Fort Hunt Fox Den News | October 25, 2024


a

To read this newsletter in other languages, please click on the link below. 

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, haga clic en el enlace a continuación y elija su idioma.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский


grade 5 reading

Grade 5 students in Mr. Temesi's class are focused on re-reading texts to identify character traits and compare them as a way to deepen their understanding of the text.


News from the Fox Den

October 25, 2024


A Message from Ms. Consolla

This year, Thursday, October 31 is a two-hour early dismissal day (1:40pm). It's the end of Quarter 1, and there's no school the next day. Some students might want to wear something fun on that Thursday in celebration of Halloween. That's fine as long as there are no distracting props, masks or make-up. Shoes must be worn. And it's fine to wear what would be worn on any regular school day. There will not be a parade or parties. In March, we will have our story character parade. 

If you've struggled with your child having a meltdown, I invite you to check out the webinar offered by the FCPS Family Resource Center on Monday, November 11. See more information below.  

Students will have an extended weekend break next weekend. Best wishes for a safe & restful time with family & friends. Thank you for your partnership with us.

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu


lunch

Check your Wednesday folder for the flier for our Thanksgiving/Veteran's Day Luncheon on Friday, November 8. You can purchase meal tickets for visitors and your student(s). We will need MANY volunteers to take a fun-filled 30 minute shift to help as we're expecting to serve over 600 meals! You can coordinate around your child's schedule shown above. Thank you!


Federal Impact Aid Survey - DUE NOW

Please be sure to sign in your SIS ParentVUE account to complete this important survey.  One survey is needed for each student!  Please complete the survey form by November 11th. 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is eligible for federal Impact Aid grants due to the federal presence in our area. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget. They are critical to ensuring that students receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $4,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.

FCPS uses the survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students. The survey is available online through ParentVue. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality. Any family who has not completed the survey online will receive a paper copy after November 12th.  PLEASE complete the survey online to help us save the paper! If you would like to complete it on your phone, Ms. Dobarco, our Student Information Assistant, can help with this. She can be reached at 703-619-2600. 

Click here to view the video on the Federal Impact Aid Survey. 


How to Recognize Our Amazing Staff at Fort Hunt

Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Fort Hunt ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links for each award below. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

Click on a link to find out more about this category and make a nomination.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has more than three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals

Outstanding Professional Employee  

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a non-instructional employee at a school and at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chair, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as a Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons, Classroom Monitors who work more than 20 hours/week

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 13, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Hutchison at tthutchison@fcps.edu


Advanced Academics Information 

This week, over 70 community members joined us on Zoom to learn about the ways we deliver Advanced Academic services at Fort Hunt and in FCPS. Beginning next year, full-time cluster services will be offered for eligible students (current 2nd graders who will be in 3rd grade next school year).

A second meeting specifically focused on the Full-time Cluster service referral process will be held in November. While all caregivers are welcome to attend, only current Grade 2-6 students are eligible to go through the referral process this school year.

  • Wednesday, November 13; 6:30-7:15pm on Zoom (Link will be sent out to all families that morning.)

If you have questions about these events, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Lynch at pmlynch@fcps.edu.


🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.


My Kid is Having a Meltdown. What Do I Do?

5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle: A Webinar for Families sponsored by the FCPS Family Resource Center

Plans go awry, your child gets disappointed or doesn’t get their way. They begin getting upset. Rational talk doesn’t work. Nothing does. Now your child is in full meltdown mode and doesn’t hold back. What do you do?

Calm Parenting Podcast founder, Kirk Martin will show you:

  • How to calm kids with big emotions.
  • Exactly what to say in the moment and how.
  • Why intensity is critical and why to avoid eye contact.
  • How to stop the cycle of shame and embarrassment.

Monday, November 11, 2024, 10-11:30 am. Interpretation available.

Register online here


lunch

What's For Lunch?

If you're looking for what's on the menu, visit the menu here . More information about meals in FCPS can be found here. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.


Important Times

Arrive on campus: 8:30am

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

Thursday, October 31 | End of Quarter 1; Dismissal at 1:40pm (2 hours early)

Friday, November 1 | No School for Students & Staff-Diwali holiday

Mon, Nov 4 & Tues, Nov 5 | No school for students, Teacher workdays

Friday, November 8 | Veteran's Day Celebration & Thanksgiving Lunch

Monday, November 11 | No School for Students & Staff-Veteran's Day

Wednesday, November 13 | AAP Presentation about Full-time Cluster referrals 6:30pm on Zoom

Monday, November 18 | Early Dismissal at 12:40pm  (3 hours early)

Wed, Nov 27-Fri, Nov 29 | No School for Students & Staff-Thanksgiving

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


Quick Links