Heritage Night ~ February 7
Heritage Night is coming on February 7th, so get ready to grab a KG Passport and travel the world! What better way to show your #KGPride than to join us for an evening celebrating the many cultures that make up our school?
Join us Saturday, February 7th, from 5-7pm for an evening of food, learning, and fun. The evening will be capped of with our Parade of Nations, where children can dress in traditional clothing that best represents their heritage.
Want to represent your culture in our World Café or Heritage Room or volunteer in another way? Sign up here.
All students are welcome to be a part of the parade, no signup is necessary. Please note, this is not a drop off event, but one for the WHOLE family to enjoy! For more information, please email kgesheritagenight@gmail.com
Plan Forward - Dates to Mark on your Calendar
January 19 - Registration Deadline for Spelling Bee (see below)
January 19 - Martin Luther King Holiday - No School
January 23 - PTA Meeting 8:45 a.m. Cafeteria
January 26 - Strings Concert 5 - 6 p.m.
January 27 - Immersion Information Night 5 - 6 p.m. Cafeteria
January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends and Two Hour Early Release 1:35 p.m.
January 29 and 30 - Teachers Professional Development and Teacher Workday - No School for Students
February 7 - Heritage Night 5 - 7 p.m. (See the Sign Up Below)
February 16 - Presidents Day - School Closed
February 17 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students
February 18 - Three Hour Early Release - new link forthcoming
February 26 - STEAM and Literacy Night - Combined!! Save the Date!
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
This week, we were busy with many of the midyear assessments taking place across the grade levels. These assessments provide valuable information that helps teachers monitor and student progress and plan instruction to support students. We do have a few mid year assessments left - see the information below.
I enjoyed seeing many of our parents at the Parent Coffee. We discussed the assessments as well as the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). Currently, Kent Gardens is rated in the Distinguished category based on Mastery, Growth, and Readiness. To read more, this link will give additional information.
Note our message below on tardies and our start time of 8:40 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:50 a.m. are tardy. Also read the information on absences, this data impacts the SPSF mentioned above.
We enjoyed the band concert - thanks to Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Galyean! We are looking forward to the strings concert as well. Our first rehearsal for the strings is on Tuesday, January 20th. Please have your child bring their strings instrument.
We hope all are enjoying the three day weekend and will see everyone on Tuesday!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
School Tardies and Absences
Tardies - Our school start time is 8:40 and doors open for students from kiss and ride at 8:30 a.m. Students are considered tardy after 8:50 a.m. We are counting tardies and request that parents come in the office to sign their child(ren) in if they arrive after 8:50 a.m. Please support your child's teacher and give your child the benefit of a calm morning by arriving on a timely basis by arriving by 8:45 a.m.
Absences - The Virginia Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as any student who misses 10% or more of the school year, regardless of excused or unexcused. We will be notifying parents whose child(ren) have missed 10 or more days. Here is a link that provides additional information regarding chronic absenteeism from FCPS.
If your child(ren) meets the criteria of missing school 10% of the school year, you will receive a notification from VDOE (unexcused or excused). Students may make up days by attending the afternoons of the 3 hour early release days. Why does this matter? Our school receives a rating for our students' absenteeism that is generated and shared annually for all schools. Please partner with us and ensure that your child(ren) attend school. Schedule trips and other long vacations during our school break or summer holidays. For more information, read this link to read about the School Performance and Support.
Immersion Information Night - January 27
FCPS offers DLI programs in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Online lottery application open on January 12 for rising kindergarten and first graders dependent upon the school. The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program. Please contact Annie Joseph, if you need to create an account and live in our boundary. FCPS does not provide transportation for students who live outside the attendance area of the DLI school. A one-time fee of $100 must be paid upon acceptance of an out-of-boundary placement (see Notice 5922).
Program Sites and Informational Meetings - The dates for various schools are in this link. Click on the specific languages for the specific details. These schools offer county-wide DLI program enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings. Meetings will be held at the elementary school listed except for the virtual event on February 4th at 6 p.m.
Kent Gardens will have the immersion program interest session on January 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We will be joined by Beatrix Preusse from the World Languages office. Click the link for additional registration information.
Kent Gardens immersion program will continue to begin in first grade. We will continue to explore options to begin in kindergarten. On January 12, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. the registration system will open and parents may submit DLI program applications. On February 12, 2026 at 4 p.m. the registration system will close. On February 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m., parents will be notified regarding 1st grade lottery registrations. All parents responses are due by March 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. Late applications will be accepted and students will be added to the bottom of the generated waitlist. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
Student Experience Survey
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6 will take the survey, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. Students should not take the survey until their homeroom administers the survey. Your child's homeroom teacher will email you with their timing for the survey administration. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You should have already received a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Band Performance - Amazing!
