Snow Brings Smiles!
We did a snow dance and were rewarded with a two hour delay :) All enjoyed the moment and the first snow! Check out the pictures below!
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on your Calendar
December 10 - Three Hour Early Release
December 11 - Chorus Concert 5 p.m. (Students arrive at 4:30 p.m.)
December 15 - Staff Cookie Exchange (Thanks Parents and PTA) see below
December 18 - In School Chorus Concert for students
December 19 - Winter Holiday Class Parties
December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break Holiday - No School
January 15 - Band Concert (Strings date is forthcoming!)
February 7 - Heritage Night
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
We had five days of learning this week and are gearing up for our Ten Days Before Holiday Break! The festivities will be fun and appropriate for all to enjoy! We will continue to focus on our reading and math goals through the end of December.
A reminder that we do have one more 3 hour early release on December 10th. We remitted an email regarding your child(ren)'s plans. Please note that we will close the google form on Monday.
This week, we will have a House competition for canned food. We will donate locally to SHARE of McLean. Have your child donate some canned food - we will have boxes for each House color in the front lobby. We will collect December 10th through the 12th. Thanks for your support!
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics: 💻 Technology Tips; 🍲 Food Assistance; 📚 Winter Reading Challenge. Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
A gentle reminder, our pipes cannot manage anything but toilet paper. If your child uses wipes of any kind, please inform your child that we can't have them at school in the restrooms. We have had some issues due to usage of wipes in our restrooms. Thanks as always for your support.
We look forward to seeing all on Monday!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Ten Days Before Holiday Break Fun!
We kick off the next ten days with activities!
Dec 8 - Deck the Halls, Walls, and Doors - Monday- we begin our door and hallway fun!
Dec 9 - Cozy Cabin Day! Wear a cozy flannel, fleece, plaid clothes, boots and/or scarves to stay toasty warm all day!
Dec 10 - Seven Days Before Winter Break - Wear your 'House' T shirt or 'color'! We will have House meetings for all students. Also, we are collecting donations of canned food. It will be donated to SHARE of McLean! The collection will be from Dec 10 - 12. We will boxes for each House and have a competition! Thanks for your support!
Dec 11- There's Nothing Tacky About Giving!! Wear a tacky outfit, mismatched patterns/colors or tacky sweater -
Dec 12 - Pajama Day - Wear your favorite school appropriate pj's, robe and/or sweaters. Last day to donate canned food.
Second Grade Field Trip Fun!
Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night Jan. 14, 2026
Longfellow Middle School will be hosting a Curriculum Night for rising 7th grade families (current 6th grade students) at Longfellow MS on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 7th grade student with the transition to middle school. Families will have the opportunity to explore elective course offerings and hear from a variety of Longfellow staff about the courses and programs offered to 7th grade students. Students and staff will also be available to answer questions. If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming you to Longfellow!
Office Corner
Unexcused Tardies affect your child’s school day and disrupts office duties and classroom instruction for teachers and other students. You must park and walk the tardy student to the office to complete check-in process. Please DO NOT drop off your child(ren) and leave. Note all students must arrive by 8:50 a.m. and be in classrooms.
Absences count - regardless if your child's absence is excused or unexcused. VDOE has set guidelines for chronic absenteeism at 11 absences - regardless of excused or unexcused.
Brrrr!!! – Prepare you kids for outdoor recess! Bring coats, gloves, hats, and scarfs! Mark your child's name on them - we have many items in lost and found!
Visiting/Volunteer in School: For students’ safety, all visitors and volunteers must bring your official ID to check in through our Visitor Management System each time, even if you are approved for volunteer level 3. Note that FCPS will adjust the volunteer requirements to level 2 due to the huge volume of applicants for level 3.
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. Write additional information AFTER your child’s name or in note section.
Updates Regarding Trails in Back of School
Impact to Walking Trails along Pimmit Run - We understand that there has been closures in the trails behind the school due to the sewer upgrade work at two sites along Pimmit Run. If you have a child who has not normally ridden the bus but qualifies for transportation via a bus and now might need to ride the bus, please do reach out to our front office.
The impacts will last through the rest of this school year and into early September of 2026. Please make sure to follow all posted signage once construction has started. To learn more about the two impacted sites, you can look at Site Map 1 and Site Map 2 from the county. If you have questions, please email General Contractor W.B. Hopke & Co. or Fairfax County Land Development Services(703)324-7470.
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.
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15
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 must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Debra Bulford, no later than December 15, 2025. Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. 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. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by Deb Bulford.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the 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. Please visit the AAP webpage for more information.
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
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. Tuesday, December 9, at Fairhill Elementary School or Thursday, December 11, at Bull Run Elementary School. 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.
Positivity Project Weekly Focus - Supporting Others When They Struggle
This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Supporting Others When They Struggle. This means when other people are struggling, we do our best to help them out.
Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical part of being human. There are many different approaches to helping people who are struggling. These can include listening while they describe an event and their feelings about it, taking action to help people in need, or simply being there and sitting together in silence. Everyone faces tough days and needs support, and this support leads to a chain of prosocial behavior that makes us feel good about ourselves and our group.
To practice and encourage this Other People Mindset at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
💻 Action Required! Update Your Permission for Google Tools
Google recently made changes to how educational applications are managed and accessed on the Chrome Browser and Chromebooks. Many applications are moving from the Chrome Web Store to the Google Play Store. To ensure your student(s) can continue accessing all approved instructional tools, FCPS has updated its digital consent platform to include both the Chrome Web Store and the Google Play Store.
Please review and provide your consent for these two new options through our easy-to-use Parent Digital Consent system: Additional Google Services – Chrome Web Store and Additional Google Services – Google Play Store
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting safe and effective digital learning experiences for all students. For questions or support, please visit FCPS’ Family Technology Resources page or open a ticket with our Technical Support desk.
 Yearbook Contest 2026!
The Annual Yearbook Cover Contest is here! This year’s theme is comic books. Feel free to include references to #KG Pride and our houses!
Finished artwork should be turned into the main office or to Ms. Kladler (room 132) by January 28 (end of the 2nd quarter).
All entries must - 1. Be fully made by students (sorry parents!) 2. Relate to this year’s theme: comics 3. Include the words “Kent Gardens Yearbook 2025-2026" 4. Be in portrait orientation on either 9x12” or 8.5x11” paper 5. Be hand drawn, collaged, or painted. Sorry, no digital or AI artwork 6. Include the student’s name and grade level on the back.
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Yearbook Order Now Available!
Order your yearbook now! www.yearbookordercenter.com with code 21772
Or scan the QR code !
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FCPS Winter Weather - Closures and More!
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities - We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather. If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must create a profile in Volunteer FCPS; register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS ; sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk. Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels - Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities. As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct. Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
McLean Winterfest - The McLean Revitalization Corporation (MRC) is proud to present the 2025 McLean Winterfest on December 7, 2025. McLean Winterfest 2025 will include a parade, dance performances, music, food, art and fun. More information and details can be found here.
English Empowerment Center - Register for beginning-level English classes. Sign-up for any in-person English classes (excluding Intensive English class) on Wednesday, December 17 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042. Space is limited. Online class registration will begin on December 15 through January 16, 2026 at 5:00pm. Space is limited! Start signing up here on December 15th.(Early Registration Flyer) (In-person Class Schedule) (On-line Class Schedule)
Family & School Partnerships - Upcoming Family Café offering in December - The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together – December 9th at Chantilly High School Register here . (Engish) (Spanish) (Arabic) (Korean) Find additional upcoming Family Cafe offerings for the year here.
Upcoming Family Resource Webinar - Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for All Learners - December 12, 10-11:30 a.m. This presentation explores how trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) support student well-being and academic success. We discuss the impact of stress and trauma on children, how it can manifest in their behavior, and the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. We will explore practical strategies families can use at home to strengthen these skills and nurture resilience in their children. Register here
Family Resources for Basic Needs Support - For assistance with meeting basic needs, please contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at: 703-222-0880 or visit their website. Please explore the following link for resources in the community for food. KGES has a limited number of clothing and outerwear available. Please contact Shelley Lowinger if you would like these items.
Parent Advocacy Resource Handbook - Available online in multiple languages. 👉🏾 Access the Handbook
MILITARY FAMILY OUTREACH - FSP will be facilitating monthly workshops, webinars, or family engagement events for military families throughout the school year. Please check the Family Academy Catalog CLICK HERE under "Military-Connected Families Offerings" for more information on these events as they are posted. Email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
SEPTA (FAIRFAX COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION PTA) - Fairfax County SEPTA Membership is NOW OPEN for 2025-2026. SEPTA is a PTA organization affiliated with the state and national PTA but specifically established to address the unique needs of special education, special needs, and disabled students and families. Please click here to join or renew today: CLICK HERE
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 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
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.
Cookie Exchange
On 12/15, we're loading up the staff lounge with ALLLLL the cookies! This beloved winter tradition is one of many ways we shower our KG staff with (edible) love! Dust off your cookie cutters and butter up for the great cookie show-off at Kent Gardens ES! Our staff love homespun favorites, modern classics, and new-fangled TikTok-inspired cookie trends! Whatever you bring, it'll be a hit! Don't forget that we are always looking for GF and allergy-friendly additions to our cookie party! Sign up to bring cookies!
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Share of McLean Toy Drive
Share of McLean's Holiday Program kicks off in November! This year, Jack, a regular Share volunteer and McLean High School student, is leading a toy collection drive. He has created an Amazon wish list with items for kids ages 1 to 11, ranging from approximately $10 to $15. Please check out the Amazon wish list If you would like to contribute, preferably by mid-November.
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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