Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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Dear Gators,
We know that many folks, especially children, tend to be more committed to solutions they help create. When we offer advice too quickly, we can inadvertently send a message: "I trust my thinking more than yours". When we jump in to solve every problem for our students, we might offer short-term relief, but we risk quietly weakening the long-term muscles students need to develop judgment, courage, and self-reliance. Prior to offering advice or solutions, try asking this simple question: "What do you think would help most right now?". This question can transform the entire conversation.
Our Gators might not know the answer right away, and this is totally okay. By giving our Gators the first opportunity to think before we offer advice, options, or solutions; we honor their voice. Asking for input isn't about abandoning guidance; it’s about leading with respect for their understanding of their own situation.
Additional questions to help guide the solution without first trying to solve the problem could be:
- "What is one small step you think we could take first?"
- "How would you like to see this turned around?"
- "What part of this feels tricky, and what part feels like something you can tackle?"
This week, choose one conversation where you would normally lead with immediate advice. Ask a question first, and then simply listen. If their idea seems unrealistic, guide and refine it together. If they are stuck, offer one or two possibilities to consider. The key is to ensure their voice remains at the center of the plan.
Dr. Ritter, Principal • Ms. Gibbs, Assistant Principal
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Positivity Project at Kings Glen
Kings Glen is partnering with The Positivity Project (P2) again this school year to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves. During our classroom Morning Meetings, short videos, class discussions and activities focus on one of the 24 character strengths that are the foundation of Positive Psychology. Gators explore their strengths and how to have positive relationships. P2 also offers short lessons for families at home.
Week of Oct 19 - Oct 21: Integrity
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Join Us for International Night!
Friday, October 23
We are excited to celebrate the many cultures in our community at International Night this Friday, October 23rd from 6-7:30pm at Kings Park. Thank you to the Kings Park/Kings Glen PTA and all our Kings Park and Kings Glen families who have signed up to share their cultures and traditions! All Kings Park and Kings Glen families are invited to explore countries around the world through traditions, food, and more!
Join Us for Socktober!
October 23-30
Kings Glen is joining the Lake Braddock pyramid in Socktober! From October 23-30 we will be collecting new socks for adults and children to be donated to ECHO. Collection boxes are by the main office.
Soctober Spirit Days!
Friday, Oct. 23: ‘Silly Sock Day’ (wear some silly socks)
Friday, Oct. 30: Dress like a KG teacher or wear green or KG spirit wear
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SAVE THE DATE - KINGS GLEN THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON!
Wednesday, November 11th
Details to Come Next Week!
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Do You Know an Amazing Employee? ✨
If you have worked with an outstanding employee at Kings Glen ES, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Gator 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
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing this form. Thank you for supporting our outstanding Gator Staff!
Yearbook Cover Design Contest
Submissions Due Friday, December 11
We are looking for our next yearbook cover design. This year’s theme is LEVEL UP! Students must submit designs by Friday, December 11th to Ms. Fitzgerald. See flyer for more information.
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Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
- More information about the continuum of AAP services can be found on the FCPS AAP website.
Families are invited to attend AAP Office Hours led by Lisa Rode, the Kings Glen Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) and Jamie Mucciolo (the AART at Kings Park). To view AAP Office Hours dates and request to join, please submit this form to get the Zoom link.
For more information, please contact Lisa Rode, AART, at LMRode@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
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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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.
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.
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 KGNotes@fcps.edu.
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Saturday, November 14
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
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KP/KG PTA News |
Come explore the world with us at International Night this Friday, October 23rd from 6-7:30PM at Kings Park! Join Kings Park and Kings Glen families as we celebrate the many cultures in our community and discover countries around the world through their traditions, food, and more! Also, it's not too late to sign up to help as a volunteer before, during and after the event!
Our next Spirit Night is coming up at McDonald’s on October 28th from 5-7 pm in the Kings Park Shopping Center. The PTA will receive 15% back from all sales during this time.
Join the PTA. We hope all members of the KP/KG community will consider joining the PTA this school year. Membership is only good for one year, so make sure to join each school year! Being a PTA member has numerous benefits -- it's a great way to meet new friends and become more involved in your child's school and community. Join on our website!
Keep in Touch with the PTA. A great way to keep in touch with the PTA is to subscribe to our emails and/or join our Facebook group. An updated PTA events calendar can also be found here. Reach out to board@kpkgpta.org if you have any questions.
Oct 23: PTA International Night (6 p.m. at Kings Park ES; See Above)
Oct 23-30: Socktober/Socktober Spirit Days (See Above)
Oct 28: PTA Spirit Night at McDonald's (5-7 p.m.; See Above)
Oct 30: First Quarter Ends (2-Hr Early Dismissal at 1:25 p.m.)
Nov 2-3: Teacher Workday/School Planning Day (No School for Students)
Nov 4: Deadline to Submit Kings Glen Outstanding Employees (See Above)
Nov 4-11: Fall Book Fair (Details to Come)
Nov 11: Thanksgiving Lunch/Veterans Day Celebration (Details to Come)
Nov 14: Special Education Family Conference (See Above)
Nov 18: 3-Hour Early Release (Students Dismissed at 12:25 p.m.)
Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
Dec. 11: Fall Picture Retakes (Details to Come)
Dec. 11: Deadline to Submit Yearbook Cover Design (See Above)
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