FCPS

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A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Happy Friday! Our 4th and 6th grade students had an opportunity to learn outside of the classroom this week as they had field trips at Gunston Hall and The National Gallery of Art, respectively. Thank you to all the parent volunteers who chaperoned the field trips and to our teachers for organizing these opportunities for our students.

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar. We will see everyone on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year. On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.

Our next early release Monday, is April 21st. We will send communication confirming when and how your child will be dismissed. If there are any changes, please contact the main office.

Please see below for information about:

• SOL testing schedule
• Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Questionnaire
• Kindergarten Orientation
• STEAM Night, April 3rd
• Purple Up Week!
• Lost and Found
• West Springfield Pyramid Art Show
• Earth Day
• Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
• VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
• Immunizations
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Varsity Tutors
• Yearbook Ordering Information--Last Day to order 4/4

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Keith Hirsch, Interim Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

March 28--Last Day of 3rd Quarter FULL DAY of School

March 31--Eid-al-Fitr, NO SCHOOL

April 1--Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL

April 3--STEAM Fair

April 14-18--Spring Break

We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, March 24, parents and guardians of Hunt Valley received an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:

✅ Instructional leadership

✅ School climate

✅ Management (human resources and organizational)

✅ Communication and community relations

✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership

✅ Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. Keep an eye out for an email from [email protected] and take a few minutes to complete it.

Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!

Spring Into STEAM!

• Family STEAM Night on April 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30pm. 
• Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and experiences.
• FREE event at Hunt Valley Elementary School.
• Volunteers Needed – Sign-Up Form Link
• Do you work in a STEAM Career Field or have STEAM activity that you’d like to share? If so, please complete this Parent Station Proposal FORM and we will contact you! 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

March 26 - April 4, 2025

Spring Food Drive Collection

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

FCPS Budget Town Hall, 7:00PM at West Springfield High School. All are welcomed. No registration needed.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

STEAM Fair! (School-led), 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

April Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00PM - 8:00PM

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Monday, April 21, 2025

In-School Assembly! 10:00AM - 12:00PM and Early Release, 1:05PM

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Earth Day, 9AM - 12PM (school-led SCA Sponsored event)

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

Friday, May 9, 2025

Save the Date - Spring Festival!

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

Thank you all that purchased, supported, and volunteered at the Book Fair last week. We packed up in a record time of 30 minutes by 4:30PM on Friday!  Major kudos to Nina Landes and Anna Taleysnik-Mehta for coordinating this event. With the fundraising and other support we receive, the PTA, in collaboration with Mrs. Mary Berry the school counselor, were able to provide financial assistance to families so their children could also participate in the book fair. Love this community!

We’re also kickstarting the spring food drive to prepare for spring break and helping the hunt valley community families with food insecurities. Donations start today. Sign up here if you’re able to donate.

The Fairfax County budget currently underfunds the FCPS budget request by ~$150Million and proposing budget cuts such as Middle School After School Programs, MS Summer Camps, and Police Crossing Guards at High Schools. There will be a Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00PM, West Springfield High School. All are welcome to attend and can voice your opinions. More information are in the flyer below. Here is the full list of proposed agency reductions. The FY26 Budget adoption is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

STEAM Fair is next week. If your child participated in Science Fair and would like to present again at the STEAM Fair, please contact Tori Whyte at [email protected].

We are still in need of one more volunteer to be a part of the nomination committee to receive nominations and announce the candidates at the April meeting. Elections are held in May. It will take a couple of hours of your time. If you are interested, please email [email protected].

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

Spring Break Food Drive (March 26 - April 4)

Winter Holiday Break was such a huge hit and the receiving families were so appreciative that the community came together to lend a helping hand - Leah Kocsis will be running a food drive to provide over Spring Break. The collection period will be March 26 – April 4.

Collecting food donations and gift cards to create food baskets. Donations will be collected in a blue bin out front of the school.  Please contact Leah if you have any questions – [email protected].  Sign up here. 

Thank you for your generosity!

FCPS Budget Town Hall April 2, at 7PM First Annual STEAM Fair Night! April 3, from 6PM - 7:30PM

Volunteers to help at the fair sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CAAA723A0F4C52-55701525-spring#/

If your student presented at the Science Fair on February 7, and would like to present their project again at the STEAM Fair on April 3, please email [email protected]; and Stephanie Lady at [email protected] or Dawn Lawson at [email protected].

