Fall Festival Fun and Thanks to our PTA/Parents!
We enjoyed our fall festivities - students and staff and parents! We celebrated the fundraising with the parents as a school today as well! We appreciate your support in the classroom! #kgpride
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on your Calendar
November 3 - School Planning Day - No School for Students
November 4 - Election Day and Teacher Workday - No School for Students
November 5 - Parent Coffee 9 - 10 a.m. Overview of Beginning of the Year Assessments - (we will share the slide deck as well with links)
November 6 - Fourth Grade Field Trip - Kennedy Center
November 7 - First Grade Field Trip and Pyramid Chorus Concert 7 p.m. McLean HS
November 10 - Veterans Day Recognition - Link to RSVP - and Third Grade Field Trip - Elpant's Class
November 11 - Veterans Day - School Holiday
November 12 - Three Hour Early Release
November 17 - 21 French National Week (adjusted to give us time to celebrate) More to Come - Spirit Wear and more fun!
November 17 - Third Grade Field Trip Switzer and Smouse
November 20 - Third Grade Field Trip Hinton and Soudee
November 26, 27, and 28 - Thanksgiving Break
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
Thanks for all of your support this past week. We had so many volunteers for Book Club as well as for our Fall Festival. We also enjoyed Movie Night! Our school is successful with your support! We appreciate all that you do!
Thanks for supporting with our Impact Aid - we are at 97% response rate. See information below if you are receiving reminders.
On Wednesday November 5th, we will host a Parent Coffee that will give information regarding beginning of the year assessments and how you as parents can support your child. Please join us at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria. We will share the link to the slide deck for all to view if you are unable to attend.
Thanks to all of our parents for supporting the two early releases - in one week! Most appreciated!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Impact Aid Forms
All enrolling parents need to complete the Impact Aid form for each child. As a reminder, the form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in.
If you believe you have submitted the form but are receiving messages from the office, it could be that you either completed the Online Verification update but not the Impact Aid form or you completed the Federal Impact Aid survey but didn't actually submit the form. Note that 'Completed' can be misleading, please scroll down to click 'Next or Save and Continue' until you see the 'Submit' button. For questions, please contact the Impact Aid office at lmpactAid@fcps.edu or 703-329-7750.Thanks in advance for your support!
SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, at 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, at 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for Kent Gardens Elementary Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link:
The deadline to submit a nomination is November 7, 2025 - If you have any questions, please contact Tia Hawkins, Assistant Principal. You should provide at least one paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category for the following:
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Leader
- Outstanding Professional Employee
- Outstanding Operational Employee
Office Corner
Parent FAQs and Important Office Reminders. We are proud that almost all of our KGES parents are using KGES online forms to submit early checkout, dismissal change and late arrival requests. (KGES Website-Full Menu-Attendance Reporting). Why is it important? KGES online forms include critical info such as special class code, announcement #, room #, parent/guardian contact info & authorization, AM/PM teacher, grade, and request type, etc. It assists school to ensure student safety, and efficiently process your requests, locate and coordinate with teachers, students, and communicate with you if needed. Tips for online requests:
- Submit online forms ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT preferably before 9:30 am to avoid delay or mistake in processing, and unnecessary interruption to test/instruction.
- Add extra note AFTER your child’s name or note section.
- Once you submit online request, no need to email/call teachers/office.
- Use ParentVue to report absence.
Dismissal Change: Consistency is the key to safety! In the event that you have to make a dismissal change or establish a new routine, you must use KGES online forms to submit your Transportation Change request on the day of your needed adjustment - please remind your child in the morning of the change. Add additional information after your child’s name or in note section.
Book Fair - A Success!
Thanks to our fabulous volunteers who showed up almost daily!! Ms. Hershey and Ms. Nabaki couldn't have done it without you!
Updates Regarding Trails in Back of School
Starting on or around the first week of November, sewer upgrade work will occur at two sites along Pimmit Run within land owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority, closing several trails, including a pedestrian bridge that connects to Kent Gardens Elementary School . The work has an anticipated completion date of September 5, 2026. The sewer upgrade will install approximately 1,900 Linear Feet of 30-inch diameter sanitary sewer to provide adequate capacity for future planned development located next to the West Falls Church metro station. Once construction begins, please follow all posted signage. View a map of the trail closures at the two sites along Pimmit Run. Here are two views of work to completed and closures: Site 2 Site 1
Kiss and Ride - Dismissal Update
As you probably have noticed, we no longer have the support of our police officer and we do miss him! We are working with the local police department to try and gain a crossing guard that could potentially direct traffic and support pedestrians. In the interim, please support us to keep the traffic running as smoothly as possible.
Cars should ENTER using Dean or Van Fleet Drive - and EXIT via Lumsden Street. This will help alleviate any major traffic jams. Please do not drive down Lumsden and attempt to turn left into Kent Gardens during dismissal nor arrival.
Please also be mindful of the buses, and refrain from parking too close to our neighbors driveways and stop signs! Please do not park close to the intersection of Melbourne and Lumsden on the side of the road as this impacts traffic.
When inside the school zone, remember to follow instructions from staff! If an officer is present, please be mindful of following usual traffic laws and stop at the stop sign unless they provide direct instructions.
Last Opportunity - Help Us Grow Our KGES Kindness Rock Garden
Want to help beautify our school grounds while spreading messages of kindness, love, and inspiration? We invite all KGES families and staff to take part in our Kindness Rock Garden project! This is a fun and meaningful way to come together as a school community and share positive messages that will last for years to come.
