Fort Hunt Fox Den News | September 6, 2024


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strings

Did you know that Fort Hunt has an amazing music program? Of the 140 elementary schools in FCPS, we are one of the few that offers strings instruction beginning at Grade 3 and band instruction beginning at Grade 4. This instruction will begin the week of September 16. If you have questions, connect with Ms. Sheir Clark (band) or Mr. David Bertolotti (strings). They will be in the cafeteria at Back to School Night on Wednesday.


News from the Fox Den

September 6, 2024


Back to School Night: This Wednesday 

Fort Hunt will host its annual Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 11. This is an opportunity for parents/guardians to visit with their child's teacher(s) and learn ways to communicate with one another, what happens in the classroom and ways to support their child at home. 

Doors will open at 6:00pm to the cafeteria where parents can connect with our PTA and specialist teachers. Classrooms will then open after 6:30pm. Teachers will do a total of four presentations: two AM class presentations and two PM class presentations. 

Here is the schedule:

6:00-6:15pm: Mix & Mingle in the cafeteria. Connect with specialist teachers (art, music, pe, band, strings, library, tech)

6:15-6:30pm: PTA Meeting

6:30-6:40pm Transition to classrooms

6:40-7:00pm All teachers present for their AM class

7:05-7:20pm All teachers present for their PM class

7:25-7:40pm All teachers present their AM class again

7:45-8:00pm All teachers present their PM class again

If your child has the same teacher all day, you would attend both the AM and PM presentation for that teacher.

As a reminder, this will not be a time for a conference or specific questions about your child. Teachers will be more than happy to set up a time to answer more detailed questions at a later time.


Early Release Monday: 12:40pm Dismissal on September 16

We will have our first 12:40pm dismissal on Monday, September 16. There are some students who have a childcare hardship and will be supervised at school until 3:40pm. For those students, there will be a second dismissal at that time.

Please make sure your child knows how they are going home on that Monday. We will be confirming with families this coming week to ensure that the plan you indicated in our survey still matches your intended plan. 

Dismissal 1 will be at 12:40pm. Students whose families are using this dismissal time will go home by Kiss & Ride, walking or riding the bus.

Dismissal 2 will be at 3:40pm for those students whose families indicated that supervision was needed. Again, there will be a Kiss & Ride, walkers dismissal and bus service at this time. 

Thank you in advance for your flexibility and communication. If you have any questions and/or changes to your plan for September 16, we need to know them now. Please contact our Office Team at 703-619-2600. 


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.


Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Please review the following rules for elementary students K-6 around cell phones, smart watches & tablet:

  • Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
  • Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, contact our front office so that we can then pass along the information to your child. 

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy


Save the Date: Veterans' Day Celebration & Luncheon

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 8. We will hold our annual Veterans' Day celebration event and will be adding in a family luncheon where all parents are invited to join their child for our special turkey lunch. More details about purchasing meal tickets & volunteer help needed will be coming. 

Veterans Day

no dogs

No Dogs on Campus

Thank you for keeping your dogs off campus. While it's nice to take your dog for a walk to and from school, they are NOT allowed on campus at anytime. This includes after dismissal. No pets are allowed on FCPS school grounds, and this is clearly marked at the driveway entrance. It is a safety issue. We have students who have allergies and fear of animals, and this rule helps ensure they can be safe at school.


What's For Lunch?

If you're looking for what's on the menu, visit https://fcps.nutrislice.com/ and scroll down to Fort Hunt. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.

lunch

Important Times

Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am

Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am

Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm


Important Dates

Wednesday, September 11 | Back to School Night 6:00-8:00pm

Monday, September 16 | Early Dismissal at 12:40pm

Thursday, October 3 | No School for students & staff:  Rosh Hashanah

Friday, October 4 | No School for students-Teacher Workday

Monday, October 14 | No School for students-Teacher Workday

Monday, October 21 | Early Dismissal at 12:40pm

You can access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.


kids playing

Get Involved with your PTA

Consider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Check out the PTA website for more information.  


Parent/Guardian Handbook

Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear?  If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. 


administrators

Your Partners in Education

We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.   

Jean Consolla, Principal          

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Patty Settel, Assistant Principal   

pasettel@fcps.edu


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