Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose
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We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin.
Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration.
Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.
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PTA Important Dates
December 12-13, 2024
Winter Food Drive and Whiteboard Donation Drive Ends This Week!
December 16, 2024
Day 3 of Cheer - PTA Hospitality Committee organized a Sweet Shoppe for all school staff
Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 3, 2025
Winter Holiday Break!
Take Out Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | February 4, 2025
Spirit Night @ Panera (code FUND4U) all day | @ PapaJohns (code HVES4010) all day
January 8, 2025
In School Assembly (Your student does not want to miss this)!
Take Out Tuesday, January 13-17, 2025
Spirit Night @ Chick-Fil-A (Burke Centre) (code HVALLEY25) any time, all week long!
January 14, 2025
100% VIRTUAL PTA Meeting (via Google Meet), 7pm - 8pm
Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som
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A Message from the PTA President
Dear Hunt Valley Families,
Thank you for joining us at our PTA meeting yesterday. Thank you to our special guest, Mrs. Margo Rafle for spearheading the first Garden Club at Hunt Valley, which will start up March 2025. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
Thank you to all that donated to the whiteboard donation drive! The PTA has a goal of $1200 and we’ve collected $790 so far! WOW! The drive ends this week and we can use more donations to reach $1200. We can do it! We will recognize all that have donated to the drive. If you want to remain anonymous, please let me know. You can donate via check, cash, or Givebacks here: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1135063.
We also passed the motion to approve an increase to the membership dues to $15 starting January 1, 2025. The reason for the increase is because PTA National, State, and Local dues have increased along with other costs to run programs. The December meeting slide deck and the latest budget are posted on the PTA website here: hvpta.ptboard.com/activity.
The PTA received feedback from the fall afterschool programs and there were some incidents that occurred where a parent volunteer is now required to be present at every afterschool program starting with the upcoming winter session and moving forward. We need parent volunteers to make the winter session afterschool programs happen. As a parent volunteer and if your child is registered for the class, then your child’s enrollment fee will be 100% waived (except for Lango, you will receive a $40 discount). There are nine classes which provides an incredible variety of classes but we need your help to ensure the safety and smooth operation of each class. Here is the sign-up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA4A62AA5F4C61-53849197-winter/55558246#/.
Lastly, towards the end of the PTA meeting, Suzanne Dickey announced that she has been selected to be a part of the Boundary Review Advisory Committee (BRAC). Mr. Cory Cress (cress.cd@gmail.com), a community member, also joined the meeting and identified himself as the other BRAC member that was selected for the West Springfield High School pyramid. He resides within the HVES school zone and has children attending Irving Middle School and West Springfield High School.
A special thank you to our amazing PTA hospitality committee for organizing an amazing Taco Bar Luncheon and Massage Day for the school stuff on Dec 5 and Dec 11, respectively. This is a great start to closing out the calendar year and preparing for the upcoming holiday break. A nice holiday sweet shoppe is coming up on Dec 16 to close out the PTA’s 3 Days of Cheer in support of the school’s 15 Days of Cheer. Thank you Jillian Inoyue (Chair), Megan Collmus, Brittany Faulkner, Jessica Urbon, and Meredith Stankiewicz.
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A major shoutout to the Reflections Contest winners and participants. Five 1st place winners will be advancing to the County level Reflections Contest. Best of luck to the students! Thank you to our wonderful Coordinator, Daphne Huber, and the judges, Mrs. Bartlett (school librarian), Mrs. Kenely (school reading teacher), Mrs. Andrianne Konstas (HV Parent & Artist), and Mrs. Syahidah Osman (HV Parent & Artist) for volunteering in taking on these important roles and making this year’s inaugural Reflections Contest a success.
The 2025 Science Fair is officially accepting applications. If you are interested in participating in the science fair or have questions, please reach out to Tori Whyte at ScienceFair@huntvalleypta.org. More details are below.
If you need anything, please reach out to President@huntvalleypta.org or info@huntvalleypta.org.
Sincerely,
Iris Stoyanov
Hunt Valley PTA President
PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link
Make it even easier by bookmarking the link above!
Use the bookmark every time you shop on Amazon, and keep supporting Hunt Valley PTA with every purchase.
Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping!
Hey Hunt Valley community! 📢 Ready to shop till you drop and support our awesome school staff with classroom needs, general gifting, and PTA events at the same time? 🌟
We’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you! By using our Amazon Affiliate link, you can turn your regular shopping into a powerhouse of support for our PTA. 🛒✨ Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing students. 🎉🎓
It’s simple:
1. Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)
2. Shop as you normally would.
3. Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃
📌 Bookmark and Support! 📌
Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛
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Teacher and Staff Appreciation Donations
Stock the Teacher's Lounge: The Hospitality Committee is collecting donations to stock the Teacher's Lounge for our wonderful staff. Please see the SignUp Genius for items needed.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44ADAB2DABFE3-53314528-teachers
On December 16, we will be hosting the 3rd annual Sweet Shoppe, and we need bakers! Please see the Sign Up Genius for information.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44ADAB2DABFE3-53427713-2024
Save the Date: Hunt Valley Winter Food Drive (Dec 2-12, 2024)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448AEA72AA0F94-53658536-hves#/
Save the Date: Whiteboard Donation Drive (Dec 2-13, 2024)
For checks, please make it payable to Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA with memo line: Whiteboards. You can turn it in to the teacher or contact info@huntvalleypta.org to arrange pick-up.
