Fort Hunt Fox Den News | March 20, 2026


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spirit day

Our last Spirit Friday is coming up this week with Pajama Day. Get ready to get cozy over spring break. We can't wait to see you in your jammies.


News from the Fox Den

March 20, 2026


A Message from Ms. Consolla

Spring has a way of keeping us on our toes, and this past week was certainly a testament to that! Thank you for your incredible flexibility and patience during the unanticipated three-hour early release on Monday. While the severe storm warnings prompted us to prioritize safety, we were all relieved the weather ultimately missed our neighborhood. It served as a perfect, real-world opportunity to practice our safety protocols. In fact, our students did a remarkable job during our tornado drill last week and the fire drill this week.

Looking ahead to next week, please mark your calendars for a few schedule shifts as we wrap up the third quarter. We have a three-hour early release on Wednesday and a two-hour early release on Friday, March 27. Friday marks the end of the third quarter—I can hardly believe how quickly this year is flying by! To celebrate all the hard work our students have put in, the SCA will hold its final Spirit Friday with Pajama Day!

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

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


Calender Reminder

Early release dates & Spring Break

Wednesday, March 25: Dismissal at 12:40pm

Friday, March 27: Dismissal at 1:40pm

School will be closed for students Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 6. See you back in The Den on Tuesday, April 7.


SOL Testing Dates at Fort Hunt ES

Our students in Grades 3-6 will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. We've put together a schedule that minimizes disruption to our overall school operations.

Tuesday, May 5: Reading SOL for Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6

Tuesday, May 12: Math SOL for Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6

Tuesday, May 19: Science SOL for Grade 5 only

All but a handful of students from these grades will be testing on these dates. Thank you for scheduling appointments on dates  other than these Tuesdays. If you have questions, please connect with Ms. Settel at pasettel@fcps.edu


2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.


yearbook

To make a purchase, please scan the QR code or log in at www.myschoolbucks.com


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.


kindergarten

📵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

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 for students: Teacher Workday

Thursday, April 9 | Kindergarten Orientation 4-4:45pm

Friday, April 10 | No School for students:  School Planning Day

Tuesday, April 21 | No School for student: Election 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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