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10/4 Happening at Hutchison
October is here, Hutchison families! Stay connected this week with Family Science Night and Family Coffee. Wondering how your child is doing? It’s always a great time to connect with their teacher, and you can schedule a conference anytime.
We’re also getting ready to create a competitive entry for the Herndon Homecoming Parade! Families and students, we need your help. Please join us for a planning meeting on Thursday, October 8, at 4:00 p.m.
Ask your child about the Compliment Card Cart we introduced this week. So many Eagles are earning compliment cards by showing responsibility, inclusiveness, success, and empathy. Keep rocking, Eagles!
Ms. Aiello, scaiello@fcps.edu
Community Calendar
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- 10/6: Family Science Night, 6:00 PM
- 10/8: Homecoming Planning Meeting, 4pm
- 10/9: Family Coffee, 11:00 AM
- 10/10: Food Distribution, 10-11 AM
- 10/12: School Planning Day, NO SCHOOL
- 10/14: Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser, 3-9 PM
- 10/19-23: Every Eagle Belongs Week
- 10/24: Herndon Homecoming Parade
POC: Elise Velez egvelez@fcps.edu
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We’re excited to kick off planning for our fall activities at Hutchison! One of our favorite annual traditions is joining the Herndon Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 24 at 9:30 a.m. It’s a wonderful way for families to come together and show our Hutchison spirit as we march through downtown Herndon. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Through the Years,” and we’d love your ideas—join the conversation in the Hutchison PTA Facebook group.
And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser on October 14 from 3–9 p.m. at the Herndon location. It’s a fun night out for families, and a portion of sales comes back to support our school. Plus, teachers receive a FREE personal meal. We hope to see you there!
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
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses a nationally normed abilities test as one piece of information when identifying students for advanced academic programs. FCPS uses the online Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT) for group assessment in grades 2-7. All students in 2nd grade and any student in grades 3-6 without a General Abilities Test score will complete the NGAT between October 21-23.
The Notification of Testing letter below gives families information about the abilities tests available to students.
ngat-testing-notice-english.pdf
ngat-testing-notice-spanish.pdf
POC: Mikaela Antonio mantonio@fpcs.edu
📚 Finishing Up Our Learning About Life Science in Language Arts 📚
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Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the natural world around us.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: How do living things change? How have you changed since last year? How do you think you’ll change in the next five years?
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Activity: Go outside and try to spot three different plants or animals. Discuss how they get food, water, and shelter.
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
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Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00 pm @ Hutchison Elementary School
The Children’s Science Center’s Family Science Night Program at Hutchison Elementary School 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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Friday, October 9th 11:00-12:00pm
This is a warm, welcoming, and open space to connect with other families, strengthen ties with our school staff, and learn about the excellent resources, programs, and community support available to you.
We will meet once a month in the school library.
POC: Karla Poggi kepoggi@fcps.edu
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Kindergarten :
Students will learn how to use shape and line to create patterns and images across a variety of media.
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4th Grade:
Students will learn how to incorporate rhythm and movement into drawing, collage, and sculpture.
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1st Grade:
Students will learn about how the change in seasons affects the colors of nature and use those colors to create both natural and abstract imagery.
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5th Grade:
Students will learn how to create perspective using a single vanishing point.
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2nd Grade:
Students will learn how to use multiple groundlines to create distance in a landscape.
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6th Grade:
Students will study symbolism and abstraction through the work of Pablo Picasso and the traditional art of Dia de los Muertos.
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3rd Grade:
Students will focus on drawing from observation through portraiture and still life.
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The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation will provide shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need at Hutchison Elementary.
Next Event: October 10th. 10-11am.
Please bring a valid ID and reusable shopping bags.
Food is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
POC: Reyna Perez-Arreaga rjperezarrea@fcps.edu
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During our kindness and inclusion week, students will focus on helping everyone feel safe, welcomed, and included at school. We will practice using kind words, including others, speaking up when something feels unsafe, and getting help from a trusted adult.
Our schoolwide message is “Every Eagle Belongs.” We want every student to know that they are an important part of our school community and that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
🧡On Wednesday, October 21, we will celebrate Unity Day! Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to show that our school stands for kindness, acceptance, and belonging. Thank you for helping us build a caring school community where every Eagle feels valued!
POC: Jessica Wilcox jmwilcox@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).
For more information, visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
POC: Caitlin Pickett capickett@fcps.edu
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Hutchison, let’s represent at the Herndon Homecoming Parade!
Join us on Saturday, October 24, as we celebrate this year’s theme: “Hollywood Through the Years!” The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Interested in helping us plan? Our planning meeting will be held Thursday, October 8, at 4:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!
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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, 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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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
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Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
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 a 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.
Understanding the FCPS Calendar
Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.
Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed.
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- College Prep Resources
- Life in the Community Fair
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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