Fort Hunt Fox Den News | May 15, 2026


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carnival

The Spring Carnival was such an amazing event! It was a lovely evening of fun, games, prizes and connecting as a community. Thank you to all the PTA volunteers who made this possible. 


News from the Fox Den

May 15, 2026


A Message from Ms. Consolla

As we move through the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the tremendous effort our students have shown during end-of-year assessments. Our students in grades 3–6 have worked incredibly hard on their SOL tests, demonstrating perseverance, focus, and determination each day. We are so proud of the positive attitudes and strong work ethic they have displayed throughout the testing process.

Across all grade levels, students are also continuing to complete important end-of-year assessments such as the VALLSS, MAP and iReady. These assessments provide valuable information about student growth and help us celebrate the academic progress made throughout the school year. We appreciate the support families have provided by encouraging good attendance, healthy routines, and a positive mindset during this busy season.

As a reminder, Wednesday, May 20 will be an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 12:40 p.m. Please make any necessary transportation arrangements in advance.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we finish the school year strong!

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


calendar reminder graphic

Last Early Release is this 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.


Welcome to Mount Vernon Woods ES: Thursday, May 28

There will be welcome event for our families that will be moving to Mount Vernon Woods ES next school year. Stop by on Thursday, May 28 5:30-7:00pm to meet Ms. Gina O'Neal, the principal, and the staff of amazing teachers. The school is located at 4015 Fielding Street, just a 12-minute walk from Creekside Village. Click here to register. Ms. O'Neal will be visiting Fort Hunt this week to introduce herself to students and welcome them. 

mount vernon woods

🏫Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update

On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget. 

Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.


🎯SOL Testing at Fort Hunt ES

We are almost done with our first round of SOL testing! Our fifth graders will take the Science SOL this Tuesday, and we're excited for them to show all they know. Some students have qualified for a re-take and have been contacted by staff. If you have any questions about the SOL tests, make-up testing or re-takes, please connect with Ms. Settel at pasettel@fcps.edu


science

One way to study for your upcoming SOL test in science is to engage in hands-on experiences related to the curriculum. This week our fifth graders visited the Baltimore Aquarium and Maryland Science Center to do just that. Thank you to all the volunteer chaperones and to our teachers for organizing this learning experience for our students.


🚲FCPS Puzzle Hunt – Free Summer Fun!

This FREE event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: the school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku!

Participants can learn more and sign up here: www.solvingfun.com/fairfax


New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage

Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year

Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:

  • Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. 
  • Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
  • Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.

☎️Family Information Phone Lines

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. 

cupcakes

pet free

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

lost and found

lunch

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

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

Thursday, May 28 | Welcome Event for new Mount Vernon Woods ES students 5:30-7:00pm at 4015 Fielding Street

Friday, June 12 | Field Day & Class BBQ Picnics

Tuesday, June 16 | Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony 9:30am

Wednesday, June 17 | Last Day of School: Talent Show, 1:40pm Dismissal

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. 


fox trot

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. 


principals

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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