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.
• Secretary: Organizes meetings, takes minutes, keeps records, manages social media posts, attends and supports PTA-sponsored events, creates meeting and marketing paraphernalia, and performs other delegated duties as assigned.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Reach out to Iris Stoyanov at [email protected] for questions or if you are interested in becoming a board member for the next school year.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $70.51

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Happy Friday! We had a busy week with picture day and the book fair! Thank you to our PTA and all the parents that supported these events. We appreciate you giving your time to help our students and teachers! The weather has warmed up a little bit and we know our students are happy to have outdoor recess each day. As a reminder, please have students dress in layers as the temperature (both inside and outside the building) changes throughout the day.

On Monday, March 24, Mr. Keith Hirsch will join our adminstrative team as Interim Assistant Principal, while Mr. Kopacz is out on paternity leave. He is excited to spend time at Hunt Valley. If you see him outside or in the hallway, make sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to our building. 

Please see below for information about:

• SOL testing schedule
• Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Questionnaire
• Ramadan
• Kindergarten Orientation
• STEAM Night, April 3rd
• Earth Day
• SCA School Supplies Drive
• Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
• VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
• Immunizations
• Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Varsity Tutors
• Yearbook Ordering Information

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

March 28--Last Day of 3rd Quarter FULL DAY of School

March 31--Eid-al-Fitr, NO SCHOOL

April 1--Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL

April 3--STEAM Fair

April 14-18--Spring Break

We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, March 24, parents and guardians of Hunt Valley will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:

✅ Instructional leadership

✅ School climate

✅ Management (human resources and organizational)

✅ Communication and community relations

✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership

✅ Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. Keep an eye out for an email from [email protected] and take a few minutes to complete it.

Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!

February 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Spring Into STEAM!

• Family STEAM Night on April 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30pm. 
• Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and experiences.
• FREE event at Hunt Valley Elementary School.
• Volunteers Needed – Sign-Up Form Link
• Do you work in a STEAM Career Field or have STEAM activity that you’d like to share? If so, please complete this Parent Station Proposal FORM and we will contact you! 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, March 24, at Kings Park Elementary School, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Monday - Friday, March 17 - 21, 2025

Spring Book Fair Week! 

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

Thursday, April 3, 2025

STEAM Fair! Volunteers sign up here: bit.ly/HVES-STEAM

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

April Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Monday, April 21, 2025

School Assembly! (rescheduled from January 8 due to the snow day)

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

This week, the book fair is off to a great start! We’re seeing many excited children browsing through the wonderful selection of books, provided by Bookworm Central. Thank you to all the parents and staff that have volunteered to help with this event. Feel free to stop by and visit the fair during parent shopping hours listed below:

1. Wednesday, 3/19, 4:30PM - 6:30PM
2. Thursday, 3/20, 8:00AM - 9:00AM
3. Thursday, 3/20, 4:30PM - 6:30PM
4. Friday, 3/21, 8:00AM - 9:00AM (Need one more volunteer. https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw)

 

Next week starts the Spring afterschool programs!  We are in need of parent volunteers to help get the kids checked in for their afterschool class from 4PM - 4:30PM. If you’re able to volunteer, your enrollment fee is waived and it would be greatly appreciated. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/35nsjyyp.

The March meeting minutes are posted on the PTA website here: hvpta.ptboard.com/activity for your leisure reading.

A major shoutout to the Wellness Committee - Mrs. Ashley Huntley, Mrs. Shahna Dunne, and Mrs. Dianna Carr - for organizing a great event last Thursday. We had an array of various vendors present, yoga class, fitness stations, and mindfulness meditation promoting a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.

 

Get ready for the first annual STEAM Fair Night on Thursday, April 3! Check out the flyer below for more details.

We need 1 more volunteer to be a part of the nomination committee to receive nominations and announce the candidates at the April meeting. Elections are held in May. It will take a couple of hours of your time. If you are interested, please email [email protected].

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

Parent Volunteers Needed for Afterschool Programs

Parent Volunteer Here! https://tinyurl.com/35nsjyyp

Save the Spring Afterschool Spanish Classes from Cancellation Spring Afterschool Programs - Register by March 20!

Monday Golf ($125/child)| 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (5 weeks)

Grade K – 6 | Dates: March 24 – May 19 (Missed classes – 03/31, 04/14, 04/21 & 05/12)

Register by March 20th: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/tgag-hunt-valley-elementary- school-monday-4-15-pm-y-0-m-y-m

Tuesday Spanish ($150/child) | 4:15pm – 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grade K – 2 | Dates: March 25 – May 27 (Missed classes – 04/01 & 04/15)

Register by March 20th: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171619

Tuesday Spanish ($150/child) | 4:15pm to 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grade 3 - 6 | Dates: March 25 – May 27 (Missed classes – 04/01 & 04/15)

Register by March 20th : https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171620

Wednesday CodeFuture ($60/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (9 weeks)

Grades 3 - 6 | Dates: March 26 – May 28 (Missed classes – 04/16)

Register by March 20th:  https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171618

