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Mark your Calendars!
May
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May 4th - May 8th - Staff Appreciation Week
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May 13th - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours)
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May 8th – May 21st – SOLs (see schedule below)
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May-TBD – Student Success Day – Showcase of Learning
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May 25th – Memorial Day Holiday – No School
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May 26th – Teacher Workday – No School
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May 27th – Eid al-Adha Holiday – No School
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May 29 – Dining with Dependents – Month of the Military Child Event
June
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June 4th – Band and Strings Concert – 3:00pm and 6:00pm
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June 12th – Field Day
- June 16th – 6th Grade Promotion – 10:00am
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June 17th – Garfield’s Got Talent! (schoolwide talent show)
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June 17th – Last day of school
Teacher Appreciation Week
at Garfield Elementary
May 4th – May 8th
Eagles, are you game? Let’s level up our gratitude!
Help us celebrate National Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (May 4–May 8) and show our amazing GES educators just how much we value all they do. Join us for a fun, game-themed week-long celebration honoring our incredible teachers and staff—because they truly deserve a high score for everything they bring to our school!
Each day, we’ll spotlight a new way to recognize and thank our dedicated team as we come together to celebrate the hard work, care, and commitment they bring to our Eagle Nest community every single day.
Let’s make this a winning week—please encourage your student to show their teachers and staff some extra love and appreciation. Game on, Eagles!
May 4th to May 8th
Let's show our staff how much we appreciated them during teacher appreciation week.
May 4th: Flower Monday - Bring a staff member a flower from the store or your yard, bring in seeds, draw a picture of a flower, or wear florals.
May 5th: Thank you, Tuesday - Make a thank you card or write a poem to thank our awesome staff!
May 6th: Wear it Wednesday – Draw a picture for a teacher or staff member. You can illustrate your favorite class moment, draw them doing something you appreciate, or add a message that says why they matter to you.
May 7th: Colorful Thursday - You can also wear the staff members favorite color or show your Garfield School Spirit.
May 8th: Treats and Snacks Friday - Bring a yummy, individually wrapped snack or drink for a staff member to enjoy! Feel free to ask them what they like to make it extra special.
Therapy Dog at GES:
Welcome to Nitro!
Garfield Elementary School is excited to partner with Alliance Therapy Dogs to bring a special opportunity to our students. Beginning soon, we will host weekly visits from a certified therapy dog named Nitro! He is two years old and one of his specialties is helping humans stay calm.
Nitro will always be accompanied by a trained and certified handler to ensure a safe and positive experience for all students. With permission, students may have the opportunity to read to Nitro and spend time petting him in a calm, supervised setting.
Research shows that interactions with therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and support focus - creating an environment that enhances students’ overall learning and well-being. We are thrilled to offer this meaningful experience to our Garfield Elementary community.
Participation in engaging with Nitro completely optional. If your child prefers not to participate for any reason, they will not be asked or required to engage.
Parent Input for Class Placements 2026-2027
As we plan for the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting your input. Creating class assignments require careful consideration and the involvement of many perspectives. We know a good teacher-student match and a productive mix of children are ingredients for success. Should you have additional information about your specific child that school staff may not know, particularly regarding learning style and classroom environment, you have the option to complete the 2026-2027 Class Placement - Family Input Form no later than Friday, May 15th.
Please understand that while we value and consider all feedback, specific teacher requests and/or requests to place your child (or not place your child) with certain students cannot always be honored. Our primary goal is to create well-balanced classes that meet the diverse needs of all students.
Garfield ES SOL Schedule 2026
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May 8 – Reading (5th)
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May 14 – Reading (4th)
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May 14 – Reading (6th)
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May 15 – Reading (3rd)
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May 15 – Math (5th)
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May 19 – Math (4th)
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May 19 – Math (6th)
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May 21 – Math (3rd)
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May 21 – Science (5th)
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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.
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: SOL Preparation As SOL testing approaches, we are focusing on confidence and test-taking skills.
Helpful tips:
- Ensure good sleep and a healthy breakfast
- Encourage a positive mindset
- Practice strategies (read carefully, eliminate wrong answers, check work)
- Use simple stress-management techniques like deep breathing
Our goal is to help students feel calm, confident, and ready to do their best.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters
BECAUSE YOU ASKED SERIES
10–11 AM Thursdays
May 7
The FCPS Parent Center Available to You
Ms. Amal Elsayed,
FCPS Resource Center Liaison
May 14
GED Requirements and Components of a Resume
Mr. Steve Williams, Springfield VFW
7327 Post Commander
May 21
Essentials for Employment with Fairfax County Government
Mr. Marquis Simmons,
SAAC Supervisor
May 28
How to use SNAP at the Farmers markets/ other food access programs
Ms. Kristi Viray,
Marketing Outreach Coordinator
For questions please contact:
Melody Wheatley, Family Liaison
mdwheatley@fcps.edu
Kindergarten Orientation was a Success!
Our Kindergarten Orientation was held on April 10, 2026 at 10:00 am. We loved meeting the class of 2039 and their families.
If you have a child turning five years old before September 30, 2026, please call our Registrar, Sarah Rothman, by email sgrothman1@fcps.edu or phone 703-923-2900 to schedule a registration appointment today!
Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
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 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.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities.
Career and Technical Education camps, and Fine and Performing Arts camps, will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools.
Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
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Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing.
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CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
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Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
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Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theatre. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well.
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Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive camp for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp. Read about last year’s camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Family Information Phone Lines
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If you have questions about FCPS, and English is not your first language, please use our language information lines for support.
Amharic 571-423-4957
Arabic 571-423-4952
Chinese 571-423-4953
Farsi 571-423-4954
Korean 571-423-4951
Spanish 571-423-4950
Urdu 571-423-4955
Vietnamese 571-423-4956
YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
We are in this together!
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family this year. Each day, our commitment is to provide your child with a safe, supportive, and joyful place to learn and grow. Open communication is important to us—please reach out anytime with questions, concerns, or celebrations.
Thank you for your trust, your support, and for being an essential part of the Garfield community.
With appreciation,
Your Garfield Partner Principals
Mrs. Peerman, Principal, Klpeerman@fcps.edu
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, eamanning1@fcps.edu
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