|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Freedom Hill Families,
We hope you spotted our back-to-school newsletter on August 7 and were able to read, with excitement, about our upcoming year! We are following up today with reminders that Open House will be held this Friday. It is a wonderful opportunity for our Eagles to meet their teacher, learn where their classroom is located, and drop off school supplies. To alleviate parking issues and interior crowding, we will offer several sessions on Friday:
-
9:00 - 9:45 - Adapted Programs: PAC, EAC, ID, IDS, and Preschool Class-Based (ECCB)
-
10:00 - 10:30 - Student Last Names A-L
-
10:45 - 11:15 - Student Last Names M-Z
Some other details:
- You will meet your child's teacher and visit the classroom to explore the safe and welcoming environment that our teachers have created.
- It's a great time to drop off any medications in the school clinic, and pick up a Kiss 'N Ride number in the office if you will be picking up your student at the end of the school day.
- If you cannot attend the Open House, staff members will be available on the first day of school to assist students in locating their classrooms.
It's also a great time to bookmark the FCPS calendar and new breakfast / lunch menu link below, and to sign up for a PTA before-school enrichment class. There are some great classes this fall!
We look forward to seeing you soon.
In partnership,
Dr. Nicholas Zapadka, Principal
Mr. Tim Scesney, Assistant Principal
Ms. Holly Sims, Assistant Principal
2026-27 FCPS School Calendar
Freedom Hill Family Resources
Breakfast/Lunch Menus
-
August 21 - Open House (see schedule above)
-
August 21 - PTA Family Dinner Out @ Ben and Jerry's, 4-10PM
-
August 22 - Last Rising Kindergarten Playdate, 3-4PM (Playground)
-
August 24 - First Day of School - Students Arrive at 9:05
-
September 1 - Back to School Night for Parents, 6-8PM
-
September 11 - PTA Back to School Picnic, 5:30-7:30PM
PTA-sponsored enrichment classes for the Fall 2026 session are now open for registration! Our teacher-led programs offer students a fun and meaningful way to explore new interests before school.
The Fall Session runs from September 8 – December 18 and includes a variety of engaging options across grade levels.
Before-School Options for the Fall Include:
(Class days and times vary; see the registration page for complete details.)
All enrichment classes are taught by FHES teachers, providing a safe, familiar, and supportive learning environment.
To register, visit the PTA Enrichment Activities page and store: https://freedomhillespta.givebacks.com/w/enrichment
Note: Classes require minimum enrollment to run.
Registration Closes August 31 @ 9 PM
Contact the PTA at info@freedomhillpta.org if you have any questions, issues, or need additional help.
Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:
- View what is being served each day.
- View the nutritional information for each meal.
- See if any specific allergens are being served.
- Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.
Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Want to cross something off of your August to-do list right now? Check out our 2026-27 School Supply Lists and have one thing less to worry about at back to school time! |
|
 |
Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
 As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, FCPS will implement a new student ID system for students who ride our school buses.
The implementation of the student IDs is designed as an additional safety measure for our 130,000 students who ride the bus each day, ensuring they are on the right bus and that they get on and off at the correct bus stop, as well as making sure only authorized students are on our buses.
The IDs will be provided to students who ride the bus. Those students will be expected to tap on and tap off the bus. The student IDs do not track student movement. The only information available is when a student taps on or off a bus. Much like our Here Comes the Bus app, our new app will allow parents/guardians to track the progress of the school bus.
It is possible that the ID program will expand in the future to include uses such as library cards and meal payment. Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Meals for Students Available Through August 21
No-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- If your child was immunized outside of Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date.
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep you connected and informed, directly from your smartphone. Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
With the app, you can:
-
View school calendars. See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
-
Check school menus. See what’s for lunch and breakfast each school day.
-
Tap to contact. Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
-
Stay up to date. Get the latest news from FCPS.
-
Access key links. Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
No need to log in, just download and go! Learn more about the FCPS mobile app.
What an incredible summer of soccer, friendship and fun at Freedom Hill!
A huge THANK YOU to Vienna Youth Soccer for making Freedom Hill part of such a memorable summer. From days spent developing soccer skills and cheering on friends to World Cup fun, games, crafts and plenty of smiles, it was wonderful to see our school filled with so much energy all summer long.
And VYS’s generosity didn’t stop when camp ended! We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful donation of sports equipment, arts & crafts supplies, and financial support left for Freedom Hill. These materials will continue to bring opportunities for our students to play, create and have fun throughout the school year.
We’re so thankful for community partners like Vienna Youth Soccer who invest in our kids and our school.
Thank you, VYS, for an unforgettable summer, and for leaving a little bit of the summer fun behind for our Eagles to enjoy all year long!
