A Message from Administration
Good afternoon Hunt Valley Families,
We hope that everyone enjoyed the break and had time to rest and recharge. On Tuesday, we welcomed our newest Hawks to the nest at our kindergarten orientation for the graduating class of 2037! It was wonderful to see so many students and families eager to begin this adventure.
Our students returned to school on Wednesday and began the 4th quarter on a positive note. We hope that our students and staff continue with this momentum and finish the school year strong!
On Thursday, we welcomed school board members and central office staff to Hunt Valley. Our new Springfield District Representative, Sandy Anderson (an HVES alumnae), Kyle McDaniel, Member At Large and our Executive Principal, Lisa Reddel.
On Monday, there will be a solar eclipse that will occur during dismissal. As a result, we will provide all students approved glasses so then can view the eclipse safely. Please see below for more information.
We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Warm regards,
Keieownna Hightower, Principal
Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal
Solar Eclipse
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:
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Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
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Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.
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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.
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At HVES, teachers may choose to take their students out to view the eclipse for a short period of time in the afternoon. Students and staff will also be provided with the NASA livestream link (below) as an option to indirectly view the eclipse in their classrooms.
https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/2024-total-solar-eclipse-through-the-eyes-of-nasa/
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 the attendance form on our website and email your child's teacher before 12:00 pm on Monday, April 8. Thank you!
Materials Needed!
The SCA and Green Club are gearing up for Hunt Valley’s 3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20th and they are looking for some recyclable materials for their activities that day. If you have the following items available around the house please bring them in and place them in the bin outside of Mrs. Garretson’s room, Room 209:
- NEW REQUEST: Old ceramic large coffee mugs
- Old small clay pots you no longer want; they can be chipped.
- Leftover pipe cleaners and Googly Eyes
- Clean paper bags with handles
- Paper-based/cardboard-based egg cartons
In addition to these items, they are also looking for scrap plywood. So, if you happen to have recently finished some house renovations, or work in construction, please contact Mrs. Garretson at vcdeparisgar@fcpsedu for her to arrange a time and place to drop off the plywood or for her to pick it up. Thank you very much for your support of this great event!
Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.
Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.
Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.
We’ve got an engaging summer planned for your students!
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office will offer two enrichment camps this summer - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy. For details on the activities we have planned, please read below.
All information can be found on our websites! For Tech Adventure Camp go to bit.ly/FCPS_TAC. For CTE Summer Academy go to bit.ly/FCPS_CSA.
Important Updates:
- Current 6th graders (rising 7th graders) are eligible for CTE Summer Academy.
- Some of the bus stops have changed from last summer. I’m attaching our tentative bus schedule for this upcoming summer.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1st FOR ALL OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS!
GET READY TO REGISTER! USE THE LINKS BELOW 😊
Tech Adventure Camp | CTE Summer Academy
 A special reminder about the tuition waiver. Fairfax County Public School students receiving Free and Reduced Meals, there are a select number of tuition waivers available. To receive the waiver, students must have a Consent to Share form on file with FCPS. Parents can find the Consent to Share forms on the FCPS Food and Nutrition website (https://www.fcps.edu/frm). Parents can also share the benefits during the online application process.
📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework
Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
Free Resources for Families
Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities?
Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).
Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.
Elementary Institute for the Arts
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.
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Mark you calendars
April 10--No School Eid al Fitr
April 11--IRW (Integrated Reading and Writing) for 5th grade
April 11--Wellness Fair
April 17--PTA meeting @ 6:30 pm
April 20--Earth Day Event
April 28--West Springfield Pyramid Challenge
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