Building Community and Keeping Our School Clean!
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
March 3 - 28 ~ March Picture Book Madness - Read and vote each week!
March 5 - Spring Picture Day - Student Individual Pictures! We need two volunteers per slot and it's ideal if the volunteer can stay the entire shift. Sign up here!
March 3 - 7 - Read Across America - Spirit Week! See below !
March 7 - McLean schools' FCPS staff take on Harlem Globe Trotters! (Leigh Avery and Stephen Firebaugh) 7 pm start time; doors open 6 pm. Buy your tickets TODAY before they sell out!
March 4 - 16 - McLean Pyramid Youth Art Show - Reception 4:30 - 6 p.m. on March 6th - See below....
March 10 - 14 - Spring Book Fair
- Parents and Pastries March 11 - 8 - 8:45 am
- Family Night March 12 - 5 - 6:30 p.m. (same as Literacy Night)
March 12 - Literacy Night 5 - 6:30 p.m. Middle or high schooler volunteer? Here is a link - thanks for spreading the word!
March 17 - Three Hour Early Release
March 21 - Yearbook Order Deadline 3/21 - code 21772 -Have you ordered
March 21 - Kent Gardens' Washington Wizards game - link here!
March 21 - Kindergarten Parent Virtual Orientation - 8 am. (Sign Up Here)
March 25 - Author Candace Fleming will join us! Order here!
March 27 - PTA Meeting with Guest Speaker - Mary Smith 7 p.m. (See info. below!)
April 1 - Rising Parent and Student Kindergarten Tours - 2 p.m. (Sign up here)
April 9 - Purple Up Day! Order a t shirt here from FCPS.
May 3 - Spring Spectacular Fun Run and 5K
2024-25 FCPS School Calendar
February ~ Love the Bus Month ♥
We shared our appreciation of our school bus drivers!!
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
So many activities coming up this month. Check out the dates above and note the following:
Our Spelling Bee was very competitive and we are impressed by our students' abilities. We wish our finalist the best in the state competition. This weekend, our Science Olympiad team made State Finals at the regional meet. Thanks for all the parental support for both of these events.
This month, we have March Book Madness - vote every week! In addition, it is Spirit Week for Read Across America - dress up and enjoy!
Our art teachers reached out to some of our students, please do enjoy the McLean Youth Art Show! The pyramid art work will be highlighted. See the information below for additional information.
In addition, March is Women's History Month. We will wear spirit wear every Friday of this month. This week, we combined with our Literacy Spirit Week.
Last but not least, it is Social Worker Appreciation Week - let's show some love to Sophia Moncrieffe! Thanks as always for your support!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Join Us in Read Across America Spirit Week!
March 3 - 7 Dress up each day and read! #kgpride #StrongerTogether #WeAllBelong
March Picture Book Madness
This challenge will last the month of March! Join us in reading and enjoying the books. Click on this link to have access to the books and vote! We will vote every week for the month of march! Get ready to dive into the First Annual Kent Gardens March Madness Reading Challenge Book Tournament Bracket! Each round, books will face off, and your votes will determine which book moves forward until only two finalists remain.
🔹 Round 1: Vote by Monday, 3/10
🔹 Round 2: Vote by Monday, 3/17
🔹 Round 3: Vote by Monday, 3/24
🔹 Round 4 (Finals!): Vote by Monday, 3/31
📢 How to Vote: Links for each new round will be shared via News You Choose and Schoology after votes from the previous round are tallied. 📖🎉 Join us in the reading madness and help crown this year’s champion book! Let the tournament begin! Click here to have access. #kgpride #StrongerTogether #WeAllBelong
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Literacy Night! March 12th 5 - 6:30 p.m.
We are looking forward to Literacy Night on March 12th. We have the Book Fair, karaoke, book estimating, KG Ted Talks and more! Come enjoy the evening - our teachers will be there as well with fun activities!
Do you know a middle or high schooler that would like to volunteer? Here is a link - thanks for spreading the word!
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McLean Pyramid Youth Art Show
March is Youth Art Month - Join our fabulous art teachers at the reception March 6 from 4:30 - 6 pm. The reception is open March 4 - 16 4:30 - 6 pm. and also on March 9 1 - 4 pm. Enjoy viewing KG students art work at McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean VA. Check out link here.
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Student Intentions - 2025-26 School Year
Please indicate your child(ren)'s intention for the next school year if you are moving or will attend another school. One form should be completed for each child ONLY if you are moving or will attend another school. This input will support our staffing and planning for the next school year. This information is non binding but will simply be used to plan. If you are returning, you do NOT need to complete this form. The link to the form is here.
Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 30, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming year. Registration paperwork can be downloaded at this link. Once you have completed the paperwork and gathered the required documents, please come into the front office to meet with our registrar, Annie Joseph.
Alternatively, you can now choose to use online registration tool. If you choose the online option, you will then have to come into the office with the child’s original birth certificate, your proof of residence (deed/lease) and your ID. You can contact Annie Joseph to coordinate a convenient time.
Rising Kindergarten Student Intention 2025-26
Please complete this form if you have a rising kindergartner and plan on attending Kent Gardens. If you are hopeful to attend, you may complete but please note your status in the form below. We are not using this data for evaluative purposes nor for placement purposes but merely to collect information for the beginning of the school year. All students come in at various levels academically and socially. We are excited for our 2025-26 kindergarten students!
Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting will be through Zoom (link to follow) on March 21st at 8 a.m. Sign up here to receive the link.
The Parent Tour and Kindergarten Student Orientation is on Tuesday, April at 1st 2:00 p.m. (Parents and students attend together) Link is here to reserve your tour time.
