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Hello Stenwood Families,
We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! It was great to see everyone back and ready for the final stretch as we kicked off the 4th quarter this week. It is hard to believe we only have about two months of school left. This week, we also celebrate National Assistant Principals Week; we want to thank Mr. Case for all he does for our Hive!
To show our support for our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15th. Purple symbolizes all branches of the military, serving as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and the blue used by the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force.
Next week, we will be celebrating Bee Kind Week! We are dedicating the entire week to kindness leading up to the PTA’s Bee Kind Race next Sunday. Please see below for the specific themes for each day.
Additionally, a huge congratulations to Ms. Flynn on her big win on Wheel of Fortune! In case you missed it, she even spoke about our wonderful Stenwood community during the show.
Finally, we will start this coming Monday with a whole-school morning meeting featuring fun activities alongside our Hive Families. Please make sure your child arrives at school on time so they don't miss out! Also, looking ahead, next Friday is Spring/Class Picture Day.
 Below you will find information about the following items:
- Bee Kind Week - NEW
- Crossing Guard - Reminder
- Optional: Class Placement Input for the 2026-2027 School Year - Reminder
- Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April 22nd - Reminder
- Spring Picture Day - NEXT FRIDAY 4/17! - NEW
- Spring Book Fair! - Reminder
- Save the Date - This is Me Night - Reminder
- The Month of the Military Child - NEW
- Autism Acceptance Month - NEW
- National Arab American Heritage Month - NEW
- Orthodox Easter - NEW
- Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest - Final Reminder
- Fairfax County Budget Input - Reminder
- Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid - Reminder
- 2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
- Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs - Reminder
- Yearbook Ordering - DEADLINE EXTENDED to April 17th!
- 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
Bee Kind Week
Bee Kind Week at Stenwood April 13 to April 17 2026
Monday - Start your Kindness BINGO sheet for a chance to be randomly selected to attend a Kindness Party next week.
Tuesday - Show kindness to yourself by doing something you love, your favorite calming activity or thinking kind thoughts to yourself.
Wednesday - Show kindness to others by giving someone a compliment, including someone, helping someone or encouraging someone.
Thursday - Show kindness to our community by picking up trash, recycling, writing a thank you card to a teacher or community helper or donating an item you no longer need.
Friday - Wear a shirt with a positive message on it. Don't have one? Get a sticker in the morning to wear it all day.
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.
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.
Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April 22nd
Tuesday, April 22nd, 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.
Spring Picture Day NEXT FRIDAY!
Spring Picture Day is coming Friday, April 17th, 2026! Images will be available to view and purchase approximately two weeks following our school's picture day. Stay tuned for availability notifications!
Questions about Picture Day or Ordering? Email Victor O'Neill Studios at underclass@vosphoto.com.
The Spring Book Fair is Coming!
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This fundraiser for the library will be April 17th-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
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.
The Month of the Military Child
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. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
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Infographic. 5 FCPS and Stenwood military kid facts.
1. Fairfax County Public Schools has over 14,000 military-connected youth in its student body.
2. Military-connected youth make up about 4.1% of Stenwood's student population
3. FCPS celebrates Month of the Military Child every April. Be on the lookout for events and ways to celebrate and support the military-connected students at Stenwood and throughout FCPS!
4. Stenwood is a designated purple Star School! This means that Stenwood has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on educational Opportunity for Military Children for their dedication to helping military-connected students and their families.
5. Stenwood's military-connected students are divided into two 'Hive Families' and meet every month. Hive Families are intended to build a stronger school community and to help each students feed safe, supported, included, and empowered. Mrs. Curry (2nd grade) and Ms. Flynn (Kindergarten), who are also military connected, are the two school staff members that lead the military-connected Hive Family meetings each month.
Autism Acceptance Month
 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.
National Arab American Heritage Month
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.
Orthodox Easter
A joyful Easter to our Orthodox Christian community! Many Orthodox Christians in the U.S. celebrate Easter according to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which differs from the Western date we are most familiar with. Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God
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.
Fairfax County Budget Input
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 Friday, April 10th, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14th, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15th, and Thursday, April 16th, 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:
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.
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 17th!
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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 17th, 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
Stenwood Super Fan Day!
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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