Hunters Woods ES NEWS & NOTES | April 4, 2024

Upcoming Events

April 1-5: National Assistant Principals Week (April 1-5)

April 4:  National School Librarian Day

April 9:  Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) -1st Grade Students

April 10: Eid al-Fitr Holiday - No School (School & Office Closed)

April 11: Progress Reports Sent Home 

April 12: GR 6 Field Trip

April 17: FCPS Purple Up! Day (See details below)
               GR 4 Field Trip (Casto/Epperson/Taylor)

April 18: GR 4 Field Trip (Moore/Snell)  
                IRW (Integrated Reading & Writing) Test - 5th Grade Students

April 19: GR 2 Field Trip
                PTA GR 6 Student/Staff Basketball Game at South Lakes HS

April 25:  GR 6 Panoramic Picture Taken (Approx. 9:15 AM)
                GR 3 Field Trip (Kim/Merritt)

April 26:  GR 3 Field Trip (Goodson/Owens)


eclipse

Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse

Monday, April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 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.  

It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon, and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. 

Here's what you need to know:

  • Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
  • Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.  
  • Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal for some students), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.
  • At HWES, we will not be sending students outside to view the eclipse. Students and staff will be provided with the NASA livestream link as an option to indirectly view the eclipse in their classrooms.

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.

If you plan on taking your child out of school early for this event please fill out our Attendance Form before 12:00 pm on Monday, April 8.
Thank you!


eid

Eid al-Fitr Holiday
School & Office Closed

Wednesday, April 10

In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.

Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar


Month of the Military Child graphic

Purple Up! Day 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

As April unfolds, the spotlight shines brightly on our military-connected youth as Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and communities come together to celebrate the Month of the Military Child (MOMC).  

Amidst the challenges and sacrifices inherent with the military lifestyle, children of service members show their unwavering support for their parents and guardians as they stand as pillars of resilience, adapting to change, and embracing diversity. Their commitment to supporting their service member(s) deserves not just recognition, but celebration.  

Throughout April, FCPS schools will celebrate MOMC through various special events and activities to recognize military-connected youth. One of the most visible displays of support for military-connected youth occurs on Purple Up! Day, a day dedicated to showing appreciation by wearing purple – to represent the combined colors of branches of the military.  Please join FCPS for Purple Up! Day on April 17, 2024, as we proudly wear purple as a sign of our appreciation.  

To learn more about MOMC and Purple up! Day activities, please contact your school.  

To connect with FCPS resources, please visit Family and School Partnerships.  


K

Kindergarten Registration 

School Year 2024 - 2025

It's time to register your rising Kindergarten students! Students must be 5 years old by September 30th, 2024. If you would like to register your child, please contact Pattie Ono, Registrar, at pono@fcps.edu to schedule an appointment. Have questions? Call the Main Office at 703-262-7400.

Get more information on all student immunization requirements.


SOL

Standards of Learning (SOL)
Testing Schedule | GR 3-6

Students in Grades 3-6 will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning tests in the month of May at Hunters Woods. We have scheduled SOL tests to take place on the dates below. Testing will begin shortly after 9:15 AM. 

Thursday, May 2 3rd-6th Grade: Reading SOL

Wednesday, May 8 5th Grade Only: Science SOL

Tuesday, May 14 3rd-6th Grade: Math SOL

Please avoid any doctor's appointments or
other
scheduled appointment on these dates.


aap

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)

Spring 2024 Newsletter

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners. Visit the AAP Spring Newsletter for details and referral information. The deadline for school-based referrals is April 15.

You may contact Tara-Jeanne Tompkins, AAP Resource Teacher, at tdtompkins@fcps.edu if you have further questions.


News from the Library

Donations Welcome!

LIBRARY

YEARBOOK

News from the HWES PTA

Order Your 2023-2024 Yearbook Online

Deadline to Preorder: Friday, April 19

The Hunters Woods PTA is selling the 2023-2024 Yearbook!! 

  • Order your child's 2023-2024 yearbooks at Order Yearbook Here. Use school code 0037427YB. The cost is $15 per soft cover copy.
  • Order now to guarantee you get a copy and at a lower price!! After April 19th, we will only be selling a limited number of yearbooks at the end of the year. The in-person price will $20 per book. Once they are gone, they are gone!!
  • Yearbook order forms were sent home in your child's Thursday folder on February 15. Extra order forms are available in the main office.
  • If you would prefer to purchase your yearbook by check (made payable to “HWPTA”) or cash, please send your payment in the envelope attached to the order form. (Please make sure to tape/seal the envelope so your payment is not lost.)
  • If you have any questions, please email yearbook@hwpta.org.

Month of April
Observances & Celebrations

National Assistant Principals Week (April 1-5)

Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success.

Autism Acceptance Month

April is 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.

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.

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.

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.


fcps

FCPS News & Resources

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

FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m., to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. 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.

Register Today for the Magnet School Lottery

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open through Friday, April 12. Learn more about the schools and their programs.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Month of the Military Child
  • Register for the FCPS Family Summit
  • Teaching Real-World Math Skills

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today


face

HWES Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HWESMustangs/ 

HWES PTA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Hunters-Woods-PTA-121455097915668/

HWES Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/HuntersWoodsES?s=20