Ravens' Nest 3/13/26

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/13/2026 04:30 PM EDT

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Upcoming Events

 Calender Reminder

March is Women’s History Month and Arts in Our Schools Month

Mar 17        RunFitKidz: Tuesday group

Mar 18        3 – Hour Release – Dismiss at 12:20pm

Mar 19        RunFitKidz: Thursday group

Mar 20        Holiday – No School (Eid al Fitr and Nowruz)

Mar 23        Superintendent Community Conversations

Mar 30 - April 3 - Spring Break

Apr 10        Kindergarten Orientation at 2pm – 3pm

Link to 2025-2026 School Year Calendar 2025-26 FCPS School Year Calendar

Principal’s Message to Families

Dear Ravensworth Families,

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The popular idiom used to describe March, “in like a lion and out like a lamb”, was illustrated this week with the extreme weather changes including warm sunny weather one day and snow the next.  At Ravensworth ES, our students were excited about learning and witnessing these different weather fronts and the power of nature. 

 

As we enjoy the extra daylight and promise of spring, it is a great time to reset our bedtime routines to ensure our Ravens are rested and ready for school. Consistent school attendance is the foundation of your child’s success. Every day a student is in class is an opportunity to build not just academic skills, but the social-emotional stamina they need to thrive. When students are here, they don’t just learn the curriculum—they learn how to be part of a community. We miss your children when they are gone, and we want them here for every moment of learning!

Finally, as you chat about school with your children this week, try using open-ended prompts to spark deeper conversations. Instead of asking "How was your day?", try asking, "What was the moment today when you did something new or completed something that you first thought was difficult?" or "What is something a friend did today that made you smile?" These specific questions help children process their social dynamics and academic challenges more effectively than responding with a simple "good" or "fine."

Have a wonderful weekend. We are so happy to have the opportunity to teach your children and be a part of the Ravensworth community.

 

Warmly,

Shannon Mueck

Sleep Awareness Week  

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.

📚 Finishing Up Our Exploration of Technology and Society in Language Arts 📚

Students are finishing Benchmark Unit 5 in Language Arts! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about why and how we use technology.  

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: What do you think life would be like if we didn’t have cell phones or the internet?
  • Activity: Ask your child to predict the next big invention in transportation, communication, or entertainment. Have them sketch it, name it, and explain how it works.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.

Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link. 

Kindergarten Registration

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 (the student and one caregiver must be present).

Read more about the registration process. 

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled 

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Ravensworth ES Hosting an Upcoming Community Conversations March 23rd- Share Your Thoughts With our FCPS Superintendent: Dr. Reid

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

 superintendant fcps

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for childcare and interpretation services. 

Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Yearbooks on Sale Now!

Don’t miss out on this year’s Ravensworth Elementary Yearbook! Yearbooks cost $18.50 and must be pre-ordered by April 27 at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com using Yearbook ID Code 4882626 and the school name, Ravensworth Elementary School. Families may also pay by cash or check (made payable to Ravensworth PTA) and should include the student’s name, teacher’s name and grade, and parent’s name on the order form. Optional add-ons include Yearbook Stickies ($3.00), Zoom Events ($4.00), an Autograph Insert ($3.00), and personalization with a name imprint ($5.00). Yearbooks will be distributed during the last week of school, so order yours today to celebrate the memories of this school year! 🎉

Ravensworth ES New Arrival and Dismissal Traffic Flow

Thank you to all our parents, caregivers, siblings, students and staff for your willingness to support the changes to our arrival and dismissal traffic flow.  These changes have been made to ensure all our students, staff, and families are safe during these very busy times of the day. 

These changes include: 

  • One way school traffic pattern on Nutting Dr. with the Kiss and Ride entrance starting from
  • No student drop offs nor pick-ups on Nutting Dr.
  • Crossing of Nutting Dr. is allowed only in the cross walks

Our data shows that the new traffic flow decreased the illegal/dangerous 69 incidents measured the week before the snow closure to 3 incidents measured this week.  Our goal is to have 0 incidents and with your help we know this is achievable.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. Please note other important details below:

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

Read Across America March 2026

Award-winning author, Hena Khan, is scheduled to visit our school on Monday, April 13th!  She writes books in multiple formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, friendship, community and family. You can read more about her and her books here. We have a variety of her novels and picture books in our library that are flying off the shelves! You can also check them out from your local public library branch. We look forward to the fun, inspiration, and encouragement that lies ahead for our students in April.

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Signed books will be available for families to purchase via this link. (Please place orders no later than Friday March 27th to ensure delivery by the event).

Family Spotlight Board

If your child has had a great personal/family moment lately, send Ms. Heiman (amheiman@fcps.edu) a photo and it will be displayed on the Family Spotlight bulletin board in the main hallway! Examples: family celebrated a holiday, cultural traditions, child rode their bike without training wheels, great soccer game, got a new pet, and more!

Parent Information Line Available in 8 Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

PTA Spirit Wear Store – Shop All Year Long!

Show your Ravensworth pride in style! Our brand-new Spirit Wear Store is open year-round, so you can gear up anytime.

Join the Ravensworth PTA  – Family membership is just $20!

Follow Ravensworth on Social Media - Are you connected to Ravensworth Elementary School and the Ravensworth PTA on social media? The PTA’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ravensworthelementarypta and the school’s accounts are https://www.facebook.com/RavensworthElementary