Fort Hunt Fox Den News | January 30, 2026


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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский


custodians

Our amazing custodial team has been been working hard to clear the campus. They've been working on the blacktop area which is where we're going to move walkers dismissal. Instead of Door 11 out front, please walk around to the right side of the school and meet your child on the blacktop. This will ensure everyone has a dry spot to meet up. 


News from the Fox Den

January 30, 2026


A Message from Ms. Consolla

Well, families, I think it’s safe to say that any snow dances or wearing of pajamas inside out were perhaps a bit too effective! While we certainly enjoyed the magic of a winter wonderland, the "digging out" has been quite the adventure for all of us this week. I hope your time at home was filled with extra laughter, warm cocoa, and some outdoor fun. As much as we appreciate the beauty of a quiet, snow-covered campus, we miss the special kind of energy that only our students bring to our hallways and we are more than ready to welcome everyone back to Fort Hunt.

Please stay tuned for updates from FCPS. If your sidewalk is used for by students to walk to school or a bus stop, please make every effort to clear it. Help your neighbors if they were unable to clear their sidewalk. It really will take a village to ensure everyone can get to and from school safely.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible custodial team. As you can see in the photo above, they have been working tirelessly in the freezing cold all week, clearing paths and treating ice to ensure that our grounds are safe and accessible for every student and staff member. Their dedication is the backbone of our school, and we are so grateful for the care they take in looking after us.

This coming Friday will be buzzing with excitement. It will be our first Spirit Friday. We're kicking it off with Sports Day. Students and staff will wear their favorite team or sports jersey and hats. In the evening, our Spelling Bee will take place in the library beginning at 5pm for Grades 1-2 followed by Grades 3-6 at 6:30pm. Good luck to all of our participants who are showing what it means to be a risk-taker.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the warmth you bring to our school community, even on the coldest days. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, stay warm, and we will see you very soon!

 

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


Progress Reports

We are still scheduled to release paper copies of our Quarter 2 progress reports on Wednesday, February 4. They will post to ParentVUE on February 9th, so if you only get a paperless copy, you will have to wait until then.

Calendar Student Services

plastic

WE'RE SO CLOSE! 17 lbs to go!

Our goal is 1000lbs by February. We can do it!

Our Garden Club is sponsoring a bench for Fort Hunt through the collection of plastic bags. You can help!

Deposit clean and dry plastic wrap in the designated bins outside of the library by the front entrance.

Only certain items are eligible: grocery bags, produce bags, Ziploc bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, newspaper sleeves, plastic mailers, bubble wrap, and dry cleaning bags, etc. For more information about what's acceptable, click here:

Acceptable Plastic Bag Items


National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.

School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling.

A huge shout out to Fort Hunt's school counselor, Ms. Rebecca McLenithan, for all she does to support our students!

Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

 


It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. 

Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and complete registration forms as soon as possible. 

FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, please visit the FCPS Registration webpage

Our Student Information Assistant, Ms. Rosa Dobarco, is on leave during February. Please direct any registration questions to Ms. Sarah Lee here at Fort Hunt at 703-619-2600 or selee2@fcps.edu

When is kindergarten orientation for Fort Hunt?

Thursday, April 9th 4:00-4:45pm at Fort Hunt. This event is designed for both the rising kindergartner and their parent. Information about the kindergarten program will be shared as well as a visit to the kindergarten classroom where students will engage in a short activity. We hope to see you there! 


Immersion Lottery Information

All families of rising kindergarten and rising Grade 1 students (current kindergarten) are eligible to apply for the Spanish immersion lottery as well as any language offered in FCPS. Please share with neighbors!

Online Lottery for rising kindergartners: Opens January 12 and closes March 2

Online Lottery for rising first graders: Opens January 12 and closes February 12.

Click here for  language immersion meeting dates and locations. We had ours at Fort Hunt this past week.

Feel free to pass this information to families with rising kindergarteners. For more information, visit the Dual Language site.

Calendar Reminder graphic

black history

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather is here! 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.


Strategies for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.

student sleeping

📵Student Smart Watches and Cell Phones

As a reminder, FCPS is phone-free! For elementary school students, this means:

  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. At Fort Hunt, this begins when students enter the building in the morning.
  • Cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-619-2600. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy. Also, view our Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for resources to help your child maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with technology at home


Can I Send Cupcakes on My Child's Birthday?

No, we do not have class birthday celebrations. Please do not send in any treats.

At Fort Hunt, we recognize students on their birthday on the morning news show. And at the end of the month, all students born that month are invited to Cupcakes & Books at lunch time. Our PTA sponsors this event where students can pick out a cupcake and a book to enjoy. 

cupcakes

pet free

We are PET-Free on Our Campus

As a reminder, all FCPS campuses, including Fort Hunt, do not allow pets at any time or day of the week. This includes drop-off and afterschool pick-up. It's fine to wait up on the sidewalk on Linton Lane with your pet. This rule is in place to ensure all students feel safe and to keep our grounds clean. Thank you!


Lost & Found

If you are missing a jacket, sweatshirt, or umbrella, be sure to stop by our Lost and Found in the cafeteria to check for any missing items. You can access it from home by going to our website with a live gallery. Follow the directions on the page for how to claim items. Our Family Liaison, Mr. Antoine Pierce, can assist. He can be reached at (703) 619-2674 or apierce@fcps.edu

 

lost and found

lunch

What's For Lunch?

You can find the monthly menu here by scrolling down to Elementary menus for breakfast and lunch. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.

Families may join their child for lunch at Fort Hunt on Family Fridays.  You can read about the expectations and procedures for Family Fridays in our handbook.


Important Times

Arrive on campus: 8:30am

Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am

Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am

Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm


Important Dates

Friday, February 6 | Spirit Day--Sports Gear: Team jerseys & hat

Friday, February 6 | Spelling Bee 5pm Grades 1-2; 6:30pm Grades 3-6

Wednesday, February 11 | PTA Meeting & Principals Coffee 9am

Monday, Feb 16 & Tues, Feb 17: No school

You can access the full 2025-26 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays. 


fox trot

Get Involved with your PTA

Consider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun at their amazing community events! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Everyone working together makes this a great community. Check out the PTA website for more information.  


Parent/Guardian Handbook

Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear?  If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. 


principals

Your Partners in Education

We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.   

Jean Consolla, Principal          

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Patty Settel, Assistant Principal   

pasettel@fcps.edu


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