Floris Family Message
In This Message:
- Principals' Message
- PTA News
- Recess Equipment Donations
- Month of the Military Child
- Yearbooks
- Curiosity Corner
- AAP Information
- Floris SOL Schedule
- April Early Release Wednesdays Canceled
- Weather Safety
- Budget
- New Menu Items
- Community Conversations
- Countdown to Kindergarten
- Summer Learning
- Upcoming Dates
Hello Floris Families,
I would like to congratulate all of our students who were recognized last night at the Pyramid Art Show. Their creativity, effort, and talent were on full display, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented our Floris community.
We are also excited to welcome our newest Floris Eagles! We look forward to meeting all of our incoming kindergarten students and their families tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM in the cafeteria for Kindergarten Orientation. This is a wonderful first step in your child’s journey with us, and we can’t wait to get to know you.
Lastly, I would like to take a moment to recognize our outstanding assistant principal, Mr. Gibbs, during Assistant Principal Week. Mr. Gibbs works tirelessly to support our students, staff, and families each and every day. His dedication, leadership, and care for our community make a meaningful difference, and we are so fortunate to have him at Floris.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school.
Principal DeSmyter
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter, Principal
Robert Gibbs, Assistant Principal
PTA News and Announcements
📆PTA Meeting
- Please join us for our next PTA meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30pm in the Floris Library. The meeting will focus on voting in 2026-2027 PTA officers, and PTA events and activities for the rest of the school year. Don’t miss out! Your perspective helps shape what’s next for our students.
🍎Food Share Program:
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Sign up to deliver donated food on Fridays. It is a quick errand!
🥨1st Grade Snack Pack
Floris 1st graders will put together 200 snack bags for neighbors in need on Thursday, April 16th. The students will learn about food insecurity in their community and then take action to help! Please sign up to donate items for their service project. All donations should be dropped off to Mrs. de Kramer’s office by Tuesday, April 15th.
🌎International Night:
- Held on Thursday, April 30 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Floris Elementary School Cafeteria and Gym. International Night is a celebration of the diversity of our students and families from different parts of the world. To make this event successful, we need volunteers. Check out our sign up and host a country table, perform, or just help.
🗣️Floris Arabic Student Club:
- Registration for the Floris Arabic Student Club (FASC) is OPEN for any Floris 3rd-6th graders. FASC meets on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:00pm. This club is for all levels of learners - from those just starting to learn Arabic to fluent speakers.
2026-2027 PTA Leadership Opportunities:
- Got ideas? Got energy? Floris PTA needs YOU!
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Volunteer to be a PTA officer to help continue programming and provide enrichment opportunities for Floris students.
- Roles vary in commitment, and we are happy to provide training/support. If you’d like to learn more, please contact florispta.pres@gmail.com.
Want to learn more about the PTA? Visit our website.
Recess Equipment Donations
Great news! Our Floris recess bin now has a new drop hatch, making it even easier for community members to donate new or gently used recess equipment.
The recess bin is typically located on the blacktop at the back of the school building. While the bin is locked at the end of each school day to help preserve and maintain equipment for our students, the donation hatch will remain open at all times for your convenience.
Our goal is to keep the bin well-stocked so students have plenty of equipment to enjoy and share during recess each day. We invite you to take a quick look in your garage or attic for any items that are still in good, usable condition and consider making a donation during a short trip to Floris.
We gladly accept the following items:
- Soft or soft-shelled soccer balls
- Nerf footballs
- Frisbees or Frisbee rings
- Basketballs
- Jump ropes
- Playground or kickballs
Thank you for helping us keep recess fun, active, and engaging for all of our students!
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and honor the unique experiences and resilience of our military-connected students and families. As part of this recognition, Floris Elementary will be joining Fairfax County Public Schools in celebrating Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15.
We encourage all students, staff, and community members to wear purple on April 15 as a visible show of support. Purple represents all branches of the military and symbolizes unity and appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families.
We are proud to support and celebrate our military-connected youth and look forward to seeing our Floris community “Purple Up!” together!
Yearbooks Are Now On Sale
- Cost: $18
- Order Deadline: April 17, 2026
- In order to ensure everything is tracked appropriately and efficiently, we will only be conducting online orders.
👉👉You can order the Floris Yearbook from 🔗this direct link 🔗👈👈
- You will need to enter your student's first name, last name, grade level, and provide online payment.
- If you are ordering more than one yearbook, you'll need to complete the above process for each student (separate transactions).
We can expect our yearbooks to arrive from Walsworth at the end of May and they will be distributed to students in June! Thank you!
🧠Curiosity Corner🧠
April's Maker Mission: Patterns in Bloom! 🌸
There are many patterns in nature, and Spring is the perfect time to observe them! Create spring art inspired by patterns found in nature—like leaves, flowers, insects, or clouds. Use any materials at home to design your artwork and share it with a photo, drawing, or short explanation.
The goal is to promote creative and critical thinking and engage in the engineering and design process. Submissions are due in the Curiosity Lab at the end of the month and will be highlighted within the school building and on the student news show. Let's get curious!
AAP Information
AAP Screening – School-Based Services (Subject-Specific Differentiation and Part-Time Services):
Screening for subject-specific differentiation (grades K-5) and part time services (grades 2-5) will be happening in May for the 26-27 school year. This is a screening process that is completely separate from full-time services. For families interested in referring their child for subject-specific differentiation and/or part-time services you have the option to submit a referral form to Amy Albanese by April 30, 2026. Please note the forms are not required - All students will be automatically screened for possible services, but the form allows the parent to submit their own insights as to why their child needs services. Forms can be submitted digitally to abalbanese@fcps.edu by April 30, 2026.
If you are interested in learning more about the 4 levels of AAP services, please click on this link: Elementary School AAP Levels of Service.
If you should have any questions regarding AAP services, please reach out to Amy Albanese our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher here at Floris ES, or learn more about AAP on our Floris webpage!
 Grades 3 and 4
Tuesday, May 12 - Language Arts SOL
Thursday, May 14 - Math SOL
Grade 5
Friday, May 8 - Science SOL
Grades 5 and 6
Wednesday, May 13 - Language Arts SOL
Friday, May 15 - Math SOL
Grades 3-6
May 18-May 22 - SOL makeup testing
May 28-June 2 - Expedited SOL retakes (Scores of 375-399 on initial assessment)
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 now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays 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.
FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety
At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks.
FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.
Provide the County Government With Feedback on its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
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 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.
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. 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.
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:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Read more about the registration process.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
April 10: School Planning Day
April 10: Kindergarten Orientation, 10:00 in Cafeteria
April 15: "Purple Up" Day for Military Children
April 21: Election- No School
April 24: K-2 Field Day
April 30: International Night
May 4: Spring Band Concert, 6:30pm
May 7: Spring Strings Concert
May 8: 5th Grade Science SOL
May 12: 3rd and 4th Grades Language Arts SOL
May 13: 5th and 6th Grades Language Arts SOL
May 14: 3rd and 4th Grades Math SOL
May 15: 5th and 6th Grades Math SOL
May 20: 3-Hour Early Release
May 21: PTA Carnival
May 25-27: No School
June 3: Big Truck Day
June 10-11: 6th Grade Musical Performances, 7:00
June 16: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony
June 17: Last Day of School
Find the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar: https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
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