!
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.
Lost Dog Cafe - April 4th
Eat Well, Do Good! Make a positive impact by joining us at Lost Dog Cafe (1690 Anderson Road) on Thursday, April 4th between 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Indulge in mouthwatering delights and mention Kent Gardens Elementary and they'll donate 10% of our orders to our school!
RSVP now and help us make a difference (RSVP not required to participate!). Find all the event details here: https://grouprai.se/s273001
Teacher Appreciation Week Coming May 6-10
The KGES PTA will be celebrating Teacher Appreciating Week May 6-10. Look out for more information and our sign-up genius links for grade level themes after Spring Break! We can't wait to show our staff how much we LOVE them!!!
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