Floris Family Message
In This Message:
- Principals' Message
- PTA News
- PTA Reflections- State Winners
- Book Fair
- Yearbooks
- Curiosity Corner
- Floris SOL Schedule
- Westfield HS International Night
- Community Conversations
- AAP Information
- Kindergarten Registration
- Upcoming Dates
Hello Floris Families,
It’s been another great week at school! With the days getting a little brighter and the temperatures (hopefully!) starting to rise, it feels like spring might finally be on its way. We’re excited to see the extra sunshine — and speaking of that, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday as Daylight Saving Time begins!
We’re looking forward to another fantastic week ahead, especially with the arrival of our Book Fair! All students will have time during the school day to browse and shop. We also hope you’ll join us for our Family Shopping Afternoon on Wednesday from 4:30–6:30 PM — it’s a wonderful chance to explore great books together.
Here’s to a bright and busy week ahead!
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter, Principal
Robert Gibbs, Assistant Principal
PTA News and Announcements
2026-2027 PTA Leadership Opportunities:
As we begin planning for next year, we’re looking for parents and caregivers who would consider stepping into a PTA leadership role. Floris will need a new PTA President next year. In Virginia, every local unit PTA is required to have a minimum of three elected officers to operate in good standing: President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary.
All open positions are listed here. No prior PTA experience is required - just a willingness to collaborate and a desire to support our school community. Roles vary in commitment, and we are happy to provide training and support.
🧪Science Fair – Only 18 Spots Left!
Our Science Fair is filling up fast — we have about 18 spots remaining! If your student is interested in participating, now is the time to sign up. Registration closes on March 19. Register here!
♟️Chess Club:
Silver Knights Chess Academy is back this spring with chess club on Tuesday mornings! Sign up today to continue the progression. Clubs are a mixture of lessons, activities, and games. We welcome all skill levels. Sign up today using the link here: https://chessacademy.com/products/floris-elementary-chess-club
🗣️Floris Arabic Student Club:
Registration for the Floris Arabic Student Club (FASC) is OPEN for any Floris 3rd-6th graders. FASC meets on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:00pm. This club is for all levels of learners - from those just starting to learn Arabic to fluent speakers.
🍎Food Share Program:
SIGN UP to deliver donated food on Fridays. It is a quick errand!
Want to learn more about the PTA? Visit our website.
PTA Reflections State Winners
We are thrilled to celebrate two outstanding Floris students who have earned Outstanding Interpretation Awards at the Virginia PTA Reflections Competition!
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Ditya Dhevarajan – Dance Choreography, Primary Division (Grades K–2)
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Dhrithii Dhevarajan – Dance Choreography, Intermediate Division (Grades 3–5)
This is an exceptional achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their creativity, dedication, and hard work. Earning recognition at the state level is a tremendous honor, and we are excited to share that their entries will now advance to the National PTA Reflections competition.
We look forward to cheering them on as they represent Floris on the national stage!
📚 The Scholastic Book Fair is Next Week! 🎉
Get ready — the Scholastic Book Fair begins on March 9th and runs through March 13th! Students will kick off the fun by previewing the fair with their classes and creating a wish list to bring home and share with you.
Later in the week, students will return to shop during school hours, and families are invited to join the excitement during our Family Shopping Afternoon on Wednesday March 11th from 4:30–6:00 PM.
Want to make shopping easy and cash-free? Set up an eWallet for your child — it’s the simplest way to let them choose their favorite books. 📖✨
Visit the Floris Elementary School Book Fair website for full details and to create your child’s eWallet today!
We’re still looking for parent volunteers to help make the Book Fair a success. Your time and support make a big difference! Please see the Sign Up Genius to sign up for a time to help. Additionally, please go to the Volunteer Signup page to register as a FES Book Fair volunteer.
Any questions? Please contact Ms. Papas at mopapas@fcps.edu.
Yearbooks Are Now On Sale
- Cost: $18
- Order Deadline: April 17, 2026
- In order to ensure everything is tracked appropriately and efficiently, we will only be conducting online orders.
👉👉You can order the Floris Yearbook from 🔗this direct link 🔗👈👈
- You will need to enter your student's first name, last name, grade level, and provide online payment.
- If you are ordering more than one yearbook, you'll need to complete the above process for each student (separate transactions).
We can expect our yearbooks to arrive from Walsworth at the end of May and they will be distributed to students in June! Thank you!
🧠Curiosity Corner🧠
March’s Maker Mission: Birdhouse Builders
Spring is here! Design and build a birdhouse using recyclable materials found at home. The goal is to create a safe, creative shelter a bird could use this spring!
The goal is to promote creative and critical thinking and engage in the engineering and design process. Submissions are due in the Curiosity Lab at the end of the month and will be highlighted within the school building and on the student news show. Let's get curious!
 Grades 3 and 4
Tuesday, May 12 - Language Arts SOL
Thursday, May 14 - Math SOL
Grade 5
Friday, May 8 - Science SOL
Grades 5 and 6
Wednesday, May 13 - Language Arts SOL
Friday, May 15 - Math SOL
Grades 3-6
May 18-May 22 - SOL makeup testing
May 28-June 2 - Expedited SOL retakes (Scores of 375-399 on initial assessment)
Westfield High School International Night on March 26th
This special evening celebrates cultures from around the world through food, fashion, and live performances. Bring your family and friends for a fun and meaningful community event!
Event Schedule:
• Potluck – 5:00–6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
• Fashion Show – 6:00–7:00 PM (Gym)
• Cultural Performances – 7:00–9:00 PM (Gym)
• International Food Trucks – 5:00–9:00 PM (Outside at the Westfield Kiss and Ride)
Featured Food Trucks:
• Halal Grill – Middle Eastern chicken and gyro
• Pako’s Tacos – Mexican tacos and quesadillas
• Disctrict Small Bites – Classic American
• Brewster’s – American ice cream
• DC Slices – Italian pizza
Admission:
• FCPS Students – Free
• Adults and Other Guests – $5
We look forward to celebrating the diversity and vibrant cultures within our community. We hope to see you there!
Register Today With Volunteer FCPS
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Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at [School]. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
AAP Information
If you should have any questions regarding AAP services, please reach out to Amy Albanese our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher here at Floris ES, or learn more about AAP on our Floris webpage!
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s 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:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
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.
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.
Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
March 9-13: Spring Book Fair
March 17: Spring Chorus Concert, 7pm in Cafeteria
March 20: Holiday- Eid al-Fitr
March 25: 3-Hour Early Release
March 26: Science Fair
March 26: Westfield HS International Night
March 30-April 3: Spring Break
April 6: Teacher Workday
April 8: Spring Picture Day
April 10: School Planning Day
April 10: Kindergarten Orientation, 10:00 in Cafeteria
Find the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar: https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
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