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To read this newsletter in other languages, please click on the link below.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, haga clic en el enlace a continuación y elija su idioma.
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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский
 Have you seen our new Kindness Garden located at the front entrance? Visitors are invited to take one for motivation. And all families are invited to help our garden grow by adding their own painted kindness rocks. We shared this at our All School Morning Meeting this week. Students heard about the expectation to keep the garden neat so that everyone can enjoy it.
News from the Fox Den
April 10, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
It was great to see everyone return to school this week! Over spring break, flowers and trees began blossoming all over campus. But none of that matched the energy from the laughter and smiles that filled our hallways and classrooms. It was clear that everyone returned with a refreshed spirit and a readiness to dive back into learning.
On Thursday, we welcomed the newest Foxes at our kindergarten orientation. Our library was overflowing with bright, eager students who had an opportunity to visit our classrooms for a short activity with our kindergarten teachers. There is something truly magical about seeing the mixture of nerves and excitement on those little faces as they explore their future classrooms. We are already counting down the days until we can officially get to know our new Foxes next year!
Speaking of next year...please check out the article below regarding parent input as we begin the process of building classes for next year. If your family is returning to Fort Hunt next year, you have the option of providing information that can assist us as we form class groupings.
Next Wednesday, we will celebrate our military-connected students for Purple Up Day. We invite everyone to join in with wearing purple to show our support for those who serve. Our All School Morning Meeting will focus on celebrating our students and recognize the sacrifices as well as the perspectives they provide as being part of a military-connected family.
Finally, this coming week is your last chance to purchase a yearbook. The cost is $15, and there will not be an opportunity to purchase one later. Mr. Green, our art teacher, does a fabulous job showcasing our Fox Den. Please check out the flier below with the link to make your purchase.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES
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.
Click on the 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.
 To make a purchase, please scan the QR code or log in at www.myschoolbucks.com
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
There will be NO Early Release Wednesday on April 29.
Class Placement Input for the 2026-27 School Year
At the end of next month, we--teachers, counselor, administrators-- will begin planning our class groupings for next year. If you are staying at Fort Hunt next year, you are welcome to share information that you would like us to consider. Requests for placement with a specific teacher will not be honored. Instead, information about your child's work habits, strengths and where they might need support can help us. Your perspective about peer social interactions can also help. To create equitable and dynamic class groupings, it is impossible to honor every request from a family to place a child in a specific classroom with specific students (or conversely to separate). Please be assured that with or without family input, each child's needs will be carefully considered to ensure the selection of a classroom in which your child will learn best.
If you would like to share information, please complete this optional form by Friday, May 15. If you have more than one child that you would like to share about, please complete a different form for each child. Please do not reach out directly to teachers. Only information from the form will be considered.
Class assignments will be communicated to families via email no later than the afternoon of Thursday, August 20. Our Open House/Supply Drop-off will be held on Friday, August 21 from 9-10am. This will be an opportunity for a quick visit to the classroom and to say hi to the teacher.
SOL Testing Dates at Fort Hunt ES
Our students in Grades 3-6 will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. We've put together a schedule that minimizes disruption to our overall school operations.
Tuesday, May 5: Reading SOL for Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6
Tuesday, May 12: Math SOL for Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6
Tuesday, May 19: Science SOL for Grade 5 only
All but a handful of students from these grades will be testing on these dates. Thank you for scheduling appointments on dates other than these Tuesdays. If you have questions, please connect with Ms. Settel at pasettel@fcps.edu
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:
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Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
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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.
Advanced Academic Programs
This information is to help parents understand the different screenings that will take place this spring as we prepare for next year. You'll also find information about the screening timelines and process for full-time services.
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.
Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.
- Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) or Assistant Principal by April 15, annually.
- The AAP School-Based Services Referral Form may be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/advanced-academic-program-aap-forms or by searching “AAP Forms” at https://www.fcps.edu/.
- Parents or guardians who submit a referral will be notified by the local elementary school of their student’s eligibility status by early June.
Screening Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.
Appeals Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher or Assistant Principal.
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students. Students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:
Access to Rigor, Grades K-6
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
- All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons
- Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.
Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6
Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:
- Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
- Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
- Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.
Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.
Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.
- Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
- Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.
Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services
Screening for Full-Time AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for Full-Time services occurs during two specific screening cycles:
- Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January.
Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
- Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.
The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.
For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8
Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive:
- Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
- Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.
Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
📵We Are Phone-Free During School
As a reminder, FCPS is phone-free! For elementary school students, this means:
- Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. At Fort Hunt, this begins when students enter the building in the morning.
- Cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-619-2600. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy. Also, view our Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for resources to help your child maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with technology at home
Can I Send Cupcakes on My Child's Birthday?
No, we do not have class birthday celebrations. Please do not send in any treats.
At Fort Hunt, we recognize students on their birthday on the morning news show. And at the end of the month, all students born that month are invited to Cupcakes & Books at lunch time. Our PTA sponsors this event where students can pick out a cupcake and a book to enjoy.
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We are PET-Free on Our Campus
As a reminder, all FCPS campuses, including Fort Hunt, do not allow pets at any time or day of the week. This includes drop-off and afterschool pick-up. It's fine to wait up on the sidewalk on Linton Lane with your pet. This rule is in place to ensure all students feel safe and to keep our grounds clean. Thank you!
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Lost & Found
If you are missing a jacket, sweatshirt, or umbrella, be sure to stop by our Lost and Found in the cafeteria to check for any missing items. You can access it from home by going to our website with a live gallery. Follow the directions on the page for how to claim items. Our Family Liaison, Mr. Antoine Pierce, can assist. He can be reached at (703) 619-2674 or apierce@fcps.edu
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What's For Lunch?
You can find the monthly menu here by scrolling down to Elementary menus for breakfast and lunch. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.
Families may join their child for lunch at Fort Hunt on Family Fridays. You can read about the expectations and procedures for Family Fridays in our handbook.
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Important Times
Arrive on campus: 8:30am
Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am
Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am
Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
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Important Dates
Monday, April 13 | Community forum with Dr. Reid 6:30pm at Belle View ES
Wednesday, April 15 | Purple Up! Wear purple to support military families
Tuesday, April 21 | No School for students: Election Day
May 4-8 | Staff Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 5 | Reading SOL Test Grades 3-6
Wednesday, May 6 | Bike & Roll to School Day
Tuesday, May 12 | Math SOL Test Grades 3-6
Friday, May 15 | Spring Carnival 5:30-8:00pm
Tuesday, May 19 | Science SOL Test Grade 5
Mon, May 25 - Wed, May 27 | No school for students
You can access the full 2025-26 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays.
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Get Involved with your PTA
Consider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun at their amazing community events! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Everyone working together makes this a great community. Check out the PTA website for more information.
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Parent/Guardian Handbook
Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator.
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Your Partners in Education
We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Patty Settel, Assistant Principal
pasettel@fcps.edu
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