A heartfelt thank you to Wheat’s Landscaping for their incredible generosity and volunteerism in helping Freedom Hill get ready for the new school year! Their hardworking team transformed our school grounds, beautifully refreshing our garden beds, pruning trees, and making every area they touched look its very best. A beautiful school creates a sense of pride and excitement for our students, staff, families, and visitors, and we are so grateful to Wheat’s for treating Freedom Hill as such an important place. We proudly display their banner near our parking lot entrance as a small token of our tremendous appreciation!
Upcoming Events
-
Aug 22 - Kindergarten Playdates @ Freedom Hill ES Playground, 3-4PM
-
Aug 21 - Open House, 9-11:15AM
- 9-9:45AM: Adapted Programs + PS Only
- 10-10:30AM: Last Names A-K
- 10:45-11:15AM: Last Names L-Z
-
Aug 21 - Summer FDO (Family Dessert Out) - Ben & Jerry's, 136C Maple Ave West (Vienna Shopping Center), 4-10PM (Flyer)
-
Aug 24 - First Day of School!
-
Aug 31 - Deadline to register for Fall enrichment classes
-
Sept 1 - Back to School Night for Parents, 6-8PM
- 5:45 - Doors open for parent/guardians
- 6-6:25 - Session 1 w/teachers K-6
- 6:30-6:55 - Session 2 w/teachers K-6
- 6-7 - Meet & Greet w/ Specialists
- 7-7:30 - Advanced Academics Info Session
- 7:30-8 - Open Discussion w/ our Principals
-
Sept 11 - Back to School Picnic - 5:30-7:30PM @ Freedom Hill
-
Sept 23 - First PTA Meeting, 6PM-8PM, Library
FALL 2026 TEACHER-LED ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Our Fall 2026 enrichment classes are now open for registration! From art to sports, Origami and more, our enrichment programs offer fun, hands-on learning opportunities before school. All classes are led by our own amazing FHES teachers!
Classes run for 11-14 weeks and fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register early. Financial aid is available for eligible families, and we encourage anyone in need to reach out before registering. All information can be found on the enrichment activities page of the PTA website. If you have any questions, issues, or need additional help, please email info@freedomhillpta.org.
VISIT THE PTA AT OPEN HOUSE - AUG 21 @ FREEDOM HILL
We are excited to see all the returning families and meet the new families at Freedom Hill's Open House on Friday, August 21st.
Plan to stop by and visit us during Open House to:
- Learn about the PTA and what we do
-
Join the PTA (for new and returning members. Note, you need to renew your PTA membership each school year)
- Purchase spirit wear
-
Register for Fall teacher-led enrichment classes
EAT ICE CREAM TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL
Come on out for a sweet treat and see familiar faces! Keep the fun going with a Summer FDO on Friday, August 21st at the Vienna Shopping Center Ben and Jerry's (136C Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA) anytime from 4PM-10PM. Mention “Freedom Hill” to the cashier and Ben and Jerry's will give back 20% of profits made to Freedom Hill! Our monthly FDOs raise funds that support all aspects of our school community. A big thanks to Camille Paredes for her ongoing organization of these events. (Flyer)
LAST KINDERGARTEN PLAYDATE - AUG 22 @ FHES PLAYGROUND, 3PM
Our last playdate for rising kindergarteners is Saturday, August 22nd at 3PM on the FHES playground. Thank you to our Queens Elizabeths (Elizabeth Galvis and Elizabeth Palen) for coordinating the playdates this summer. Come meet new friends and help our little ones start the school year with smiles!
JOIN THE FREEDOM HILL PTA!
The Freedom Hill PTA connects parents, caregivers, and teachers to advocate for our students and build a welcoming community. Join the PTA for this new year!
How you can make a difference:
-
Become a Member: Connect with other families, lead fun school events, and gain a voice in your child's education. (No mandatory volunteer hours required).
-
Make a Donation: Help us reach our $10,000 goal to bridge school budget gaps. Your tax-deductible dollars help fund classroom supplies, new technology, the FHES garden, and beloved traditions like the Spelling Bee, Cultural Heritage Day, teacher and staff appreciation throughout the school year, and baby chicks in the classroom.
We consider everyone part of the PTA community and hope you can participate in any way you can. Every dollar counts and goes directly back to our students and school.
*To be eligible for the group lunch, stadium cup, FHES drawstring backpack, yearbook, and pajamas and stuffy day for class - donations must be made by Sept. 30, 2026.
Visit the PTA website here to join today. Questions? Email membership@freedomhillpta.org.
STAY CONNECTED
PTA QUICK LINKS
|