Here’s the donation link on Givebacks using a credit card: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1135063
Science Fair 2025
Parent and teacher volunteers needed! Please email ScienceFair@huntvalleypta.org. Participants will receive a certificate of recognition
Schedule of Events:
Feb 6 (5:30 pm - 6:30 pm): Parents drop off projects
Feb 7 (9:05 am - 7:30 pm): Projects displayed in gym
Feb 7 (10:00 am - 3:30 pm): Classes will visit the exhibit
Feb 7 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) : Exhibit is open for parents and families
Feb 7 (7:30 pm - 8:00 pm): Pick up projects
Feb 7 (8:00 pm - 8:30 pm): Clean up
Winter Session Afterschool Program Classes Enrollment Open and Parent Volunteers needed!
*Every after-school program requires a parent volunteer. If a parent volunteer is not identified, the program will be cancelled.*
Parent Volunteer Duties
- Attend all sessions; even if your child is absent (or arrange for a substitute)
- Be inside the school’s lobby under the TV by 3:50pm to receive the after school program kids (For Lango’s morning class, be at the front doors by 8:05am to receive students)
- Account for all children by taking attendance, comparing the attendance list with the absentee list at the front office (Lango class not applicable), and calling the parent(s) if a kid is missing who should be there. An information sheet with sign ups & parent’s phone numbers will be provided before the start of the program
- Assist during the class
- At the end of the class, hand over each kid to their parents after having them sign out and checking IDs (For Lango’s morning class, escort each student to their morning class at 9:05am)
Parent Volunteer Perk! The full program fee will be returned to the volunteer at the end of the program (except for Lango; they will reimburse $40 to the parent volunteer)
How do I sign up? https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA4A62AA5F4C61-53849197-winter/55558246#/
MONDAY Kaizen Karate ($115/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (8 weeks)
Grades K - 6 | Dates: Jan 13 - March 03 (no class Jan 20, Feb 10, 17, Mar 10)
This popular class is a disciplined introduction to sport. Your child will learn the beautiful art of karate while gaining safety and defensive skills in a respectful environment.
Register by Jan 3rd: http://www.kaizenfitnessusa.com/
MONDAY Ethereal free thinkers ($120/child) 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm | (6 weeks)
Grades 5 and 6 | Dates: Jan 13 - March 17 (no classes Jan 20, Feb 10, 17, Mar 10)
In this class students will express emotions that are difficult to describe in other ways. This will process and communicate their thoughts and feelings. They will build literacy skills like reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, and storytelling.
Register by Jan 3rd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfX-p8XiupKRX-27wAROKCMSP-EPW_qYwgRlvJIp8OzVeFtlw/viewform
TUESDAY Pickleball ($180/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (9 weeks)
Grade K – 6 | Dates: Jan14 – March 11 (no missed days)
TGA's action-packed pickleball enrichment programs are perfect for beginners and more experienced students to develop their skills and have fun learning about the sport in a safe and supportive environment.
Register by Jan 3rd : https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/tgat-hunt-valley-elementary-school-wednesday-4-15-pm-y-0-m-y-m
TUESDAY Comic Crafters ($193/child) 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm | (9 weeks)
Grades 3 - 4 | Dates: (Jan 14 - March 11) (no missed days)
Students will share their real- world experience as comic creators to outline exactly what it takes to successfully tell stories in a graphic format. This will develop composition techniques through visual and verbal connection. This program will also enrich reading, writing and thinking ability.
Register by Jan 3rd : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYmpgqP6Qn5NHjFpLdtfr4zI7hMCXE3GPf639nglBUjqJz-A/viewform?usp=sf_link
WEDNESDAY Golf ($250/child)| 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (10 weeks)
Grade K – 6 |Dates: Jan 15 – March 12 (no class on Jan 29)
TGA's action-packed golf enrichment programs are perfect for beginners and more experienced students to develop their skills and have fun learning about the sport in a safe and supportive environment.
Register by Jan 3rd: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/tgag-hunt-valley-elementary-school-tuesday-4-15-pm-y-0-m-y-0-m
WEDNESDAY CodeFuture ($60/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (9 weeks)
Grades 3 - 6 | Dates: Jan 15 - March 12 (no class on Jan 29)
CodeFuture is a volunteer nonprofit run by students from TJHSST, aims to introduce coding to elementary school students through affordable workshops.
