Weekly Message

4th grade

Focused learning in action! Students in Ms. Joskow's class work in small groups to grow their skills and confidence.  


reminder

EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY

Students will be dismissed on                  Wednesday, September 17 at 1:00PM              unless you have indicated childcare hardship.


family liaison

New Parents’ Orientation

Ji-Eun Kastner, OES Family Liaison

September 19

| 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Library

Topics Covered:

Welcome and Introductions – Brief introduction of Family Liaison and role in supporting families.

  1. Stay Connected – How to receive school updates – Ways to communicate with staff
  2. Attendance – Reporting absences and tardies – Early dismissal procedures
  3. Transportation – School bus routines – Kiss & Ride drop-off/pick-up guidelines
  4. Parent Accounts – Overview of ParentVUE – TalkingPoints and other parent access tools
  5. Additional Information – Helpful resources – Supports available for families

Questions & Answers


Barksdale Picture Day

Fall Picture Day

Thursday, September 18

Picture Day order forms will be sent home next week.  You can order online or by returning the order form with cash or check on picture day.  Once you receive your child’s photo packet you will also have another chance to order pictures online.


aap

Advanced Academic Updates

AAP Information Session: Interested in learning about advanced academic services, AAP referral and screening processes, and AAP transitions to middle school?  Our Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART), Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer will lead an Advanced Academic Program information session on

Monday, September 29 from 5-6pm in the school library.   

Ability Testing Retakes: Parents of children in 3rd – 6th grade can request a one-time retake of either the CogAT or NNAT.  If you would like to request a retake, please email Mrs. Holzinger by September 30.  Due to new abilities testing in FCPS, the NGAT (Naglieri General Abilities Test) will be administered in place of a CogAT or NNAT retake. 

Full-Time AAP Screening Windows: The Fall FT AAP Screening is available for Gr. 3-6 students who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2025.  The deadline for submitting a referral is October 15.  Families can find referral forms for full-time AAP services at this link:  https://www.fcps.edu/node/38893.  Please contact AARTs, Ellen Donnelly, ejdonnelly@fcps.edu or Christine Neubauer, cmplagataneu@fcps.edu for more information.  Referral forms can be emailed to AARTs (preferred) or delivered to the office.  Please email both AARTs to confirm receipt.

The Spring FT AAP Screening is available for Gr. 2-6 students.  The deadline for submitting a referral is December 15.


clothing donations

Donations Needed

Do you have any new or slightly used pants for Kindergarten - Grade 2 boys and girls?  Would you be willing to donate new underwear for boys and girls (size small).  We are in need of pants and underwear for health room emergencies.


Providence Day

Don’t Miss Out!

Providence Day & Back to School Celebration

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025

🕔 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

📍 George C. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

Join us for a fun-filled day with performances by the Vienna Singing Princesses, Drew Blue Shoes, and local Providence talent, plus activities for all ages like arts and crafts, bingo, cornhole, and a visit from some adorable furry friends!

This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful chance to celebrate our community, highlight local organizations and businesses, and bring together students, families, and neighbors from across the Providence District. It’s the perfect opportunity to gear up for a successful school year and a festive way to kick off the fall season. RSVP TODAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/providence-day-back-to-school-celebration-tickets-1560093284009


Fall Extracurricular Programs PTA

chess club

Penny Wars

PTA Movie Night

Pre-Order Pizza HERE


read a thon

bit.ly/OESREADS2025


Skate Night October

Our first Skate Night is October 10! Doors open 7:30 pm. Older and younger siblings welcome. Presale skating passes available online for $11, and presale ends at 12pm on 10/10. Skating passes at the door will cost $13.

Purchase Pre-Sale Skating Passes HERE

The theme is OAKTON SPIRIT, so we welcome students and parents to wear your OES spirit gear! We will also have some limited spirit wear available to look at and purchase that night. Purchase spirit wear ahead of time at https://oaktonespta.givebacks.com/shop?category=25118 

We NEED volunteers for this event! Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4FADAD2BABFB6-58445140-skate


Upcoming dates for OES:

September 17 - EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY, Students dismissed @ 1:00PM

September 18 - Picture Day

September 19 - New OES Parent Orientation with Family Liaison, Ji-Eun Kastner - OES Library, 10:00-11:00AM

September 22-26 - Penny Wars

September 23 - No School - Rosh Hashanah

September 26 - PTA Movie Night "Sing" - OES Field, 7:20PM

September 29 - AAP Parent Information Session - OES Library, 5:00-6:00PM

October 6-30 - OES Read-a-Thon

October 10 - Skate Night, Reston SkateQuest, 7:30-9:30PM