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To read this newsletter in other languages, please click on the link below.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, haga clic en el enlace a continuación y elija su idioma.
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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский
 On Purple Up! Wednesday, we celebrated over 150 of our military-connected students. They walked down the "purple carpet" and enjoyed treats. Thank you to all of our military families for your service!
News from the Fox Den
April 11, 2025
A Message from Ms. Consolla
I invite all families to be engaged in the budget process for FCPS. We are at a crossroads: the current Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised budget underfunds Fairfax County Public Schools by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up. Keeping the best teachers requires compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/take-survey-submit-feedback-fy26-budget-proposal
If you have specific questions about the budget, consider attending the in-person community meeting with Dr. Reid on Monday, April 21 at 6:30pm at Mount Eagle ES (about 15 minutes from Fort Hunt, near the Huntington metro).
As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Fort Hunt.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
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Spring Break & Early Release Monday
We will all have spring break during the week of April 14-18. Our school and office will be closed. When we return that Monday, April 21, there will be a 3-hour early release with dismissal at 12:40pm.
Have a safe & restful spring break!
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Yearbook Sales: Deadline Extended to April 21
Mr. Green has been working hard on putting together a wonderful yearbook for Fort Hunt. Order yours today! You can order online using the school yearbook ID code: 14445624. Yearbooks are $18 each. The deadline to order a yearbook has been extended to Monday, April 21. Sometimes there are extras for sale in June, but there is no guarantee. Order now so that you won't be disappointed.
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SOL Testing Schedule
Students in Grades 3-6 will take their end-of-the-year SOL tests in May. The tests are untimed and will begin shortly after arrival. Please review the schedule below. We ask that any appointments be scheduled for non-testing days for your child.
- Thursday, May 8 | Grades 3 & 6 Reading
- Friday, May 9 | Grades 4 & 5 Reading
- Thursday, May 15 | Grade 5 Math
- Friday, May 16 | Grades 3 & 4 Math
- Monday, May 19 | Grade 5 Science
- Tuesday, May 20 | Grade 6 Math
- May 21-23 | Reading Retakes
- May 27-30 | Math/Science Retakes
Kindergarten registration
If you have a child who will be turning 5 by September 30, it's time to begin the registration process. You can find all the required paperwork online here. Your child will need a physical completed, so now is a good time to schedule that if you haven't already done. Ms. Rosa Dobarco, our registrar/student information assistant, is available to answer all your questions and assist with completing requirements.
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 Congratulations to Mr. Bill Hurd, one of our Grade 4 teachers. He was the recipient of the Region 3 FCPS Cares award. Each month, employees across FCPS are nominated by staff and/or families, but only a few are selected. His nominator, Ms. Avery O'Connor said this about him: Bill Hurd’s commitment to the continued success and growth of his students is noticeable the moment you enter his classroom. Bill encourages creativity and making daily connections, both big and small, with all students and staff. I admire his ability to form these connections, especially considering his newer role at Fort Hunt.
We're so proud to have Mr. Hurd here in the Fox Den!
Montessori Program Coming to West Potomac Pyramid: Free spots available
FCPS will offer a new Montessori program in the West Potomac pyramid. The program will begin in the 2025-26 school year, starting with multi-age classrooms at the pre-K and kindergarten levels.
The program will be located at Bucknell Elementary School. Families of 3, 4, and 5 year olds are invited to apply through a lottery process. Eligible families must have a verified residence in the West Potomac pyramid — Belle View, Fort Hunt, Groveton, Hollin Meadows, Hybla Valley, Stratford Landing, or Waynewood elementary schools. The program is free and transportation will be provided.
The Montessori method helps children become curious, creative, and excited to learn for the rest of their lives. In a Montessori classroom, the whole room is set up to help students learn using Montessori-specific hands-on materials. Students have a lot of choice in their learning, which helps them stay motivated and become more independent.
One special feature of the Montessori approach is having children of multiple ages in one classroom. Children learn valuable social skills such as cooperation and empathy through interactions with peers of different ages. Additionally, the multi-age environment allows students to learn at their own pace, while developing a sense of community. The Montessori classroom is carefully organized with hands-on materials, encouraging students to explore and work independently.
The lottery application for the 2025-26 school year Montessori program at Bucknell Elementary School will be available Monday, March 10, through Thursday, May 1, 2025. Families may learn more about the program and apply for the lottery at www.fcps.edu/montessori
Meet With Our Superintendent
Monday, April 21 6:30pm at Mount Eagle ES
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, April 21, Mount Eagle Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (15 minutes from Fort Hunt)
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
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No Cell Phone/Smart Watches Policy
Just a reminder that students may not use their cell phones / smart watches during school hours. Devices should either be in "airplane" mode or turned off during the hours of 8:55 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. Students should not be texting their parents and/or friends during the school day. We ask that parents also not text or call their child during the school day.
In case of illness, students need to be seen in the health room and the health room aide or public health nurse will call you if your child needs to be taken home. Students may not contact parents through their personal cell phones/smart watches to be picked up.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the main office at 703-619-2600 who will send your message to your child.
Review FCPS policy by grade level here.
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A New Way to Check the Lost & Found
Our rack is overflowing with jackets and coats. But it's now organized by COLOR! This makes it easier to locate a missing item. We know that parents may not be able to get to the cafeteria to check it. If you know the color, brand, size of the missing jacket, you can email the description to Ms.Consolla at jtconsolla@fcps.edu, and she'll check for you and/or send a photo.
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What's For Lunch?
If you're looking for what's on the menu, visit the menu here . More information about meals in FCPS can be found here. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.
Families may join their child for lunch on Fridays. You can read about it in our handbook.
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Important Times
Arrive on campus: 8:30am
Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am
Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am
Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
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Important Dates
April 14-18 | Spring Break
Monday, April 21 | 3-hour Early Release day
Monday, April 21 | Field Trip: Grade 6 to Sandburg MS
Tuesday, April 22 | Field Trip
- Grade 1 to Natural History Museum
- Grade 2 to National Zoo
You can access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.
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Get Involved with your PTA
Consider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun at their amazing community events! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Everyone working together makes this a great community. Check out the PTA website for more information.
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Parent/Guardian Handbook
Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator.
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Your Partners in Education
We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Patty Settel, Assistant Principal
pasettel@fcps.edu
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Quick Links
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