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10/18 Happening at Hutchison
Thank you to the families and staff who joined us for our first Chuck E. Cheese fundraiser; your support reflects the caring community that makes Hutchison special.
Our School Performance and Support Framework score rose 2.8 points to 77.1, all six reported student groups improved, and reading showed especially strong gains. We’re proud of this progress and focused on accelerating math growth, strengthening support for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, and improving attendance.
We’re proud to partner with you in your child’s learning at Hutchison, and invite you to our Family Dinner & Learning around our federal designation and School Performance Support Framework presentation on Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m.; our PTA meeting will follow.
Ms. Aiello, scaiello@fcps.edu
Community Calendar
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- 10/19-23: Every Eagle Belongs Week
- 10/22: Family Dinner & Learning: SPSF, 6:00PM
- 10/22 PTA Meeting, 6:30PM
- 10/24: Herndon Homecoming Parade, 9:30AM
- 10/30: Quarter Ends, 1:35pm Dismissal
- 11/2: School Planning Day, NO SCHOOL
- 11/3: Teacher Work Day, NO SCHOOL
POC: Elise Velez egvelez@fcps.edu
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Thank You for Supporting Our Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser!
A big thank you to our teachers, staff, and families who attended our recent Chuck E. Cheese fundraiser! It was a fun-filled evening, and we loved seeing students spending time with their friends, families connecting with one another, and teachers joining in the excitement. The Ticket Blaster was a highlight of the night, and it was wonderful to see everyone having so much fun together. Thank you for helping make the event such a success!
Mark your calendars for our next community event on November 18: "Hutchison Together: Many Cultures, One Community." This special celebration will showcase the rich diversity of our school community through cultural food, music, dance, traditions, and more.
We are currently looking for volunteers to join the planning committee. If you are interested in helping organize this exciting event, please reach out to president@hutchisonespta.org
Join us for our next PTA meeting on Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the school library and will also be available virtually. We hope to see you there as we continue planning ways to support our students, staff, and school community.
Thank you for being an important part of the Hutchison community! Follow us on social media, or simply become a member. Click Here to Join the PTA!
POC: Michelle Lansel president@hutchisonespta.org
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
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:
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?
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
The Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 7, 2026, to approve Hutchison Elementary as a recipient of the Purple Star Award. This designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Congratulations Hutchison!
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
On October 26th, the SEL screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6. Each fall and spring in FCPS, students use this screener to think about their own social emotional skills and experiences at school. After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account.
POC: Molly Young msyoung@fcps.edu
On Wednesday, November 18, 6th grade students will be given the Fairfax County Youth Survey. This is a detailed, optional, and anonymous survey that asks students questions about a variety of topics related to risky behaviors, physical and mental health, and safety. Topics may include, but are not limited to, substance use, screen time, eating habits, and bullying.
If you do not wish for your child to participate, please complete the Parent Digital Consent through ParentVUE no later than Thursday, November 5.
POC: Molly Young msyoung@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.
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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 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.
Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students, including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: We Need You!
Register now to attend the annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Facilities Survey
- Transportation Survey
- Health Department Letter on Preventing the Spread of Illness
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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