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9/6 Happening at Hutchison
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Back to School Night this week! Strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success, and we look forward to working together throughout the year.
Next week, we will begin our grade-level picnics with Kindergarten, Pre-K, and ID Programs on September 9. Please look for additional details and logistics in next week’s communication.
Ms. Aiello, scaiello@fcps.edu
Community Calendar
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- 9/4-7: Labor Day Break, NO SCHOOL
- 9/21: Yom Kippur, NO SCHOOL
- 9/24: Family Learning Night, 6:00pm
- 9/30: Early Release Wednesday, 12:35pm
- 10/12: School Planning Day, NO SCHOOL
POC: Elise Velez egvelez@fcps.edu
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We had a great time meeting and talking with so many parents, teachers, and students at Back‑to‑School Night. Your energy and ideas set the tone for an exciting year ahead!
Our first PTA meeting will be held on September 24 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the school library immediately after the Hutchison Family Learning Night at 6:00-6:30 p.m. We will review the budget and input from members on the upcoming year. We hope you’ll join us to help shape upcoming events and programs.
Mark your calendars for our Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser on October 14 from 3–9 p.m. at Chuck E. Cheese in Herndon. 🍕 Teachers receive a FREE personal meal
Follow us on social media, or simply become a member. Click Here to Join the PTA!
POC: Michelle Lansel president@hutchisonespta.org
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Students who ride the bus will receive a student ID badge during the school day on Tuesday, September 8.
Students will scan their badge when they:
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Board the bus in the morning
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Exit the bus at school
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Board the bus in the afternoon
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Exit the bus at their stop
Students in Grades 2–6 will wear their badges on a lanyard. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 students will have their badges attached to their backpacks using a clear luggage tag.
Please keep the badge in a safe place at home so your child remembers to bring it each morning. Teachers will store the badges in a designated classroom location during the school day.
POC: Jackie Wilson JAWilson@fcps.edu
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This school year, Hutchison Elementary will have four 3-hour early release Wednesdays for state-required teacher professional development. Please complete the digital dismissal form below by Friday, September 18th to let us know your child’s plans.
Early Release Dates:
September 30
November 18
December 10
January 13
April 7
Childcare Hardship Supervision
If this schedule creates a childcare hardship and you cannot make arrangements, supervision will be available at school for unique situations.
Action Required:
Please select and complete the appropriate form for your child by Friday, September 18th:
If you prefer to fill out a paper copy, one was sent home in your child's Friday folder today in both English and Spanish. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal! Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe and smooth dismissal!
POC: Dr. Courtney White clwhite1@fcps.edu
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has chosen your child’s school to take part in a predictive assessment pilot program for reading and/or math this year. The goal of this program is to help students master grade-level standards. All students who will be taking the SOL test this spring are included in this project for the participating pilot schools and courses.
The pilot uses short assessments to help teachers understand where your child is strong and where they may need extra help. Results will give your child's teacher a personalized roadmap for support. This will build student confidence as they work toward grade-level skills.
For more information, please review this letter here:
Predictive-Assessment-Notification-Opt-Out-Form-DMG English.docx.pdf
POC: Mikaela Antonio mantonio@fcps.edu
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Our grade level picnics will begin in September. Please see below for each grade level's date. More information to come.
Sept. 9- Pre-K/Kindergarden
Sept. 10- 1st grade
Sept. 15- 2nd grade
Sept. 16- 3rd grade
Sept. 17- 4th grade
Sept. 23- 5th grade
Sept. 24- 6th grade
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All fourth, fifth and sixth grade students have met the band, strings, and chorus teachers this year. The interest/recruitment form is due back by Wednesday, 9/09 if your child would like to join either band, strings or chorus this year.
It is a year-long commitment. Instrument rental is $20 for the entire school year. Please include the $20 when you return the form.
POC: Jackie Wilson JAWilson@fcps.edu
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The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation will provide shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need at Hutchison Elementary every second Saturday of the month.
Next Event: Sept 12. 8:00-9:00am.
Please bring a valid ID and reusable shopping bags.
Food is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
POC: Reyna Perez-Arreaga rjperezarrea@fcps.edu
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The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
POC: Caitlin Pickett capickett@fcps.edu
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
- If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 703-925-8300. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-week-september-2-2026, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
- Weather Safety
- Attendance Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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