Planning Ahead - Calendar Dates!
March 30 - Yearbook Ordering Opportunity Closes - Code 21772 Order Now!
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break and April 6 - Teacher Workday
April 8 - Sixth Graders Visit Longfellow
April 9 - Sixth Grade Field Trip - D'Amico, Weiss, Hansrote
April 10 - No School for Students - School Planning Day
April 10 - Kindergarten Tours/Orientation 9 - 10 a.m. and Teacher Workday
April 14 - Class Group Pictures
April 14- Parent access to 3rd quarter grades in SIS ParentVUE
April 15 - Purple Up Day - Wear Purple!!! We have some plans for the day to recognize our military students!
April 17 - Sixth Grade Field Trip to Calleva Challenge Course
April 18 - Heritage Night (rescheduled) -Sign Up below
April 20 - 24 - Get 2 Green Week - See Spirit Wear Below!
April 21 - No School - (Election) - Teacher Planning Day
April 22 - Full Day of School (3 Hour Early Release cancelled)
April 24 - Bingo Night! Sign Up Below!
April 29 - Sixth Grade Pano Picture
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
End of Year Updates
Thursday, June 11 - Field Day - Kinder - 5th Grade - (We will post for volunteers soon)
Friday, June 12 - Field Day Rain Date K-5
Monday, June 15 - Sixth Grade Promotion - McLean HS
Tuesday, June 16 - Sixth Grade Field Day 9:30 - 11 a.m. and Sixth Grade Celebration 1 - 3 p.m. (More info to follow - we will need volunteers)
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Yearbook Orders Close 3/30!
We will send one final reminder regarding the ordering of yearbooks. Our final orders will be on March 30th. Order your yearbook now! www.yearbookordercenter.com with code 21772
Or scan the QR code !
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Administration Note
Dear Parents,
Last reminder to purchase your yearbook prior to the the 30th of March. We have emailed families! Order today!
We had a busy but good five days of learning. This past week also marks the end of the third quarter. We are definitely thinking forward as we approach SOL testing. We have included the dates below. Please mark your calendars now. In addition, note that we have had an adjustment in the April calendar. We are off school on the 21st of April for the election and the 3 hour early releases is cancelled for 4/22. We also have Class Pictures on April 14th. We are looking forward to celebrating and honoring our military families. Wear PURPLE on April 15th!
Think forward to the Heritage Night and Bingo Night - Sign up now! Thanks to our fabulous PTA!
The office will be open some of the hours this week. Email Holly McGuigan if you have a specific question or need!
Happy Spring Break!
See you soon!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
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 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.
Class Picture Day - April 14
On April 14, we will have class picture day. We look forward to the class pics!
Student Intentions for Next School Year 2026-27
As we plan forward for the next school year, please complete this google form if your child(ren) are NOT returning. It does NOT need to be completed if your child(ren) are returning to Kent Gardens. It is not binding, we are merely using this information to guide our thinking on numbers as we plan forward! Thanks in advance!
Parent Input Opportunity for Class Placement for 2026-27 School Year
Every year, we work collectively to determine class placements for the next school year for each student. A variety of factors such as student personalities, friendships, and academic abilities are also considered as we create our new classes. Other factors impacting the decision-making process of student class assignments are new student enrollment and teachers moving to a new assignment. Please provide your input if desired through this google formif you feel the need. Thanks for partnering with us! We will close this google form April 5.
SOL Testing Dates
- Third Grade SOL
- May 6th Reading
- May 14th Math
- 4th Grade SOL
- May 5th Reading
- May 12th Math
- 5th Grade SOL
- May 5th Reading
- May 12th Math
- May 19th Science
- 6th Grade SOL
- May 6th Reading
- May 14th Math
Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 30, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the upcoming year. You can now choose to use online registration tool. With the online option, you will then have to come into the office with the child’s original birth certificate, your proof of residence (deed/lease) and your ID. You can contact Annie Joseph to coordinate a convenient time.
Rising Kindergarten Student Intention 2026-27
Please complete this form if you have a rising kindergartner and plan on attending Kent Gardens. If you are hopeful to attend, you may complete but please note your status in the form below. We are not using this data for evaluative purposes nor for placement purposes but merely to collect information for the beginning of the school year. All students come in at various levels academically and socially. Here is the link for online registration. We are excited for our 2026-27 kindergarten students!
Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting was through Zoom - here is our link to look and review the slide deck - lots of links and information!
The Parent Tour and Kindergarten Student Orientation was on Friday, April 10 Here is the link to view the slide deck.
 Get 2 Green Week!
- Monday, April 20 – Wildlife Day – Dress up as your favorite animal
- Tuesday, April 21 – Zero Waste Day - School is CLOSED (Election Day)
- Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day - Wear blue for our watershed
- Thursday, April 23 – Climate Change Day - wear something green or with a green message
- Friday, April 24 Wear spring colors or flowers - A SHOUT Out to Spring
Positivity Project Focus - Humor
During spring break, we encourage all to focus on the character strength of Humor. Humor means enjoying laughter and bringing smiles to others.
Humor helps us see the lighter side of things, making tough times easier and more fun. It doesn't mean you have to tell jokes, but people with humor often notice the funny moments in life and share them with others. Humor can lift people's spirits and help them through challenges. It’s important to help students understand how to use humor in a kind way, to lift others up, and never at someone else's expense.
To practice and encourage the character strength of humor at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.
 Science Olympiad Competed in the State Finals
Congratulations to our Kent Gardens Science Olympiad team. On Saturday, March 21, Kent Gardens competed in the 2026 Science Olympiad Division B State Finals. This is the sixth consecutive year that Kent Gardens has advanced to the State Finals for Division B which is the Middle School level. This concludes a seven-month season for the KGES teams. Fifteen students represented Kent Gardens. We placed 4th in the Boomilever and Write It, Do It and 5th in Hovercraft.
