Spirit Week!
We had a great week - so much participation! We wore hats, read with our stuffies, wore a favorite sweater and spread some cheer and kindness- we donated over 300 cans to SHARE! Thanks for your generosity! #kgpride
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
Winter break is a time for students to rest, enjoy family time, and reenergize for the new year. It’s also an opportunity to keep their reading skills sharp. We encourage you to spend time reading with your child during the break. This can include reading together, listening to your child read aloud, or even taking turns reading. Every little bit helps to maintain their progress and foster a love of reading.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s education. We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on January 6.
Last week, we began our Ten Days Before Winter Break Spirit Fun! As shown by the pictures, we had great participation. This week we will continue our countdown. Note the schedule below and we wear plaid on Monday!
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
December 16 - 20: Ten Days before Winter Break - Spirit Fun - continued!
- December 16 - Mad for Plaid - wear as much plaid as you can!
- December 17 - Vacation is On - wear your favor vacation clothes!
- December 18 - Highlight the Holidays - Wear attire for a fav holiday!
- December 19 - Winter White Out - Bring on the white and snow!
- December 20 - Jammin' in our Jammies - Wear our PJ's!
December 16: Staff Cookie Exchange - More Info to come!
December 20: Homeroom Class Holiday Celebrations
December 23 - January 3 - Holiday Break - No School
January 6: Students Return to School
January 15: Immersion Information Meeting 5:45 p.m.
January 15: Curriculum Night - Longfellow MS (Rising 7th Graders)
January 16: Band Concert 5:30 p.m.
January 25: Heritage Night 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
January 27: Strings Concert: 5:30PM 4th Grade, 6:15PM 5th & 6th Grades
2024-25 FCPS School Calendar
Heritage Night 1/25
HERITAGE NIGHT has been adjusted and is now on 1/25. After receiving a great deal of feedback and listening to our community, the PTA decided to move Heritage Night to SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH (original date this Saturday, December 7th).
We recognize this time of year is busy for many of our families. In the hustle and bustle, we have found it's hard to give this much loved event the proper showcase. By moving it to January, we hope to increase the participation in this event.
If you had previously signed up, we still look forward to your participation! We will be reaching out to confirm your interest. Please also help spread the word so we can fill our food hall and interactive displays. You can sign up for the event on 1/25 HERE!
We are proud of the rich diversity found within our families and community of Kent Gardens. We look forward to celebrating with everyone after the New Year!
If you have any questions, please contact KGHeritageNight@gmail.com.This annual KGES tradition is a wonderful way to experience all the great cultures that make up our school community! There's a parade, activities, music - and the incredibly popular World Cafe set up in the Kent Gardens cafeteria! Kids can also visit all the countries and get their "passport books" stamped. It's one of our most loved events at KGES!
Volunteers (high school and middle school welcome) are needed to make this event a success. Sign up here!
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Immersion Information Night
FCPS offers DLI programs in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Online lottery application begins on January 13 (8:30 a.m.) for rising kindergarten and first graders dependent upon the school. A SIS account is required to complete the application. If a student is not currently enrolled in FCPS, registration at the base school is required. Please contact Annie Joseph, ajoseph@fcps.edu if you need a create an account and live in our boundary. FCPS does not provide transportation for students who live outside the attendance area of the DLI school. A one-time fee of $100 must be paid upon acceptance of an out-of-boundary placement (see Notice 5922).
Program Sites and Informational Meetings - The dates for various schools are in this link. These schools offer county-wide DLI program enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings. Meetings will be held at the elementary school listed except for the virtual event.
Kent Gardens will have the immersion program interest session on January 15 at 5:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. We will be joined by Beatrix Preusse from the World Languages office. For additional registration information, please visit: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/dual-language-immersionprograms-registration . For general program information: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary/worldlanguages-immersion-programs
Dear Families,
This week, our school will focus on the character strength of Self-Control. Self-control means having the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.Having self-control helps people stay calm during tough times and avoid impulsive actions. It doesn’t mean you don’t have thoughts or feelings; it means you can manage them.
When working or gathering in groups, self-control is shown through “self-monitoring.” This means being honest about what works and what doesn’t. Group members adjust their roles to help the group succeed.
To practice and encourage the character strength of self-control 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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More Spirit Fun!
News from Shelley Lowinger - Parent Liaison
Winter Break is fast approaching! Here is a list of resources for students and families if you need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. These resources include information on academic help, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs. The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun with several exciting holiday happenings. See this list of events across the county here.
The Fairfax County Coordinated Services connects residents to county and community-based services that promote self-sufficiency and enhance well-being. Call (703) 222-0880 and you will be connected with someone who can assess family needs and link them to assistance throughout the year.
The Human Services Resource Guide is a searchable database that contains information on thousands of nonprofit and government services available to Fairfax County residents. Anyone with an Internet connection has 24/7 access to the Human Services Resource Guide, including from mobile devices.
Getting to Know FCPS: A Family Orientation is an interactive seminar providing information about the school system, the importance of family engagement in student achievement and other important information as families acclimate to FCPS. This orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families who are acculturating to the United States. This presentation will be held on December 19 at 6:00 p.m. Registration details can be found here.
Fairfax County Park Authority - Winter class registration is going on now. Check out class offerings in the Parktakes catalog and find registration information here.
Simply Amazing Chorus Concert!
We thoroughly enjoyed the chorus concert - thanks to Ms. Paik and Ms. Lee. The students were well rehearsed and performed so well!
Rising 7th Graders - Curriculum Night
Longfellow Middle School is excited to invite you to our Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event will provide valuable information about Longfellow Middle School and the transition to middle school. Families will have the opportunity to hear from core and elective teachers as they highlight their engaging classes. Students and staff will also be available to answer any questions.
If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming you to Longfellow!
⛄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.
School’s Closed, 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.
⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.
Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.
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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Cookie Exchange - We Need Your Help!
We need your help to make a FANTASTIC Cookie Exchange happen for the hard-working staff at Kent Gardens on Monday, December 16, 2024, 8 AM to 3:30 PM. The creativity in the KGES community is outstanding! We have treated our teachers and staff to Harry Potter themed cookies, gingerbread-dressed cookies, and delectable family recipes that have been handed down over the years. We are so excited to treat our staff to the most creative and tasty Staff Cookie Exchange yet!!!! Of course we need cookies, but we also need volunteers to collect donations at kiss and ride, to help keep the staff lounge tidy, the tables laden with delicious treats, and carafes flowing with hot chocolate!
Click here to sign up
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Make a Difference This Year! - Volunteer Opportunities
12/16 Staff Cookie Exchange Bring in fav cookies to share with teachers and staff members as they ready for the upcoming holiday! Sign up here!
12/20 Class Holiday Celebrations - Your room parent will be reaching out to coordinate!
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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