Our bands played Thursday evening and gave wonderful performances. Thanks to Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Galyean who support the students! #kgpride #StrongerTogether
Mid Year Assessments
Students will be taking mid year assessments in January. These will include the iReady in Reading and Math MAP for grades 3 - 6. Students in grades 1 and 2 will take the math MAP and in K-3 teachers will give the Virginia Language and Literacy Assessments. Parents will be notified if additional supports will be needed based on the outcomes. Parents please ensure that your child(ren) have headphones - these are essential for the assessments. January 21 - Grade 2 and 3 - Math MAP; Grades 5 and 6 - iReady Reading
Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 30, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming year. You can now choose to use online registration tool. With the online option, you will then have to come into the office with the child’s original birth certificate, your proof of residence (deed/lease) and your ID. You can contact Annie Joseph to coordinate a convenient time.
Rising Kindergarten Student Intention 2026-27
Please complete this form if you have a rising kindergartner and plan on attending Kent Gardens. If you are hopeful to attend, you may complete but please note your status in the form below. We are not using this data for evaluative purposes nor for placement purposes but merely to collect information for the beginning of the school year. All students come in at various levels academically and socially. Here is the link for online registration. We are excited for our 2026-27 kindergarten students!
Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting will be through Zoom (link to follow) on March 26th at 8 a.m. Sign up here to receive the link.
The Parent Tour and Kindergarten Student Orientation is on Friday, April 10 at 9 a.m. (Parents and students attend together) Link is here to reserve your tour time.
Positivity Project Weekly Focus - Perseverance
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Perseverance. Perseverance means completing what you start despite obstacles. It means never giving up.
People who show perseverance keep trying, even when they face challenges. They stay focused on their goals and work hard, even when things don't go as planned. Those who persevere often achieve great things because they don't quit. They also learn a lot and get better at what they do.
Perseverance can also inspire others. When one person in a group keeps going despite setbacks, it can motivate the whole team to keep trying and reach their goals.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perseverance 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.
 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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Enhancing Safety & Security for Staff/Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
KGES Spelling Bee Registration
Does your child want to participate in the KGES Spelling Bee? It is open to all students in grades 3 - 6. The timeline is as follows:
- Registration is here - Registration closes on January 19th (Note this is a tight deadline)
- Note that Vocabulary Test will be given on January 28th at 9 a.m. only to the registered students. The top 15 students with highest scores will compete in the Spelling Bee on Friday, February 20th.
Questions - Holly McGuigan, Sarah Talley or Tia Hawkins
Help us celebrate the 100th Day of School - February 9
Support by donating new boxes of crayons to benefit the NIH Children’s Inn!
🖍 Drop-off: Main Office (labeled box) 📅 Donation Dates: January 12 – February 5 🎨 Any size new crayon boxes welcome! Crayons will be delivered on Friday, February 6.Thank you for your support KGES community! Questions - Shelley Lowinger
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Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
Sibshops and SibTeens Workshops - January 29 from 9:00-noon at Jim Scott Community Center located at 301 Vaden Dr. Fairfax, VA. Please contact FCPSSibshops@FCPS.edu for follow up questions about either program.
- The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Register here
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SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register here
Fairfax County Government Programs - Guide to Snow | Snow- Be prepared for winter weather with the Fairfax County Guide to Snow. This resource compiles important information about snow as well as weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.
Fairfax County Department of Family Services - The Parenting Education Programs are taking registrations for virtual and in-person classes. The next African American Culturally Focused class for parents of 5–18-year-olds begins 1/27 at 6 p.m. Learn more about this class and visit their website for the full schedule of classes offered January-March. Parenting Class Schedules January- March
Fairfax County Public Library - Winter Reading Adventure: Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure will continue through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visit your local FCPL branch or their Winter Reading Adventure website to register and preview prizes.
Read and Feed Library Food Drive: Throughout January and February, FCPL is collecting donations of food for local organizations serving those in need. Community members may drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items at any FCPL branch during regular hours. Read and Feed Library Food Drive - Community and Human Services Resources - Library Research at Fairfax County Government
Neighborhood and Community Services - Therapeutic Recreation Services offers Sensory Saturdays--monthly sensory-friendly experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families, hosted by Beloved Yoga Studio in Reston. Beloved Yoga Sensory Saturdays Winter 2026
Health Department/Community Health Centers - Neighborhood Health and Healthworks- The Fairfax County Health Department Dental Program transferred to the Community Health Center nearest them. Neighborhood Health ; HealthWorks of Northern Virginia Find additional local and regional dental resources here Neighborhood Health Flyer (including Dental (Spanish)
Community Partners Information - Volunteer Fairfax Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Turning Compassion into Action! Volunteer Fairfax invites families, businesses, and especially youth to unite for an inspiring MLK Day of Service. This event is designed to engage young volunteers in meaningful, hands-on projects that support local nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Virginia. Each child receives a "service bingo" stamp as they complete projects- making volunteering both fun and meaningful. All ages welcome; projects are suitable for ages 5 and up. Learn more: Volunteer Fairfax
Fairfax County Department of Family Services - The Parenting Education Programs is taking registrations for virtual and in-person classes for the winter. Our next class for parents of 0–4-year-olds begins Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Alexandria. Email or check their website for the full schedule of classes that will be offered this winter.
