Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Gators,
Thank you to all of our parents/families that attended Back to School Night. It was wonderful to have everyone in the building, visiting classrooms and talking with staff.
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 10th is Pyramid Night at Lake Braddock from 5-6:30 pm. This is a free event with bounce houses, a dunk tank, an obstacle course, and food trucks. Tickets for the football game will be available for purchase so you can see our Lake Braddock Bruins play against the Bruins from Forest Park High School.
Our PTA’s Booster program kicks off today and students will participate in the Fun Run on Friday, September 18th. Students received a blue flyer yesterday with more information.
Dr. Ritter, Principal • Ms. Gibbs, Assistant Principal
|
Positivity Project at Kings Glen
Kings Glen is partnering with The Positivity Project (P2) again this school year to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves. During our classroom Morning Meetings, short videos, class discussions and activities focus on one of the 24 character strengths that are the foundation of Positive Psychology. Gators explore their strengths and how to have positive relationships. P2 also offers short lessons for families at home.
Week of Sept 7 - Sept 11: Teamwork
|
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
-
Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
-
Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal/ Co- School Testing Coordinator, at cegibbs@fcps.edu by September 30th.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Lisa Rode, the Kings Glen Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) and Jamie Mucciolo (the AART at Kings Park).
-
AAP Continuum of Services & Full-Time AAP Identification: Monday, September 28, 2026 at 8am at Kings Glen Elementary. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students and Full-Time AAP Identification.
-
The first AAP Office Hour session is on Monday, September 14th from 12-12:30 p.m. If you would like to join, please submit this form to get the Zoom link.
For more information, please contact Lisa Rode, AART, at LMRode@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
.
In partnership with the KP/KG PTA, Kings Glen is offering the following before- and after-school clubs, led by our very own KG staff! View Flyer
Register Here (Please note that the registration is through PTBoard, you may
need to create an account if you don't already have one.)
History Hunters Club (led by Maura Keaney, KG Librarian)
- Every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Library
- Sept. 15-Nov. 10 (8 sessions; no class on Nov. 3)
- Grades 4 through 6
- Cost $50
Fitness Club (Run/Yoga) (led by Ms. Altman and Ms. Kubicek)
- Every Wednesday from 7:45-8:30 a.m. at the Blacktop/Field
- Sept. 16th-Nov. 14th (8 sessions)
- Grades 4 through 6
- Cost $60
All Stars Sports Club (led by Mr. Weber and Mr. Mason)
- Every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Gym
- Sept. 16-Nov. 11 (8 sessions; no class on Sept. 30)
- Grades 4 through 6 (male students only)
- Cost $60
Pixel Can Art Food Drive
Deadline October 2nd
What: We are collecting 14-16 oz sized cans of vegetables and beans. Cans that “lock together” when stacked are best for the project.
When: Collection of cans starts NOW until October 2nd.
Where: Drop of your cans and other dry food goods in the boxes by the front office.
Why: We will donate the food to ECHO in Springfield. Before it is donated, students will create a superhero themed pixel can art sculpture to be displayed for the school.
|
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.
Late Arrivals
- Kings Glen begins instruction at 8:40 a.m. each morning.
-
Students are allowed to enter the building beginning at 8:30 a.m. Please know that there is no adult supervision prior to 8:30 a.m.
- School hours are 8:40 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
-
Students who arrive after 8:40 a.m.: If your child is running late, you will need to park your car (not in the bus loop which is a fire lane) and walk your child into the main office to be signed in by an adult.
Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free
Please remind your child 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 child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-239-4000. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Volunteering at Kings Glen
If you are looking to volunteer for the 2026-2027 school year and have not already done so, complete your Volunteer FCPS registration this summer. This helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Kings Park. We thank you for your support! All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Complete a volunteer orientation and register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
Lake Braddock Pyramid Night
Thursday, September 10, 5-6:30pm
Lake Braddock will be hosting their annual Pyramid Night on Thursday, September 10th. The event includes fun games and activities like food trucks, music, an obstacle course, bounce houses, and a dunk tank from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The first home football game will follow the festival, and we hope you will be able to stay and participate. The festival is free to attend, and tickets for the Football game are available for purchase through eTix.
Safety Drills During the School Year
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.
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.
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.
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.
FCPS Cares
Did you know there is a program for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees? If you want to recognize a staff member or group of staff members who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community, we invite you to submit a story to acknowledge the great work!
Click to read about FCPS Cares and make a submission.
 |
|
KP/KG PTA News |
Join the PTA. We hope all members of the KP/KG community will consider joining the PTA this school year. Membership is only good for one year, so make sure to join each school year! Being a PTA member has numerous benefits -- it's a great way to meet new friends and become more involved in your child's school and community. Join on our website!
Run Fit Kidz registration is open at Kings Glen! Also, coming soon are Kings Glen before and after school clubs led by Kings Glen staff. Stay tuned for more information!
The Spirit Wear store is NOW OPEN! Place your order by September 13th to receive free shipping to the school. (Orders will be sent home with your student at the end of September) After September 13th, the spirit wear store will remain open, but orders will be shipped to your home for a fee.
The Booster Fun Run is the PTA's largest fundraiser of the school year and will take place on Friday, September 18. We are excited to kick off this year’s event this week on September 9th! Our school goal is to raise $55,000 for assemblies, field trips, non-tech items for student engagement, and school-wide enhancements. In addition, if 70% of students register at each school, Kings Park and Kings Glen staff will participate in an inflatable costume race! Register for free today at mybooster.com! Every student who registers will receive a prize! Also, new this year is the Rewards Store! Instead of receiving prizes at set donation levels, students will earn points for each share or donation they receive and can pick their prizes at the end of the program!
Our first meeting, where we will be approving our budget, is coming up on September 17th at Kings Park at 5:00 pm right before Back to School Night in the cafeteria. Please join us and hear from the PTA Board and school administration to learn about all the exciting things planned for the year!
Save the Date! Our popular PTA Ice Cream Social and Community Resource Fair will be held at Kings Glen on September 25th.
Papa John’s Spirit Nights are back! On the first and third Thursday of every month, use the code KPKG and 15% of sales will come back to the PTA!
Keep in Touch with the PTA. A great way to keep in touch with the PTA is to subscribe to our emails and/or join our Facebook group. An updated PTA events calendar can also be found here. Reach out to board@kpkgpta.org if you have any questions.
Sept 10: Lake Braddock Pyramid Night (See Above)
Sept 14: First AAP Office Hour Session (12-12:30 p.m.; See Above)
Sept 16: Community Conversation with Dr. Reid (See Above)
Sept 17: PTA General Membership Meeting (5 p.m. at Kings Park ES)
Sept 18: PTA Booster Fun Run (See Above)
Sept 21: Yom Kippur (Schools Closed)
Sept 25: PTA Ice Cream Social and Community Resource Fair (See Above)
Sept 28: Community Conversation with Dr. Reid (See Above)
Sept 30: 3-Hr. Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)
Oct 12: School Planning Day (No School for Students)
Oct 15: AAP Referral Deadline for Students New to FCPS (See Above)
|
