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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.
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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский
 Some of our kindergartners are learning about different shapes while learning to speak Spanish.
News from the Fox Den
December 6, 2024
A Message from Ms. Consolla
I can't believe that December is already here! There are only two more weeks left until the winter break, and they will be packed with lots of learning and fun. Many units will finish up in these next two weeks. Thank you in advance for reserving time for trips and time off for the break to ensure your children have access to this learning.
Last month, one of our school board members, Mateo Dunne, met with our PTA to share information about FCPS boundary review process. This is a big process that involves hearing from all stakeholders about how we proceed to ensure efficient and equitable access to facilities and programs across our division. There are many opportunities for parents to learn more and to share feedback including this Monday, December 9 at Mount Vernon HS at 6:30pm. I encourage all families to stay engaged in this process.
This week I had a sneak peek of the young crafters preparing their booths for the first ever Holiday Market and was quite impressed. If you have a moment, please stop by school next Saturday morning. More details are below.
As always, thank you for your partnership with us at Fort Hunt.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Congratulations to our Fort Hunt Super Stars!
Recently we asked staff and community members to submit nominations for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards. The following staff members were selected to move to the pyramid level and compete against the winners from other schools in the West Potomac pyramid. Thank you to all for your kind words for all the staff members nominated.
Outstanding Operational Employee – Rosa Dobarco, Student Information Asst
Outstanding Leader – Patty Settel, Assistant Principal
Outstanding New Teacher – Bill Hurd, Grade 4
Outstanding Teacher – Preshion Lynch, Advanced Academics Resource
Outstanding Professional Employee – Jenny Baker, School Social Worker
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Winter Concert on Tuesday
On Tuesday, December 10, we will hold our Winter Music Concert featuring our chorus and advanced band & strings students. Chorus students should report at 5pm. Band & strings students should report at 5:30pm.
The concert will begin at 6:00pm in the gym.
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Advanced Academics Screening Deadline on Sunday, December 15
Families with students in grades 2-6 that may be interested in referring their child for full-time advanced academic services for the 2024-25 school year should email a referral by the deadline of 11:59pm Sunday, December 15, 2024 to Preshion Lynch (pmlynch@fcps.edu)
I know that parents have the option to submit up to two work samples. Can I ask my child's teacher for samples?
No. Any work sample that is completed at school has to be designated as a school sample for the central screening committee. Please do not contact classroom teachers for wok samples. If a parent/guardian chooses to submit work samples, then those samples should have been completed outside of school. Fort Hunt staff will review a collection of work for each student and contribute a minimum of four pages of work samples to the referral packet. Again, parents have the option of submitting two pages of work samples.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on full-time AAP and the continuum of services, please refer to the AAP website: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs
Referral forms and the optional parent questionnaire may be found through this link: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap
Eligibility decisions will be emailed to families in early April.
If you have any questions about screening and the continuum of services, please contact Preshion Lynch, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, at pmlynch@fcps.edu
School Boundary Review on Monday
As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.
Fort Hunt is in Region 3. The meeting to learn and share input for our region will be on Monday, December 9 at 6:30pm at Mount Vernon HS.
Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
I'm Lost! I Want to be Found!
Our Lost & Found, located just inside the cafeteria, is overflowing. If your child is missing a jacket, sweatshirt or hoodie, it's probably hanging (out) in our cafeteria with some water bottles and lunch boxes. Please prompt your child to stop by if they're missing something.
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 Grade 6 will also be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast at the Holiday Market. For more information about the market and how to order a plate for the breakfast, visit the PTA website.
⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times
At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.
The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.
Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.
❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather
Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
If there is a two-delay, what time can I drop off my child at Fort Hunt?
The earliest drop-off is 10:30am. There is no supervision before this time, and no student should be dropped off or arrive at school before 10:30am.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Spirit Week is Coming December 16-20
Our SCA is sponsoring its first Spirit Week. Here's a peek at the different themes for each day:
Monday, Dec 16: Crazy Mismatch Day
Tuesday, Dec 17: Stripes Day
Wednesday, Dec 18: Favorite Sports Team Day
Thursday, Dec 19: Snow White-Out Day (wear as much white as possible)
Friday, Dec 20: Pajama Day (must wear shoes)
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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.
Families may join their child for lunch on Fridays. You can read about it in our handbook.
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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
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Important Dates
Tues, December 10 | Winter Music Concert at 6pm for Chorus, Advanced Band & Strings students at 6pm in our gym.
Saturday, December 14 | Holiday Craft Marketplace & Pancake Breakfast 9-11am
Sun, December 15 | AAP Parent referrals for Full-time services due 11:59pm
December 16-20: Spirit Week
Winter Break: December 23 through January 5
School re-opens on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 8:30am.
You can access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.
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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.
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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.
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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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