 |
|
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.
|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский
 The skies were cloudy, but the smiles were bright in Gettysburg this week as our sixth graders made connections between their classroom learning and the actual battlefields. As expected, our students were engaged and polite visitors who represented Fort Hunt proudly.
News from the Fox Den
May 1, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
This coming week we will officially kicks off our Standards of Learning (SOL) testing this week with the Reading assessment. Our students have been preparing by reviewing material and practicing how to log-on. This year we are testing all Grade 3-6 students on Tuesdays. This is to minimize disruptions across the entire school. I'm grateful for the flexibility shown by our entire staff as we utilize spaces all around the building to test. It's all hands on deck!
After testing on Tuesday, we will roll into "Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day" on Wednesday. This is a great event where everyone participates, even bus riders! Please check out the map below.
Thanks to a grant secured by our Get2Green Team (Ms. Harmata, Ms. Gonzales & Ms. Gray) along with the support of parent Vicci Buchman and the PTA's Garden Club, we are in the process of installing a pollinator garden that will help stop erosion. You can already see the fabulous signage over in the side yard by the bike racks. On Monday & Wednesday, students in Grades 4 & 5 will be planting.
At Fort Hunt, we have an amazing team of educators that go above and beyond to instill a love of learning in our students. While next week is called "Teacher" Appreciation Week, we recognize that all staff members here play a role in educating our children. Our PTA has come together to show our staff some love next week with stocking the lounges with drinks & snacks, setting up a flower & sweets bar as well as a make-your-own trailmix bar. On Friday, staff will have a catered lunch. If you have a moment to help out the PTA, I know your efforts will be greatly appreciated. Their contact information is towards the bottom of this newsletter.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES
 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. 🌞
 |
|
Last Early Release Wednesday: May 20
We will have our final Early Release Wednesday on May 20. Dismissal will be at 12:40pm. Thank you for your flexibility in making sure you have plans for dismissal on that day.
|
🏫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
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.
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 takes place on 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.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
📵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.
|
|
 |
 |
|
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!
|
🥼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
|
|
 |
 |
|
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.
|
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
|
|
 |
Important Dates
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
Wednesday, May 20 | Early Release Wednesday 12:40pm dismissal
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.
 |
|
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.
|
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.
 |
|
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
|
Quick Links
|