Register by Jan 3rd : https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
THURSDAY Kids In Motion ($154/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (10 weeks)
Grades K - 3 | Dates: Jan 16 - March 13 (no missed classes)
This is a dance fitness class that uses kid friendly songs, choreography, and dance games. This class helps children make friends, get active after school, and love dance fitness!
Register by Jan 3rd: https://www.novakidsinmotion.com/registration/
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FRIDAY Magnus Chess ($168/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (8 weeks)
Grades K - 6 | Dates: Jan 17 - March 7 (no missed classes )
Fun is the name of the game, but Magnus Chess Academy also sneaks in a bit of critical thinking, sportsmanship, and patience into the chess club!
Register by Jan 3rd: www.chessacademy.com
FRIDAY Soccer (135$/child) | 4:15 – 5:15 pm (8 weeks)
Grades K - 6 | Dates: Jan 17 - March 7 (no missed classes)
BBA mission is to passionately serve students, parents, and schools nationwide. They are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience by offering a diverse range of enrichment programs for schools throughout the country.
Register by Jan 3rd: https://bbaafterschool.leagueapps.com/events/4448587-hunt-valley-elementary-soccer-spring-2025
Morning Session (DATES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BELOW)
Lango was established on the belief that every American child should learn a second language. Lango has created a program that would teach kids new languages in a way that they would love through movement, playacting, art and basic conversations.
TUESDAY Lango ($170/child) | 8:15 am – 9:05 am (9 weeks)
Grade 3 – 6 | Dates: Jan 17 – March 14 (no missed classes)
Register by Jan 3rd: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
FRIDAY Lango ($170) | 8:15am - 9:05 am (9 weeks)
Grade K - 2 | Dates: Jan 14 – March 11 (no missed classes)
Register by Jan 3rd: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
In School Assembly Is Back! January 8, 2025
The PTA is proud to partner with the school and bring back the first assembly since the pandemic. Many thanks to the school Admins – Ms. Hightower, Mrs. Gibbs, and Mr. Kopaz along with school representative Mrs. Rafle to make this happen. This is a show that you don’t want your students to miss out. Details are below:
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Hunt Valley 2nd Annual Scripps Spelling Bee
Register your child for the Scripps National Spelling Bee at Hunt Valley! The 2025 Hunt Valley Scripps Spelling Bee is open to all Kindergarten - Grade 6 students and will be held at Hunt Valley Cafeteria on Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00–8:00 p.m. All interested students must register in advance for the Bee and will receive a word study list. The winner will advance to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee.
Register here: https://forms.gle/nVwaKyHUjTukgpkf9
Please encourage people to enroll! Last year we had roughly 30 participants.
As of 12/9, only 16 students are registered. Final day to register is Jan 31, 2025.
Call for Judges
We need 3 judges for this event. It is a one-time commitment. The judges simply follow along in the list of given words and give a thumbs up if a word is spelled correctly. If you are available the evening of Feb. 28 and your child is not participating in the Bee, we’d love to have your help at the Judges’ table. Please email me to volunteer.
Questions: Email spellingbee@huntvalleypta.org
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*Updated Hunt Valley School Staff Favorites List!
The PTA has been working behind the scenes to collect teacher and staff favorites to make it easier for those looking for gift ideas to show appreciation for our amazing teachers and staff. We've collected a list of their favorite things—whether it's a preferred snack, drink, or even a favorite color! These little insights can help you personalize your gifts and make them extra special. The list can be found on our PTA Website: https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=7056
Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
*Please note: This list only includes staff that have completed the survey.
New Garden Club Sponsored by Mrs. Rafle
If you are interested in registering your child and/or volunteering to support the Garden Club, please reach out to Mrs. Rafle (mfrafle@fcps.edu) and PTA (info@huntvalleypta.org).
HVES STEAM LAB Needs Your Recyclables!
Boundary Review Advisory Committee (BRAC)
● Suzanne Dickey and Cory Cress (cress.cd@gmail.com) have been selected to be on the Boundary Review Advisory Committee for the West Springfield High School Pyramid.
● The FCPS BRAC page is located here: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/maps/2024-2026-boundary-review/superintendents-boundary-review-advisory-committee.
● Subscribe to the FCPS BRAC newsletter here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new?topic_id=School_Boundary_Review.
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PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.
Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email info@huntvalleypta.org with questions.
School Directory Information: COMING SOON!
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General Information & Communication
Volunteer Opportunities
We depend on our parent volunteers!
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Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at volunteer@huntvalleypta.org to join the mailing list for volunteers.
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The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:
● Spring 2025 Book Fair Coordinator (March 17-21, 2025)
● Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)
● Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)
PTA Website!
Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you mostly need in one place:
● Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.
● Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.
● Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.
● Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.
Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community!
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If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to info@huntvalleypta.org.
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Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group
Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better!
Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group
You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!
PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!
The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:
● Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.
● Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.
Thank you for your continued support!
● Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.
● Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.
● Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.
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For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.
Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA
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As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:
● Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter
● Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings
● Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events
● Tax Deduction
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Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at info@huntvalleypta.org
For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website
If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email President@huntvalleypta.org
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