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Now is the Time - Heritage Night is Approaching - 12/7
Heritage Night 12/7 - Sign Up by 11/22: Sign up by 11/22 to represent your heritage at Heritage Night! Families should indicate if they are contributing to a table or activity that represents their heritage and/or contributing food for the cultural food hall. Questions? Email KGESHeritageNight@gmail.com.
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National French Week
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting our very own Eiffel Tower - ! Thanks to Mme. Jarecke and Mme. Tchommo for supporting our French Week. Our interns have been a wonderful addition to our school!
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
We enjoyed celebrating National French Week and visiting our very own Eiffel Tower! Thanks to Mme. Jarecke and Mme. Tchommo for their work and support!
Note that the PTA has adjusted the date for the Pie Palooza to coincide with the break. Simply bring in a pie on Tuesday, November 26th (the day prior to break) by 9:30 a.m. We will randomly pull teachers names for a pie!! It was a favorite for them last year. Thanks for your support!
Gentle reminder that our next Three Hour Early Release is December 9th. This date is a change from the original published dates in November. We will remit a google link for parents to adjust their mode of transportation as we near that date.
A gentle reminder regarding Heritage Night which is quickly approaching. Please sign up to participate - see the blurb above! This evening is so wonderful as we collaborate and team to bring together a wonderfully magical evening around food and activities. The rooms will host crafts and other activities and possibly including music. The parade will go through the school and there will be an opportunity to highlight the participants. The food will set up in the cafeteria and the families can eat in the gym. Passports will be used to track your journey. We look forward to a wonderful evening!
Thanks as always for your support!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
November 18- Cider & Bread Help deliver cider and breads to our teachers and staff! Sign Up Here!
November 22 - Student Spirit Day - "Dress Like a Teacher!"
November 26 - Pie-Palooza Pies are due to the Teacher's lounge by 9:30am on 11/26. Sign up using this link. Note the date change! This date will coincide with the Thanksgiving break!
November 27 - 29: Thanksgiving Holiday
December 2 - Deadline for Yearbook Cover - Enter now! Read below!
December 3: Family Life Education (FLE) - Virtual 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Zoom link to be remitted)
December 3: Picture Make Up Day - This if for students who are NEW to KG or for those who were absent on our last picture day
December 7: Heritage Night - Sign up by 11/22 to represent your heritage at Heritage Night! 5 - 7 p.m.
December 9: Three Hour Early Release - Changes only - google form to follow.
December 9: Chorus Concert - 5th and 6th Grade 5 p.m.
2024-25 FCPS School Calendar
Science Olympiad - Division A Represents at Tournament!
Congratulations to our 44 KG participants in the Virginia Science Olympiad Div. A tournament at TJHSST on Nov. 9. Kent Gardens had 3 teams of third and fourth grade students participating and these teams placed 26 times with 5 first place finishes!! A total of 33 KGES students medaled during the tournament! Thanks to Mr. Shivnen and our parents for supporting!
We look forward to our Division B (fifth and sixth graders) competition coming up in the spring. We have 45 students on three Kent Gardens teams.
#kgpride #StrongerTogether #WeAllBelong #BeTheGold !!
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First Grade Field Trip
First Graders learned a great deal about Mt. Vernon and our presidents - AND they had a fabulous time!!
Dear Families,
Over these next two weeks, our school community will focus on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means being aware of and grateful for good things that happen. Gratitude is about feeling and showing thankfulness. It helps us see the good in others and in the world. People with gratitude are ready to appreciate and return kindness. Expert Robert Emmons says gratitude strengthens relationships because it makes us recognize how others support us.
Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is linked to more energy, empathy, happiness, and optimism. The good news is that gratitude can be practiced and strengthened like a muscle. The more we practice it, the more benefits we get.
To practice and encourage this strength at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
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Yearbook Cover Contest!!
We are excited about the 24-25 yearbook and are offering the students the opportunity to create the cover for this school year. Our theme is: #BeTheGold. The reference for this theme ties in with 'kintsugi' - whereby liquid gold is used to repair broken pottery; thus, nothing is truly broken and builds resilience and strength.
- Theme: #BeTheGold
- Include 'Kent Gardens Elementary 2024-25 in the design
- Use 8.5 x 11 or 9x12 paper in a portrait orientation
- Check your spelling!!!
- Deadline - Monday, December 2nd!
Turn in finished work to the office. Reminder - we choose on cover for each grade level for the back cover and one for the front cover. Remember #kgpride can be emphasized as well with the #BeTheGold! Thanks in advance for the creativity!!!
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Advanced Academic Referral Deadline ~ Dec 15
The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!
To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Debra Bulford at drbulford@fcps.edu or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.
