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 What a year it has been at Garfield! As we close out another wonderful school year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. This final week brought a mix of celebration, joy, laughter, and a few tears as we honored our sixth-grade students at promotion and said goodbye for the summer. These special moments reminded us what makes Garfield such a wonderful place, a school community where every child is known, valued, and supported, and where families and staff work together to create opportunities for success.
While our students are beginning their summer adventures, we are already looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year. Our team is reflecting on this year's successes, developing new goals, strengthening instructional practices, and engaging in professional learning that will help us continue to provide exceptional opportunities for every Garfield student. We are excited about the future and eager to build upon the strong foundation we have created together.
For the remainder of June and into July, many of our staff members will be away from the building enjoying a well-deserved summer break. During that time, the school office will maintain limited hours, generally from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you need assistance or plan to visit the school, please call ahead at 703-923-2900 to ensure someone is available to help you.
Thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the year. Garfield's success is a reflection of the dedication of our students, families, staff, and community. It is truly an honor to serve as your principal, and I am so proud of all we have achieved together.
I wish every Garfield family a safe, restful, and joyful summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August for another outstanding year of learning, growth, and community.
Blessings and Joy,
Kerry Peerman Principal
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2026 SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 31
9:30am - 1:00pm
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Save The Date
Garfield’s Open House for the 2026-2027 School Year will be on Friday, August 21st. Specific times and details will be sent in August.
Congratulations to our Retirees!!!!
Once an Eagle…Always an Eagle!
Congratulations to our Retirees!!!!
Once an Eagle…Always an Eagle!
As this school year ends, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to three extraordinary members of the GES family as they begin their well-earned retirements.
Mr. Deese, Instructional Assistant, Mrs. Bartlett, Special Education Teacher, and Mrs. Wheatley, Parent Liaison, have each made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community through their dedication, compassion, and years of faithful service.
Their commitment to supporting children, building relationships, and making GES a welcoming place for all has touched countless lives. While we will certainly miss their daily presence, wisdom, and positive spirit, we are excited for the new adventures and opportunities that retirement will bring them.
Thank you, Mr. Deese, Mrs. Bartlett, and Mrs. Wheatley, for serving GES so well. Your contributions have helped shape our school in meaningful ways, and your legacy will continue for years to come.
Happy Retirement! We wish you joy, health, and happiness in this next chapter!
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Once an Eagle…Always an Eagle!
 We loved welcoming our former Garfield Eagles back to GES! These students, who once walked our hallways as elementary learners, are now preparing to graduate from high school—a milestone worth celebrating!
To honor their accomplishments, our current students and staff lined the hallways for a thunderous clap-out, cheering them on as they made their way through the school. This cherished Garfield tradition is a powerful reminder of the lasting connections within our school community and the bright futures that begin right here at GES.
We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have achieved. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle! Congratulations, Class of 2026—we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next!
Congratulations 6th Graders!
And, let’s not forget our incredible 6th graders! We celebrated their many accomplishments during a special Promotion Ceremony, marking the completion of their elementary school years. We are so proud of all they have achieved and wish them the very best as they begin their middle school journey. Congratulations, 6th graders!
 
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The FCPS Puzzle Hunt has kicked off! New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku. Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt! |
Summer Learning Resources for Families
Instructional Services is supporting student learning over the summer. Digital and print resources are being curated on the Summer Learning Resources webpage for students and families to review and practice previously taught content throughout the summer months.
Resources are organized by grade level and aligned to the learning students experienced during the school year. Families can access the materials at any time to review concepts, practice skills, or explore new ideas at home. Additional resources will continue to be added throughout June.
Summer Meals for Students
Starting Monday, June 22, no-cost meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on-site while eating their meals.
This year, thanks to generous support from Educate Fairfax, families may also receive one no-cost breakfast and lunch per adult at the following elementary schools: Braddock, Dogwood, Glen Forest, Hutchison, Hybla Valley, and London Towne.
Summer sites will continue to be added, so check the Summer Food webpage regularly for updates.
Recognizing the 2026 Fairfax County Council PTA Annual Award recipients:
Celebrating Our Outstanding PTA Board Members
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our school community!
Please join us in congratulating PTA President Mrs. Lauren Dunham and PTA Treasurer Mrs. Mary Jo Mentzel, who were both selected to receive the 2026 Fairfax County Council PTA Shining Star Elementary Volunteer Award.
This recognition honors volunteers who go above and beyond in their dedication, service, and commitment to supporting students, staff, and families. Mrs. Dunham and Mrs. Mentzel have each made an extraordinary impact on our school community through their leadership, countless hours of service, and unwavering support of our students and programs.
We are incredibly grateful for all they do and are proud to see their contributions recognized at the county level.
Congratulations, Mrs. Dunham and Mrs. Mentzel, on this well-deserved honor!
2026-2027 3-Hour Early Release Wednesdays
For the new school year, each elementary school will have a total of four 3-hour early release days throughout the school year (down from eight this previous year). Lunch will be provided on early release Wednesdays.
Three-hour early release Wednesdays for Sangster are:
- October 21, 2026
- December 2, 2026
- February 10, 2027
- May 5, 2027
For more information on Early Release Days, visit FCPS Family Resources.
🍎Important School Reminders
Online Registration
Visit fcps.edu/online-registration. Questions? Email Sarah Rothman, Garfield Registrar.
2026-2027 First Day of School: Monday, August 24!
🌸Spring 2026 Family Score Reports for
Screening/Growth Assessments
Family score reports for spring screening and growth assessments will post to SIS ParentVUE (PVUE) Documents for most students in the coming weeks. Timing of release varies by test, as noted below. Families will receive up to three (3) reports based on the assessments their student took this spring.
- Kindergarten:
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VALLSS for most students, posting by June 12
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VKRP (EMAS/CBRS) for most students, posting by June 12
- Grades 1-2:
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VALLSS for most students, posting by June 12
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MAP Math for most students, posting week of June 22
- Grades 3-6:
VALLSS for identified 3rd grade students, posting by June 12
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
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