Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families -
This week, we are excited to extend a warm Gator welcome to Wendy Shang, the author of several award-winning books for middle grade readers, including The Secret Battle of Evan Pao, one of this year’s Virginia Readers’ Choice nominees. She is also the author of The Great Wall of Lucy Wu, which won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature, the Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book This is Just a Test, which she co-wrote with author Marilyn Rosenberg, Bubble Trouble, about a grieving daughter who starts her own boba tea business, and her most recent novel, The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun, which is set right here in Northern Virginia.
Shang’s novels are very popular in our library, with dozens of current holds for Bubble Trouble and The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun. Thanks to our community support for our fall book fair, we have purchased copies of all 3 of her most recent novels for each classroom library to keep up with reader enthusiasm.
We are delighted that Wendy will be spending two days here at Kings Glen, thanks to the generous support of our PTA, which is funding her visit. To keep groups smaller and more engaging, she will be meeting 3 classes at a time in all three grades over these two days. She also generously offered to host lunch bunches with interested 5th graders on Wednesday and interested 6th graders on Thursday, inviting smaller groups of self-selected students who are curious about a career as a writer or who have loved reading Shang’s books.
Thank you to the PTA and all families who support our book fairs for this incredible opportunity for our students to engage with and learn from such an accomplished and popular author.
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3-Hour Early Release Wednesday - February 18th
Our next 3-hour Early Release Wednesday is Wednesday, February 18th. Dismissal plans on record will be confirmed via TalkingPoints early next week.
Upcoming Picture Days in February
Monday, Feb. 23: Spring Pictures and Class Picture Day
It's Time to Preorder Your 2025-26 Yearbook!!
Deadline to Preorder is Monday, April 13th
The 2025-26 Yearbook sales are open now and the price is $17. Secure your copy by placing your preorder through one of the following options:
Email KGNotes@fcps.edu with questions. Thank you!
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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 February 2-6: Social Intelligence
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Gator Gold
As part of our Kindness Olymics Week up to two students per staff member are recognized each day for being a Great Gator; showing kindness and doing the right thing even if nobody is watching. Students who earn a Gator Gold button are encouraged to wear them each day this week!
Kindness Olympics and Food Drive for ECHO!
KG will be celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games with our spirit week and showing KINDNESS in our community.
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ECHO needs the following items:
- Spaghetti Noodles and Sauce
- Lemon Juice
- Tortillas
- Sugar
- Masa Flour
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- Syrup
- Canned Fruit
- Condiments
- Dry Beans & Lentils
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Kindness Spirit Week ~ February 6-13
Feb. 12: Gators are Crazy for Kindness (crazy clothes and/or hair day)
Feb. 13: Festive Friday (Valentine’s Day; wear red, pink or hearts)
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.
Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day
Thursday, February 19
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division! Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19th!
No Toys
As a friendly reminder, toys, games, and sporting equipment should not be brought to Kings Glen. There are instances when a teacher may request a specific item from their students, and this will be communicated directly with families.
Toys, games, and sporting equipment can be a distraction in the educational setting, may get lost, or could cause safety issues off campus (e.g. bus stop, walking to school, etc.). For these reasons, these items are prohibited. Any such items will be kept in the main office for parents to come pick up at their earliest convenience during office hours (8 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Meal Kits for Fasting Students
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Parent Information Line Available in 8 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.
FCPS Cares
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Kings Glen staff members.
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KP/KG PTA News |
Our February newsletter is now available!
Our next Spirit Night is a Parents Night Out on Friday, February 13th at Code Ninjas and is sold out! Stay tuned for more spirit nights coming soon.
Our Olympic themed Monthly Staff Appreciation will take place at Kings Park on Friday, February 20th. Sign up here to donate!
Interested in helping organize Staff Appreciation week from May 3-8, 2026? Join our 2026 Staff Appreciation Week Committee. If you are interested, please sign up and reach out to Bethany at events@kpkgpta.org if you have any questions.
A huge thank you to Bethany Portock for once again organizing such a great free Family Fitness Night last Friday at Kings Park. And a big thanks to Nora Martin, Michelle Stanley and Tracy Hayes for being on the Nominating Committee to find PTA board members for next school year!
Feb. 6-13: Kindness Spirit Week (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. 19: Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day (See Above)
Feb. 23: Spring Picture Day
Feb. 23: Student Experience Survey Opens
Mar. 6: STEAM Night at Kings Glen (See Above)
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