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Hive Happenings Newsletter

Hello Stenwood Families,

The Hive has been buzzing all week! Today alone marked the 100^th day of school, our Valentine’s Day celebrations, and Friday the 13^th! Thank you to all the class parents and volunteers who helped our students celebrate Valentine’s Day today. The 100^th day is always a fun way to recognize just how much we have learned!

You should have received your child’s second quarter progress report on Monday; it is also available in ParentVUE. As a reminder, we send paper copies home with all students because we believe progress reports are a vital piece of communication between school and home, regardless of any paperless opt-outs. We have also included an attendance report card for all students.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Monday, February 16^th: All schools and offices closed (Presidents Day).
• Tuesday, February 17^th: Teacher Workday; no school for students.
• Wednesday, February 18^th: 3-hour early release (see details below).

Below you will find information about the following items:

• Early Release Wednesday 2/18 - NEW
• New Visitor Management System- Raptor Safe - Updated
• Ramadan Accommodations - Reminder
• Fasting Meal Kits - Reminder - Updated
• Next Year’s Intention Form/Rising Kindergarten Information - Final Call
• Help Keep Stenwood Phone- and Device-Free! - Reminder
• Yearbook Ordering - Reminder
• Lunar New Year - NEW
• Ramadan Observance Begins - NEW
• Ash Wednesday - NEW
• Black History Month Celebration - NEW
• SR&R Survey - NEW
• Summer Learning and Fun for Students - NEW
• Warm Up FCPS - Reminder
• Community Peers Preschool Program - Reminder
• Original, Makeup, & Retake Pictures Are Now Online! - Reminder
• Marshall High School STEM Night! - NEW
• Dual Language Immersion - Reminder
• Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest - Reminder
• School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
• Stenwood PTA - Reminder

Sincerely,

Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu 

Bryan Case, Assistant Principal 
bgcase@fcps.edu

Early Release Wednesday - 2/18

A reminder that our next Early Release Wednesday is February 18^th.  Students will be released based on the selection that was made earlier this year.  A reminder was sent home yesterday.  At this time, changes cannot be made for 2/18.  If you would like to pick your child up early, you may come to the office at 1pm.  If you would like to make a permanent change to your childcare needs for the remainder of the year, please let the office know starting 2/19.  We ask that all changes be made at least two weeks in advance.  The next 3 hour early release is 3/18.

New Visitor Management System - Raptor Safe

Beginning Wednesday, 2/18, FCPS will be rolling out Raptor Safe, our new visitor management system. This will be the standard way to sign in at all FCPS schools.  

The new system allows you to preregister via the Raptor Safe app, saving you valuable time when checking in for school visits or events! We strongly encourage all family members to download the app and complete their registration today, it will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process!

Registration Options:

• Via the App: Search "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also visit raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ for direct links.
• In Person: If you are unable to register ahead of time, you can still complete the process at the school kiosk. Please ensure you have a valid photo ID with you to check in.

Ramadan Accommodations

As Ramadan approaches, families are encouraged to contact Mr. Case, bgcase@fcps.edu regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Fasting Meal Kits

From February 18^th to March 19^th, 2026, FCPS allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 11^th, 2026 for week of February 18^th, 2026
• February 16^th, 2026 for the week of February 23^rd, 2026
• February 23^rd, 2026 for the week of March 2^nd, 2026
• March 2^nd, 2026 for the week of March 9^th, 2026
• March 9^th, 2026 for the week of March 16^th, 2026

Next Year’s Intention Forms/Rising Kindergarten Information

A couple of weeks ago, students brought home a Student Intention Form. We are asking families to fill out this form for each child to help us plan for adequate staffing next year. If you need an extra copy please reach out to the office at 703-208-7600. 

If you have a child who will turn five on or before September 30^th, 2026, please return the blue form or fill out the Rising Kindergartner  form.  We have Kindergarten Orientation coming up on April 29^th from 9:15 - 10:00am.  If you have any neighbors that have children that turn 5 on or before September 30^th, please let them know to reach out to Ms. Michelle Burke, mpburke@fcps.edu as soon as possible so we can ensure they have all the information they need. 

Help Keep Stenwood Phone-and Device Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (SmartWatches, AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). 

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans. 

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-208-7600.

