Bingo Night - A Wonderful Time!
Thanks to the PTA - Jackie Chow and Rachel Orellana, Alyssa Densham and Jenny Gregory!! The engagement and fun was shared by all! Simply a wonderful time!
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
April 28 - Three Hour Early Release (call the office with any changes)
April 29 - Sixth Grade Pano Picture
April 29 - Longfellow Spring Open House 6 - 7 p.m.
May 3 - Spring Spectacular Fun Run and 5K and volunteer sign up!
May 4 - Grounds Sprucing, Planting and Cleaning Up! (More info. to come)
May 5 - 9 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day (see sign up below)
May 6 - 20 - Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing - see the chart below
May 7 - Bike/Walk/Roll to School - Get a treat and sign the banner!
May 14 - Band Concert 5:30 p.m.
May 21 - Strings Concert 5:30 p.m.
June 3 - Chorus Concert 5:30 p.m.
June 5 - Field Day Grades K-5 (sign up here)
June 6 - Volunteer Breakfast (8:00 a.m. More info to follow)
June 9 - Kindergarten Performance 9:15 a.m.
June 10 - 6th Grade Field Day 9:15 - 11:00 and Celebration 1:00 p.m.
June 11 - Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Release
2024-25 FCPS School Calendar
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
We had a busy week filled with learning, second grade field trips, Earth Week, and Bingo Night to name a few events.
We are looking forward to a wonderful Fun Run 5k and a 1k following it on Saturday, May 3rd. We do have teachers walking/running - we would love to see you out there albeit for a short time as we realize that there are many soccer and baseball activities. Sign up here! Here is the link to volunteer!
Come early for our pre-race warmup with local elite running club, Virginia House of Speed, and stay after for a post-race stretch with KGES parent and yoga instructor, Anahita Reilly! Local running groups and vendors will be on site and we are SO excited to welcome Anna Sudha Community Kitchen who will be providing food during the event! Their goal is to spread love through food and every dollar you spend will go to help them provide meals to shelters across Northern Virginia!
We do have a 3 hour early release on Monday, April 28th. Please call the office with any changes.
Thanks as always for your support!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
SOL Testing Calendar Below!
Earth Week!
We wore spirit wear and also cleaned up our school grounds! Thanks for your support - let's make earth day - every day!!
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 and Intention
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.
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 took place on March 21st. Here is the link to review the slide deck.
Green Day ~ Earth Day!
Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Purpose. Purpose means having beliefs about the meaning of life and feeling that your life has a purpose. It’s about wanting to be part of something bigger than yourself. People with a sense of purpose believe they are here for a reason. That reason can be different for everyone — it might be inventing something new, bringing joy through art or music, or raising kind and responsible children.
Having a clear purpose helps people stay strong and courageous, even in difficult times. It also encourages them to act with kindness and love, even when it’s hard. When people feel connected to something greater, their lives have more meaning and fulfillment.
To practice and encourage the character strength of purpose 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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Unity Day!
Our Unity Team visited McLean HS and asked questions on their work and planned forward! It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other!
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Longfellow ~ Rising 7th Grader Updates
We invite all Rising 7th Grade and new FCPS families to join us for Longfellow Middle School’s Spring Open House on Tuesday, April 29th, from 6:00–7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to tour the school, meet staff, and ask any questions as you prepare for the 2025–26 school year. We look forward to welcoming you!
Save the Date! Jump Start is an opportunity for students to learn more about middle school and meet other students before the school year begins. Jump Start dates are August 4-7. Students choose to attend during Session 1 (Monday & Tuesday) or Session 2 (Wednesday & Thursday) from 8:30 - 12:00 each day. Further details forthcoming regarding the registration process! If you have any questions feel free to contact our After-School Specialist, Lavina Gangwani-Colaco - lkgangwanico@fcps.edu.
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Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.
With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Advanced Math 6 and an advanced pass in the SOL Math 7 are required for consideration for Algebra I. There are no requirements for Math 7 Honors such that students in Math 6 may sign up for Math 7 Honors or Math 7.
Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity. Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage.
News from Shelley Lowinger - Parent Liaison
💜Military-Connected Family Support
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.
Visit the FCPS Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email the FCPS Family and School Partnerships team.
Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten - We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.
Literacy Resources for Families - FCPS has created a literacy resource page for families as we have embarked on a new Benchmark curriculum. Families may access these resources here. Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher if you have specific literacy questions.
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas - Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs. Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
McLean Pyramid Book Talk: Learn Like A Pro
We enjoyed presenting and chatting with parents about Learn Like a Pro - which provided strategies for both parents and students to support learning, growth and independence. Here is our slide deck! We hope to offer additional sessions in the future.
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Red Day! Climate Change Day
SEL Screener: Parent Reports
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported. Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Survey Available ~ School Health Services
The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5. School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff provide care for students who become sick or injured during the school day, who require medications during the school day, and/or who have a chronic health condition that requires management during the school day.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award - Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved. Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage to access the nomination information form.
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 meeting is May 16 at 9 am. in the cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you there!
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PTA Meeting ~ Robin Lady
We were joined by Robin Lady, Dranesville District Representative at the most recent KG PTA meeting on 4/25. She shared information regarding her current work with the school board. Pictured to the left is her QR code to sign up for her newsletter and here is a link.
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 Teacher Appreciation Week Is Coming Soon!
Teacher Appreciation Week will be May 5 - 9th this year. There’s no place like Kent Gardens, and we’re thrilled to celebrate teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. The PTA will be treating KG staff to a mix of breakfasts, lunches, and fun surprises all week long—but here’s how students and families can get involved, too! To help make this week a success, the PTA needs YOU!
Below is a schedule for the week. Remember- participation is completely optional! Do whatever works best for you and your family.
MONDAY, MAY 5th: Bring in a note of appreciation! Your student, or you, can write/draw a note of appreciation and hand it to your teacher today!
TUESDAY, MAY 6th: Bring in 1 flower! Bring 1 flower and drop it at the front table when you arrive at school. The flowers will be arranged into beautiful bouquets—one for each teacher to take home and enjoy! (Volunteer to help arrange flowers HERE).
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7th: Bring in a favorite thing! Room parents will be sharing a list of each teacher’s favorite things—like snacks, plants, or supplies (and class-matched specialist!). Feel free to send in a small item, have your child draw a picture of one of their teacher’s favorite things, or simply share a smile—because that might just be everyone’s favorite thing!
THURSDAY, MAY 8th: Wear your teacher’s favorite color! (or KG spirit wear!) Wear your teacher’s favorite color to show your appreciation—room parents will share it with you! KG Spirit Wear or your class shirt are great options too.
FRIDAY, May 9th: Room parents will give a group gift to your HR teacher from the Class Funds
Your support helps make our teachers and staff feel seen, valued, and celebrated—thank you! Feel free to contact Kelly Chapman with questions at kellypcscrima@gmail.com.
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!
 Join us on May 3rd at 9am for our 'May the 4th Be with You 5k' (3-4-5) and Fun Run! Dress is your best costume to battle the Dark Side and use the Force to leave no Jedi behind as you run through the streets of McLean!
This year, we're adding an additional element of competition to our popular 5k! The grade with the MOST registrations in the 5k will receive a special prize! Medals will be offered for the top 3 female and male finishers in each 5k age group and the 1st place female and male finisher in each 5k age group will receive a gift card to PR Running with special awards for the top 3 female and male overall finishers!
Come early for our pre-race warmup with local elite running club, Virginia House of Speed, and stay after for a post-race stretch with KGES parent and yoga instructor, Anahita Reilly! Local running groups and vendors will be on site and we are SO excited to welcome Anna Sudha Community Kitchen who will be providing food during the event! Their goal is to spread love through food and every dollar you spend will go to help them provide meals to shelters across Northern Virginia!
Not up for the 5k (3.1 miles)? No worries. We'll run our annual non-chipped 1k Fun Run at 10am! 5K Registration is $30 through Race Day, but registrations after April 26 are not guaranteed a performance t-shirt. Fun Run is $20 through Race Day. May the course be with you! Register today!
We need volunteers to help make this event a success! Sign-up genius is here!
Animal/Botanic/Stuffie Day !~ Earth Week
Students came prepared to recognize our last spirit day! We had a fabulous week!
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