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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | Français | Русский
 We are set for the 2026-27 school year! Get plenty of rest this weekend as our teachers have a busy and exciting week planned. Our doors will open at 8:35am. As a reminder, there is no parking on the school side of Linton Lane. Our buses and Kiss & Ride need to pass safely. Model safety for our children by only using the crosswalks.
News from the Fox Den
August 21, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
What an amazing week it's been! Our staff gathered on Monday to begin the 2026-27 school year with a morning meeting. We did a greeting, shared about ourselves, played a really fun game where we had to come up with songs that included a specific word. In short, we were building community where everyone belongs. On Monday, our students will have their own morning meeting as they, too, begin to build community in their classroom.
The entire Fort Hunt staff is excited and ready to create classrooms where every student thrives. This means we will provide rigorous and authentic learning opportunities, provide scaffolds that promote student engagement, have collective ownership of all students and continue to build strong classroom communities. I welcome your input and feedback and most importantly, your partnership.
Enjoy the weekend and rest up for busy week ahead. The Fox Den is open again for business!
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES
 New this year! Windows, Mirrors & Doors This year, our front display case (next to the cafeteria) will incorporate a collaborative approach between Fort Hunt staff and families. We will use the FCPS recognized heritage and celebration months. Both staff and families are invited to share family photos, books, artifacts and/or books for each month to be on display in the glass showcase.
Windows represent the opportunities we have to learn about different cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Mirrors represent the ability to see yourself and feel valued. It gives the viewer a sense of belonging which can help validate their own experiences and identities. Doors represent the opportunity to enter and engage with another culture for a moment in time.
September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. If you and/or your family came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, you are invited to bring in photos of you, your family, small artifacts and/or books. Astrid Mendez, our new Family Liaison, will work with you to create any descriptive labels you’d like to add.
Getting Ready for the New School Year
✏️Where can I get information about school supplies for next year?
School supplies for all grade levels can be found here. If you ordered supplies through our PTA-sponsored sale with Sprouts, those items have arrived.
🚌When is the first day of school?
Monday, August 24. Doors will open at 8:35am. It is a full day of school. Dismissal is at 3:40pm.
🏫When is Back to School Night?
Wednesday, September 2 6:00-8:00pm.
📆Where can I see the school year calendar for 2026-27?
Use this link to see next year's calendar..
Will there be Early Release Wednesdays next year? If so, when will they be?
Yes, we will have Early Release Wednesdays next year where we will dismiss at 12:40pm. These days provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.
Fort Hunt Early Release Wednesdays for 2026-27:
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October 21
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December 2
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February 10
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May 5
Visit the FCPS website for more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.
⌚Updates Regarding Smart Watches
Starting this school year, students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
This means that smartwatches, even if they are on the "school" setting, cannot be worn once students enter the building. They must be off and away until they leave at dismissal.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies. If parents need to reach their child during the day, please call our front office. Visit the FCPS cellphone policy webpage for more information.
How to Stay Informed
As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Use the following list to help make sure your child is ready!
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at [email/phone number] if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. Also, download the new ParentVUE mobile app so you can access your child’s records easily from anywhere!
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts.
☑️ Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy.
When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
☑️ Learn About School Meals
Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.
☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
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Toys, Fidgets, Stuffies... Stay at Home
If your child has an accommodation for the use of a fidget in their IEP or 504 plan, we will provide a fidget for them. All toys, fidgets, stuffed animals, squishies, pop-its etc., need to stay at home even if they're small. Thank you for ensuring your student complies with this.
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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!
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Important Times
May 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
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Important Dates
Monday, August 24 | First Day of School
Wednesday, September 2 | Back-to-School Night 6:00-8:00pm
Friday, Sept 4 - Monday, Sept 7 | No School - Labor Day Break
You can access the full 2026-27 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays.
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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.
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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.
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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
Tiffani Triplett, Assistant Principal
tttriplett@fcps.edu
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