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9/27 Happening at Hutchison
What a wonderful week at Hutchison! Thank you to all the amazing families who joined us in person or online for our first Family Dinner and Learning Night and PTA meeting. We hope to see you—and even more families—next month!
I also want to recognize Ms. Wilson, our assistant principal, who will retire on Wednesday, September 30. Ms. Wilson has worked alongside me for the past seven years and has been an amazing leader, mentor, and coach to our students and staff. She has left a lasting imprint on our school community.
We will celebrate Ms. Wilson on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in the library. Families are welcome to stop by and wish her well. I will continue to keep you updated regarding our transition and plans for a new assistant principal.
Next week includes Picture Day, our Region 1 visit, and our first Early Release Wednesday. Please review the details below and mark your calendars.
Ms. Aiello, scaiello@fcps.edu
Community Calendar
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- 9/29: Picture Day
- 9/30: Early Release Wednesday, 12:35 PM
- 10/1: Advanced Academics Overview, 6:00 PM
- 10/6: Family Science Night, 6:00 PM
- 10/12: School Planning Day, NO SCHOOL
- 10/14: Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser 3-9PM
POC: Elise Velez egvelez@fcps.edu
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Thank you for attending the General Membership Meeting on Sept. 24 from 6:30–7:00 p.m. It was great to meet PTA members in person and virtually. We’d love to hear from parents and teachers on how we can advocate for our students.
Mark your calendars for our Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser on October 14 from 3–9 p.m. at Chuck E. Cheese in Herndon.
Every voice helps strengthen our school. 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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This Wednesday, Hutchison Elementary will have a 3-hour early release for state-required teacher professional development.
Dismissal will begin at 12:35pm. Unless you selected Childcare Hardship Supervision.
Confirmation texts and emails will be shared Monday and Tuesday.
POC: Dr Courtney White clwhite1@fcps.edu
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Hutchison will host picture day for our students this Tuesday, September 29, 2026
We will send out physical forms for cash in our next Friday folders, or you can purchase online using the steps below:
- Go to www.strawbridge.net
- Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks”
- Enter the code PX519058
POC: Erika Hernandez ehernandez1@fcps.edu
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) conducts routine vision and hearing screenings for all kindergarten and third-grade students each fall.
Overview of Screening
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Who is screened: All students in kindergarten, third grade, and students new to FCPS.
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What to bring: If your child wears glasses or corrective lenses, ensure they bring and wear them to school on screening day.
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Results and Follow-up: The school health room will notify parents by letter only if the screening results show that a professional follow-up evaluation by a health care provider is needed.
Dates:
POC: Hope Luong hluong1@fcps.edu
Each year, 6th grade students receive lessons on bullying and harassment. Opt-out forms for the sexual harassment lesson will be sent home today and are due back no later than October 26th.
Please complete and return the form only if you do not want your child to participate in the lesson. If you would like your child to participate, no form needs to be returned. For more information please refer to https://www.fcps.edu/academics/counseling-services/school-counseling-services/6th-grade-sexual-harassment-prevention
Thank you!
POC: Molly Young msyoung@fcps.edu
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s 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. Learn more on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use Policy
FCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
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Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
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Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
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Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
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Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
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Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
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Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00 pm
The Children’s Science Center’s Family Science Night Program offers interactive and engaging activities designed to excite students and their families about STEM. Family Science Night combines science learning and family bonding within the school community.
We are looking for volunteers to assist at the event from 5:15-7:45.
Please email Katy Curran if you are interested.
POC: Katy Curran KLCurran@fcps.edu
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. SEL helps students develop the necessary skills to succeed in various aspects of life. In FCPS, students use a tool called a "screener" to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. This screener helps them evaluate how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. Want to learn more about the screener? This webpage includes information about what the screener is, how it benefits our students, and how screener results are used to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Learn more about SEL in FCPS.
POC: Molly Young msyoung@fcps.edu
Jessica Wilcox jmwilcox@fcps.edu
Get ready to unleash your inner scientist! Science Olympiad permission forms were sent home last week for students in grades 3 through 6. We are excited to field two teams this year—Team A (Grades 3–4) meeting on Wednesdays, and Team B (Grades 5–6) meeting on Tuesdays, both coached by Mr. Shirley to prepare for competitions in March and April. Each team is strictly limited to 15 students, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If your child is eager to build, experiment, and compete, please complete and return their permission form as soon as possible to secure a spot!
POC: Courtney White clwhite1@fcps.edu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration.
Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts. Menu items include:
Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
POC: Rex Miller abmiller@fcps.edu
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.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Caitlin Pickett, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART).
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AAP Continuum of Services: October 1st at 6:00 PM. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: November 19 at 6:00 PM. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
POC: Caitlin Pickett capickett@fcps.edu
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Salsa in the Park
Oct 2. Alabama Drive Park 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of music, movement, food and community!
Enjoy a free, family-friendly event featuring salsa dancing, nature exploration, gardening activities and more.
More information can be found here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/salsa-in-the-park/100226
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
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