 Fly butterfly!
2nd Graders got a chance to get together earlier this week to release their monarch butterfly! In Quarter 1, Second Graders learn about how living things go through a series of unique changes over time as they grow and develop.
Teachers received their butterfly kits, which included live caterpillars inside a mini habitat. With this kit, students can see firsthand what the metamorphosis process looks like to see a caterpillar transform into a chrysalis, and eventually into an adult butterfly!
 6th Grade Teambuilding
Our sixth graders had an unforgettable trip to Hemlock Overlook! Through a series of low-ropes challenges and team-building activities, students practiced communication, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and trust. They encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and celebrated their successes—including an exciting 300-foot zip line experience! What a wonderful day of learning, growth, and teamwork!
 PENNY WARS!
The PTA Penny Wars fundraiser brought out the competitive spirit at Oakton! Students added pennies and dollar bills to their grade-level jugs to increase their totals, while silver coins counted against them. We’re excited to announce the total amount raised—and reveal the winning grade level—next week!
Oakton Pyramid Joins FCPS Region 5
With the opening of Skyview High School, FCPS is implementing several changes to school pyramid and region assignments effective Monday, September 14. As a result, the Oakton Pyramid is now part of Region 5.
The pyramid includes Oakton High School, Franklin Middle School, and Crossfield, Mosaic, Navy, Oakton, and Waples Mill elementary schools.
Please keep in mind that these changes are administrative only. They do not impact school boundaries, instruction, or supports available to students and families. We are sharing this information in case you require support at the region level in the future.
Visit the FCPS website to learn more about Region 5.
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Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 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:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 6 who have enrolled in FCPS since January 2026 may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 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 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Abby Holzinger, school testing coordinator, at acholzinger@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend an AAP information meeting led by Heather Barber, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Parent Information Session: September 29 from 5:00-6:00PM in OES Library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students and the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Heather Barber, AART, at hsbarber@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
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Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Heather Barber, AART, hsbarber@fcps.edu
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join FCPS for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. 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.
Fall 2026 Enrichment Classes
at Oakton ES
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Sponsors: Oakton PTA & Baroody Camps, Inc.
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Registration Window: Sept 10 @ 9:00 AM – Sept 27 @ 11:59 PM (Financial Aid closes Sept 23 @ 11:59 PM).
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Schedule: On-site morning programs run 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM across Oct 5 – Dec 18.
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Monday Classes (Oct 5 – Dec 7): Minecraft Creative Building (Baroody Camps, K-6th, $245).
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Tuesday Classes (Oct 6 – Dec 8): LEGO® Spike Robotics: Crazy Carnival Games (Baroody Camps, K-6th, $270).
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Wednesday Classes (Oct 7 – Dec 9): Basketball (Love the Ball, K-6th, $245).
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Thursday Classes (Oct 8 – Dec 10): Chess (Silver Knights Chess Academy, K-4th, $272); Canvas & Clay (KidCreate Studio Ashburn, K-6th, $244).
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Friday Classes (Oct 9 – Dec 11): Soccer (Love the Ball, K-6th, $245).
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Website: bc-ffx-oakton.jumbula.com
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Contact: info@baroodycamps.com / (703) 539-2602, or Laila Cooper (Oakton PTA) at laila.v.cooper@gmail.com
- View the Fall 2026 Baroody Enrichment Camps flyer here!
Financial Aid Details
Limited financial aid is available (one class per session) for students receiving public assistance or experiencing temporary hardship. Please apply under the Financial Aid tab prior to the early September 23 deadline.
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Oakton Congestion and Safety Study
Join FCDOT for an In-Person Community Meeting!
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will be conducting Meeting 3 for the Oakton Congestion and Safety Study. The study will evaluate different roadway improvements and develop a list of recommendations, considering impacts to bicycle, pedestrian, and bus networks, and safety for all roadway users in the study area. This meeting will cover survey feedback, future baseline and alternatives analysis, and active transportation recommendations. It will begin with a presentation, followed by discussion.
Monday, October 5
7-9 PM
Oakton High School Cafeteria (2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA 22181)
Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services, and activities. For accommodations, please call FCDOT at 703.877.5600.
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Volunteer for Panther Art at Oakton Elementary!
Help keep art alive at OES by joining Panther Art, our volunteer-based in-class art program. It's a fantastic way to spend quality time in your child's classroom.
Volunteer Details:
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What You’ll Do: Present information about artists/artwork, set up art projects, and spend about an hour in the classroom for each quarterly session.
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No Experience Needed: All materials and information are provided, and training is conducted via Zoom.
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Goal: We need about 90 volunteers (2–3 per classroom) to bring this program to life!
To sign up, use the form link or scan the QR code on the flyer. For questions, email PantherArtOES@gmail.com. Brought to you by the OES PTA.
Oakton Elementary Chess Club Information
Who Can Join: Students in grades 2–6, from beginners to advanced players. Players are grouped by ability rather than age.
