Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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Dear Gators,
Our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the Fun Run for Boosterthon on Friday! It was great seeing our students and staff participating and having our families cheer everyone on in the afternoon. Thank you to the PTA for organizing such a wonderful event for our community.
Our first early release Wednesday is next week (September 30th). Students that will be leaving early will be dismissed at 12:25. Any student that is staying will be dismissed at regular time. We appreciate your support with the planning for these days to make sure that every student gets to where they need to be safely.
As a reminder, toys, games, and sporting equipment should not be brought to Kings Glen. There are instances when a teacher may request a specific item from his/her students. On these occasions, parents/guardians will be informed. Toys, games, and sporting equipment can be a distraction in the educational setting, may get lost, or could cause safety issues off campus (i.e. bus stop, walking to school, etc.). For these reasons, these items are prohibited. Any such items will be kept in the main office for parents to come pick up at their earliest convenience during office hours (8:00 – 4:00).
Dr. Ritter, Principal • Ms. Gibbs, Assistant Principal
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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 22 - Sept 25: Being Present & Giving Others Attention
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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:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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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).
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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.
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The next AAP Office Hour session is on Monday, October 5th 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.
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
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. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
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. Learn more about the student device requirement.
 Spirit Week Blue Star Welcome Week
Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging in their school communities. There are approximately 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. Each year, one-third of our military families transition into or out of our district.
Kings Glen will be honoring our military families and celebrating all of our new Gators next week with a spirit week and a welcoming theme for each day:
Monday – Welcome Autumn – wear something that means Autumn to you!
Tuesday – Welcome new military families – Wear colors to represent a branch of the US military or wear camo
Wednesday – Welcome all cultures – Wear something that represents your culture
Thursday – Go Team! Wear colors to highlight your favorite team
Friday – We are GATOR Together – wear Gator green
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.
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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 KGNotes@fcps.edu.
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Saturday, November 14
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
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):
- 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 Strategic Plan: Our Focus on Academic Growth and Excellence
- 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 third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
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KP/KG PTA News |
Booster Wrap Up. We are once again overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible community support behind our biggest fundraiser of the year. We raised over $82,000 for assemblies, field trips, non-tech items for student engagement, and school-wide enhancements. In addition, 75% of the entire student population registered and received a FREE day pass to Great Wolf Lodge! Check your email for your student’s individual code to redeem this offer! This fundraiser is a huge undertaking, and special thanks go to Sarah Maccubbin-Tremper for leading the program not only this year but for the past TEN years! Her dedication to the PTA and the entire school community is greatly appreciated!
Remember to go into your Rewards Store by September 23rd and order your prizes! Prizes will be delivered to the school within 3 weeks of the event day and will be sent home with the oldest student in the household.
After School Activities begin THIS week at Kings Park and there are still spots available so sign up today! Financial assistance is available. Please reach out to your school counselor for more details. We are still looking for a volunteer to help manage the parent volunteers for each class. This is something that can be done at home on your own schedule. Please reach out to Lisley at educomm@kpkgpta.org if you are interested.
Our FREE Ice Cream Social and Community Resource Fair is coming up THIS week at Kings Glen on September 25th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Come enjoy a cold treat and get information on after school activities and community resources. Food trucks will also be on site for your dinner needs!
Thank you to all of those who attended our first General Membership meeting last week where we approved the budget for the ‘26-’27 school year. Our next meeting will be held in December at Kings Park in conjunction with Book Fair family shopping night. Stay tuned for details!
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!
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 25: PTA Ice Cream Social and Community Resource Fair (See Above)
Sept 28: AAP Information Meeting (See Above; 8 a.m. at Kings Glen ES)
Sept 28: Community Conversation with Dr. Reid (See Above)
Sept 30: 3-Hr. Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)
Oct 5: AAP Office Hour Session (12-12:30 p.m.; See Above)
Oct 12: School Planning Day (No School for Students)
Oct 15: AAP Referral Deadline for Students New to FCPS (See Above)
Oct. 19: Fall Picture Day
Oct 30: First Quarter Ends (2-Hr Early Dismissal at 1:25 p.m.)
Nov 2-3: Teacher Workday/School Planning Day (No School for Students)
Nov 14: Special Education Family Conference (See Above)
Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
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