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 Our Grade 4 students had an amazing day of learning this week at Jamestown and Yorktown. Thank you to parents who were able to join in as chaperones, and to our teachers for coordinating all the logistics.
News from the Fox Den
April 24, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
Last weekend we had 8 sixth grade students participate in the All County Choir concert. These students were selected to represent our school along with student representatives from all other FCPS schools. Thank you to Ms. Nicole Gray and Mr. Brennan McQuillen, our general music teachers, for their efforts to prepare these students for this wonderful opportunity.
Our school was also well-represented this week at the West Potomac Pyramid Art Show, and the level of talent on display was truly amazing. You can see some of the work below. This wonderful showcase would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our art teacher, Mr. Andrew Green. His passion for fostering creativity and providing a safe space for self-expression is a gift to our school community.
Our fourth graders also had an adventure to remember this week as they traveled to Jamestown to see up close what they had been studying in social studies. Our second graders traveled into DC to see the amazing displays in the Museum of Natural History. These experiences outside the classroom walls are so vital for sparking curiosity about the natural world, and I am so grateful to our teachers and parent chaperones for making this trip such a seamless and educational success.
Looking ahead, I want to make sure you have a very special date marked on your calendars. Wednesday, May 6, is "Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day!" This event encourages healthy habits and gives us a chance to appreciate the beautiful neighborhood we call home. We encourage all of our families to participate if you are able. Whether you are lacing up your sneakers, hopping on a bicycle, or grabbing a scooter, it is a wonderful way to start the school day with fresh air and a sense of community spirit. Our buses will drop students off a few blocks away, and our Kiss & Ride will be moved out to Linton. Look for more details next week.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES
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Military Family Breakfast on Monday
Invitations have been sent to families that have designated in SIS that they are are military-connected. If you received an invitation from our PTA and are able to attend, we look forward to seeing you at arrival. We'll gather in our cafeteria. Students will be sent from their classroom after attendance is taken.
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Congratulations to our talented artists who displayed their work at the West Potomac Pyramid Art Show this week. Under the guidance of our art teacher, Mr. Green, our students have used a variety of mediums to express their creativity. Check out these sculptures below.
📞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.
 Mark your calendars: Wednesday, May 6 🚲🚶🏽♀️🛴
We will all bike, walk & roll to school. Check out the map above and cross your fingers for lovely, dry weather. 🌞
Look in this coming week's Wednesday folder for more information.
🏫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.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
📵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 28 | Field Trip Grade 6 to Gettysburg
May 4-8 | Staff Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 5 | Reading SOL Test Grades 3-6
Wednesday, May 6 | Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day
Tuesday, May 12 | Math SOL Test Grades 3-6
Wednesday, May 13 | Field Trip Grade 5 to Baltimore
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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