Bingo Night!
Thanks to our PTA for leading yet another fabulous and fun event! Shout out to Alyssa Densham and Rachel Orellana for coordinating and leading! So much fun! #kgpride #StrongerTogether
Calendar Updates
April 29 - Sixth Grade Pano Picture
May 4 - 8 - Teacher Appreciation Week (see below to support)
May 5 - Reading SOL - Grade 4 and 5
May 5 - Second Grade Field Trip - Aesops Fable
May 6 - Reading SOL - Grade 3 and 6
May 7 - Sixth Grade Field Trip - Barnes, Kyaw, Lim and Peeters
May 11 - Kindergarten Field Trip
May 12 - Math SOL - Grade 4 and 5
May 13 - 3hr Early Release Wednesday
May 14 - Math SOL - Grade 3 and 6
May 19 - Science SOL - Grade 5
May 19 - Strings Concert 5 p.m. (Beginning Strings and Adv Strings - see notes below)
May 25- Memorial Day - No School
May 26- Teacher Workday- No School for Students
May 27- Eid-al-Adha - No School
May 28 - Band Concert 5:30 p.m. Fifth Grade Band & 6:45 Adv. Band (See details below)
May 29 - Fourth Grade Field Trip - Jamestown
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Administration Note
Dear Parents,
We had a full week of learning and various activities. Bingo Night was as usual a fun and engaging evening. Thanks to the PTA for supporting - Ms. Densham and Ms. Orellana for making it happen! We also appreciate the prizes donated by the families.
We also had the Best Buddies Walk this weekend. Our staff and students had a wonderful time. We appreciate all of the support for our students. The community that has been built through the relatonships are so meaningful.
Check out the updated end of year dates below. We have adjusted Field Day to Friday, June 12 and have included a link to volunteer. We hope to have as many volunteers as possible.
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Green Up! Spirit Week
New End of Year Updates
We made some changes for the end of the year to try and accommodate timing and scheduling.
Monday, June 8 - McLean HS Clap Out - 3 p.m. (Arrive at 2:50 p.m.)
Monday, June 8 - Chorus Concert - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9 - Kindergarten End of Year Promotion - 2 p.m.
Friday, June 12 - Field Day - Kinder - Fifth Grade - Sign Up to Volunteer!
Monday, June 15 - Field Day Rain Date K-5 Sign Up to Volunteer!
Monday, June 15 - Sixth Grade Promotion - McLean HS 6 p.m. There will be no tickets - all can enjoy.
Tuesday, June 16 - Sixth Grade Field Day 9:30 - 11 a.m. and Sixth Grade Celebration 1 - 3 p.m. Sign Up To Volunteer
Best Buddy Walk!
Our teachers and families enjoyed the Best Buddy Walk! The rain held off and fun was had by all! #kgpride #StrongerTogether
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!
Sixth Graders Clean up!
Our sixth grade enviro team helped clean up!! #kgpride #StrongerTogether
Spring Testing Season is Here! 📅
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 us as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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
Positivity Project Focus - Purpose
Dear Families,
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Purpose. Purpose means having beliefs about the meaning of life and feeling that your life has a purpose. It’s about wanting to be part of something bigger than yourself.
People with a sense of purpose believe they are here for a reason. That reason can be different for everyone — it might be inventing something new, bringing joy through art or music, or raising kind and responsible children.
Having a clear purpose helps people stay strong and courageous, even in difficult times. It also encourages them to act with kindness and love, even when it’s hard. When people feel connected to something greater, their lives have more meaning and fulfillment.
To practice and encourage the character strength of purpose 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.
Updates to 2026-27 School Year 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.
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
Family and School Partnerships- Partnering with Your Child’s Middle School (Virtual Presentation)
April 28, 2026 Supports families of rising middle school students with understanding family engagement in secondary education.Register via the Family Academy Catalog or with the registration link. Flyers in English and Spanish
Family Counseling Center of Greater Washington -May 14, 2026, 7- 8 p.m. Virtual. ADHD Decoded: The Essential Parent’s Guide -Learn about ADHD diagnosis and effective parenting strategies. Speakers: Dr. Dawoon Lee & Dr. Christine Choe.Zoom (Korean & English) Registration - https://forms.gle/YeWbe8jvzWuW84eS7 Flyer in (English) (Korean)
Inova Cares Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs - Summer 2026 Free physicals and immunizations for children (ages 5+, Medicaid or uninsured only). June 27 – Inova Cares Manassas July 25 – Inova Cares Falls Church Call 703-698-2550 (appointments required; no walk-ins) Flyer Attached.
Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones - 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.
Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has created a platform to provide information about VA community resources. From affordable childcare to school supplies to healthcare support, use zip code to find information about services. Search this free resource to access over 466,000 local and state social care programs. Access this continuously updated platform here.
Family Resource Center, Student Registration, and Early Childhood Testing Moving to Pimmit Hills Center - As part of planned renovations, Dunn Loring Center will close this spring and return to use as a school. During this time, several family-facing services offered at Dunn Loring will be relocated to the Pimmit Hills Center. During this transition period, families can continue to access registration services only at our Herndon and South County centers. All services will reopen at the Pimmit Hills Center beginning Monday, June 1. We know many families depend on these services and that any change can require adjustments. Our focus is on making this transition as smooth and predictable as possible, while continuing to provide the support your family needs every step of the way.
Getting to Know Fairfax County – A Family Orientation (Ongoing/Multiple dates ) Orientation for families new to Fairfax County, offered in multiple languages and formats. Register via the Family Academy Catalog Flyers in multiple languages
Strings Concert End of Year
We will have a joint concert on May 19 for the beginners and advanced strings students. All students will arrive at 4:30 p.m. Fourth graders will unpack in the cafeteria and go to the gym to be tuned. Fifth and sixth grader students will unpack in the library and then go to the stage.