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Author Visit ~ Candace Fleming - 3/25
We are thrilled to have author, Candace Fleming, come to KG on March 25! She has written over 50 books with flair for creating stories that capture the hearts of readers of all ages! Ms. Fleming will sign copies of her books for KGES students. To order books in time for signing, use THIS order form and return it to Mrs. Hershey in the library by MARCH 11! Forms received AFTER March 11 cannot be ordered. So many wonderful books!
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Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love of Learning. Love of learning means enjoying the process of learning new things, whether in school or on your own. People with a love of learning are motivated because they find joy in learning itself, not just for rewards like grades or prizes. They are driven by the excitement of discovering and mastering new skills.
Developing a love of learning is important for students because it helps them stay motivated and engaged. It can also improve their mental and physical well-being as they take pride in overcoming challenges and growing.
To practice and encourage the character strength of Love of Learning 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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News from Shelley Lowinger - Parent Liaison
Anxiety in the Context of Autism: What Parents Need to Know - Join Dr. Jonathan Dalton, PhD, founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change as he presents on the critical differences in the treatment of anxiety in Neurotypical (allistic) and Autistic children. The workshop will focus on the differences between fear and dread and why traditional anxiety treatment approaches are often insufficient when treating Autistic youth. Parents will build skills that families can use to help relieve the anxious suffering of their children. Presentation will be held on March 7, 2025 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.Register here
Hypothermia Prevention Program The Hypothermia Prevention Program will run through March 31, 2025. The program ensures no one sleeps outside during winter. Available support includes warm shelter, meals, vital services, and connecting guests to clothing, employment, and housing. Hypothermia Prevention Program Flyer ; Hypothermia Prevention Program Flyer (Spanish)
Purchase Your Purple Up T-Shirt - April is the Month of the Military Child and a time to honor and celebrate the courage and contributions of FCPS military-connect children. Purchase the FCPS Purple UP! T-shirt and / or hoodie between now and March 7th to wear on Purple UP! Day! More info about our Month of the Military Child celebration will be shared soon.
The Safe Community Coalition’s Presentation on Better Sleep, Better Health - The Safe Community Coalition would like to invite you to their free monthly parent discussion group on March 13th at the McLean Community Center at 7:00 p.m. , facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. This month’s topic, Better Sleep, Better Health, delves into the causes and consequences of sleep issues across all ages and their impact on mental health. Strategies will be shared for managing insomnia, reducing stress before bed and creating healthier sleep habits. Contact the Safe Community Coalition directly at info@mcleanscc.org or Michael Fisher at Michael.Fisher@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information and registration information.
Buy the Yearbook Now!
The QR code above and the link is here to purchase the yearbook. Use code 21772. We will close the purchase window March 21, 2025. Buy now to ensure you will have a yearbook for your child(ren)!
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Spelling Bee!
We had so many rounds! Thanks to spelling champions - so much talent! #kgpride #StrongerTogether #WeAllBelong
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Our Equity Team presented on the News Show!
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🥗Student Fasting Meal Kits for Feb 28 - Mar 28
Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.
Science Olympiad Regional Meet
KG students performed well at the Science Olympiad meet in Fredericksburg, VA. They are going to the State Finals (5th year in a row) ~ a shout out to our parent partners and Mr. Shivnen!!
Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
- Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
- A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization. Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.
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An Opportunity to Support!
Some of our past KG students have created this opportunity to 'give back'! We will have box in the lobby. Some ideas include the following: coloring books, crayons, markers, colored pencils, stickers and any crafts to keep the children occupied with some creativity mind!
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This year, our evening PTA Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 7pm. We will have a quick meeting, followed by our guest of honor, Mary Willcox Smith. Ms. Smith is a Parent Coach, Speaker, and Author of the book Small Moments, The MicroStep Method® for the Overwhelmed Parent. Join us while she speaks on The Power of Small: How simple shifts can turn overwhelm into connection and resilience.In this engaging presentation, filled with humor, real-life stories, and transformative insights, you’ll discover how to turn daily struggles into small shifts that spark lasting change—helping you parent with confidence and ease. Parents may submit questions prior to the evening here.
Make a Difference This Year! - Volunteer Opportunities
Spring Book Fair - Here is the link for the schedule and sign up. Please sign up and help support!
Spring Picture Day is Wednesday, March 5. Help us keep this day moving by volunteering for a shift. It's a lot of fun AND volunteers receive a discount voucher in appreciation of their time! Shifts run 850am-1215pm and 1215pm-325pm. We need two volunteers per slot and it's ideal if the volunteer can stay the entire shift. Sign up here!
Interested in helping plan our 2025 5k and fun run? Want to design the t-shirt? Choose the medals? File the permits (you know you want to!)? Coordinate the Volunteers? Maybe you want to find the food trucks? Or DJ the event? Join our planning call via ZOOM on Thursday 2/27 at 7pm. Need the link? Email Event Coordinator Alyssa.
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!
Come Watch the Wizards!
Please join us for Kent Gardens Elementary Night at the Wizards on Friday, March 21st! All purchasers through this special link will receive a discounted ticket price, with a portion of each ticket sold will go back to Kent Gardens Elementary PTA! After the game, join us for a concert by DJ Diesel AKA Shaquille O'Neal! https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Kent25
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Girls on the Run Starts March 3
Registration for Girls on the Run is now open through Feb. 23 at gotrnova.org. Practices begin March 3 and will take place either M/W or Tu/Th between 3:45-5 p.m. We are still looking for one adult coach or practice partner for the Tu/Th team. The kids of parent volunteers are guaranteed a spot in the program and coaches' kids get a registration discount. Please contact Danielle Newman at kges.gotr@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering.
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