Yearbook Ordering

Help your child remember the moments that made this school year special by ordering your copy of the Stenwood Elementary School Yearbook NOW at http://www.yearbookforever.com! The yearbook will feature memories that you and your child will want to look back on for years to come.

The company has a set amount they will print, so once they hit the limit, they will not print any additional yearbooks. The cutoff date to buy one is March 6^th, 2026, if they are not sold out before then. 

Lunar New Year

🐎 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới!

Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family. 

Ramadan Observance Begins

Ramadan Mubarak to those in our community who observe! In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity, and good deeds. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday,  we recognize those in our community observing Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is observed as a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services, at which churchgoers receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of penance. 

Black History Month Celebration

Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25^th, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School. 

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available. 

SR&R Survey

Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students

On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)

Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:

• Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
• Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
• Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.

The survey will be open until Friday, February 20^th. Survey materials are available online.

Prepare for Summer Learning

and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. 

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5^th.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day

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 19^th, 2026.

Community Peers Preschool Program

Stenwood has a community peers preschool program. This program provides opportunities for our students to participate in integration activities with typically developing peers. The program is designed to teach preschoolers with delays and without delays in the same classroom. It can provide young children with a more stimulating environment, teach skills for coping with different situations, and provide the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills. 

Our program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (2 per class), who are ages 3.5 (by September 30^th) to 5 years, to participate in our daily preschool activities.

The children from the community will have the opportunity to make new friends and share experiences with current early childhood special education students. Our students will, in turn, benefit from being with community peers who can model appropriate language, motor, and social skills.

All children learn through their play. Intellectual growth occurs in a social context, influenced strongly by the quality of social interactions. The goal of this program is to encourage active learning and promote social interaction and acceptance through shared experiences between the community children and our preschoolers with special needs.  Bus transportation cannot be provided for the community peers.  Feel free to contact us for further explanation of our program.

If you are interested in having your child considered for this opportunity, please complete the Community Peers Preschool Program Interest and Information Form by Friday, February 27^th.  Stenwood will host a playdate for interested students in late March/early April.  If you know of anyone who may be interested and does not receive the Stenwood Hive Happenings, feel free to forward them this information. 

Original, Makeup, & Retake Images from Stenwood Elementary School Are Now Online!

Order yours today at vosphoto.com/underclass!

Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com

Marshall High School STEM Night!

Marshall High School will be hosting its second annual STEM Night February 24^th from 5-8 PM in its cafeteria! Participants include former Stenwood students.

There will be many activities such as DNA pipe cleaner models, Alka-Seltzer lava lamps, science fair presentations, a visit from their robotics team, and many more! 

Marshall has also officially launched their YouTube channel @GCMSTEMStars where they will be posting weekly videos about a range of STEM topics. 

Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages

FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12^th. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.

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. 

Families applying for first grade, the deadline has now passed. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2^nd, at 4 p.m.

Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.

Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest

Our Equity Team is hosting an ongoing drawing contest to celebrate all the holidays and observations throughout the year.

Submission Details: We will collect submissions on the 1st of each month for holidays occurring the following month. For instance, since Purple Up Day! is March 15, drawings for it would be due by February 1st.. You're welcome to turn in your artwork early—just drop it in the box in the office!  

What Happens Next? The winning drawing will be featured in our newsletter and on our social media. All other submissions will be proudly displayed in our hallways for everyone to enjoy!

Missing a Holiday? If your family celebrates a holiday or observance that isn't on our list, please feel free to include it!

Ready to Draw? You can pick up a template paper for the contest in your classroom or the office, and it is posted on our website for easy access.   We can’t wait to see the incredible artwork from our Stenwood artists!

School Meals and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications

Breakfast and Lunch Breakfast will be $1.75.  Lunch will be $3.25, milk $1.00.  Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Stenwood Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at https://linqconnect.com/public/menu/ESSF44 (these menus do not appear to be available yet).

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available  online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals.  Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  

Stenwood Elementary PTA

We hope you join our amazing PTA! stenwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com

CARES Pizza Luncheon!

Cooperation

100^th Day of School!

Stay Connected Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES

Facebook facebook.com/StenwoodElementary

Instagram @stenwoodelementary

Website stenwoodes.fcps.edu

PTA Facebook facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA

2620 Gallows Road Vienna, VA 22180 |  Main Office: 703.208.7600
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