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Dear Freedom Hill Families,
We hope you are enjoying the long weekend, and also hope that our students are recharging their batteries for what will certainly be an eventful and joyful end of the school year. Like the butterflies our preschools recently released (what a charming picture above!) each of our students has continued to grow and prepare for even greater things. We hope you'll join us in expressing pride for all that they have accomplished this year. And what better way to do so than by joining us for one of our coming events. In coming weeks, we'd love to see you at Cultural Heritage Night, the Freedom Hill 5K, and Field Day, to name a few.
We'd like to say a special thank you to our PTA, who held their end-of-year meeting last week. It has been another year in which so many contributors have enriched our community and provided memorable experiences for our students. An extra special thank you (and big applause!) is in order for our 2026 Harriet Best Award winners - Ausra Lagos, Emma Strauss, and LeeAnn Turner! You can read more about their contributions below.
Memorial Day and Eid al-Adha are important times for many of our families. We extend our warmest wishes to all our families celebrating the holiday and hope your time together is filled with peace and joy.
See you on Thursday!
In partnership,
Nicholas Zapadka, Principal
Tim Scesney, Asst. Principal
Holly Sims, Asst. Principal
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Freedom Hill Family Resources
Breakfast/Lunch Menus
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May 25 - 27 – School Closed, Memorial Day & Eid al-Adha
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May 29 - Cultural Heritage Night, 6–8 PM, in the Cafeteria (Info to Participate) 🌐
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June 4 – Marshall HS Senior Parade @ FHES, 2:00-2:30
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June 6 - Freedom Hill 5K Run 2026, 9AM, MySchoolBucks to Register
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June 8 - Marshall HS Graduation
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June 11 - SCA Talent Show, 2-4PM
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June 12 - Field Day 2026 - Volunteer Signup!
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June 17 - Last Day of School, Early Release at 2:05
One of our favorite traditions returns this summer! Join your FHES teachers for free books, cold treats, and summer fun! We meet at the corner of Los Pueblos and Pimmit Run streets from 10-11AM on the following dates:
- Wednesday, July 8th, 10-11
- Wednesday, July 22nd, 10-11
- Wednesday, Aug 5th, 10-11
If you have books to donate for the Bookmobile, please bring them to the office. We’d be grateful for early readers (think: Scholastic levels 1-3 or Step into Reading levels 1-3, etc) or early chapter books like Junie B Jones or the Magic Tree House books or graphic novels.
 Silver Diner 5K Sponsorship
We are excited to share that Silver Diner (Tyson's location) is sponsoring Freedom Hill's 5K this year! They are donating $1,000 to support our wonderful community event. Look for the Silver Diner table near the finish line, where you will find Silver Diner swag, a spin-the-wheel activity with prize opportunities, and light refreshments. A meal discount at the restaurant will also be included on race day!
Hello Freedom Hill Elementary Families!
Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at our school and pictures are now online. E-proofs have been delivered to your email inbox. Please be sure to check your spam. All orders will receive free shipping until: June 4th.
For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com
Dear Parents,
This spring we are beginning to prepare for our annual fitness and field day. The theme is "We Can Play Quite Literally...". The event will take place on Friday, June 12th. All students in the school (PreK, Kindergarten through Sixth Grade) will be participating from 9:30-11:45am.
In order for the event to be successful, we need volunteers to assist in running the activities. Volunteers would need to arrive no later than 9:10am on the day of the event and stay until 11:50am to help with clean up.
If you can volunteer, please fill out the form by Friday, June 5th. You will receive your activity assignment and details about Field Day through email shortly before the event. On the actual Field Day, volunteers would need to sign in at the front office and then report to the gym. Please let us know if you have a particular station you would prefer to be assigned to, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Thanks!!!
- Mr. Dowling and Ms. Hinders
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional 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.
As required by the Code of VA, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend at a Virginia public school.
In addition, all students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older
- Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older
- A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Immunization appointments are available. Inspire Health Alliance will be providing immunizations for currently enrolled FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Visit the Inspire Immunization Events Student Registration webpage to schedule an appointment.
Additional Immunization Resources are also available.
Our school is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule ✔ Make a difference in your local community ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Marshall pyramid posting.
The FCPS PreK programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 4 and 3 years old by September 30 who live in Fairfax County. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; students who are 4 years old and those with multiple risk factors are prioritized.
Applications are accepted online, by email, or by mail or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you a have question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) or by email at fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu .
FCPS has been named a recipient of the 2026 Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence by The Partnership for Excellence. This recognition marks the first time an education applicant has won the Gold Award the first time they applied.