News from Shelley Lowinger - Parent Liaison
Youth Behavioral Health Services - Mental health support for children and youth is a priority for Fairfax County, and our Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is now offering new community-based behavioral health services for youth and families at three community centers: James Lee Community Center, Hybla Valley Community Center, and Herndon Resource Center. With new locations open throughout Fairfax County to support youth mental health, the CSB seeks to enhance accessibility to critical services by reducing barriers to receiving treatment.
The Park Authority Fall and Winter Programs - The Park Authority has various programs and opportunities available this fall and winter for all age groups, including special programs for children with disabilities, farmers markets, family events and more. Information can be found here. Contact Wangin Bang at wang.bang@fairfaxcounty.gov if you have additional questions or would like more details.
National Family Engagement Month -I hope your family has been having a lovely time celebrating National Family Engagement Month together. Over 40 years of research have shown that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their child’s education. Here are some fun activities to do with your family during Family Engagement Month: Invite your child to help plan meals, write a grocery list and shop; Thanksgiving Day – share around the table; Review and talk to your child about their homework assignments; Flip through old family photos and tell stories about your family’s history; Prepare a meal together as a family; On Thanksgiving Day – Shae what you are grateful for around the table; Walk, stretch, meditate or exercise with your child to prepare for the week ahead; Put a special note of encouragement into your child’s backpack or lunchbox; Talk to your child about his / her favorite subject in school.
Boundary Review Community Meeting
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria. Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Veterans Day Recognitions
- Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
- Teacher Hiring Event
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Other Donation Opportunities
Help KGES support Pieces of Illumination, a local high school student-run organization, and provide puzzles for seniors and kids with autism. You can donate new or lightly used jigsaw puzzles, Legos, or board games by dropping them off in the blue box near the front office between Wednesday 11/6 and Wednesday 11/20.
Share of McLean's Holiday Program kicks off on November 16! This year, Jack, a regular Share volunteer and former Kent Gardens student, is leading a toy collection drive. He has created an Amazon wish list with items for kids ages 1 to 11, ranging from $10 to $15. Please check out the Amazon wish list if you would like to contribute by November 14.
A Peak Inside STEAM, kindergarten and our cafeteria!!
PTA News
PTA membership for the school year costs $20 and is about more than monthly meetings and the odd event here and there. The PTA supports schools and that means staff, teachers, students and their families in ways that go beyond what any one group would be capable of on their own. Make joining the PTA at Kent Gardens a priority. We can't be the PTA we are without parents and other caring adults like YOU!
We are still searching for a President Elect to join our PTA board. Contact Jenny Gregory, PTA President for more information
Our Next PTA Meeting: January 17 at 9am
At this month's PTA meeting, we heard about all of the amazing things happening at KGES in the mad race to winter break! Our next general PTA meeting won't be until the new year!
We are still searching for a President Elect to join our PTA board. Contact Jenny Gregory, PTA President for more information!
Our next General Meeting will be January 17 at 9am in the cafeteria!
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Make a Difference This Year! - New Volunteer Opportunities This Year
Volunteer Opportunities
11/18 Cider & Bread Help deliver cider and breads to our teachers and staff! Sign-up here!
11/26 Pie-Palooza On Tuesday, November 26, staff names will be announced throughout the day to come choose a holiday pie donated by KGES families. Homemade AND store bought pies are welcome! Pies are due to the Teacher's lounge by 930am on 11/26. Sign up using this link!
KGES Movie Night Who doesn't love a good movie? Volunteers are needed to organize a KGES movie night for the entire school community to enjoy together! Interested in helping with either of these new roles? Contact kgptapresident@gmail.com if interested!
Teacher and Staff Love Wednesdays The KGES Wellness Committee has shared that teachers and staff LOVE when there is coffee/tea available for them in the lounge...and they REALLY love treats! Help us shower our teachers and staff with love every Wednesday this year by bringing in coffee/tea, snacks, bags of mini candies, or whatever goodies you think might help sweeten their day. You can also help stack the staff lounge with paper plates/cups/napkins...etc. Please choose a slot to volunteer and drop off in the Staff Lounge by 8am on Wednesdays to show some love and support for our fabulous teachers and staff.
KGES Food Bus Food Rescue Program Volunteers Needed Do you have a half-hour to spare on Friday afternoons to deliver food to SHARE of McLean Food Pantry at McLean Baptist Church? Interested in getting involved in this program? Please sign up HERE and/or email beccadw@gmail.com or lanavu@gmail.com with questions. Service hours available for middle/high school students! Thank you for your ongoing support. We could not do this amazing program without you!
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Square 1 Art - Deadline Extended! Nov. 22
A Square 1 Art personalized catalog featuring your child's masterpiece is coming home THIS WEEK! Square 1 Art makes for amazing holiday gifts with your child's creative use of vibrant colors printed on high-quality items like pot holders, tea towels, coffee mugs, and more! The deadline to order is November 22!
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