Fort Hunt Fox Den News | October 16, 2026


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dr. reid visit

On Tuesday, our superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, stopped by the Fox Den to see all the great things happening here. Our Grade 6 ambassadors welcomed her and shared the many ways we celebrate different cultures. Dr. Reid was very impressed with how warm and welcoming the school was. She saw readers in Grade 3 and mathematicians in kindergarten


News from the Fox Den

October 16, 2026


A Message from Ms. Consolla

It has been a busy week in the Fox Den. On Tuesday, Dr. Reid visited our classrooms to see all the learning. She returned on Thursday evening to meet with staff members from here and throughout FCPS for an Employee Conversation. Staff had the opportunity to share the support they have experienced here as well as questions and ways to improve the work we all do here in FCPS.

Beginning Monday afternoon, parents will be able to access the Impact Aid online form in ParentVUE. We need 100% participation for completing this form as it is tied to federal dollars that we can receive. Thank you for checking your ParentVUE account and completing it quickly.  

On Wednesday, we are having our first EARLY RELEASE Wednesday. Dismissal will be at 12:40pm unless your child is in SACC or you have indicated that you are in need of child care. The 12:40pm dismissal will look just like a regular 3:40pm dismissal with walkers exiting at Door 11. 

Finally, I invite everyone to check out the Outstanding Employee nominations article below. We have so many amazing staff members, both inside and outside the classroom, that go above and beyond to make Fort Hunt a place where all students can succeed. Check out each of the categories and click on the nomination link to see descriptors for each category.

Thank you for your partnership in your child's education at Fort Hunt.

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES


wednesday

Early Release Wednesday: Oct 21 12:40pm dismissal

This coming Wednesday, our dismissal time will be at 12:40pm for all students unless they are in SACC or have indicated they are in need of childcare. Thank you for being here or at the bus stop for the 12:40pm dismissal.


🍂Fall Fest is Next Friday!

Please join us for an evening filled with fun and autumn magic! Our doors will open at 5:30pm. This year, families can pre-order their food and then pick it up in the cafeteria. Check out the fliers in the Wednesday folders. Also check out the PTA website for meal order links as well as ways to help volunteer.

All students, including those in Grades 7-12, must be with a parent/guardian. 

halloween fox

🏆Recognizing our Outstanding Staff at Fort Hunt

If you have worked with an outstanding employee at Fort Hunt Elementary, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. FHES Fox families are invited to nominate staff members for recognition!

NOMINATIONS FOR...

  • Outstanding Teacher
  • Outstanding Principal
  • Outstanding New Teacher
  • Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
  • Outstanding Educational Services Employee
  • Outstanding Operational Services Employee

If you're not sure which category an employee fits into, there are descriptors in the nomination form linked below. Or you can connect with Ms. Tracy Hutchison in the main office. She can assist with this. 


🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is 4:00pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026


 SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing this form

🦊Thank you for supporting our Foxtastic Staff! 🦊


📚The Book Fair is Coming!

We are excited to host a Book Fair for our students and families this year beginning next week. Check out these dates:

Thurs, Oct 22: Students browse. No purchases

Friday, Oct 23: Open for purchases during Fall Fest from 5:45-7:00pm.*

Monday, Oct 26: Open for purchases 2:30-3:00pm and 4:00-4:30pm*

Tuesday, Oct 27: Open for purchases 8:05-8:35am*, 2:30-3:00pm & 4:00-4:30pm*

Wednesday, Oct 28: Open for purchases 8:05-8:35am.*

*Students must be with a parent/caregiver.


🎃Halloween BOO-grams are Here! Order yours by next Wednesday

Our sixth graders are raising money for their end-of-year events by offering special messages to be delivered for $1 each. Submit your order here by Wednesday, October 21. BOO-grams will be delivered on Friday, October 30. Questions can be directed to parent Danielle Albers at albers_danielle@yahoo.com


🦃SAVE THE DATE: Thanksgiving Luncheon on Wednesday, November 11

We will host our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Gobble Cafe on Wednesday, November 11. Information for meal ticket purchases and ways you can help out will go out next week. This is a huge Fort Hunt event, and we rely on many volunteers to prep & serve. We will also need help on Tuesday, November 10 from 3:00-4:00pm to set the tables up and decorate.

Please check out the meal schedule below so that you know when you can join your child and when you'll be available for a volunteer spot. Stay tuned for more information and links to volunteer.

