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Dear Stenwood Families,
Though it was a four day week for students, we had a busy week in the Hive! Monday our staff spent the day in various professional development sessions focused on developing our students’ sense of belonging and math instruction.
Thank you to our 2nd grade teachers and students for inviting their families on Tuesday for a sneak peek into what it looks like to research in 2nd grade. Everyone had an opportunity to use multiple sources to research different habitats. Then students wrote an article or created a poster of the habitat they researched.
Wednesday, we celebrated our CARES Pizza Lunch winners for assertion. Assertion is demonstrated throughout our building in many ways. It can look like helping others when they need it, advocating for a classmate, or reporting problems if something is broken. The next pizza lunch will focus on Responsibility.
On Thursday, our kindergarteners went to Cox Farms to learn more about pumpkins! Luckily the rain stayed away and they enjoyed lots of fall activities on the farm.
To round out the week, Mrs. Jones’ and Mrs. Utterson’s classes went to the Hirschorn today!
Next week will also be packed full! Monday is picture day! Tuesday 3rd grade will have their first family invite of the year. Thursday we have our fabulous fall field day and PTA’s This is Us Night!
Below we have some additional information:
Erica Riley, Principal esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal bgcase@fcps.edu
Veterans Day Breakfast
We are excited to announce that our Veterans Day Celebration is returning this year! In partnership with our Stenwood Student Council, we will be hosting a light breakfast and ceremony in honor of our brave service men and women. If you are a Stenwood parent, grandparent, or sibling who has served or are currently serving our country, we would love to have you join us for this event with your Stingers.
When: Wednesday, November 11th from 8:00-8:45AM
Where: Stenwood Cafeteria
RSVP: Complete this form by Friday, October 30th to let us know if you plan to join!
Questions? Please email Bryan Case bgcase@fcps.edu.
SCA’s Canned Food Drive
SCA’s annual Canned Food Drive has arrived! It will run from Monday, October 19th-Friday, October 30th. Please consider donating non-perishable food and household items. All collected cans will go to our local food pantry, Food for Others, to support families in need ahead of the holiday season. As in years past, this is a friendly competition amongst each grade level and across the school. The homeroom from each grade level who collects the most as well as the highest earning class school wide will be celebrated with a prize for their collection efforts. We look forward to another great food drive that will benefit our community! Thanks for your support!
Storybook Pumpkin Parade
Get ready for a little storybook magic! Our Storybook Pumpkin Parade is coming to the library on October 19th. We can’t wait to see the creative pumpkins inspired by students’ favorite book characters displayed throughout the library—what a fun way to celebrate books, imagination, and fall! Please bring your pumpkins to the library starting on Monday, October 19th! More information was sent home in your student’s take home folder today!
Fall Picture Day! - MONDAY
School Picture Day is Coming Soon!
Date: Monday, October 19th, 2026
Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001417001
Images Available: Approximately two - three weeks after picture day
Ordering Questions?: www.vosphoto.com/contact-us
Lost and Found
As the weather grows colder and you send your student to school in layers, please remember to label those jackets, sweatshirts, and hats. And also remind your students to bring them home. Our lost and found is only so big and we want to keep it from overflowing!
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 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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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15th.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 7 may be referred by December 15th.
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 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings led by Kaleigh Hartman, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services: Here is the recording:
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Here is the recording:
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 has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Kaleigh Hartman, AART, at kkhartman@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Thanksgiving Lunch
On Thursday, November 19th, all students are invited to have their families come join them for a Thanksgiving Lunch.
Please RSVP by Friday, 10/23 using this link. You will find the schedule for all classes on the google form. Mrs. Schmid, our cafeteria manager, needs to place her food order.
If you would like to volunteer, please sign up using this link. Volunteers will be helping with visitor check-in and meal serving. Do not sign up during your child’s lunch block. Please also do not plan to have younger siblings with you if you are volunteering.
Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest
Our Equity Team is hosting an ongoing drawing contest to celebrate all the holidays and observations throughout the year.
Submission Details: We will collect submissions on the 1st of each month for holidays occurring the following month. For instance, since Lunar New Year is in February in 2026, drawings for it would be due by January 1st (but the 4th since we are on Winter Break). You're welcome to turn in your artwork early—just drop it in the box in the office!
What Happens Next? The winning drawing will be featured in our newsletter and on our social media. All other submissions will be proudly displayed in our hallways for everyone to enjoy!
Missing a Holiday? If your family celebrates a holiday or observance that isn't on our list, please feel free to include it!
Ready to Draw? You can pick up a template paper for the contest in your classroom or the office, and it is posted on our website for easy access. We can’t wait to see the incredible artwork from our Stenwood artists!
FCPS: 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.
FCPS: 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 21st, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4th, at 6:30 p.m.
FCPS: Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar
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 23rd, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join Fairfax County Public Schools 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. Gain the knowledge and confidence to partner with your child’s school and support reading growth at home.
- October 20th, 10 a.m.- Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15th, 10 a.m.- What is a Reading Plan?
- February 19th, 10 a.m.- How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14th, 10 a.m.- Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register here- https://forms.gle/JEYjp1T3SyK8qhh26
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 the session. Upcoming topics include:
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Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18th.
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Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9th.
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Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13th.
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Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10th.
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.
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 22th, 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.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19th, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26th, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29th, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13th, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Family Information Phone Lines
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Spanish:
Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Nueve Idiomas
Padres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
Korean:
학부모 정보 전화는 8가지 언어로 제공됩니다.암하라어, 아랍어, 중국어, 페르시아어, 한국어, 스페인어, 우르두어, 베트남어를 할 줄 아는 보호자는 전화 안내 라인에 전화하여 FCPS에 대한 일반적인 정보를 얻을 수 있습니다. 또한 자녀의 학교와의 의사소통에 대한 지원도 받을 수 있습니다. 전화번호 목록 보기.
School Meals and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications
Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
Check out some tips to help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:
- Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
- Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
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Apply for free and reduced-price meals. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens.
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Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be $1.75. Lunch will be $3.75, milk $1.00. Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com. You can also write a check to Stenwood Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House. During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/StenwoodElementary.
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 Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Stenwood Elementary PTA
We hope you join our amazing PTA! If you are interested in volunteering to be a class parent, volunteering in our cafeteria or library, OR just looking to stay connected with the great work of our PTA, you can fill out a survey that will be sent out once class placements have been communicated.
2nd Grade Family Invite!
CARES Pizza Lunch!
Assertion
Kindergarten Field Trip to Cox Farm!
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
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Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
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Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
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Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
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PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
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