|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
9/18 Happening at Hutchison
What a wonderful week of learning at Hutchison! We are incredibly proud of all our students are accomplishing in their classrooms each day. Students were actively engaged in academic conversations and demonstrating growth in academic language, comprehension, and overall engagement. As we continue to refine our practices and identify areas of opportunity, one thing remains clear: our teachers and students are exceptional!
As a friendly reminder, Early Release Wednesday forms are due today. Every student must have a completed form on file. Please see the information below for details.
Please join us next week for Family Learning & Dinner and our first PTA meeting onThursday. We look forward to learning and connecting with our Hutchison families!
Ms. Aiello, scaiello@fcps.edu
Community Calendar
- 9/21: Yom Kippur, NO SCHOOL
- 9/24: Family Learning & Dinner Night: Title 1 Programming, 6:00pm
- 9/29: Picture Day
- 9/30: Early Release Wednesday, 12:35pm
- 10/1: Advanced Academics (overview) 6:00 PM
- 10/6: Family Science Night, 6:00 PM
- 10/12: School Planning Day, NO SCHOOL
POC: Elise Velez egvelez@fcps.edu
PTA? Because when families get involved, amazing things happen for our students and staff. Join us for our first General Membership Meeting on Thursday Sept. 24 from 6:30–7:00 p.m. in the school library. We’ll approve the budget, share exciting upcoming events, and—most importantly—hear what you want this year to look like.
Make your voice count and fill out the PTA survey. Let’s make this our strongest year yet! Follow us on social media, or simply become a member. Click Here to Join the PTA!
POC: Michelle Lansel president@hutchisonespta.org
6th Grade Families:
The Fairfax County Youth Survey is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors,experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey , identify trends and areas of need that help serve as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people. The survey will take place in the classroom November 6. Please use the Parent Digital Consent Portal in ParentVue if you chose to opt out of the survey. You may also receive a copy of the survey upon request. Please reach out to Molly Young, School Counselor (4-6), for any additional questions at
POC: Molly Young msyoung@fcps.edu
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
- 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
📚 Learning About Life Science in Language Arts 📚
Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts is about life science. Students in K-5 will be learning about plants, animals, and nature. Sixth grade students will learn about the natural balance of nature.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
Question: What are some ways we can take care of nature and living things?
Activity: Pick an animal and act out how it moves or survives in its habitat — see if family members can guess!
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
POC: Amanda Salvo (K-3) amsalvo@fcps.edu
Andrea DeSilva (4-6) aldesilva@fcps.edu
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) conducts routine vision and hearing screenings for all kindergarten and third-grade students each fall.
Overview of Screening
-
Who is screened: All students in kindergarten, third grade, and students new to FCPS.
-
What to bring: If your child wears glasses or corrective lenses, ensure they bring and wear them to school on screening day.
-
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
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
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).
-
AAP Continuum of Services: October 1st at 6:00 PM. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
-
Full-Time AAP Identification: 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
Get ready to unleash your inner scientist! Science Olympiad permission forms will be heading home in this week’s Friday folders 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
Grade-level Family Life Education (FLE) opt-out forms were sent home in this week’s Friday folder for all students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the curriculum materials to determine if they wish for their child to participate. If you prefer to opt your child out of these specific lessons, please complete the form and return it to their classroom teacher as soon as possible. Please reach out directly to your child's teacher or school administration if you have any questions about the upcoming unit.
POC: Courtney White clwhite1@fcps.edu
Hutchison will host picture day for our students on 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
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 20 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
In the fall, Hutchison will administer the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) in grades PreK-2 for all students and in grades 3-6 for identified students.
VALLSS gives teachers information about strengths and needs in students’ basic language and literacy skills. Gaps in basic skills are the root of many later learning difficulties. Early detection and intervention in these gaps can help students reach their potential.
VALLSS provides a first look at areas in which students may need extra support. Teachers may collect more information using diagnostic assessments. When used with VALLSS results, information from diagnostic tests helps teachers plan targeted instruction or intervention in areas of need.
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes will also administer the VKRP to students this fall.
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) includes three assessments designed to evaluate children’s early literacy, mathematics, and behavior skills. These are skills that support success in PreK and beyond. The sections below provide information about the Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) and Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) tests.
POC: Mikaela Antonio mantonio@fcps.edu
2e Resources
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 Caitlin Pickett capickett@fcps.edu.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us 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:
-
Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
-
Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
-
Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
-
Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
-
Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Attendance
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 our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us 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
|
