Kings Glen Gator Bytes January 28, 2026


Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES


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Dr. Christine Ritter

A Message from Principal Ritter

Dear Kings Glen Families -

I am thrilled to introduce Kings Glen's new Assistant Principal, Chrissy Gibbs.  We are looking forward to a wonderful partnership in educating your children.  Please read Ms. Gibbs' communication to our Gator families below.

And speaking of partnerships, we rely heavily on our custodial team to ensure smooth operations and safety of our building.  During this recent snowstorm, they have been working mightily to get our sidewalks, entrances and blacktop cleared for the return of staff and students.  Anyone who has been out there shoveling this week can appreciate what a monumental task this has been for them.  Please take a moment to appreciate their hard work and know that at our Gator Nation, we truly are Gator Together!


A Message from Chrissy Gibbs, Kings Glen's New Assistant Principal

Dear Kings Glen Families -

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Kings Glen Elementary. I am honored to join this dedicated team and work alongside teachers, staff, and families to support our wonderful students. 

I come to Kings Glen with 22 years of experience in education, having served as an assistant principal, special education lead teacher and speech language pathologist in FCPS. I attended JMU and received my Bachelors and Masters in Speech Language Pathology. I attended GMU for my degrees in Administration and Special Education. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to building trusting relationships, student-centered instruction and fostering a positive, inclusive school culture.

My goal for each student is to support them as learners by ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where all students can reach their full potential. I believe that a strong partnership between home and school is crucial, and I look forward to connecting with each of you as we work together to support our students' growth. 

I have heard wonderful things about Kings Glen, and I am eager to get to know our community and to begin working with your children. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or just to say hello.


School Closures & Quarter 2 Adjustment

We hope everyone in the Kings Glen community has been safe and warm as schools have been closed.  Due to the loss of the instructional days this week, the end of the quarter will be adjusted as such: 

  • The final day of the second quarter will now be Tuesday, February 3.
  • Teachers may continue second-quarter assessments through February 3
  • Students in Algebra 1 Honors, a semester course, will continue attending first semester classes through February 3. 

You may follow this link to get more information about weather alerts and school delays and closures in the future.


Positivity Project

Positivity Project at Kings Glen

Kings Glen is partnering with The Positivity Project (P2) to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves. During our classroom Morning Meetings, short videos, class discussions and activities focus on one of the 24 character strengths that are the foundation of Positive Psychology. Gators explore their strengths and how to have positive relationships. P2 also offers short lessons for families at home.

Week of January 26-30:  Review of Previous Positivity Themes


Student-Led STEAM Night at Kings Glen!!

Friday, March 6, 6-7:30 p.m.

We are excited to announce the date for Kings Glen’s Student-Led STEAM Night  -- Friday, March 6th, 2026 from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will showcase the incredible creativity and innovation of our students as they run interactive stations for their peers and share their STEAM projects. If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete the STEAM Night Project Plan form. Please reach out to Mrs. Rode if you have any questions.


2026 CTE Summer Enrichment Programs

Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten-Grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes (Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here)

CTE Summer Academy: Current Grade 6-11 students choose their classes and dive deeper into CTE program areas, skills, and career exploration (Visit the CTE Summer Academy webpage here)

  • Time:  8:30 a.m.-2 pm*  (Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm)
  • Location:  Robinson SS
  • Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
  • Cost:  $300 per week. For 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
  • Dates:  Different weekly offerings; weekly themes and class offerings can be found on our webpages!  
    • Week 1: July 6-10
    • Week 2: July 13-17
    • Week 3: July 20-24
    • Week 4: July 27-31

We look forward to creating, exploring, and learning with your students this summer!  For questions, please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu


Tdap & MenACWY for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of VA, all students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of each of the following immunizations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older, and Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.

Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources. Visit our FCPS Immunization Resources page for more information. Schedule your child’s immunizations early, as summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers.

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. 


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 weather. 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.


Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.


Kings Park Kings Glen PTA

     KP/KG PTA News


Our FREE PTA Family Fitness Night is coming up at Kings Park on Friday, February 6th from 6:30-8pm.  Please also join us right before at 6 pm for our PTA meeting to elect the nominating committee.

We’re looking for candidates for the Nominating Committee.  Each year the PTA elects a Nominating Committee to put forth a slate of candidates for the PTA's next executive board.  The PTA plans to elect the nominating committee at our February 6th meeting.  Are you interested in serving on this committee?  Please contact PTA president, Jennifer Argenta, at president@kpkgpta.org.  Similarly, please reach out if you have any interest in serving on the 2026-2027 PTA board.

Looking to get the kids out of the house so you can celebrate Valentine’s Day? Code Ninjas will be hosting a Parents’ Night Out on Friday, February 13th from 6 to 8:30 pm. Click here for more information and registration information


Dates to Remember

Jan. 29:  Staff Development Day (No School for Students)

Jan. 30:  Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Feb. 3:  End of 2nd Quarter (Adjusted Due to Snow Closures) 

Feb. 6:  PTA Family Fitness Night (6:30-8pm at Kings Park; See Above)

Feb. 13:  PTA Code Ninjas Parents' Night Out (See Above)

Feb. 16:  Presidents Day (Schools Closed)

Feb. 17:  Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Feb. 18:  3-Hour Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)

Feb. 23:  Student Experience Survey Opens

Mar. 6:  STEAM Night at Kings Glen (See Above)