Meeting Details: Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM in the cafeteria.
Fall Semester: September 29 – January 26
Spring Semester: February 2 – May 25
Cost: $150 per student per semester. This fee includes a weekly meeting, a club T-shirt (one per year), snacks, and the opportunity to participate in the Elementary Team League.
Benefits: Taught through a partnership with the non-profit U.S. Chess Center, the program teaches rules to beginners and strategy to experienced players. It builds critical thinking, problem-solving, responsibility, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Registration: Scan the QR code or visit chessctr.org/oakton/. The registration deadline is October 12.
Contact: For questions, email the Oakton ES PTA's VP of Programs at vp.programs@oaktonpta.net or the U.S. Chess Center at admin@chessctr.org
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Get Ready for "The Magic of Oakton" Variety Show!
Oakton Elementary presents an enchanted Variety Show, and it’s time to show off your talents! Whether you dance, sing, perform skits, play an instrument, or have another special skill, we want to see it. Groups of 2 or more are strongly encouraged!
Auditions & Sign-Up Information
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Independent Act Auditions: October 20 & 22
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How to Register: You must sign up in advance to audition at bit.ly/OESVarietyShow2027.
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Large Group Acts: Sign-ups for staff- or volunteer-led large group acts will open after solo and independent auditions are complete.
Important Show & Rehearsal Dates
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Required Dress Rehearsals: January 20, 22, and 25, 2027
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Variety Show Performances: January 26 and 27, 2027
Parent Volunteers Needed!
We need your help to make this event magical! If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to oaktonvarietyshow@gmail.com.
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6th Grade Opportunities:
"The Magic of Oakton" Variety Show!
Attention 6th graders! There are many ways to get involved in this year's Variety Show, whether you want to perform on stage or help run the show behind the scenes.
Emcee (Host the Show)
Stage Crew (Behind the Scenes)
Independent Acts (Solo or Group Talent)
Large Group Acts (Group Dance, Bucket Drummers, Singing)
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Details: Sign-ups open in late October
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Note: No audition required!
Important Show Dates
Required Dress Rehearsals: January 20, 22, and 25, 2027
Show Dates: January 26 and 27, 2027
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Oakton Elementary PTA Meeting Recap: September 11
Missed our first PTA meeting of the school year? Here is a quick look at what’s happening at OES:
Recent Highlights & Upcoming Events:
New Equipment: New basketball hoops have been installed!
Mark Your Calendars:
- Read-a-thon: October 1
- Movie Night: October 2
- Skate Night: October 16
School & District Updates:
Academic Focus: Under the FCPS Strategic Plan, OES is focusing on ensuring all students are reading on grade level by the end of 3rd Grade.
Boundary Adjustments: The Oakton HS Pyramid is moving to Region 5. Note: This impact is administrative only.
Join the PTA! We currently have 109 members and counting! Your PTA membership supports our teachers, students, and community, making all of these events possible. Scan the membership QR code on our flyer to join today.
Get Involved & Volunteer Whether you have an hour or a few hours to spare, we’d love your help!
Event Leads Needed: Food Drive, Literacy Night, Reflections, Purple Up! Military Child Appreciation, Science Olympiad, 6th Grade Basketball, and 6th Grade End-of-Year Party.
General Volunteers Needed (~1 hour commitments): Laminating, Movie Night Setup & Cleanup, Skate Night, Bingo Night, and the Variety Show.
Family Vision Group Update The Family Vision Group meets directly with Dr. Reid. Key focus areas for 2026–27 include Algebra 1 by grade 8 and reading on grade level by 3rd grade. County parents have brought up key topics such as school security, staffing, and EdTech.
Next PTA Meeting: Wednesday, November 4, virtually @ 7:00PM
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OES PTA Presents: Movie Night Under the Stars!
Join us for a fun family evening on the field showing Toy Story 5!
Date: Friday, October 2
Location: Oakton Elementary School Field
Schedule: Field opens at 5:30 PM | Movie starts at 6:30 PM
Pre-order Pizza: Tony’s Pizza is available by pre-order on Givebacks. Orders must be placed by September 30. Order pizza here.
Concessions: Additional snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.
Bring a Blanket: Blanket seating is recommended on the main field.
Chairs: Lawn chairs are allowed on the periphery only to ensure everyone has a clear view.
Parent Supervision: This is NOT a drop-off event. All students must be accompanied by an adult.
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Upcoming dates for OES:
September 21 - No School - Yom Kippur
September 29 - Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Information Night - 5:00-6:00PM, OES Library
October 1 - PTA Read-a-thon Begins
October 2 - PTA Movie Night, Toy Story 5 - 6:30PM, OES Field
October 6 - Interims Go Home
October 12 - School Planning Day - No School for Students
October 16 - Skate Night, Reston SkateQuest, 7:30-9:30PM
October 21 - Early Release Wednesday - Students dismissed @ 1:00PM
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