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Hello Stenwood Families,
After this last Monday’s 3-hour early release, we are really hoping that we have seen the last of our weather impacted days. We thank you all for your patience and our staff for their calm and consistency as students continued to learn and grow in a safe environment this week after such a different start to the week.
The green we are starting to see as Spring starts outside showed up in the building with students and staff wearing plenty of green on St. Patrick’s Day. 1st Grade and Kindergarten both had family invites for the occasion.
Thursday brought some more excitement for Kindergarten, as they took a field trip to the Adventure Theatre. They enjoyed a performance of Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical, where the main character, Freckleface, learned after trying to change herself that everyone is different – and that’s what makes everyone special!
We are in the final days of the 3rd quarter and we are continuing to plan for next year. Below is a section providing families the opportunity to provide input for class placements for next year.
As a reminder, Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, are both today, Thursday, March 19th. There is an evening only observance day today for Eid al-Fitr, which begins at sundown. And Friday, March 20th is a holiday for all schools and offices. Friday, March 27th, is the last day of the third quarter and a 2-hour early release for all students. And be sure to mark your calendars as Spring Break takes place from Monday, March 30th to Monday, April 6th; students return after Spring Break on Tuesday, April 7th.
Below you will find information about the following items:
- Optional: Class Placement Input for the 2026-2027 School Year - NEW
- Lost and Found - Reminder
- Save the Date - This is Me Night - Reminder
- Benchmark: Journeys and Themes in Language Arts - NEW
- New Visitor Management System- Raptor Safe - Reminder
- Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest - NEW
- Eid Mubarak - NEW
- Nowruz Mobarak - NEW
- April 21st Statewide Election - Reminder
- Fairfax County Budget Input - Reminder
- Family Engagement Survey - Final Reminder
- Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid - Reminder
- 2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
- Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition - Reminder
- Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs - Reminder
- Yearbook Ordering - DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 27th!
- Original, Makeup, & Retake Pictures Are Now Online! - Reminder
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Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest - Reminder
- School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
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Stenwood PTA - Reminder
 Sincerely,
Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal
bgcase@fcps.edu
Optional: Class Placement Input for the
2026-27 School Year
If your child is returning to Stenwood next school year, we offer you the opportunity to share any comments you would like regarding class placements. If you know that your family will not be joining us for the 2026-27 school year, please reach out to Ms. Burke, mpburke@fcps.edu or 703-208-7600 to let us know.
Our staff will be working on tentative class groupings this spring, with classroom assignments finalized in late August. As we make these placements, we consider many factors including individual student information, teacher input, and social relationships. Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning interests. Due to the many factors we must consider in creating classroom placements, including the reassignment of some teachers to a different grade level and the hiring of new teachers, requests for a specific teacher cannot be honored.
If you have information that you believe is pertinent to your child’s placement for next year, please complete the optional Class Placement Input Form by Friday, April 24th for it to be taken into consideration. There is no need to complete the form if you do not have any information you would like us to consider. Thank you.
Lost and Found
Tis’ the time of year when the Lost and Found is overflowing. We will be donating all items from lost and found over Spring Break. Please stop by when you are in the building to claim any items before they are donated. Thank you to the PTA who purchased our new Lost and Found rack!
Save the Date - This is Me Night
We are so excited for our second annual "This is Me" Night!
Date: April 23rd Time: 5:00 - 7:00pm
"This is Me" Night is all about celebrating our students and their individual achievements! Each student will showcase something they’ve worked on in school this year that they’re especially proud of—whether it’s a project, piece of art, writing, or another accomplishment. It will be a museum style format where families can walk around the building and visit classrooms to see work at all grade levels. Student attendance the night of the event is optional. Students will not be presenting their work, this will allow students to visit other classrooms with their families.
What do parents need to do? Nothing at all! Everything for the event will be prepared during the school day. Just come, enjoy, and celebrate your child’s achievements and the success of all our Stenwood Stingers!
How is this different from "This is Us" Night? While "This is Us" celebrates our diverse cultures and heritage, "This is Me" shines a light on the personal pride each student feels in their work and growth this school year.
We can’t wait to see you there and share these proud moments together!
We have aligned this event with the book fair, which will be open in the library at the same time.
