Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
To view this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletin en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families,
The first couple of weeks have been wonderful! Students (and staff) are settling into routines and digging into learning. Thank you all for your continued support for your children’s success!
Some students may come home and share every detail of their school day. Others may offer more limited responses. Here are some questions that you might ask to learn a little more about their day:
- What made you smile today?
- What’s something new that you got to learn today?
- Who did you talk with today?
- Who’s someone that you helped today?
- What are you most proud of today?
- What’s something that felt difficult today?
- What’s something that you’re looking forward to getting to do again?
- When were you feeling happiest today?
- What’s a "glow" and a "grow" from you day?
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REMINDER: 3-Hour Early Dismissal on Monday, September 16th at 12:20 PM
As a reminder, Kings Glen will dismiss at 12:20 PM on Monday, September 16th. 100% of our families have responded to the survey, thank you!
For families who indicated undecided, it is essential to let us know your decision; please do so by emailing KGNotes@fcps.edu.
Save the Date and Volunteer for Gator Games!
Monday, September 16th, 9-11:30 AM
Our Fall Gator Games is coming up! Mark your calendars to come and volunteer for our first school-wide event of the year on Monday, September 16th! Gator Games will occur from 9:00–11:30 AM and is a day filled with collaborative games and activities that promote building a strong, positive school community. As was did last school year for Gator Games, students will be with multi-grade level groups for the duration of the event. Keep your eye out for more information and volunteer opportunities coming soon!
Volunteers Needed for Gator Games!
Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, and during the games they will be assisting the KGES staff member leading the station by resetting equipment and supporting students as they participate in the games. If you are interested in helping, please visit our Gator Games Volunteer Sign Up Sheet today!
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Meet Kings Glen's Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Lisa Rode
This is my 18th year at Kings Glen. I am excited to start a new school year! I teach students in grade 4-6 by co-teaching lessons in classrooms, small groups, as well as during the Thinking Lab special. I look forward to working with all students to spark their creativity and provide opportunities to learn problem solving skills.
I will be hosting parent information meetings this fall. These sessions will give an overview of the different ways FCPS students can access AAP curriculum. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Email: LMRode@fcps.edu
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What is AAP (Advanced Academic Program)?
AAP has two main goals: (1) Talent development for ALL learners, and (2) Differentiation to meet the needs of advanced learners
FCPS AAP Overview • AAP Identification and Placement
Lake Braddock Pyramid Night
Friday, September 6th from 5-6:30 p.m. at Lake Braddock SS
Lake Braddock will be hosting their 2nd annual Pyramid Night on September 6th. The event includes fun games and activities like food trucks, music, an obstacle course, bounce houses, and a dunk tank from 5:00pm-6:30pm.The first home football game will follow the festival and we hope you will be able to stay and participate. Tickets for the game are $5 for children and $7 for adults, but the festival is free to attend.
Parent Orchestra Program
Parents and caregivers of KGES Strings students: Would you like to learn how to play your child’s String instrument? Sign up quickly for the Fairfax County Parent Orchestra program, established by last year’s Grammy award winner, Annie Ray (Orchestra Director at Annandale High School)! You can be a beginner or a returner to Strings – we have an orchestra for you!! Hope to see you there! (View Flyer)
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
Attendance: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:
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Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
To apply online:
- Visit www.MySchoolApps.com.
- In the State drop down menu, select Virginia.
- Click on the Search button.
- On the next screen, select Fairfax County Public Schools from the Choose your District dropdown.
- Click on the Select District & Continue button.
KP/KG PTA News
Our first PTA Meeting is taking place THIS Thursday, September 5th at 6:30PM at Kings Park and on Zoom (Meeting ID: 258-233-8875; Passcode: KPKG2020!). The school administration and PTA Board members will be providing updates and we will be voting on our 2024-25 school year budget. An agenda and draft budget are posted here. Everyone is invited!
After School activities are open for registration! Check out our website for more information. We have a full line-up both at Kings Park and at Kings Glen. Scholarships are available (please reach out to your school counselor).
Join the PTA. We hope all members of the KP/KG community will consider joining the PTA this school year. Being a PTA member has numerous benefits -- it's a great way to meet new friends and become more involved in your child's school and community. Join on our website! Check out our latest newsletter available here.
Our next Spirit Night is coming up on September 10th at Taco Bamba (10629 Braddock Rd). Mention code GIVE20 and 20% of the proceeds will go back to the schools. More information.
Our popular FREE PTA Ice Cream Social and Resource Fair will be held at Kings Glen on September 13th at 6:30 pm. More information can be found here!
Papa John's is back every Thursday this school year! Enter the code KPKG4010 every Thursday from 11am-11pm on your delivery or carry out order from the Burke location and you receive 40% off while the PTA receives 10% of sales donated back.
Sept. 5: PTA Meeting (Kings Park ES, 6:30 p.m.)
Sept. 6: Lake Braddock Pyramid Night (5-6:30 p.m.; See Above)
Sept. 10: PTA Spirit Night at Taco Bamba (See Above)
Sept. 13: PTA Ice Cream Social and Community Resource Night (6:30 p.m.)
Sept. 16: Gator Games (9-11:30 AM; See Above)
Sept. 16: 3-Hour Early Release (Students Dismiss at 12:25)
Sept. 20: PTA Booster Fun Run
Oct. 3: Rosh Hashanah Holiday (Schools Closed)
Oct. 4: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day (No School for Students)
Oct. 15: AAP Referral Deadline (See Above)
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