The concert will begin at 5 p.m. The fourth grade will perform first and then the fifth and sixth grade will perform. Regular concert attire - white top with black/dark pants or skirt.
Rehearsals - Beginners will practice prior to the May 19 concert. Advanced Strings will rehearse May 12 and the day of the concert. Please bring your instruments.
Band Concert End of Year Updates
Due to the large number of students enrolled in band we will be having separate concerts on May 28th for Beginning Band and Advanced Band. The Concerts will be brief but enjoyable - we look forward to sharing their growth in music!
Beginning Band Concert - Arrival time: 5:00 p.m. Students should report to the cafeteria to unpack instruments. Performance Time: 5:30 p.m. in the gym. Student attire: white top and black/dark pants or skirt.
Advanced Band Concert - Arrival time: 6:15 p.m. Students should report to the cafeteria to unpack instruments. Performance Time: 6:45 p.m. in the gym. Student attire: white top and black/dark pants or skirt.
All Band Students - In addition to the evening concert, all band students will be performing a concert during the school day on May 28. Please have them bring their instrument to school that day. - Student attire: “school clothes”
In addition to your child’s regularly scheduled band class, each band will have 2 full-band rehearsals prior to the concert. Rehearsals will take place DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Thursday, 5/14 – Advanced Band; Friday, 5/15 – Beginning Band; Thursday, 5/21 - Beginning Band; Friday, 5/22 - Advanced Band
If you are looking at summer activities and want to advance your child's musical experiences, Mr. Zimmerman highly recommends the Vienna Band Camp (VBC). The tentative dates for the camp are June 22 to July 16 at Longfellow Middle School. The camp meets weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Click this link to register. Here are a few quick highlights of the camp: All instructors are professional musicians. Attendance policy: no requirement. It’s perfectly OK to miss days (or weeks) when needed. Students who attend the 4 weeks receive equivalent of 1 year of instruction on the instrument! 2 full band classes per day, 2 classes with instrumental specialists per day. Extremely popular with the kids! (450+ students attend each year)
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 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.
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: May 15
 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
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week May 4 - May 8!
How You Can Help:
Donate $ toward catering
Volunteer to help
Donate drinks
The PTA is providing breakfast and catered lunches throughout the week. Families and students are invited to participate in optional activities along the week. Everything is optional- do what works best for your family!
Monday 5/4: Bring in 1-2 flower stems (from your garden or store-bought). Flowers will be collected at the KG entrance and made into bouquets.
Tuesday 5/5: Bring in a note or drawing of appreciation for your teacher and/or specials teachers
Wednesday 5/6: Bring in a small gift inspired by your teacher's favorite things. For example, a hand-drawn picture, a salty snack, or a gift card to Starbucks.
Thursday 5/7: Room parents will give the class gift
Friday 5/8: Room parents will organize a homeroom teacher and specialist treat
Summer at KGES - Come Join!
Kindergarten Readiness Camp - Calling Rising Kinders! We are excited to offer a Kindergarten Readiness Camp July 13-17 AT Kent Gardens! This camp will help prepare your student for a successful start to school at Kent Gardens by building early academic skills, independence, and confidence in a supportive environment. Register here.
Basketball Summer Camp! Mr. Avery is hosting a basketball summer camp for rising 3-6th graders. July 27-31 from 1-4pm at Kent Gardens. $230 Register here.
Summer Art Camp - Ms. Kladler is hosting a Summer Art Camp at KG! Rising 1st-6th can sign up for the morning session (930am -1230pm); Rising 4th-7th can sign up for afternoon session (1-4pm), or both AM and PM!
Morning session complements Mr. Avery's basketball camp. Bring a lunch if you will be at camp all day. Camp will run July 27th-31st, and the price includes all supplies. Register here.
Lemons to Lemonade - Dates: July 20 - July 24 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Grades: Rising 3rd and rising 4th Teachers: Sheri Emory and Amelia Emory Description: Students will learn about the life cycle of lemons, engage in hands-on activities involving lemons (including tasting lemons and lemon products), read books, write stories about their experiences, and make lemonade to share with families on the last day. Register here!
The Story of Chocolate - Dates: July 27 to July 31 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Grades: Rising 2nd and rising 3rd Teachers: Sheri Emory and Amelia Emory Description: Students will learn about the life cycle of cocoa beans, engage in hands-on activities involving cocoa beans and chocolate (including tasting products), read books, write stories about their experiences, and make chocolate bars to share with families on the last day. Register here!
Everyday Economics! Fun with Benchmark Unit 9 - Dates: July 20 - July 24 Time: 9:30 - 12:30 p.m. Grades: Rising 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Teachers: Lamya Alany and IA. Our class will focus on the real-world topic of economics. Through hands-on activities and using the framework from Benchmark Express Unit 9, students will learn practical concepts like buying, selling, trading, and the difference between goods and services. As an English Language Development program, your child will also be actively improving their English. Every activity is designed to help them practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with learning new vocabulary. The program will end with a special final project where students can proudly share everything they have learned. Register here: https://kentgardenspta.com/product/benchmarkcamp/.
Young Entrepreneurs: Summer Economics- Dates: July 27 - July 31. Time: 9:30 - 12:30 p.m. Grades Rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Teachers Lamya Alany and IA. Our upper Multi Lingual (ML) have the opportunity to dive into the world of economics utilizing Benchmark. Students will use reala work business, learn advanced English skills, become more confident in writing and have fun with Creative Projects. Register here:
https://kentgardenspta.com/product/econcamp/
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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