Message From Principal Herndon-Wilson 5/12/26

As we move through another exciting month of learning at Glen Forest, we want to thank our families for your continued partnership and support. Together, we help create a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

This month, we are focusing on the character trait of integrity. At school, students are learning the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is watching, being honest, taking responsibility for their actions, and showing strong moral character in their daily choices. Integrity helps build trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a positive learning environment for everyone.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by talking with your child about honesty, responsibility, and standing up for what is right. When school and home work together, our students continue to thrive both academically and socially.

Thank you for being an important part of the Glen Forest community!

PTO 5K Fun Run ~ This Saturday!

Join us on Saturday, May 16th for the 5K Fun Run!  Registration begins at 10am and the race starts at 11am.  All are welcome; you can walk, run, or cheer!  The cost is $2.00 per runner.  A flier was sent home to register or you can register the morning of the race.  Food trucks, music, games, and more!  

College & Career Fair ~ Friday, June 5th

We are planning to host our 2nd Annual College and Career Fair on June 5th to allow our students to explore future opportunities and begin thinking about their goals beyond school.  Here is the flyer for interested guest speakers who will come to our school and talk to our students about their career and the path they took to get there!

How to help:

1. Please share the information on the flyer with family, friends, and anyone you know who may say, “YES!” Guest speaker instructions are on the Guest Speaker Sign up link.

Do you have a connection with a local college? We'd love to have more of a college representation this year! We had a speaker/GFES parent from NOVA last year which was a huge success!

Any military connections? We did not have this career path represented last year and would love to have a guest speaker.

Reach out to Andrea White amflores@fcps.edu if you have any questions.

Celebrations!

There is so much to celebrate at Glen Forest!  Here are some of the highlights:

Our chronic absenteeism rate is 11.8%.  Last year at time, it was 21.4%!  Thank you for your support!

Two of our teachers, Jenna Cook and Kathryn Guard, were selected as recipients of the 2026 SEPTA (Special Education PTA) Excellence Award for Outstanding Inclusion FCPS Program.  They developed an Experiential Autism Education Program for our students.  Congratulations!

One of our tutors wrote the principal an email and said, "Students are wonderful!  As are all the staff!"  He also hopes to return to our school next year!

Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Do you have a rising kindergarten student?  It's time for registration!

Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment with Emma Young, our registrar, at Glen Forest ES, by sending her an email at elyoung@fcps.edu. 

Read more about the registration process.  Glen Forest will host a Kindergarten Orientation for rising kindergarten students and their parents on Wednesday, May 20th from 2:45-3:45.  No need to register, just come!

SOL (Standards of Learning) Testing Dates

Testing for our 3rd - 5th graders in underway.  Remember, these assessments are required by the state of Virginia.  Please ensure that your child is at school on time and gets a good night's sleep.  Please note the added dates below for retakes and make-up testing.  Thank you!  

Tuesday, May 12th - 5th Grade Science SOL

Wednesday, May 13th - 4th Grade Math SOL

Thursday, May 14th - 3rd Grade Math SOL

Friday, May 15th - 5th Grade Math SOL

May 28th, 29th, and June 1st, 2nd - Retakes and Make-up Testing 

***Attendance remains critical as we prepare for retaking one or more assessments, if your child qualifies. 

Partnering Together to Support Positive Student Behavior

At Glen Forest, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. We ask for your partnership in speaking with your child about the importance of keeping their hands and feet to themselves throughout the school day, including in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and on the playground.

As outlined in the Fairfax County Public Schools Student Rights and Responsibilities, students are expected to demonstrate respectful and safe behavior toward others. Physical behaviors such as hitting, pushing, kicking, play fighting, or unwanted touching can disrupt learning and impact the safety and well-being of others.

We encourage families to reinforce the importance of:

• Respecting personal space
• Using words to solve conflicts
• Keeping hands, feet, and objects to themselves
• Making safe and responsible choices

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping our students learn and grow in a positive school environment.

Mark Your Calendars!

MAY

Wednesday, 5/13 - Family Food Market 5:00pm-6:30pm

Saturday, 5/16 - PTO 5K Fun Run -  Registration Begins at 10:00am - 11:00am run start time

Wednesday 5/20 - 3-Hour Early Release for Students

Wednesday, 5/20 - Kindergarten Orientation 2:45-3:45pm

Monday, 5/25 - No School - Memorial Day

Tuesday, 5/26 - Teacher Workday - No School for Students

Wednesday, 5/27 - No School - Eid al-Adha

JUNE

Tuesday, 6/9 - 2nd Grade Musical 10:30am & 3rd Grade Musical 2:00pm

Wednesday 6/10 - Field Day (6/11 Rain Date)

Wednesday, 6/10 - Family Food Market 5:00pm-6:30pm

Monday, 6/15 - 5th Grade Promotion at Justice High School - 6:00pm

Wednesday, 6/17 - Last Day of School & 2-Hour Early Release for Students

Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

• Stay up to date: Get the latest news from Glen Forest and FCPS.
• View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
• Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
• Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
• Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the mobile app, including feedback from parents.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.