Hunters Woods News and Notes: April 3, 2026


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Calendar Reminders

📌Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3: Spring Break

📌Monday, April 6: Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

📌Friday, April 10: Student Holiday (School Planning Day)

📌Friday, April 10: Kindergarten Orientation 9:15 a.m. (see details below)

📌Saturday, April 11: PTA Skate Night (see details below)

📌Tuesday, April 14: Chamber Strings Concert, 6:00 p.m.

📌Wednesday, April 15: Purple Up.

📌Friday, April 17: PTA Movie Night, 6:00 p.m.

📌Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: Stuff the Bus (see details below)

📌Tuesday, April 21: Student Holiday (Election Day, see details below)

📌Thursday, April 23: Art Night at Hunters Woods (see details below)


Passover - April 1

Passover

Chag Sameach to all in our community celebrating Passover! For Jewish communities, this holiday celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Many Jewish families eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods.


Good Friday - April 3

Good Friday

Today we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. On this day, the Friday before Easter, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice and death of Jesus on the cross.


Easter - April 5

Easter

A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who Christians believe suffered and died on the cross for the salvation of the world and the forgiveness of sins. Through his own resurrection on Easter, Christians believe Jesus offers the hope of eternal life with God after death.


Orthodox Good Friday / School Planning Day - April 10

Orthodox Good Friday

Today we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. Millions of Orthodox Christians and their churches celebrate this special day according to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Good Friday is the day for Orthodox Christians to embrace and relive the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testaments of the crucifixion of Jesus.


National Assistant Principals Week - April 6 - 10

Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success.


Month of the Military Child 💜

Month of the Military Child graphic

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.

To show our support for military-connected youth, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

We extend our appreciation for the service of all children from military families and celebrate them by wearing purple in an effort to say “Thank You!” Whether or not you know any military-connected youth, please take a moment to recognize and honor them by wearing purple on April 15.


National Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month graphic

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


School Library Month

School Library Month

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. 


Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month graphic

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.


Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on Wednesday, April 22, which was previously early an release Wednesday for elementary schools.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details. 


🐎Learn About Kindergarten at Hunters Woods - April 10

Our kindergarten orientation is being held on April 10 at 9:15 a.m. to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school. 

We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten. 

There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for registering your child for kindergarten. Register your child today! Contact our registrar at Mr. James Racine (jpracine@fcps.edu and 703.262.7400) with any questions.


Hunters Woods PTA Skate Night - April 11

Skate Night 2026

Get ready to lace up those skates and slide into a night of fun, laughter, and school spirit! The PTA is excited to invite all students, families, and staff to our upcoming Skate Night and we'd love to see YOU there!

SkateQuest

Saturday, April 11, 2026

1800 Michael Faraday Ct. Reston, VA 20190

Ticket sales begin at 5:30pm; skating runs from 6:10-8 pm.

Tickets are $10 per skater (includes admission and skate rental).

Credit cards, cash, or checks made out to HWPTA will be accepted.

PTA scholarships for Hunters Woods students are available.

Please contact Family Liaison, Santanisha Chang, at (703) 262-7402 or schang@fcps.edu.


For more information, please visit the AAP website at: FCPS AAP Website


Celebrate the Arts - April 23

Art Night 2026 - 3

Celebrate creativity and community at Hunters Woods Elementary School’s “Celebrate the Arts” Open House! Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:45 - 7:15 p.m. for an evening filled with vibrant student artwork from Pre-K through 6th grade, live performances by talented student musicians, and fun, hands-on art stations for all ages. Stroll through the hallways to experience a gallery of imagination, grab a bite from onsite food trucks, and take part in this joyful showcase of young artists. Don’t miss this colorful night of inspiration and creativity!


Stuff the Bus - April 20 - 24

Stuff the Bus Updated

South Lakes Pyramid Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive will be the week of April 20 - 24.

ITEMS NEEDED

CANS - Tuna, Salmon, Vegetables, Soup, Chicken, Chili, Juices, Pasta Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Fruit

PLASTIC BOTTLES (No Glass Please) - Cooking Oil, Peanut Butter, Jelly/Jam, Spice Jars

BOX/DRY GOODS - Boxed milk, Cereal, Lentils/Beans, Oatmeal, Mac and Cheese, Pasta

BAGS - Rice, Flour, Sugar

HYGIENE PRODUCTS - Toiletries, Feminine Hygiene Products, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Lip Balm, Liquid Hand Soap, Lotion 


Small Story Squad 📖

Small Story Squad

Join us for Small Story Squad, a free activity for families with children under the age of 5. 

Come for 

  • A free book
  • A literacy activity
  • Snacks
  • AND FUN!

NEW DATES

March 16, 23

April 13, 20, 27

May 4, 11, 18


SOL Testing Dates - REVISED

SOL Testing UPDATE 2026

SOL Testing Dates

READING: Tuesday, May 5

MATH and ALGEBRA 1: Thursday, May 14

SCIENCE: Wednesday, May 20 (5th Grade Only)


Get 2 Green Student Action Summit

G2G

Join fellow FCPS students in grades K-12 for an evening of learning and connecting around environmental action at schools. The evening will include an opportunity for student sharing and facilitated discussion. This event is open to all students in Fairfax County Public Schools. Elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions: Email Get2Green@fcps.edu

Register at: https://rb.gy/7cx0ih

Registration deadline: May 8, 2026


📖AAP Newsletter

AAP Spring 26 Newsletter

FCPS PreK and Early Head Start are now accepting applications for SY 2026–2027!

The FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old.

PreK: For children who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30, with priority given to 4-year-olds. 

Early Head Start: For children ages 0–2 and pregnant women who live in the Reston, Herndon, and Springfield areas. 

Classrooms Fill Quickly.  Apply Early!

More information and the online application are available here.


Discover What’s New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
  • Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
  • Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
  • Vegetarian options, like the meatless Philly melt, which are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available. 


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • School Weather Safety
  • Science Fair Winners
  • Summer Internships at FCPS

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


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