Kings Glen Gator Bytes December 18, 2024

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.


Dr. Christine Ritter, Principal

A Message from Principal Ritter

Dear Kings Glen Families, 

As we approach winter break from December 23-January 3, we want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a season filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time together. Your continued support and partnership make our community a truly special place.


A Special Congratulations to the Winners of the Kings Glen Employee Awards!

We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible group of staff members who have been selected for their outstanding contributions to our school. The nomination process was highly competitive, with many deserving individuals recognized. We are so grateful to have these exceptional team members working at Kings Glen and representing our school Elementary School at the Pyramid Level.

A heartfelt thank you to all the families who took the time to submit a nomination for an employee. Your thoughtful recognition and support mean so much to our team.

Thank you for all you do to make Kings Glen a wonderful place to learn and grow!

  • Outstanding Teacher:  Dr. Michelle Keenan (Orchestra Teacher)
  • Outstanding New Teacher:  Ms. Norma Bergaust (5th Grade Teacher)
  • Outstanding Principal: Dr. Christine Ritter
  • Outstanding Professional Employee Eligibility: Mr. Chris Weber (Technology Support Specialist)
  • Outstanding Operational Employee Eligibility:  Ms. Lisa Zeigler (Instructional Assistant)

Winter Break

Winter Break: December 23rd-January 3rd

It's going to be cold outside - don't forget to check Lost & Found before Winter Break for your forgotten coats, hats, or gloves!

We wish our Kings Glen community a wonderful and restful Winter Break!  See you on January 6th, 2025!


School’s Closed, But Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.


Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) Winter Reading Adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.


Band and Strings/Chorus Winter Concerts

Wednesday, Dec. 18:  5th/6th Grade Strings/Chorus Evening Concert (6:30 p.m.; students arrive 6 p.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 19:  5th/6th Grade Strings/Chorus and 6th Grade Advanced Band Daytime Assembly for Students (9:45 a.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 19:  6th Grade Advanced Band Evening Concert (6:30 p.m.; students arrive 6 p.m.)

Wednesday, Feb. 12:  4th Grade Strings Evening Concert (6:30 p.m.; students arrive 6 p.m.)


Yearbook Cover Contest

Yearbook Cover Contest

Due THIS FRIDAY - December 20th

We are looking for student-created artwork for the Kings Glen Yearbook Cover. Submissions are due by December 20th.  Design a cover for the yearbook that includes:

Items to include in your cover design:

  1. School Name: Kings Glen Elementary School (check your spelling) 
  2. Year: 2024-2025
  3. School Mascot: The Gator
  4. Theme: Gator Tales: Stories from the Glen

Materials Needed:

  1. 8½ x 11 inch white paper (printer paper)
  2. Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  3.  Be sure to write yourFIRST/LAST NAME and HOMEROOM TEACHER on the BACK of your DESIGN

Entries MUST be colorful. Make sure pencil lines are erased or outlined in black. Due date is Friday, December 20th. Turn in to the GREEN FOLDER on the ART ROOM DOOR.  Front Cover Winner gets a FREE Yearbook!

(View Flyer Here)


Makeup/Retake Pictures Now Viewable Online

Please visit vosphoto.com/uc and use your student ID when prompted for the online code.  For questions regarding school pictures, please email:   underclass@vosphoto.com


Save the Date: Student-Led STEAM Night at Kings Glen!!

Wednesday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m.

I am excited to announce Kings Glen will have a Student-Led STEAM Night on Wednesday, March 19th from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will showcase the incredible creativity and innovation of our students as they run interactive stations for their peers and share their STEAM projects. If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete the STEAM Night Project Plan form. Please reach out to Mrs. Rode if you have any questions.


Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.


Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, and families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.


Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

During the winter, students can feel tired, cold, and at times want to stay home.  Our teachers at Kings Glen work to ensure every classroom is a warm, welcoming environment for all students.  It is important that students come to school every day to stay on pace with their learning. 

Does your child resist going to school? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10th, 10-11:30 a.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.


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. Classes go outside for recess even when it is cold! 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.


KPKG PTA

 

 KP/KG PTA News


Mark your calendars - our free Summer Camp Fair is coming up on January 15th at 6PM at Kings Park.  Come meet with local vendors and explore their summer camp offerings for 2025!

We are finalizing details for our winter after school activities.  Sessions will start mid-January and run 6-7 weeks.  A flier will be coming home soon, and more information is available on our website.

Baskets and Bingo 2025 is coming on March 21st!! Planning has begun and the PTA is in search of committee members.  This is a low-burden commitment in which you will get to be a part of a group of veteran and new KP/KG parents to help plan a much-loved event. Email st.onge.emily@gmail.com if you're interested in being included in the first committee meeting this January.

We are searching for volunteers who would like to serve on our 2025 Staff Appreciation Week Committee. Staff Appreciation Week is May 4-9, 2025 and committee meetings will begin in January. If you are interested, please sign up and reach out to Jen at events@kpkgpta.org if you have any questions.

Thanks to Jen Argenta for organizing such a fun free virtual Tiny Chefs class!  We hope you enjoyed baking with us!  Thanks also to those that attended our General Membership Meeting last week - it was lovely to hear the KG strings perform, and we were also able to amend our budget to allocate the extra resources we raised during Booster.

The KP/KG PTA Board wishes the community a wonderful holiday season.  We are looking forward to an exciting calendar year ahead. Please reach out to board@kpkgpta.org if you are interested in volunteering or being involved in any way with the PTA.


Dates to Remember

Dec. 16-20:  Winter Break Spirit Week (See Above)

Dec. 18:  5th/6th Grade Strings/Chorus Concert (6:30 p.m.; call time 6 p.m.)

Dec. 19:  6th Grade Advanced Band Concert (6:30 p.m.; call time 6 p.m.)

Dec. 20:  Yearbook Cover Contest Submissions Due

Dec. 23-Jan. 3:  Winter Break

Jan. 10:  Overcoming School Resistance Webinar (10-11:30 a.m.; See Above)

Jan. 15:  Summer Camp Fair (6 p.m. at Kings Park ES)