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Kings Park Families,

Last week, we celebrated Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day. It was wonderful to see so many students being active on their way to school, including our very own King Spark! We also welcomed many kindergarten families to our Morning Meeting event - what a joy it was to see families and students engaging, smiling, and building connections together. Second grade families, your Morning Meeting event is coming up this Friday! Today’s newsletter also includes information about upcoming Preschool Morning Meeting dates.

Another source of excitement last week was the proud presence of our Cub Patrols during dismissal. These third-grade students are excellent role models, demonstrating responsibility and care as they help keep our students safe. Their dedication and leadership make a positive difference in our school community.

Mrs. Dotty Lin, Mrs. Jenn Burke and Mrs. Anna Kaplan

In this edition:

• 10/14 Attendance Update
• 2nd Grade Morning Meeting this Friday, October 17th
• Preschool Morning Meeting and Work Time/Learning Centers
• RSVP for Kings Park’s Thanksgiving Luncheon - November 21st
• Early Release Wednesday - October 29th
• Benchmark Unit 2
• Outstanding Employee Awards
• School Lunch Week
• October Community Boundary Review Meetings
• PTA News and Updates
• Important Dates 

Join Us for a Morning Meeting, Attendance Matters and AAP Information Session

📅2nd Grade Morning Meeting this Friday, October 17th, 8:30am-9:50am.

Visit your child’s classroom to experience first-hand how Morning Meeting plays a critical role in your child’s day. Then, stay to hear about FCPS’s Advanced Academics program with Kings Park’s Advanced Academics resource teacher, Jamie Mucciolo. 

Guardians are encouraged to participate on the following dates/times assigned by grade level:

Preschool Morning Meeting and Work Time/Learning Centers

Come experience two essential parts of your preschooler’s day: Morning Meeting and Work Time. You’ll also hear a brief presentation from Kings Park’s administration about school routines and ways to support your child’s literacy.

• Cord/Teraoka Flyer 
• Ames/Catalano/Rowland Flyer
• Pulisic/Pfannenbecker Flyer

Kings Park’s Thanksgiving Luncheon

Families are invited to join their student(s) (Preschool - 3rd Grade) for a festive lunch on Friday, November 21st. The Thanksgiving Luncheon schedule can be found here. The cafeteria will serve a Thanksgiving meal with turkey. A vegetarian option will also be available.

Let us know you’re coming! RSVPs are requested by Friday, October 24th, to ensure we have enough food for everyone: tinyurl.com/kpesthanks. We’re so thankful for our Kings Park families and look forward to celebrating together. 

Spanish Flyer

Spanish RSVP

Early Release Wednesday - October 29th

Kings Park’s next 3-hour Early Release Wednesday is Wednesday, October 29th. Dismissal plan reminders will be sent via TalkingPoints this week. Dismissal changes must be made by 12:00pm on Friday, October 24th to ensure student safety. 

📚 Uncovering Characters in Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 2 in Language Arts is about why characters matter. Students in K-5 will be learning about different characters, and how they shape stories and face challenges. Grade six students will learn about how characters are changed and inspired by others. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

• Question: How does the way you act change the way people think about you?
• Activity: Pretend you are a talk show host and interview your child as if they are the main character of their favorite book.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website. 

Outstanding Employee Awards  Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Kings Park Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please click on the title and you will be taken to the appropriate form. You may nominate an employee in one or more categories. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in two or more criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below. The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, October 29th.  If you have any questions, please contact Beth Beavers at EKBeavers@fcps.edu.  Outstanding Teacher: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); Specialists (Librarians, music, art, and PE teachers) are included in this category.  Outstanding New Teacher: Within their first three years of being a teacher (in any school/school district); Specialists (Librarians, music, art, and PE teachers) are included in this category.  Outstanding Principal: Has at least three years experience as a building principal (in any school/school district). Outstanding Leader:  At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal).  Common positions in this category: Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Director of Student Services, Director of Student Activities. Outstanding Operational Employee: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee. Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons, and hourly employees with at least 20 hours/week. Outstanding Professional Employee: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership.  Common positions in this category: School-based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Advanced Academic Resource Teachers, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, and Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school.

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services has printable menus available. 

October Community Boundary Review Meetings FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting on Monday, October 27th, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, at Irving Middle School, (Lake Braddock and West Springfield Pyramids) in person or virtual. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate. At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the West Springfield Pyramid. Participants will also be invited to ask questions. If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings.  Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.

KP/KG PTA News and Events

PTA News and Updates

We’re looking for student-created artwork for the KP Yearbook Cover!  Submissions are due this FRIDAY, October 17th. Please see the flyer for a complete list of rules.

The Spirit Wear Store will be opening soon. Check our website for updates!

We are looking forward to seeing you at our FREE Nature Event at Hidden Pond on Wednesday, October 15th at 5 pm.  There are a few student spots left! Sign-up today! 

Head to Chipotle (6230 Rolling Rd) from 4-8PM on October 21st for our Spirit Night.  Use code 8NK64CZ online or show the flyer and 25% of event sales will be donated to the KP/KG PTA. 

We will be hosting a FREE Virtual Tiny Chefs Class on October 24th at 6:30 pm. Students will be making Spider Web Sugar Cookies. Please register your student today! A complete list of ingredients will be emailed to you the week prior to the event.

Join the PTA.  We hope all members of the KP/KG community will consider joining the PTA this school year. It is a wonderful way to stay connected and build a welcoming and supportive community. Join today on our website!

Keep in Touch with the PTA.  A great way to keep in touch with the PTA is to subscribe to our emails and/or join our Facebook group. Our website also features an updated PTA events calendar.  

Important Dates: October 15th: PTA Nature Event at Hidden Pond October 17th: 2nd Grade Morning Meeting, Attendance and AAP Event, 8:30am-9:50am October 20th: Diwali Holiday (no school for students and staff) October 21st: PTA Spirit Night at Chipotle October 24th: 3rd Grade Morning Meeting, Attendance and AAP Event, 8:30am-9:50am October 29th: 3-hour Early Release Wednesday October 31st: Book Character Day; 2-hour Early Release, End of the Quarter   November 3rd and 4th: No School for Students November 5th: Picture Day

5400 Harrow Way Springfield, VA 22151 | Main Office: 703-426-7000
Attendance: 703-426-7070 | Web | Twitter