The award, based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, represents the region’s highest level of recognition that a U.S. organization can receive for demonstrating its performance excellence, resilience, and long-term success. Read about this honor and what FCPS practices were highlighted as excellent.
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:
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Stay up to date: Get the latest news from Stenwood and FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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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.
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.
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
     
 Left to Right: 2025-26 Recipients of the Harriette Best Award: Ausra Lagos, Emma Strauss, and LeeAnn Turner
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May 29 - Cultural Heritage Night, 6–8 PM, in the Cafeteria (Info to Participate) 🌐
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May 29 - Talent Show Participation Forms Due
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June 6 - Freedom Hill 5K Run 2026, 9AM, MySchoolBucks to Register
- Kindergarten Playdates @ Freedom Hill ES Playground:
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July 18: 3-4 pm
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August 8: 3-4 pm
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August 22: 3-4 pm
- Bookmobile Dates at Los Pueblos + Pimmit Run streets
HARRIETTE BEST AWARD RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Harriette Best Award: Ausra Lagos, Emma Strauss, and LeeAnn Turner!
These three women have generously devoted countless hours of their time and energy to supporting the Freedom Hill community. Ausra and Emma have demonstrated exceptional dedication through their leadership and volunteer work at PTA events, on committees, and in classrooms, both before, during, and after school.
Ms. Turner has also contributed an incredible amount of time and talent this year, helping revive beloved traditions while introducing exciting new events to the school calendar. From the Valentine’s Day dance and popsicles at lunch to the talent show, 5K, and running club, she has created countless opportunities for students to connect, participate, and build a strong sense of community. Her passion for learning, creativity, and the FHES community has had a meaningful impact on students, staff, and families alike.
All three recipients consistently went above and beyond to ensure that the staff and students at Freedom Hill had the support and resources they needed to succeed.
Thank you, Ausra, Emma, and LeeAnn, for your outstanding contributions and commitment to the Freedom Hill community!
This year, we received nominations for many outstanding individuals, making the selection process especially difficult. The full list of nominated individuals can be found here. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to recognize the incredible members of our community and celebrate their contributions. To all of our Freedom Hill volunteers: we see you, we appreciate you, and we are endlessly grateful for the time, care, and heart you give to our school community.
🌍 CULTURE & HERITAGE NIGHT – JOIN US!
Join us on Friday, May 29 from 6:00–8:00 PM for Freedom Hill Elementary’s Culture & Heritage Night! Enjoy an evening of delicious food, cultural performances, and interactive displays celebrating traditions from around the world.
Families are invited to participate by sharing food, performing, or creating a display. Sign up via the QR code or return this form.
Come celebrate the diversity of our amazing community!
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 FHES 5K + CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Lace up, Eagles, the Freedom Hill 5K Run is almost here! Join students, families, and staff for a fun morning of movement, school spirit, and community pride. Whether you run, jog, or cheer from the sidelines, your energy helps make this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to see our Freedom Hill community out on the course.
When: June 6, 9:00AM
Where: FHES
Register on MySchoolBucks - $25 registration fee and includes a commemorative t-shirt (***register soon to guarantee a t-shirt arrives in time for the race!***), finisher medal, snacks, and drinks after the race!
Be part of the action. Sign up to volunteer at the FHES 5K and keep our Eagles flying!
FHES TALENT SHOW - SIGN UP BY MAY 29
Our Eagles are ready to shine! Have your student sign up to participate in the Freedom Hill Talent Show, where students will share their creativity, confidence, and amazing skills on stage. It’s a joyful event of the year, and we can’t wait to cheer on every performer. Talent Show Participation Forms are due by Fri, May 29.
Talent Show Details:
Where: FHES Cafeteria
When: Thurs, June 11: 2 - 4PM
VIENNA YOUTH SOCCER CAMP AT FREEDOM HILL
We are excited to announce that Vienna Youth Soccer Summer Camp is now happening at Freedom Hill Elementary School!
In addition to the engaging soccer programming, campers will now enjoy access to:
- Indoor gymnasium to cool off from the heat (Yes, we have AC!)
- Indoor classroom as we offer creative crafts & projects
- Multi-Sport offering in the afternoon
- A TV to watch World Cup games during camp hours (who wants to miss a game?!)
- World-Cup themed days
To register for Half-Day & Full-Day, Click Here
To register for Early Drop-Off & Late Pick-Up, Click Here
https://www.vys.org/programs/camps#SummerCamps
We look forward to an unforgettable summer of camps at Freedom Hill with Vienna Youth Soccer.
PTA Quick Links:
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