💰Follow Our Budget Process
Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board. Visit our budget webpage for more information.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology. Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page..
KG PTA News and Updates
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.
Afterschool Academies- Registration Opens 1/6
Your KGES PTA is so excited to offer Afterschool Academies for Winter 2026! Registration opens Tuesday 1/6 and will continue through Sunday 1/25 but don't wait around! Popular classes will fill up fast!
This winter, we're thrilled to offer classes with Mr. Avery, Ms. D'Amico, Ms. Klader, and Ms. Nabaki. Our teachers are AMAZING so register early and avoid being waitlisted! Register link here.
New After School Art Opportunity ~ SPARK
Students from Mclean High School will be hosting a new after school program called SPARK (Sharing Projects, Art, and Real-world Knowledge), and will be supported by Ms. Kladler as an advisor. SPARK is open to all students in grades 1-4 and will meet once a month (the last Thursday). Students will have the opportunity to complete a variety of collaborative arts and crafts projects and will work with mediums such as clay, felt, paper, string, paint, etc. Sessions will be held monthly, and each session will involve a different craft. Many high school student volunteers will be present along with Ms. Kladler. The high schoolers will be teaching the lesson/craft of the session as well as assist every student along the way. Students will be encouraged to approach everyday life with creativity and curiosity through artistic self-expression. Students will also be taught valuable life skills such as communication, problem solving, and resilience through these hands-on activities. Students will ultimately be inspired to see the world from new perspectives and reignite their spark!
Students will meet the last Thursday of every month in the art room from 3:45 pm. - 4:45 p.m. First meeting will be on February 5th (2 meetings in February). Please sign up by January 19. Sign up here!
New Before School Technology Club starts 1/13
- Registration Open Now! Wize Technology Club I (1st-3rd Grade) Tuesdays 7:45-8:45am; 14 Weeks Jan 13 - May 19 2026; $525 + $70 One Time Supply Fee - Wize Tech Club brings STEAM classroom learning to life through hands-on robotics, coding, and design—all grounded in grade-level STEAM standards. Every lesson starts with a STEAM concept tied to grade level standards, moves forward with a project, and ends with presentations inspiring young learners to be the leaders of tomorrow. This isn't your average coding and robotics class. Wize educators follow rich lesson plans created with grade level SOL standards where each project is built around an academic topic: students might model pollination in science then program a butterfly robot, or explore how light interacts with objects using color sensors. With minimal screen time and maximum engagement, kids build critical thinking skills while deepening what they learn in school. Wize is a maker lab transforming children from technology users to creators of tomorrow. Children of KGPTA members will receive a 5% discount. Email PTA President, Jenny Gregory, for the code.
Register now! Note: A sibling discount of 10% per sibling is offered which cannot be combined with any other offer.
Spring Chess Registration
Winter Chess ends on 1/21, but that just means that Spring Chess Registration is open NOW through January 31 for the session that will start 2/4 and run through 6/3. Chess club is an afterschool activity on Wednesdays from 345-515pm in the KG cafeteria taught by renowned chess experts. Registration is $185 for the entire semester. Spots fill quickly so register today so you don't end up waitlisted for this beloved KGES program!
Girls On The Run Spring Session!
Sign up now for the spring session. A Monday/Wednesday group will meet beginning on 3/2 - 5/13. This group will not meet on the 3 hour early release days. Participant registration will open on GOTR website (www.gotrnova.org) on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Another Tuesday/Thursday group is offered - Use the same link above to sign up for Tuesday/Thursday option. Suntay tuned for additional sign up information. It will be forthcoming in the next News You Choose and/or Roar.
Pet Supplies Drive for Homeward Trails Animal Rescue - Calling ALL Animal Lovers♥♥
One of our 6th graders is organizing a pet supply drive as part of a service project. Help us support Homeward Trails Animal Rescue by donating essential supplies for pets in need! From cozy beds to squeaky toys, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes. You can donate the following: unopened and unexpired pet food, new or gently used cat and dog toys, leashes, bowls, blankets, and any other pet supplies. Drop off your donations in the box by the front office between today and Tuesday, March 10th. Together, we can give these furry friends the care they deserve while they wait to find loving families. Every item counts—let's make tails wag and hearts full!
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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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