First Spirit Week of Ten Days Before Holiday Break:)
So much enthusiasm for Spirit Week! We also collected so many cans of food for SHARE of McLean. We sincerely appreciate your support!
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on your Calendar
December 15 - Staff Cookie Exchange (Thanks Parents and PTA)
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
January 16 - Principals Coffee
January 23 - PTA Meeting
January 27 - Strings Concert
February 7 - Heritage Night
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
House Meetings!
Each 'House' met together as a group to celebrate and get to know each other. We will continue to meet and develop our goal and mission to connect and show our #kgpride.
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
As shared earlier this week, we are proud to announce that Kent Gardens has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as a Distinguished School. This designation reflects that our school is meeting or exceeding state expectations for student performance, and it is a testament to the partnership between our staff, students, and families.
We had five days of learning this week with five days of spirit fun and will continue through our next five days. See the details below to join in the fun. We will continue to focus on our reading and math goals through the end of December.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics- FCPS Showcases Success; Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings; Winter Resources for Families. Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
We look forward to seeing all on Monday!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Five Days Before Holiday Break Fun!
We are bringing closure to 2025 - we have 5 days left with activities!
Dec 15 - Celebrate Winter Sports - Monday- Represent a winter sport with jersey or winter themed sports outfit
Dec 16 - Dreaming of Snow Days! Wear snowy colors (silver, sparkle, blues and white)....!
Dec 17 - Warming Hearts Kindness Day - Wear something with a kind message on it or something 'heart' themed/colored.
Dec 18 - Highlight the Holidays - Find clothes that represent your favorite holiday from any time of the year!
Dec 19 - Wear your School Spirit Wear ~ all because it is the last day before winter break!
Chorus Concert Rocked!
We had an amazing chorus concert with our fifth and sixth grade students led by Ms. Paik and Ms. Lee. We look forward to hearing them sing at school this week!
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. Note that if your child is absent for 10% of the school year regardless of excused or unexcused, your child(ren) will be considered chronically absent through VDOE. You can make up school absences by attending the afternoon of the 3 hour early release days.
Reporting Student Absences - We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at 703-916-6868 or emailing BelvedereElem.Attendance@fcps.edu. School staff will call parents if students are absent, and our school has not been notified in advance. Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained - Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick - It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home. For instance, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
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.
⛄ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue! - We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
📚❄️Winter Break Literacy Adventures - Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
Positivity Project Weekly Focus - Self Control
This week, our school will focus on the character strength of Self-Control. Self-control means having the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.
Having self-control helps people stay calm during tough times and avoid impulsive actions. It doesn’t mean you don’t have thoughts or feelings; it means you can manage them.
When working or gathering in groups, self-control is shown through “self-monitoring.” This means being honest about what works and what doesn’t. Group members adjust their roles to help the group succeed.
To practice and encourage the character strength of self-control 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.
Support Our Schools: 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge
Join Educate Fairfax’s 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge and help ensure every FCPS student has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. Every gift, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, helps students learn while supporting the teachers and staff who make a lasting difference.
Educate Fairfax is the nonprofit education foundation that supports FCPS by providing resources, recognizing outstanding educators, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. Educate Fairfax invests directly in classrooms and programs. Last year, they contributed $1.27 million back into our schools.
The foundation supplied more than 5,000 school supply kits to more than 61 schools, centers, shelters, and Welcome Centers. Its Food for All Campaign packed more than 1,000 snack packs and helped feed more than 350 families over Thanksgiving. Read the Educate Fairfax Annual Report to learn more about their impact.
Together, we can support and encourage all learners and educators and strengthen the future of our schools. Donate to Educate Fairfax today.
 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 Winter Block Party - Saturday, January 3rd from 1 – 4 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. Enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, watch ice carvings and more. A wide variety of food, entertainment, and crafts will be available at this McLean event. Want more info? Click here to learn more!
Fairfax County Public Library - Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visit your local FCPL branch or their Winter Reading Adventure website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about gingerbread house making, crafting sessions, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and book discussions.
Winter Resources for Families - A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue! FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or in the event of weather-related school closures.
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.
How to Receive FCPS Messages in Other Languages - You may wish to read FCPS messages in a language other than English. There are several ways you can receive or view our communications in a different language. FCPS This Week is distributed in other languages to parents/guardians who have filled out the Home Language Survey form and selected a language supported by FCPS as their preferred language for communication. Home Language Survey forms are available in the following languages: Amharic | Arabic (العربية) | Chinese (中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (español) | Urdu (اردو) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). Learn more about other communications that are translated.
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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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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