A special thanks this season goes out to all 49 KGES teammates who participated this year and to the 14 parent mentors and 6 college/high school mentors, three event supervisors, and 8 volunteers over the three tournaments that Kent Gardens participated in. It has been a successful and fun season. If you want to be part of Science Olympiad next year, look for the announcements that begin in August in the News You Choose.
The elementary school level Division A teams began their season in January. We look forward to their competition at Fairfax High School on Saturday, April 25. 45 students in third and fourth grade will form three KGES teams at this tournament.
2026 Special Education Family Conference - 4/18
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.
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
Month of Military Child Field Day - FCPS is excited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a good, old-fashioned field day! We invite all military-connected families with FCPS students to a special field day to honor our military-connected children. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003) on April 18, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy field day games and crafts at the football and track stadium. Food and beverages will be available for purchase to support various FCPS school clubs and organizations. This is a great opportunity to connect with other military families across the division! To RSVP, please complete this Google form by March 27, 2026
Another Summer Camp Option - Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in grades K–5. (Students currently in grade 6 are eligible for our secondary program, Institute for the Arts (IFTA).These programs offer students daily experiences in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance in a fun, supportive environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence. There are 4 weekly sessions scheduled for July 2026 all to be held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, from 8.30 - 2pm.To ensure access for all families, Tuition assistance, Transportation (from select FCPS schools), and After care options are available. E-IFTA Information. Email Program Director with ?? mnash@fcps.edu
Getting to Know FCPS: A Family Orientation (Ongoing Sessions) This interactive presentation introduces families to FCPS. Topics include understanding school staff roles, ways families can support student success, programs available to students, technology tips, and supports for families who are new to FCPS. Updated flyer with QR codes for registration. Sessions are offered in Arabic, English, Korean, Spanish, and for Military Families.
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.
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: March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School ; April 13, at Belle View Elementary School; April 20, at Westgate Elementary School ; April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School. 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.
Discover What’s New on the Menu - Cafeteria
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.
Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest – “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader”
Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support FCPS students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest. 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 school. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement. Entries are due April 17, 2026.
Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, Please click this link for instructions: Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest Flyer and Instructions.
Coding Fun! Engagement and Challenge!
KG PTA News and Updates
Join the PTA Now!
The PTA at KGES is SUPER BUSY! When you join the PTA, you help support the work we do at our school AND the advocacy work that the PTA does at all levels of the government! Membership in the KGES PTA needs to be renewed every year and you don't have to wait for the school year to start. You can join the PTA NOW!
OUR NEXT PTA MEETING WILL BE: April 24
Early Birds Club Offering with Ms. Smouse!
Ms. Smouse is offering a before school Early Birds Club for Grades 1-5 starting March 26th through May 7th on Thursdays from 7:45-8:45am. $200. Register here
EARLY BIRDS CLUB - Students will take part in: Quiet games (board games, cards, puzzles) Art and craft activities Drawing or journaling Reading Brain teasers and light academic challenges.
Collections for Givology
A student from TJHSST is collecting for Givology and is working to spread outreach and awareness about Givology’s mission in the community. Givology is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to quality education worldwide. The mission and initiative is to fund teacher training, provide scholarships for rural girls and refugees, and build vital WASH facilities in countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Uganda. It was co-founded in 2008 by a TJ alumni, and since inception, we have raised $700,000 for 5,000+ students in 30+ countries. Their goal is to collect personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant etc.) and school supplies (pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.) to support students in under-resourced communities. The specific organization we are hoping to uplift is Mission Mochila, which is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth in El-Salvador. We have a box in the lobby - drop off donations there! Informational Links: School supply/ hygiene wishlist; Mision Mochila Website; Givology Website
Heritage Night - April 18th - Sign up Closes
We are looking forward to celebrating our annual Heritage Night on April 18th from 5:00-7:00pm. If you have previously filled out the Google Form, you will be contacted to see if your participation preferences are still applicable with our new date. If you weren't able to previously sign up, or are now available on the 18th, please join us! Please sign up by Friday, March 27 here!
The evening will be filled with wonderful food, culture, and our Children's Parade of Nations. (Children do not need to sign up to be a part of the parade.) Please note, this is not a drop-off event!
Volunteer Link is here- Do you have a middle or high schooler who wants to help out?
Bingo Night on April 24th
Calling all Lions! Mark your calendars for Bingo Night, hosted by the PTA and the 6th Grade Class. Plan to come out for a fun-filled family night full of Bingo, pizza, and prizes! We are asking for donations of new or gently used items in good working order to be used as prizes on Bingo Night. Please bring donations to the bin outside of the main office by Monday, April 20. The more the prizes, the more the fun! Buy your tickets now!
Please note, this is not a drop-off event, and an adult must accompany all children for the entire event. If you have any questions, please email KGPTABingo@gmail.com
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up in May!
More details arriving after Spring Break. Want to help?
Now through the end of April, you can purchase a pizza online or in store (mention KG Community Heroes) for Teacher Appreciation Week to be delivered to KG on Friday, May 8. Plus, for every pizza purchased for our KG Community Heroes (our KG Teachers!) by you, Timber Pizza will match our donated pizzas for the May 8 Teacher Appreciation Week lunch!
Lost and Found - Mark Your Child's Names!
Be sure to label all clothing items and please consider purchasing from Mabel's Labels to ensure that your items makes it home again!
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Free Medical Clinic - April 18 - 19
Remote Area Medical provides free, quality healthcare to those in need for dental, vision, and medical needs. See additional information by using the QR code.
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