🎨 Here’s How to Participate: Decorate one rock per family with a message or image that showcases kindness, positivity, and/or love; Rocks should be no larger than your child’s hand; Get creative! Use paint, permanent markers, stickers, symbols — whatever inspires you; Be sure to seal your rock with a clear sealant to protect your artwork; You’re welcome to write your family name and the school year on the back
📍 Drop-Off Info: Finished (and dry) rocks can be placed in the marked box outside the main office; Collection begins October 6 and continues through November 7.
🌈 Our KGES Kindness Rock Garden is a symbol of our commitment to family connections, a positive school environment, community involvement, and — most importantly — kindness. We hope this special garden becomes a place of reflection, inspiration, and pride for all who visit. Let’s make something beautiful together! 💕
Positivity Project Weekly Focus - Bravery
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength, even when you know things are difficult or scary.
Bravery refers to voluntary (not coerced) action in the face of a dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgment; the brave person must have an understanding of the risks and consequences involved in acting. According to Socrates and Plato, forethought separates acts of valor from acts of rashness. This means that bravery isn’t simply fearlessness but instead the overcoming of fear.
Overcoming fears is critically important in individual development, as it allows the person to do more and become more. A person can be brave every single day. For example, some people with social anxiety are brave just by leaving their houses and talking with people. On a physical level, bravery allows us to overcome fears, such as swimming or playing a sport. And, on a moral level, doing what we know to be right, despite the risks, gives us the sense that we are acting on behalf of a larger purpose.
Veterans Day Celebration - November 10 and Purple Star Renewal
We are thrilled to have our Purple Star Designation renewed by the VDOE for the next school year. We are committed to supporting our military - connected students and families.
We are also looking forward to celebrating Veteran Day with our military-connected families on November 10th. We have fun activities planned beginning at 8:20 with a light breakfast that you can enjoy with your child(ren). You may also share with your child's homeroom if interested. Here is a link to indicate your participation on the 10th in the breakfast and activities as well as the popular Clap Out.
Please RSVP if you are able to attend our celebration/ceremony on November 10th in the cafeteria at Kent Gardens. If you have a child who would like to attend but doesn't have a parent who can accompany, please enter the name and information in the comment block. We are here to celebrate all!
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
November is National Family Engagement Month - This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 40 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their children. Each week, I will share with you engagement ideas such as: Join our PTA; Volunteer at KGES; Take time to participate in an activity at your child’s school; Read a book with your child; Listen to and discus different types of music with your child; Flip through old family photos and tell stories about your family’s history; Review and talk to your child about today’s homework
Clothing Assistance Clothing is available to those in need. Please contact Shelley Lowinger at rlowinger@fcps.edu if you are interested.
Mental Health Services/Resources for Children and Families - The guide was put together by several Neighborhood School Readiness Project NSRP teams and is posted on the Fairfax Prevention Coalition website. Fairfax County Public Libraries , Parenting Tips and Resources
Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and their families - Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. To make a referral or find out more, please visit the link below. Referrals or youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org or 703-468-0040) for further assistance.
Fairfax County Park Authority - Winter Class & Camp Registration starts October 28. Early bird rate ends Nov. 7. View Parktakes.
Military Family & Federal Employee Family Resources and Information during Government Shutdown -Operated by the Department of Defense, provides 24/7 confidential counseling, financial and non-medical help for service members and their families. Military OneSource; Army Emergency Relief; Operation Homefront; . Cohen Veterans Network; FE EAF+1; Military Family Advocacy Network(, MMHLA
Fort Belvoir ACS Food Pantry - Fort Belvoir’s Army Community Service (ACS) supports the military-community by providing a variety of programs to help our military connected families thrive.
Federal Employee/Contractor Resources - Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) by MyFEDBenefits – searchable interactive map for local offers (food, housing, utilities, financial help) for federal/furloughed workers.MyFEDBenefits
State & regional workforce supports - Virginia Employment Commission
Pieces of Illumination Fundraiser - Donations Requested to Support Autism and Seniors
Help out kids with autism and seniors in our community by donating new or lightly used jigsaw puzzles, Legos, or board games! Drop them off in the red box near the front office between Wednesday, November 5th and Friday, November 21st. Thank you for your support!
Download the New FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app you can: Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from our school and FCPS; View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals; Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week; Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff; Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
Election Day is Next Week. Make a Voting Plan!
The 2025 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4. Remember to vote. Learn how bonds help build strong communities.
KG PTA News and Updates
PTA Fundraiser
It's NOT too late to participate. We know that the costs of many things are rising and any extra help you can provide will help ensure that we can provide the same AWESOME school year! You can still make your donation here!
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Join the PTA Now!
The PTA at KGES is SUPER BUSY! When you join the PTA, you help support the work we do at our school AND the advocacy work that the PTA does at all levels of the government! Membership in the KGES PTA needs to be renewed every year and you don't have to wait for the school year to start. You can join the PTA NOW!
OUR NEXT PTA MEETING WILL BE: January 23 at 8:45 am in the cafe. Mary Wilcox Smith, author, parenting coach, and speaker will join us at the end of the meeting for an opportunity to dig into what it means to be a parent right now.
Movie Night Fun!
We had great fun at movie night. Thanks to our PTA for hosting. We did move the movie inside and have postponed the outside movie event until we have better weather - stay tuned!!
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Lost and Found - Mark Your Child's Names!
Be sure to label all clothing items and please consider purchasing from Mabel's Labels to ensure that your items makes it home again!
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