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 Some of our sixth graders have partnered up with first graders for a weekly buddy reading time. It's a win-win for everyone!
News from the Fox Den
April 17, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
Is is spring or summer? Thankfully our air conditioning was turned on as the temperatures soared this week. Recess is one of our favorite times of the day, and we're grateful for the shade from the canopy on our new playground as well as from the trees that surround our campus.
On Wednesday, we celebrated our military-connected students at our All School Morning Meeting. It was truly inspiring to hear from some of our staff and students who shared both the challenges and benefits to being part of a military family. Our military-connected youth possess a unique set of strengths; they are adaptable, brave, and possess a global perspective that enriches our classrooms. They handle transitions with grace and build friendships with an open heart, teaching us all a little something about courage and steadfastness. The meeting ended with learning a new song called "Purple Up!" We'll continue the celebrations on Monday, April 27 at our breakfast.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES
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.
📞Phones on Field Trips?
We have several field trips coming up in the next few weeks, and some families might be wondering what the expectations are regarding students having phones/iPads/devices. We've established a school policy that we believe balances the safety needs of all.
Student may bring a phone on a field trip. Prior to getting on the bus, students will get a ziploc baggie, place their phone in it and then label the baggie. All baggies will be collected and held by one of our staff members on that bus. Students may not use their phone while traveling on the bus because staff cannot monitor for appropriate use or access to content that might not be suitable for children.
Upon arriving at the destination, each student will receive their phone. They are responsible for keeping it safe and with them. Students can take pictures if they like.
When students get back on the bus, the phones go back in the baggie where the staff member will hold them all on the bus. If the bus is returning after dismissal, one of our staff members will send out messages on Talking Points to give families a heads up about the return time to Fort Hunt.
We used this approach with some field trips last year and had great success.
🏫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.
📆Changes to 2026-27 Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
🎯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
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.
📵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
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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