🍀 Navy News & Notes| 3.13.26

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Image of our Admin Team, Sarah, Jason and Kim smiling wearing their Navy gear

Dear Navy Families,

What an incredible, high-energy week we’ve had on campus! From the spark of scientific discovery to meaningful conversations about our digital future, the halls have been buzzing with excitement and school spirit.

Our young innovators truly blew us away this week! The STEAM Fair was a massive success, showcasing the curiosity and creativity of our students. We saw everything from complex engineering builds to fascinating biological experiments. The level of critical thinking on display proves that the future is in very capable hands.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Parent Coffee on Digital Wellness. We are so grateful to Judy Lao for hosting such an insightful and timely session. Navigating the digital world can be a challenge, and having these open dialogues helps us work together to keep our students safe, balanced, and mindful online.

None of this would be possible without our amazing teachers. Whether they are facilitating hands-on learning or providing the emotional support students need to thrive, they are "Making It Happen" every single day. We are so lucky to have a staff that goes above and beyond to ignite a love of learning in every child.

I hope you all take some time to relax, recharge, and celebrate your students' hard work. Have a fabulous weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday!

Warmly,

Jason, Kim, and Sarah


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❗April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.


Dolphin mascot holding a pink megaphone with text reading "Parent Survey Open Now!"

2026 Family Engagement Survey

Our school district is inviting families to participate in the 2026 Family Engagement Survey. Your feedback helps us understand how well schools are partnering with families and how we can improve communication, support, and engagement across our community.

The survey will be open Monday, March 9 through Monday, March 23, 2026.

We encourage all families to complete the survey online by following the link to the survey, which is the fastest and easiest way to participate. Your opinion and feedback are very important to us and will help improve communication, family support, and student success.

If you prefer a paper copy, you may come to the school office, where you can complete the survey and submit it to one of the office staff members.


Making It Happen: Every Day Counts!

Dolphin mascot holding a pink megaphone with text reading "Parent Survey Open Now!"

Our current chronic absenteeism rate is 7.2% 

Down from 8.6% last year!

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making daily, on-time attendance a priority. Each day your student is present in class, they participate in grade-level instruction, targeted interventions, and enrichment opportunities that support their growth and academic success. Consistent attendance is essential in preparing students for upcoming lessons and spring assessments.

We kindly encourage you to review the FCPS calendar and, whenever possible, plan appointments and vacations during scheduled school breaks. Together, we can ensure a strong finish to the school year!


Kindergarten Orientation

Blue "Kindergarten Orientation" text arching over two smiling dolphins in front of a red crayon-textured apple.

Save the date! Navy Elementary’s Kindergarten Orientation for parents and rising kindergarteners is on Friday, April 10th, from 9:00-10:00 AM. Please join us!

Email our registrar with any questions

Yoely Arias: ymavilaarias@fcps.edu


📢 3 Hour Early Release - March 25

Early Release Reminder with Alarm Clock in Center with a 3 on top of it
  • A reminder that we will dismiss based on your dismissal plan you shared for the school year.
  • You can check in our Early Release Checkerhttps://bit.ly/NavyERChecker
  • If changes to the dismissal plan need to be made, please call the office (703) 262-7100. Changes cannot be made past 3/23 without admin approval. 

Thank you for your partnership in planning and safely dismissing all of our students!

Blue Button says Early Release Plan

Navy Elementary Presents: Reading Around the Campfire

Literacy Night flyer with two teachers by a campfire illustration, titled "Reading Around the Campfire."
blue button that says RSVP Please

Join us for a cozy and exciting evening at our Literacy Night — 2026! This year’s theme, "Reading Around the Campfire," promises a night filled with games, memories, fun, and adventure for the whole family.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, March 26th

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Activities: Explore the joy of reading through interactive camp-themed settings and engaging literacy activities.

We can't wait to see our community gather to celebrate the magic of storytelling and adventure!

RSVP Today: Let us know if you plan to join us!


