Outdoor Fun!
Perfect weather, good friends! #kgpride #StrongerTogether
Calendar Updates
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 - Bike/Walk to School
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,
Another five day week and we worked hard to prepare for the SOLs and focused on other goals.
This week also included celebrations for Bus Driver Appreciation and Cafeteria Appreciation. We are thankful for the incredible individuals who support our students each day behind the scenes, helping keep our school running smoothly.
We also would like to recognize our Science Olympiad Division A team who had multiple first places and other medals - check out the information and pictures below. In addition, one of our sixth grade teams won the Stock Market Game in the state of VA. We have included their picture and information below as well.
Looking ahead, SOL testing begins next week. Please take a moment to review the updated lunch schedule posted below and help reinforce with your child the importance of following school expectations during the day.
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
Lunch & Good Friends!
#kgpride #WeAllBelong
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
Science Olympiad Division A Tournament!
Our students represented at the Science Olympiad. We placed in 22 of the 24 events with 47 medals including 5 first place finishes with many second and third place finishes as well. Our third and fourth graders worked hard and had fun while participating in challenging events! Thanks to Mr. Shivnen and our parents for supporting and participating! #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!
Cafeteria Appreciation and Recognition
Appreciation and love to our cafeteria employees! #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 - Enthusiasm
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means approaching life with energy and excitement, and it helps bring joy to those around us.
When people are enthusiastic, they show excitement about tasks, making it easier for them and others to stay involved. Enthusiastic people often inspire others, bringing fresh ideas and helping groups work better together.
Enthusiasm is contagious! It can lead to more success and happiness for both individuals and groups. When one person shows enthusiasm, it can encourage others to feel more energized and motivated, too.
To practice and encourage the character strength of enthusiasm 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.
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
McLean Day Community Festival - Join the fun on Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th at Lewinsville Park located at 1659 Chain Bridge Road. McLean’s biggest and best annual festival is back? Live music, carnival rides, food, games, petting zoo and more! Information and ticket details here.
Family Resource Center - The Center finalized their May 2026 webinars. Interested in learning more? Go here for more info. May 2026 Webinars
Countdown to Kindergarten Webinar - Recently, the Fairfax County Public Schools Family Resource Center hosted a webinar for families with children starting kindergarten in August 2026. You can watch the webinar here. It’s also available on the Family Resource Center’s YouTube Channel
Fairfax County Government Cooling Programs (Summer 2026) Multiple free programs are available to help families stay cool, including financial assistance for electric bills, AC repair or installation, fans for older adults, and energy-saving home upgrades; for help choosing a program call 703-222-0880 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/cooling-assistance Flyer
The Virginia Department of Education has created a statewide online tool that helps Virginia families search for and compare child care and early learning programs, including information on program options, quality, and availability. https://families.vareadytofindchildcare.com/welcome
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Academy Girls Fire & Rescue Academy (Summer Camp) (Upcoming, June 23-26, 2026) For rising 9th–12th grade female students (2026–2027 school year). Must be a Fairfax County resident. Girls Fire & Rescue Academy (summer camp)
Community Partners and Organizations - A virtual workshop designed specifically for Asian American families of PreK–12 students focused on strengthening parent-child relationships, improving communication, and building skills to support student success and well-being Registration link
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. Dr. Dawoon Lee & Dr. Christine Choe Zoom Registration - https://forms.gle/YeWbe8jvzWuW84eS7 Flyers (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
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas - Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year's Summer Extravaganza is Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School. Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. Summer Extravaganza webpage.
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)
Stock Market Game Winners!
Kent Gardens teams participated in the Stock Market Game hosted by the Virginia Council on Economic Education. Ms. Bulford created sixth grade teams and they learned a great deal as they worked to grow an initial investment of $100,000. We had the winning team for the state of Virginia! They were able to grow their initial investment of $100,000 to $200,093.17. Amazing! Note we do have a missing member of the team in the picture. #kgpriide #StrongerTogether
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
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week May 4 - May 8!
Kent Gardens Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week: Starts tomorrow!
Here is the schedule for 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
Thank you for making this week so special! Donations for catering are still welcome and appreciated throughout the week. Thank you for helping our teachers and staff feel valued and appreciated. Contact Kelly Chapman with questions at KellyPCScrima@gmail.com
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 real work business, learn advanced English skills, become more confident in writing and have fun with Creative Projects. Register here: https://kentgardenspta.com/product/econcamp/
Summer Coding with Ms. Nabaki - Dates July 13 - 17 Time; 9:30 - 12:30p.m. Grades 3 - 6. Students will learn the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way, using beginner-friendly tools such as Scratch. They will build simple games and animations while developing important skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Through guided, hands-on activities, they will learn how to break down ideas into steps, think like a programmer, and gain confidence using technology. Register here!
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!
Bus Driver Appreciation!
Our bus drivers are greatly appreciated - they have bonded with the students and make arrival/dismissal so much easier! #kgpride
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