Weekly Message

That’s Was So Rad: A Look Back at the Variety Show!

Our stage transformed into a time machine this week for our "Totally 2000s" Variety Show, and let’s just say—it was "da bomb." From the frosted tips to the neon tracksuit vibes, our students brought the energy of the new millennium back to life in spectacular fashion.

The night was packed with iconic moments, including:

  • Boy Band Mania: Heartthrob harmonies and synchronized choreography that had the whole crowd cheering.

  • Dance Acts: High-energy explosions of color and rhythm that stole the spotlight.

  • Throwback Skits: A clever Back to the Future crossover and a messy, nostalgic Double Dare segment.

  • Individual Talent: Piano, drums, and strings instruments were showcased.

  • The "Tech": A huge shoutout to our emcees, who kept the show moving while "texting" on their vintage flip phones.

👏 A Huge Thank You

Putting on a production of this scale is no small feat. This show was made possible by the tremendous dedication of our parent volunteers and staff who spent countless hours on rehearsals, costumes, and logistics.

We also want to give a massive standing ovation to our outstanding stage crew. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every transition was seamless and every spotlight hit its mark.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our talented performers. It was truly a show to remember!


variety show picturesvariety show pictures

FCPS Cares Logo

OES has the best staff!

A quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated!


reminder

Reminder:

Monday, February 16 - Presidents' Day - School Closed

Tuesday, February 17 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students


random acts of kindness

Random Acts of Kindness Week

We will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week beginning next Wednesday, February 18th. Random acts of kindness are small, thoughtful gestures that can make a big difference. They support mental well-being and help strengthen our sense of community. Simple acts like leaving an encouraging note, paying for someone’s coffee, supporting local businesses, donating, or offering a smile and a listening ear can have a lasting impact. Together, these moments of kindness help create a more compassionate world.

🧸 Wednesday 2/18 – Pajama Day

Kindness starts within. Wear your pajamas or comfy loungewear and be kind to yourself. #SelfCare

🌴 Thursday 2/19 – Tropical Day

Help spread some sunshine. Wear bright colors and tropical prints as we welcome in spring.

🚌 Friday 2/20 – Wear Yellow Day

Today we shine bright with golden gratitude as we thank our hardworking bus drivers. Wear yellow to show your appreciation.


kindergarten students

Our kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school!


picture of author Alyssa Coleman with her book

Oakton Elementary is excited to welcome award-winning author (and OES parent) Alyssa Colman on Friday, March 13 with speak to our 4th and 5th graders.

Alyssa Colman is an award-winning author who writes heartwarming stories for kids. Her novel, Where Only Storms Grow, won the 2026 American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the 2026 Josette Frank Award, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her other books include The Tarnished Garden and The Gilded Girl, both historical tales with a magical twist. 

Signed and personalized copies of her books are available through Bard's Alley. Please note that the cut-off for ordering signed copies is March 5th.

Link for Book Orders: https://bardsalley.square.site/school-visits

The Gilded Girl: https://bardsalley.square.site/product/the-gilded-girl/5CSLJD2Z2FNMBW5GSTPE7WTR?cs=true&cst=custom

The Tarnished Garden: https://bardsalley.square.site/product/the-tarnished-garden/PEEZFXOVJQWFMZKZO2TZWZOY?cs=true&cst=custom 

Where Only Storms Grow: https://bardsalley.square.site/product/where-only-storms-grow/RW653GLETAX55A4AZX7EQUTN?cs=true&cst=custom


Black History Month

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. Learn more about Black History month


kindergarten registration image

Kindergarten Registration:

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

 

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events our school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, please call our registrar, Mike Santoro, at 703-937-6103. 

Try Online Registration Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Oakton's Kindergarten Orientation will be held on

Friday, April 10


chess pieces

Chess club is still accepting members and will be doing so until February 24, 2026. All levels welcome! Students from 2nd grade to 6th grade can join. Details can be found here: https://chessctr.org/oakton/

Checkmate Your Afternoons with Oakton Chess Club! 

Calling all thinkers, planners, and problem-solvers! Oakton Chess Club is back this spring, and all students in grades 2–6 are invited to join—beginners and advanced players welcome!