Kindergarten: 10:30-11:00am

Grade 1: 11:30-12noon

Grade 2: 11:00-11:30am

Grade 3: 12noon-12:30pm

Grade 4: 12:30-1:00pm

Grade 5: 1:30-2:00pm

Grade 6 1:00-1:30pm


🚶‍♀️‍➡️Dismissal Reminder for Walkers

In order to establish a clear dismissal and transfer from school to home, all walkers who exit out Door 11 must proceed home. They are welcome to return to campus once they've checked in at home. If a student's parent is already on campus at the time of dismissal, they are welcome to stay. 

Students who live outside of walking distance may not wait unattended on the side yard for a parent to drive up. Those students are considered car riders and should be exiting out at the Car Riders dismissal at Door 1. Thank you for supporting this by talking with your child about the expectations for a safe dismissal. 


🆘Does Your Family Need Assistance?

Our Family Liaison, Astrid Mendez, has access to a variety of resources that can support families who might be having financial difficulties at this time. Those resources include but are not limited to food, clothing and school supplies. You can share your request by completing this form. All information will be confidential and used by our Family Liaison to coordinate assistance and connect your family with available resources.


💕Windows, Mirrors & Doors 

Windows represent the opportunities we have to learn about different cultures, abilities and backgrounds. Mirrors represent the ability to see yourself and feel valued. It gives the viewer a sense of belonging which can help validate their own experiences and identities. Doors represent the opportunity to enter and engage with another culture for a moment in time. We are following the FCPS Heritage Months calendar. 

This month for October: LBGTQIA+ History Month & Disability Awareness Month. If you connect with these identities, please consider sharing any family photos, books and artifacts. They will be on display in our showcase.

Astrid Mendez, our new Family Liaison, will work with you to create any descriptive labels you’d like to add. She can be reached at almendez@fcps.edu


🐣FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) 

Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.


🎤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:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.


walking child

⌚Late? Walk Your Child into the Building

We recognize that situations might come up that result in arriving after 8:55am. When that happens, quickly walk your child into the office. Do not drop them off at the curb. Walking them in takes a minute and ensures that there is an adult-to-adult hand-off. Thank you!


🧁Birthdays at Fort Hunt

Birthdays are a special day for children. Our PTA recognizes every child at the monthly Birthday Books & Cupcakes. Each child picks out a book to take home and a cupcake to enjoy at lunch. 

Do not sent in any cupcakes, treats or items to pass out. Thank you!

 

birthday

rocks

Toys, Fidgets, Stuffies... Stay at Home

If your child has an accommodation for the use of a fidget in their IEP or 504 plan, we will provide a fidget for them. All toys, fidgets, stuffed animals, squishies, pop-its etc., need to stay at home even if they're small. Thank you for ensuring your student complies with this.


We are PET-Free on Our Campus

As a reminder, all FCPS campuses, including Fort Hunt, do not allow pets at any time or day of the week. This includes drop-off and afterschool pick-up. It's fine to wait up on the sidewalk on Linton Lane with your pet. This rule is in place to ensure all students feel safe and to keep our grounds clean. Thank you!

pet free

lunch

What's For Lunch?

View your child’s school menus with MealViewer You can apply for free/reduced meals here. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.

Families may join their child for lunch at Fort Hunt on Family Fridays beginning in November.  You can read about the expectations and procedures for Family Fridays in our handbook.


⌚Important Times

May arrive on campus: 8:30am

Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am

Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am

Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm


📅Important Dates

NGAT Testing for Grade 2 and some in Grades 3-6:

  • Tues, Oct 20, Thurs, Oct 22 and Tues, Oct 27

Wednesday, October 21 | SEL Screener for Grades 3-6

Wednesday, October 21 | Early Release Wednesday 12:40pm dismissal

Friday, October 23 | Fall Fest 5:30-8:00pm  Book Fair opens.

Thursday, October 29 | Deadline for Outstanding Employee nominations

Friday, October 30 | Last day of Quarter 1 1:40pm dismissal

Mon, Nov 2 & Tues, Nov 3 | No school for students

Wednesday, November 11 | Veterans Day Celebration & Thanksgiving Family Luncheon

You can access the full 2026-27 calendar here. Days that are shaded pink or blue are holidays for students. Orange days are NOT school holidays. 


fox trot

Get Involved with your PTA

Consider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun at their amazing community events! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Everyone working together makes this a great community. Check out the PTA website for more information.  


Parent/Guardian Handbook

Do you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear?  If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. 


administrators

Your Partners in Education

We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.   

Jean Consolla, Principal          

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Tiffani Triplett, Assistant Principal   

tttriplett@fcps.edu


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