Weekly Message

Dear Oakton Families,

I’m proud to share that Oakton Elementary has been recognized as DISTINGUISHED under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). Based on data from last school year, this recognition reflects how our students are exceeding the state’s expectations for student performance. Oakton earned an overall framework score of 103.25!

This is an exciting accomplishment—and one our entire Oakton community can celebrate. It reflects the hard work of our students, the skill and dedication of our teachers and staff, and the encouragement and partnership of our families. From the curiosity students bring to their learning each day to the care our educators show in helping every child grow, there is so much that makes Oakton special.

The state framework looks at academic and readiness measures, including standardized test results, student growth, attendance, and other measures that vary by school level. These measures offer one way to understand how a school is doing. But they can’t capture everything that makes an Oakton education meaningful: the joy of learning, the friendships and connections that help children feel they belong, and the persistence students show as they take on new challenges.

We are proud of this recognition and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. We’ll keep building on this success by holding high expectations, recognizing each student’s strengths, and creating a school where every child feels welcomed, challenged, and cared for.

Thank you for being part of the Oakton Panther community and for all you do to support our students. We have so much to celebrate—and even more to look forward to.

With pride,

Chris Kelley, Principal

Monday, October 12, is a student holiday and school planning day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.

Early Release Wednesday

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Oakton Elementary will have it's first 3-hour early release at 1:00 p.m. Our instructional staff will use this time for professional development and planning. 

We need to account for every child that afternoon.  Please help us plan by letting us know whether your child will:

• Leave at 1:00 p.m. using their regular routine
• Be dismissed to SACC / Beyond the Bell at 1:00 p.m (must be already enrolled)
• Remain at OES due to a childcare hardship until the normal dismissal at 4:00 p.m.

Pease complete the Oakton ES Early Release Wednesday Form  no later than Monday, October 12.

We will send a confirmation email to all families by Friday, October 16, to confirm your child's plan based on your form submission.

If you have any questions, please contact kaeck@fcps.edu

Halloween Bingo – Friday, October 23

Join us for a fun night of Halloween Bingo at Oakton Elementary! The gym doors open at 6:00 PM, with bingo running from 6:30–8:00 PM.

Bingo cards: $3 each or 3 for $8

Raffle tickets: $1 each

Bonus: Come in costume and receive a free raffle ticket!

Pre-order your bingo cards and raffle tickets to make check-in quick and easy: Pre-Order: https://oaktonespta.givebacks.com/shop

We also need volunteers to help with setup, check-in, selling bingo and raffle tickets, the snack and quiet rooms, and cleanup.

Volunteer Sign-Up:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44A5AD2AABF94-66295098-oeshalloween#/

We hope to see you there for a fun night of bingo, costumes, and prizes!

Unleash Your Inner Artist with PTA Reflections!

Do you enjoy creating art, music, and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films, and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections.

Create an original piece of artwork using the theme of "What My Culture Means to Me" in one of the following categories: Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, or Photography.

Entries are due by Friday, November 20, 2026.

Digital entries in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, or photography category may be submitted via email to sarbenjam@gmail.com.

Visual Arts submissions may be turned in to the Art Reflections box in the school lobby from November 9 - 20.

All submissions must include a completed entry form (below) and your work.

Last year's winners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GiGlZuQ7TE

Category guidelines: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18ksXneAP9-M2G2gDuLTFKgrc0Kyc3XYx

Entry form: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/programs/reflections/_evergreen-program-materials/local-leader-resources/fillable-student-entry-form_reflections.pdf

OES Read-A-Thon

Parent FAQ sheet

Why Do a Read-a-thon?
It’s the primary fundraiser for OES school funds (things like tech items, event nights, field trip sponsorships, literacy specialist training, teacher
funds, playground equipment, and so much more!) To engage the OES community and encourage daily reading!

How to Participate?
ACTIVATE your student’s account by visiting http://bit.ly/OESREADS2026
SET reading or fundraising goals
INVITE friends and family to donate pledges
ENCOURAGE your child to read for at least 20 minutes per day
LOG your student’s minutes! Keep track with the weekly reading log and
submit online at the end of the week.

Prizes!
Two weekly winners from each grade will receive a free cone from Ben and Jerry’s (students must have logged at least 100 min that week). The three classes with the most activated accounts will get to have a pizza party with Paws the Panther!

If we get to 300 student sign-ups, the WHOLE school will get a pajama and music day!

Every student who completes 400+ minutes of reading for the month
will receive a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes

Questions? Contact Kristina Longe, kristina.longe89@gmail.com

The Oakton Balance Project invites you to Fridays at the Playground. This is a great way for kids to play and parents to build community after school.

• Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Location: OES Playground

Parents must pick up their children from school and stay with them on the playground. This is not a drop-off event.

Visit https://www.oakton-balance.org/ to learn more or join the community conversation.