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Hello Stenwood Families,
Today is the last day of the 3rd quarter! We are so proud of how much our Stingers have learned this year despite lots of weather interruptions during 2nd and 3rd quarter.
This week, our 6th graders travelled to Gettysburg for their field trip and our 3rd graders showcased their inventor skills with their simple machines. We love seeing all of the inventive solutions to our everyday problems!
We had our March Hive Family meetings today. If you have a 5th or 6th grader, you can ask them what they shared with their Hive Family. If you have a younger Stinger, you can ask them what their big buddies brought to share! We did many different activities and it was so fun to see all the creative ways that our Hive Families shared interests!
Our very own, Ms. Flynn will be on the Wheel of Fortune on Monday! Feel free to tune in and cheer her on!
We wish all our Stingers a wonderful Spring Break next week. Remember that Spring Break is from Monday, March 30th to Monday, April 6th; we look forward to having our students return for the 4th quarter after Spring Break on Tuesday, April 7th. Our office will be closed March 30 – April 3.
 Below you will find information about the following items:
- Crossing Guard - NEW
- Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April 21st - NEW
- Spring Book Fair! - NEW
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Benchmark: Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts - NEW
- Optional: Class Placement Input for the 2026-2027 School Year - Reminder
- Lost and Found - Final Reminder
- Save the Date - This is Me Night - Reminder
- Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest - Reminder
- Fairfax County Budget Input - Reminder
- Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid - Reminder
- Passover - NEW
- Good Friday - NEW
- Easter - NEW
- 2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
- Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs - Reminder
- Yearbook Ordering - DEADLINE EXTENDED to April 6th!
- 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
New Crossing Guard Location
As many of you have noticed, we now have a crossing guard at Kiss N Ride. We are so grateful as we have been requesting this for many years. Please be mindful of the crossing guard and follow their directions. They have also been provided a copy of the Kiss N Ride map and know that families are expected to only turn right into Kiss N Ride and right out of Kiss N Ride. Kiss N Ride closes at 8:38 as all students need to be in their seats at 8:40, please plan accordingly.
Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April
Tuesday, April 21st, 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 April 22nd, which was previously an early release Wednesday for elementary schools.
Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
The Spring Book Fair is Coming!
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This fundraiser for the library will be April 17-24th. Students will be able to browse the book fair, make wish lists, and then purchase books for themselves and/or their teachers. But before all this can happen - we need volunteers to help out! |
Please consider signing up for a slot or two, book fair is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, get a sneak peek at the books, and just have an all-around good time. As always, please contact Mrs. Cole with any questions you might have. Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044DA8AC2DA46-63164868-stenwood
Benchmark: 📚 Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts 📚
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We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem solving. |
 Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
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.
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 - Final Reminder!
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! And to Ms. May who has helped to keep it organized!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.
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.
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.
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 April 6th!
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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 April 6th, 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
Ms. Flynn on The Price is Right!
Hive Families!
3rd Grade Family Invite!
Simple Machines
6th Grade Gettysburg Field Trip
CARES Pizza Luncheon!
Assertion
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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