Parent Coffee:Digital Wellness Slide Deck

Mrs. Lao presented at our parent coffee this morning to share important information on Digital Wellness inspired by the Book "The Anxious Generation". I want to thank Mrs. Lao for opening up an important dialogue around living a balanced life in a digital world. Check out the Digital Wellness slides to review what was shared with parents!

 

 


2026 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp

Circular logo for Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp featuring a French horn, clarinet, and violin on a black background.

Franklin Band and Orchestra Camp is a local summer program designed to develop young musicians of ALL levels and is open to rising 4th through 9th graders.  Students participate in band or orchestra ensembles that meet their ability and experience level, aiming to further develop these musicianship skills throughout the camp experience. Each day, students will have the opportunity to grow musically through both large ensemble performance and small group/instrument-specific clinics.  One day of camp is roughly equivalent to four weekly elementary band or strings lessons during the school year!  Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp is a fantastic summer opportunity for young musicians to accelerate their musical development!  I highly recommend signing your child up for this awesome summer opportunity.  Click on the link below for details and registration.

Early Registration Ends 4/1/26

Information

Location - Franklin Middle School

Dates - Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 10th 

Times – Weekdays 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (No Camp on July 3rd)

Ages

Band: Rising 5th - 9th Grade students

Strings: Rising 4th - 9th Grade students

Pricing

$400 - Early Bird Registration (Jan 30 - March 31)

$425 - Regular Registration (April 1 - May 31)

$475 - Late Registration (June 1 - June 19)

Aftercare 

From 12:30 - 3:30pm every day (pending enrollment)

More information, frequently asked questions, and registration available at

https://chantillyband.org/franklin-band-orch-camp


ICYMI: Yearbook Cover Contest

Navy Elementary School mascot dolphin in a red beret painting "Last Week" over a blue yearbook illustration.

Updates:

  1. Due by Thursday, March 19
  2. Students must work individually, not in pairs. 

Calling all student artists! This year’s theme is “Making Kindness Happen.” One winner from Grades K–2 will be featured on the back cover, and one winner from Grades 3–6 will be featured on the front cover of the 2025–2026 yearbook. Both winners will receive a FREE yearbook!

Artwork must include “Navy Elementary” and “2025–2026,” be original, in color, vertical on white 8 ½ x 11 paper, and outlined in black. Entries are due to the front office by Thursday, March 19 with the submission form attached.

We can’t wait to see our students’ creativity shine! ✨

Blue button says submission form

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Military Family Field Day April 18, 2026

Fairfax County Public Schools is excited to celebrate our military-connected children and families with a fun-filled Field Day! As we recognize April as the Month of the Military Child, we invite your school’s clubs, PTA, or office/organization to sponsor an activity for this event! You may also sign up to provide a food/beverage item for purchase as a fundraiser for your organization.

 

Military Family Field Day will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at Annandale High School’s football stadium (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003). Set up for the event will begin at 11 a.m., with tear down immediately following the event.

 

As the sponsor of an activity or food/beverage item, your organization is responsible for the materials, set up, tear down, volunteers, and supervision of your activity during the event.  

 

Action Required

Register to sponsor an activity or provide a food/beverage item for purchase.


County Seeking Budget Input

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey.


Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

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: 

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:

  • Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
  • 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.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at [phone number]. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

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🍀March

  • March 20 | Eid - No School
  • March 23 | 5th Grade IRW Assessment
  • March 25 | 3 hour Early Release
  • March 26 | Literacy Night (Wear Pajamas)
  • March 27 | End of 3rd Quarter & 2 Hour Early Release
  • March 30 - Apr 3 | Spring Break

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Graphic with "MEET ARI" text featuring a video of students using small round robots on a smartphone screen.

Meet Ari

Our second graders met Ari, a little coding robot packed with personality and tricks! 🤖


Check it out and make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


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For your convivence, here is a customized printable Oakton Pyramid calendar that includes our Wednesday 3 Hour Early Releases.


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