Benchmark:📚 Journeys and Themes in Language Arts 📚
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Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is about the lessons we can learn from different stories around the world. Students in K-5 will be learning about themes across cultures. Sixth grade students will learn about legendary journeys. |
 Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s a lesson that you’ve learned recently, or a challenge you had?
- Activity: Pick a few of your child’s favorite books or classic stories such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” With your child, discuss each story and whether it has a lesson.
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.
New Visitor Management System - Raptor Safe
 Raptor Safe is our new visitor management system. This will be the standard way to sign in at all FCPS schools.
The new system allows you to preregister via the Raptor Safe app, saving you valuable time when checking in for school visits or events! We strongly encourage all family members to download the app and complete their registration today, it will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process!
Registration Options:
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Via the App: Search "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also visit raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ for direct links.
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In Person: If you are unable to register ahead of time, you can still complete the process at the school kiosk. Please ensure you have a valid photo ID with you to check in.
Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest
Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support Fairfax County Public Schools students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest during March. FCPS students in grades K–12 are invited to design a 2” x 7” bookmark celebrating the power of learning and creativity under the theme “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.”
Artwork must be original, flat (no glitter or pop-ups), and include the student’s name, grade, and school on the back. Entries will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme, and overall effort. Four winners (K–2, 3–6, middle, and high) will each receive a $25 gift card, and winning designs will be printed and shared in schools and the community. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement.
Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, or sent via pony mail. By submitting, students confirm FCPS enrollment and grant permission for printing and promotion (first name and grade only; parent/guardian signature required for winners).
Please click this link for instructions: Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest Flyer and Instructions.
Entries are due Friday, April 17th, 2026.
Eid Mubarak
Eid Mubarak to those in our Muslim community celebrating! In Islam, Eid al-Fitr is a 3 day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. #OurFCPS
Nowruz Mobarak
Nowruz Mobarak to all who celebrate! Nowruz, meaning “New Day,” is a more than 3,000-year-old spring festival marking the first day of the new year at the vernal equinox. Rooted in ancient Persian civilization, it is widely celebrated as the national new year in Iran and Afghanistan and across many Central Asian nations. Families welcome the new season with festive meals, gift-giving, and the beautiful tradition of the Haft-Seen table, filled with symbols of new life and renewal. #OurFCPS
April Statewide Election
April Statewide Election: No School for Students - There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21st, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
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.
Family Engagement Survey to Opened March 9th
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, is open from Monday, March 9th, to Monday, March 23rd. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
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.
2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
 FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18th, 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.
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 27th, 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.
Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Yearbook Ordering - DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 27th!
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Help your child remember the moments that made this school year special by ordering your copy of the Stenwood Elementary School Yearbook NOW at http://www.yearbookforever.com! The yearbook will feature memories that you and your child will want to look back on for years to come.
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 The company has a set amount they will print, so once they hit the limit, they will not print any additional yearbooks. The deadline has been extended and the new cutoff date to buy one is March 27th, 2026, if they are not sold out before then.
Original, Makeup, & Retake Images from Stenwood Elementary School Are Now Online!
 Order yours today at vosphoto.com/underclass!
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest
Our Equity Team is hosting an ongoing drawing contest to celebrate all the holidays and observations throughout the year.
Submission Details: We will collect submissions on the 1st of each month for holidays occurring the following month. For instance, since Purple Up Day! is April 15, drawings for it would be due by March 1st. You're welcome to turn in your artwork early—just drop it in the box in the office!
What Happens Next? The winning drawing will be featured in our newsletter and on our social media. All other submissions will be proudly displayed in our hallways for everyone to enjoy!
Missing a Holiday? If your family celebrates a holiday or observance that isn't on our list, please feel free to include it!
Ready to Draw? You can pick up a template paper for the contest in your classroom or the office, and it is posted on our website for easy access. We can’t wait to see the incredible artwork from our Stenwood artists!
School Meals and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications
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Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be $1.75. Lunch will be $3.25, milk $1.00. Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com. You can also write a check to Stenwood Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House. During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at https://linqconnect.com/public/menu/ESSF44 (these menus do not appear to be available yet).
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 Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Stenwood Elementary PTA
We hope you join our amazing PTA! stenwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com
1st Grade Family Invite!
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
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Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
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Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
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Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
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PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
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