Garfield ES - Eagle Express

Eagle Express


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GES Kindness Week

Mark Your Calendars

  • February 10 - 3 Hour Early Release Monday 
  • February 10-14th - Kindness Counts Spirit Week 
  • February 17 - President's Day Holiday, No School
  • February 28 - Dance Assembly, 2:30pm 

Every Day Counts at Garfield!

GES LOGO

Help us reach our goal of 6% absenteeism or less this year!

At Garfield Elementary, our goal is to keep chronic absenteeism WAY below 15% because attendance directly impacts student success. Fairfax County Public Schools tracks this to ensure students are in school regularly, building strong academic foundations and social connections.

When too many students miss school frequently, it affects learning, resources, and overall school performance.  We are working hard to encourage regular school attendance.

Chronic Absenteeism

 

We love having your children at school all year--however, our chronic absenteeism numbers are rising--which means we are missing many students! ❄️ Winter weather, illnesses, and other challenges, can make it hard to get to school, but daily attendance is key to helping students stay engaged and connected.

Here are some steps to keep our Garfield Eagles healthy and in school:

  1. Have backup plans for getting your children to school.
  2. If your child is sick, consult with the school nurse or a medical provider.
  3. If anxiety is a concern, talk to your child’s teacher, nurse, or counselor.
  4. Encourage good hygiene habits like handwashing.
  5. Dress your children warmly for the cold weather.
  6. Promote healthy habits like sleep, nutritious foods, and exercise.

We are here to support you! If you need help, resources, or advice, call us at 703-923-2900. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students healthy and in school!

Together, let’s make every day count!


📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meeting:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.


SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!


📈VA SOL Summary

Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.


🧸 Kindergarten Registration:
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Kindergarten Orientation in the Spring. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Sarah Rothman, our school registrar, at 703-923-2900.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account


Parent Information Lines

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.


Budget


Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.


FLYER

Quick Links


YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Garifield Principals

We are in this together!!  We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with your family this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. Please contact us when there is a question or concern. Thank you for your support and being part of our team!

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal,  Klpeerman@fcps.edu
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, eamanning1@fcps.edu