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.
Would you like to volunteer or donate to support the Heritage Night? Does a middle or high schooler need volunteer hours - 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 26 - Strings Concert 5 - 6 p.m. - Snow Date February 2nd from 5 - 6 p.m. Note we will need students to bring their instrument to practice on the concert date.
January 27 - Immersion Information Night 5 - 6 p.m. Cafeteria - SNOW DATE is February 5 at 5 p.m.
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 Above - volunteers needed)
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
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.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
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.
Jersey Day Fun!!
Administration Notes
Dear Parents,
Winter is upon us! Please be on the lookout for FCPS messages through news outlets, social media, and official FCPS communications regarding any potential school delays or closures. In class newsletters, you will find information about homework your child can complete next week in the event of a school closure. There are FCPS resources available for learning and teachers have updated some opportunities in Schoology.
If your child is in strings, please note the snow date of Monday, February 2nd. The students will need to bring their instrument on that day to practice prior to the concert. Also note the Immersion Information Night is January 27th with a Snow Date on February 5th. Last but not least, we have listed a new date, February 4th for the Vocabulary assessment if we have a snow day on January 28th - see below.
If you have pictures of snow fun, email: 1717kentgardens@gmail.com and we will post on our social media etc. Happy shoveling! We hope you stay safe and warm!
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 and Snow Date - February 5
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. If school is closed, after school events are closed as well. Our snow date is February 5 at 5 p.m. 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. Third grade - March 4th; Fourth Grade - February 24, Fifth Grade - March 2nd; Sixth Grade - February 25. 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.
Strings Concert - Snow Date is Monday, Feb.2nd
Note that if school is closed on Monday, 1/26, we will adjust the strings concert to February 2nd at 5 p.m. All students will need to bring their instruments to school on Monday to practice prior to the concert.
🧤 Prepare for the Winter Weather
Winter weather is upon us! 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.
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 Focus - Social Intelligence
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means understanding other people's thoughts and feelings and why they act the way they do.
Social intelligence helps us build good relationships by being aware of others’ emotions and behaviors. It is different from "book smarts" and grows with experience. It also allows people to connect, form friendships, and protect themselves from being taken advantage of. It also helps us read facial expressions and understand what motivates others.
To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence 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). If we have snow dates, we will accept the day that we return.
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 Vocabulary Test
Registration is CLOSED. Note that Vocabulary Test will be given on January 28th at 9 a.m. only to the registered students. If we are out of school on that day, the new date is February 4th at 9 a.m. Please ensure your child is at school on time. We will not delay the testing for late 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
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
Upcoming free FCPS family webinar: Tips to Reduce Parent Stress and Anxiety, Jan 27 For more information or to register: CLICK HERE!
Dolley Madison Free Library Events - 1124 Oak Ridge Avenue In McLean include the following: Lunar New Year Celebration! Sat, Jan 31, 2.30-4pm (All Ages); Crafty Club! First Thurs of the month @ 4.30-5.30! (Ages 7-13); Korean Language & Culture Club! First Weds of the month @ 4.30pm (Elementary School Students); Read to the Dog! First Sat of the month @ 1pm Feb 14, Mar 14,, Apr 11, May 9. MUST REGISTER
Adult and Community Education - FCPS has an entire program dedicated to adults and community members that provides adults in Fairfax County with opportunities to learn everything from cooking to specific career skills, and they are excited to debut a series of classes for the spring that use virtual reality goggles to help people learn specific skills used in careers in manufacturing and skilled trades. Interested students can learn more on the ACE website or by calling 703-658-1201.
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
- The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in FCPS, who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. 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. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. Register here
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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.
Tutoring Resources - Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families. FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages -Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Family Special Education Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. Families will have the opportunity to hear from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources and other families, and participate in afternoon sessions.
FCPS families are invited to register to attend this year’s conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.
Families are also invited to register to serve as event volunteers by Friday, February 20. Volunteer hours will be awarded to student volunteers.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.
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.
📱 FCPS News App
Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
- Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
- No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
- Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
- Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app, or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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!
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. Stay 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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