Fort Hunt Fox Den News | February 27, 2026


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dance

Dance Around the World was amazing! It gets better every year. So many countries were represented! Thank you to everyone who danced, cooked, organized and shared. You can see more pictures on our Instagram page @FortHuntES


News from the Fox Den

February 27, 2026


A Message from Ms. Consolla

I hope you all enjoyed the unexpected "gift" of a snow day this past Monday! Despite the shorter week, the halls of Fort Hunt have been buzzing with energy and the joy of learning. And we were able to practice two of our safety drills. 

Next week, we are sending our third and sixth graders to DC for field trips to the Museum of Natural History and The American Art Museum, respectively. It's a gift to be able to access these museums and make connections to our instruction. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.  

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


New Visitor Management System

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!


Spirit Fridays are Here!

Mar 6: Hat Day

March 13: St. Patrick's/Wear Green Day

March 19: Hawaiian Beach Day

March 27: Pajama Day

hat day

Montessori Program at Bucknell ES:

2026-27 Lottery Application Now Open

The West Potomac Pyramid Montessori Program at Bucknell ES is now accepting applications for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.

  • The Approach: Multi-age classrooms focused on discovery, independence, and hands-on learning.
  • No Tuition: New PreK students will attend tuition-free for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Key Dates: The lottery is now open. Apply by March 20 for initial consideration.
  • Eligibility: Open to eligible students living in the West Potomac Pyramid.

Explore the program and apply today at www.fcps.edu/montessori

Questions? Email Montessori@fcps.edu


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

kindergarten

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


SCA Food Drive Runs Now thru March 19

The Fort Hunt Student Council will be sponsoring a food drive. The time frame of this year’s food drive will be February 19th to March 19th. The students are looking to collect all non-perishable food items to donate to a local organization.

*** Please make sure items are not expired!!!***

Non-perishable items include: canned fruits/vegetables, canned beans, peanut butter, jelly, condiments, coffee/tea, salt/pepper, dry cereals, pastas, oatmeal, bags of beans/rice, tomato sauce (no glass), cooking oils, soup, sugar, flour, etc….

Please feel free to bring donations in the morning to the Fort Hunt Elementary School during morning arrival. We will have SCA members collect the food near by the main office, just inside the main entrance. If donating a large amount and need a specific time frame please feel free to reach out to Mr. Michaels, the SCA Teacher Advisor.

The Student Council would like to thank you in advance for making this food drive a success this school year.


📵We Are Phone-Free During School

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, March 20 | No School for students & staff (Eid al-Fitr)

Wednesday, March 25 | Early Release Wednesday 12:40pm dismissal

Friday, March 27 | Last day of Quarter 3: 1:40pm dismissal

Spring Break: Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3

Monday, April 6 | No School Teacher Workday

Friday, April 10 | No School School Planning Day

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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