|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Hello Stenwood Families,
Welcome to the second quarter, Stingers! We have enjoyed having so many positive parent conferences over the past week to celebrate our students' great success during the first quarter. Thank you to our teachers for preparing for these important touchpoints to ensure our school-to-home partnership remains a strong support system for your children.
The Rotary Club visited Stenwood on Wednesday and gave all of our 3rd graders dictionaries.
On Thursday, some of our 2nd graders visited the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to learn about the public library. The rest of the 2nd graders will go next week.
Finally today, our 5th graders went forensic in language arts! They completed “Character Autopsies” as they engaged in an in-depth study of a character from texts we are reading. They asked, "How does this character think?" and labeled it in the brains. They asked, "What is a character worried about?" and they labeled it in the butterflies in their stomachs. They even drank some (Fruit Punch) blood and ate some (string cheese) bones! It was a great way to collaborate on character traits. Thank you parent volunteers who helped make it all happen!
While we know many of you were able to meet with your child’s teacher to celebrate and talk through your child’s progress at conferences, Progress Reports will go home for all students next Monday. We believe that Progress Reports are an important piece of communication between school and families. Therefore, we have printed Progress Reports for all students, regardless of any paper opt-outs. Progress Reports will be sent home with students on Monday, November 9th, and will also be available online in ParentVUE. We have also included an attendance report card for all students.
We hope you’re able to take some time to enjoy this beautiful, peak fall weather with your families this weekend, and we’ll see you all back on Monday.
Below we have some additional information:
- Book Fair is Coming - NEW
- Next Early Release Wednesday 11/18 - NEW
- Thanksgiving Lunch - Volunteers Still Needed - Reminder
- Kiss N Ride End of Day Reminders - Reminder
- Fall Pictures Are Now Online! - NEW
- Please Complete Your Federal Impact Aid Form - In ParentVUE - Reminder
- Advanced Academic Programs - Reminder
- George C. Marshall Candy Drive - NEW
- AAA Warns: E-Bikes for Kids Could Bring Holiday Joy and Serious Risks - NEW
- Native American Heritage Month - NEW
- National Family Engagement Month - NEW
- All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - NEW
- Diwali – NEW
- Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest - Reminder
- FCPS: Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home - Reminder
- FCPS: Superintendent Community Conversations - Reminder
- Family Information Phone Lines - Reminder
- School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications
Erica Riley, Principal esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal bgcase@fcps.edu
The Fall Book Fair is Coming!
 |
|
Get ready to find your next favorite book! Our Fall Book Fair will be here November 16th–20th, with lots of exciting stories and wonderful books to explore. Students will have a chance to shop during their scheduled library time. |
If you would like your student to make a purchase, please send money with them on their scheduled library day. Families are also welcome to visit the library with their Stinger on Thursday, November 19th, after their Thanksgiving lunch. All students have recess immediately after lunch, so if you would like to take your student to the book fair during recess, please let your student’s teacher know at the end of the lunch block. All students need to stay in the cafeteria for the entirety of lunch.
Interested in volunteering at the book fair? Please sign up using the volunteer link found here. Thank you so much for your support! We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of reading with you!
Early Release Wednesday Reminders
A reminder that our next Early Release Wednesday is November 18th. Students will be released based on the selection that was made earlier this year. At this time, changes cannot be made for November 18th. If you would like to pick your child up early, you may come to the office at 1pm. If you would like to make a permanent change to your childcare needs for the remainder of the year, please let the office know starting November 19th. We ask that all changes be made at least two weeks in advance. The next 3 hour early release is January 13th.
Thanksgiving Lunch - Volunteers Still Needed
We still need volunteers for our visitor check-in and meal serving for our Thanksgiving Lunch! 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. Please sign up using this link.
Kiss N Ride End of Day Reminders
For those of you who arrive on foot or bike early for dismissal, please make sure to wait off of the blacktop and benches while our 5th grade finishes up recess. Once students have made their way inside, you are welcome to shift to the blacktop to wait for your Stingers to come outside.
Fall Pictures Are Now Online!
Order yours today at vosphoto.com/underclass!
Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Please Complete Your Federal Impact Aid Form - In ParentVUE
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28th.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Help FCPS secure funding by helping us identify:
- Military families
- Federally connected families
- Families living on a military base
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:
-
Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15th.
-
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):
-
AAP Continuum of Services: Here is the recording:
-
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.
George C. Marshall Candy Drive
November 2nd to 24th
Drop off individually wrapped candies in the bins located in the front office!
Unopened bags of candy are accepted!
All candy will be donated to charity and USOs!
AAA Warns: E-Bikes for Kids Could Bring Holiday Joy and Serious Risks
While e-bikes are a top holiday gift request, AAA warns that they pose significant safety risks for young riders, with e-bike–related emergency room visits for minors surging by over 1,800%. Because e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph, injuries often mirror those from motor vehicle crashes rather than standard bicycle falls, with traumatic brain injuries being a primary concern. Before purchasing, parents should carefully consider their child's maturity, size, and skill level, while keeping in mind that high-speed Class 3 e-bikes typically require riders to be at least 14 to 16 years old depending on your state.
If you decide to purchase an e-bike, treat your child's initial outings like driver's education. Ride together to practice essential skills like braking, turning, hazard scanning, and navigating neighborhood traffic. Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet, uses lights during low-visibility conditions, avoids using headphones or phones while riding, and follows all standard traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights and riding with the flow of traffic. Finally, protect your home by monitoring lithium-ion battery charging and never leaving charging batteries unattended.
Native American Heritage Month
 Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.
National Family Engagement Month
 |
|
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
|
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. Stenwood is very fortunate to have two! They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos
This week we recognize those in our community who observed All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1st) is a special Holy Day and celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. |
|
 |
All Souls Day (November 2nd), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.
Diwali
🪔 We wish a happy Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
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!
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:
-
Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18th.
-
Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9th.
-
Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13th.
-
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.
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:
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.
-
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.
 |
|
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.
|
 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 Field Trip to the Library!
5th Grade Character Autopsy
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
|
 |
|
Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
|
 |
|
Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
|
 |
|
PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
|
|
