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Hello Stenwood Families,
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! We're excited to have all of our Stingers back for three weeks before Winter Break.
Our 6th graders had a wonderful field trip to the National Gallery of Art this week. A big thank you to Stephanie Jasenak, the PTA, and our wonderful entrepreneurs who made the Hive Market a success - our Stingers are so talented! Our Stingers also did an amazing job last night at the Marshall Pyramid Snow Show!
Our 5th and 6th graders had the opportunity to attend the latest Battle of the Books Book Club this week where Mrs. Riley led the discussion on Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. Each month a staff member will host a book club meeting during lunch to help promote our Battle books. Next month, Mrs. Simpkins will lead the discussion on Michael Vey. Winter break is a great time to start reading that one!
We have seen an uptick of students with runny noses, coughs, and other ailments. Here are three important things families can keep in mind to keep students, staff, and our community healthy:
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Wash Your Hands Often. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after blowing noses or coughing. Clean hands are a simple but powerful way to stop the spread of germs.
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Cover Coughs and Sneezes. Teach kids to use a tissue or their elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. Remind them to wash hands right after.
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Keep Kids Home When Sick. If your child has a fever, is coughing a lot, or isn’t feeling well enough to participate in school, it’s best to keep them home. They can return to school once their symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
Wednesday, December 10th, is our next Early Release Wednesday. Please see the note below.
Below you will find information about the following items:
- Early Release Wednesday - 12/10
- Advanced Academics Full-time Service Referral Deadline Approaching - Reminder
- Family Academic Partnership Workshop Series - Reminder
- School Pictures Are Now Online! - Reminder
- Benchmark: Halfway Through Learning about Government and Citizenship in Language Arts - NEW
- Impact Aid Survey - Reminder
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Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest - Reminder
- Attendance - Updated Reminder
- National Special Education Day - NEW
- Bodhi Day - NEW
- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid - NEW
- Food Assistance - NEW
- FY 2027 Budget - NEW
- School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
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Stenwood PTA - Reminder
Sincerely,
Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal
bgcase@fcps.edu
Early Release Wednesday - 12/10
A reminder that our next Early Release Wednesday is December 10th. Students will be released based on the selection that was made earlier this year. A reminder was sent home yesterday. At this time, changes cannot be made for 12/10. If you would like to pick your child up early, you may come to the office at 1pm. If you would like to make a permanent change to your childcare needs for the remainder of the year, please let the office know starting 12/11. We ask that all changes be made at least two weeks in advance. The next 3 hour early release is 2/18.
Advanced Academics Full-time Service Referral Deadline Approaching
Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services for the 2026 - 2027 school year must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Erica Riley, esriley@fcps.edu, Michelle Burke, mpburke@fcps.edu, and your child’s classroom teacher no later than December 15th, 2025. You will receive confirmation once it has been reviewed for completion of all required parts. You may also complete the optional, but recommended Parent Guardian Questionnaire.
Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15th. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after March 2nd, 2026, by emailing Kaleigh Hartman, kkhartman@fcps.edu.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by our school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year. At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
If you would like to view either of our information sessions, you can find them here:
- AAP Continuum of Services
- Full-Time AAP Screening & Identification
- Geared for parents of 2nd-6th graders interested in referring their child for full-time AAP services.
- Recording
- Passcode: !i$qt4Am4t
Family Academic Partnership Workshop Series
This year, Stenwood will be offering Family Academic Partnership Workshops for each grade level. This is a quick mini-workshop focusing on how you can support your child with grade-level literacy and math content. When possible, we will tie these workshops to Family Invite Events for a one-stop opportunity. These 15-minute workshops are designed to give you quick knowledge and activities you can use immediately with your children at home to support the learning they are doing here at school. If your family invite is on Zoom, we will be sending a separate Zoom link for immediately prior to the scheduled family invite.
School Pictures Are Now Online!
 Order yours today at vosphoto.com/underclass!
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
📚 Halfway Through Learning about
Government and Citizenship in
Language Arts 📚
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We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts! Students have explored how the government works, why it's important, and how laws change. |
 Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s one rule at home or school you wish you could change and why?
- Activity: Play a short game (like musical chairs or Simon Says) but change one rule. Discuss how rules help things run smoothly.
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.
✅ Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.
Our school will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child’s education at FCPS.
Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest
Our Equity Team is hosting an ongoing drawing contest to celebrate all the holidays and observations throughout the year.
Submission Details: For the first half of the year, we will collect submissions on the 1st of each month for holidays occurring the following month. For instance, since Lunar New Year is in February in 2026, drawings for it would be due by January 1st (but the 5th since we are on Winter Break). You're welcome to turn in your artwork early—just drop it in the box in the office!
What Happens Next? The winning drawing will be featured in our newsletter and on our social media. All other submissions will be proudly displayed in our hallways for everyone to enjoy!
Missing a Holiday? If your family celebrates a holiday or observance that isn't on our list, please feel free to include it!
Ready to Draw? You can pick up a template paper for the contest in your classroom or the office, and it is posted on our website for easy access. We can’t wait to see the incredible artwork from our Stenwood artists!
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
National Special Education Day
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2nd and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
Bodhi Day
Happy Bodhi Day to those in our community who celebrate! Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that recognizes the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment through meditation under the Bodhi tree.
Monday, December 8th, is a religious and cultural observance day recognizing the Buddhist holiday of Bodhi. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days.
🎤 Share Your Thoughts With
Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success
of the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2nd to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
School Meals and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications
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Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be $1.75. Lunch will be $3.25, milk $1.00. Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com. You can also write a check to Stenwood Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House. During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at https://linqconnect.com/public/menu/ESSF44 (these menus do not appear to be available yet).
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 Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Stenwood Elementary PTA
We hope you join our amazing PTA! stenwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com
Kindergarten Balloon Parade!
Wacky Tacky Friday!
Battle of the Books Book Club with Mrs. Riley!
King of Ing!
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
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Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
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Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
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Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
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PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
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