🗓 Tuesdays, 4:00 to 5:30 PM 📍 OES Cafeteria 📆 Spring Session: Feb. 3 to June 2

Students are grouped by ability, not age, so everyone learns at the right level. Beginners will master the rules, while experienced players sharpen strategy and tactics. Along the way, students build critical thinking, discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship—learning how to win graciously, learn from setbacks, and turn challenges into opportunities.

The cost is $140 per student for the semester, which includes snacks and one club T-shirt per year. Membership also offers the opportunity to participate in the Elementary Team League.

Chess Club is offered through our partnership with the nonprofit U.S. Chess Center and sponsored by the OES PTA.

📝 Register at: https://chessctr.org/oakton/ 📧 Questions? Contact vp.programs@oaktonpta.net or admin@chessctr.org

Make your move—join Oakton Chess Club this spring! ♟️


girls on the run logo

Girls on the Run at Oakton Elementary


Girls on the Run is a confidence-building program for girls in grades 3–6 that combines physical activity with lessons on positive thinking, healthy relationships, and self-confidence.

Sponsored by the Oakton Elementary School PTA, the Spring 2026 season runs March 2–May 17, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Girls will train together and finish the season with a celebratory non-competitive 5K.

Registration is open February 2–23 at www.gotrnova.org.

Registration fee is $210. Adjusted fees are available on a sliding scale and financial assistance is available.


silent auction

OES PTA Silent Auction – Donations Needed! 

The OES PTA Silent Auction is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and it directly supports programs and enrichment for our students, teachers, and school. We’re officially in donation mode, and we’d love your help making this year’s auction amazing!

Do you have something fun, unique, or creative to share? Donations of all kinds are welcome, including:

  • Homemade treats like sourdough, cookies, or specialty desserts 🍪
  • Photography mini sessions 📸
  • Lessons or experiences (art, knitting, fitness, music, and more!)
  • Professional services such as legal or estate planning consultations
  • Sports, theater, or concert tickets 🎭⚽
  • Vacation homes or weekend getaways 🌴
  • Gift cards or experiences from businesses our families love

If you have something to donate—or know someone who does—we’d love to hear from you!

Silent Auction Dates: April 20–26
Contact: Email Becky Radich at Becky.Radich@gmail.com with questions, donations, or to volunteer.

Together, we can make this auction a big win for OES! 💙


Fridays at the Library

The Oakton Balance Project invites your family to a special gathering at the Oakton Elementary School Library. This is a wonderful chance for students to play board games while parents build community and meet other local families.

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026

Time: 4 to 5 p.m.

Location: Oakton Elementary School Library (Please note the location change from the playground)

Important Dismissal Information:

This is not a drop-off event. Parents must be present.

Please tell your child's teacher in advance that they are dismissed to the library.

Parents should meet their children in the library at 4 p.m.

For more information, please visit https://www.oakton-balance.org/


What's the deal with group chats?

Is your child curious about joining group chats, or are they already texting with friends? Join the Oakton Balance Project for a helpful video call to discuss what elementary and middle school parents need to know.

Date: Monday, February 16

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Online Video Call

Guest Panelists:

  • Jill Donnelly: School Counselor at Cooper Middle School and a local parent.

  • Student: A freshman at Madison High School who attended Thoreau Middle and Oakton Elementary.

You can learn more and sign up at www.oakton-balance.org.


Upcoming dates for OES:

February 16 - Presidents' Day - School Closed

February 17 - Teacher Work Day - No School for Students

February 18 - Pajama Day

February 19 - Tropical Day

February 20 - Wear Yellow Day

February 25 - Wednesday Early Release - Students dismissed at 1:00 PM

March 20 - Eid al-Fitr - No School

March 24 - PTA Meeting - Virtual, 7:00 PM

March 25 - Wednesday Early Release - Students dismissed at 1:00 PM

March 27 - End of Quarter 3 - Early Release @ 2:00 PM

March 30-April 3 - SPRING BREAK - School Closed

April 6 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students

April 7 - Quarter 4 Begins