Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families -
What an incredible week we had celebrating kindness during our "Going for the Gold” Kindness Challenge! It was fantastic to see so many students with their gold buttons on, being caught being a great Gator. There are so many acts of kindness, big and small, that occur each day. It is important to remember, kindness isn't just a "challenge" we check off a list; it is the fundamental infrastructure of our school. When our students choose to be kind, they aren't just making someone’s day better, they are actively building a community where everyone feels safe enough to take risks and grow.
We know that the best learning happens when school and home are in sync. While "How was your day?" usually gets the standard "Fine," asking specific questions about social interactions can help your child reflect on their own impact. To help keep the spirit of the challenge alive, here are a few questions you might ask your child:
- "Who did you see do something brave or kind today?" (Sometimes noticing kindness in others is the first step to practicing it ourselves.)
- "Did you get a chance to fill someone’s 'bucket' today? What did you say or do?"
- "Was there a moment today when you noticed someone who looked like they needed a friend? How did you handle it?"
- "What is one kind thing you’re planning to do tomorrow that nobody will expect?"
Thank you, as always, for partnering with us to raise not just great students, but great humans. Your support makes all the difference.
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Spring Picture Day at Kings Glen
Monday, February 23
Victor O'Neill Studios will be taking Spring Pictures and Class Pictures on Monday, February 23rd.
WE NEED 2-3 PARENT VOLUNTEERS! To help make Spring Picture Day run smoothly, we need 2-3 parent volunteers who will receive a voucher to apply towards the cost of purchasing pictures. If you would like to assist, please email KGNotes@fpcs.edu with your availability.
You will be able to view and order your child’s photos in their online gallery approximately ten days after picture day. If you have any questions leading up to picture day, please reach out to Victor O’Neill Studios by emailing underclass@vosphoto.com .
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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 16-20: Character Traits Review Week
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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.
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Kings Glen
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, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive 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.
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!
Attendance
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
For instance, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
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 Olympic themed Monthly Staff Appreciation will take place at Kings Park on Friday, February 20th. Sign up here to donate!
We are still looking for volunteers to help with Staff Appreciation Week from May 3-8. 2026. This is a week full of fun treats for the staff, but we need people to help make it happen! Join our 2026 Staff Appreciation Week Committee and reach out to Bethany at events@kpkgpta.org if you have any questions.
The PTA is busy putting together afterschool activities for the spring. In order to make these classes possible, parent volunteers are required for every class. We are looking for someone to serve as our After School Program Coordinator for the spring session. This is a job that can be done from home on your own time. Please see our website for more information and reach out to Jen Argenta at president@kpkgpta.org if you are interested or have any questions.
Mark your calendars! The PTA will be holding a brand new event this year! Book Bingo will be held during Read Across America week on March 4th from 5:30-8 pm at Kings Park in the cafeteria. At this free event, every student who attends will leave with a free book and everyone will have a chance to win fun reading themed door prizes! Stay tuned for more details to come!
Feb. 19: Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day (See Above)
Feb. 23: Spring Picture/Class Picture Day at Kings Glen ES
Feb. 23: Student Experience Survey Opens
Mar. 4: PTA Book Bingo Night (See Above)
Mar. 6: STEAM Night at Kings Glen (See Above)
Mar. 18: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)
Mar. 24-26: Kings Jesters 'Newsies, Jr.' Musical Performance Nights
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