Fort Hunt Fox Den News | September 19, 2025


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principals pride

Today we had our first Principals Pride recognition. Thirteen students in grades 3-6 were recognized for showing us what our school vision looks and sounds like where All students will be empathetic and resilient problem solvers prepared to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Next week, we'll welcome our winners from Grades K-2. Congratulations! 


News from the Fox Den

September 19, 2025


A Message from Ms. Consolla

There were about 50 parents who were able to attend the Principals Coffee & PTA meeting on Tuesday. Since that meeting, I was able to get updated information about how to get fingerprinted as a volunteer. You do not have to go to Falls Church to the FCPS Gatehouse building. Another free option is to go to a satellite location called Fieldprint. See the information in the article below.

We are continuing to hum along with a variety of beginning-of-the-year assessments. Parents might be wondering how their child is doing. Assessment results for these tests should be visible in ParentVUE after October 2 (except for kindergarten because their testing window goes longer).

Teachers will begin scheduling parent-teacher conferences where they will discuss these assessment results and ways you can support your child's academic and social learning. In the coming weeks, you should expect to hear from your child's AM teacher to schedule that conference. The PM teacher will collaborate with the AM teacher to make sure you know how your child is doing in the PM class. Please know that these are conferences are a two-way communication: We need to hear from you about what is working for your child and any insights you have. 

As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Fort Hunt. 

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


calendar reminder graphic

No School on Tuesday

School will be closed for all students and staff this coming Tuesday, September 23 in honor of Rosh Hashanah. The following Thursday, October 2 will also be a student/staff holiday for Yom Kippur.


Picture Day is Monday, September 29

All students will have their school picture taken next Monday, September 29. Check your Wednesday Folder for the flier and order form. Extra fliers are available in our front office. If you have any questions, please reach out to our front office team at 703-619-2600.

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yearbook

Take the K-12 School Start Times Survey

FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of starting the middle school day at 8 a.m. or after. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.

Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. That feedback helped in developing two options for adjusting school start times. The options are designed to support student well-being, align with research, and balance transportation logistics.

We invite you to provide input on the two options by taking a short survey. This voluntary survey will close on Tuesday, September 30. Visit the FCPS website for more information on adjusting school start times.


National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Students at Fort Hunt are busy preparing displays you will see in our lobby. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month


hispanic heritage

Stop by the "photo booth" celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in our front lobby. Here is Ms. Sauer and Ms. Settel joining in the fun!


Changes to Parent Volunteer Policies in FCPS

Updated information about satellite locations to get fingerprinted. See below

At Fort Hunt, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students. 

Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.

These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care. 

Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work directly with students in the classroom will also be required to undergo a background check.

As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. 

If you would like to get fingerprinted, you can do so for free at the Gatehouse Administration Building in Falls Church And now there are also satellite locations that offer free fingerprinting for FCPS volunteers. Please utilize this link to access Fieldprint to create an account and schedule your in-person fingerprinting appointment at one of their convenient locations. If you need help creating an account and logging in to Fieldprint, check out this video tutorial or download these directions (PDF).

You can access the volunteer registration page quickly by visiting our Fort Hunt website and scrolling down to the volunteer announcement. See below.

volunteer


pta events

Student Smart Watches and Cell Phones

As a reminder, FCPS is phone-free! For elementary school students, this means:

  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. At Fort Hunt, this begins when students enter the building in the morning.
  • Cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-619-2600. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy.


plastic

We Still Need Your Plastic!

Our Garden Club is sponsoring a bench for Fort Hunt through the collection of plastic bags. You can help!

Deposit clean and dry plastic wrap in the designated bins outside of the library by the front entrance.

Only certain items are eligible: grocery bags, produce bags, Ziploc bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, newspaper sleeves, plastic mailers, bubble wrap, and dry cleaning bags, etc. For more information about what's acceptable, click here:

Acceptable Plastic Bag Items


We are PET-Free on Our Campus

As a reminder, all FCPS campuses, including Fort Hunt, do not allow pets at any time or day of the week. This includes drop-off and afterschool pick-up. It's fine to wait up on the sidewalk on Linton Lane with your pet. This rule is in place to ensure all students feel safe and to keep our grounds clean. Thank you!

pet free

lunch

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 beginning second quarter. You can read about it in our handbook.


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


Important Dates

Tuesday, September 23 | Student Holiday - No School (Rosh Hashanah)

Monday, September 29 | Picture Day

Thursday, October 2 | Student Holiday - No School (Yom Kippur)

Wednesday, October 8 | Advanced Academics Info Meeting 6:30pm on Zoom

Monday, October 13 | Student Holiday - No School (Staff Development Day)

Wednesday, October 15 | Early Release Wednesday dismissal at 12:40pm

Monday, October 20 | Student Holiday - No School (Diwali)

Friday, October 24 | Yearbook cover contest entries due

Friday, October 24 | Fall Fest 5:30-7:30pm

You can access the full 2025-26 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays. 


fox trot

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.  


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. 


principals

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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