Wednesday Kids In Motion ($129/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (9 weeks)

Grades K - 3 | Dates: March 26 - May 28 (Missed classes – 04/16)

Register by March 20th:  https://www.novakidsinmotion.com/registration/

Thursdays Silver Knights Chess ($189/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (9 weeks)

Grades K - 6 | Dates: March 27 – May 28 (Missed classes – 04/17)

Register by March 20th: https://chessacademy.com/products/hunt-valley-elementary-chess-club                                                                            

Friday Soccer ($120/child) | 4:15pm – 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grades K - 6 | Dates: March 28 – May 23 (Missed classes – 04/18)

Register by March 20th: https://bbaafterschool.leagueapps.com/events/4534612-hunt-valley-elementary-soccer- spring-2025-2

Parent Volunteer Sign up:

https://tinyurl.com/4r86xhjr

First Annual STEAM Fair Night! April 3, from 6PM - 7:30PM

Volunteers to help at the fair sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CAAA723A0F4C52-55701525-spring#/

If your student presented at the Science Fair on February 7, and would like to present their project again at the STEAM Fair on April 3, please email [email protected]; and Stephanie Lady at [email protected] or Dawn Lawson at [email protected].

Thank You from Hunt Valley Wellness Committee

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the wellness fair on Thursday, 3/13! It was great to see so many Hunt Valley families engaging in discussions and activities around nutrition, mindfulness, fitness, and overall well-being. If you attended the event and have any feedback for next year, please send it to [email protected]

We'd like to give a big shout out and "Thank You" to all of the wonderful local businesses, organizations, and people that supported the event:

• Be Well Health Coaching
• Big Blue Swim School - Springfield
• Elite M.A. Center - Burke
• Halo Fitness Experience
• Hunt Valley Swim Club & Hunt Valley Swim and Dive Team
• Lead by Example Tae Kwon Do South Run
• Optimum Wellness
• Rolling Valley Swim and Tennis Club & Rolling Valley Swim Team
• Seasonal Roots - use code HUNTVALLEY at sign-up
• TGA of Fairfax
• Yoga led by Hunt Valley's Mrs. Jacobs
• Mindfulness led by Hunt Valley's Mrs. Berry

Spring Book Fair! Mar 17 - 21, 2025

We need many volunteers to make the book fair successful and to run smoothly as possible. If you’re able, please consider volunteering for this eagerly anticipated event. Sign up below or scan the QR code to the right —--------------------------------------->

https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=237c0da6-3c72-43e9-96d9-d1dc14b7606e~s.9223370296865699264

Spring Break Food Drive (March 26 - April 4)

Winter Holiday Break was such a huge hit and the receiving families were so appreciative that the community came together to lend a helping hand - Leah Kocsis will be running a food drive to provide over Spring Break. The collection period will be March 26 – April 4.

Collecting food donations and gift cards to create food baskets. There will be a SignUp Genius coming soon to focus collection on items most needed.  Included in the SignUp will be fabric grocery bags and gift cards.

Donations will be collected in a blue bin out front of the school. Leah Kocsis can also arrange to pick up large donations from your home or you can drop it by her place.  Please contact Leah to set that up – [email protected].

Thank you for your generosity!

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.
• Secretary: Organizes meetings, takes minutes, keeps records, manages social media posts, attends and supports PTA-sponsored events, creates meeting and marketing paraphernalia, and performs other delegated duties as assigned.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Reach out to Iris Stoyanov at [email protected] for questions or if you are interested in becoming a board member for the next school year.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $70.51

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Happy Friday! Thank you to everyone who came out to our Wellness Fair last night. This was a wonderful event that promoted health and wellness for our community. A special thanks to our Wellness Team, Mrs. Dunne, and Mrs. Huntley in collaboration with Mrs. Carr for organizing the event! To all the volunteers and our PTA--this would not have been possible without you! 

Do not forget that Spring Picture Day is Monday, February 17th! Any students needing individual pictures will have their picture taken along with class photos.

Please see below for information about:

• SOL testing schedule
• Spring Picture Day, Monday, March 17th
• Ramadan
• Kindergarten Orientation
• STEAM Night, April 3rd
• Earth Day
• SCA School Supplies Drive
• Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
• VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
• Immunizations
• Health Reminders
• Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Varsity Tutors
• Yearbook Ordering Information

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

March 28--Last Day of 3rd Quarter FULL DAY of School

March 31--Eid-al-Fitr, NO SCHOOL

April 1--Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL

April 3--STEAM Fair

April 14-18--Spring Break

February 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Spring Into STEAM!

• Family STEAM Night on April 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30pm. 
• Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and experiences.
• FREE event at Hunt Valley Elementary School.
• Volunteers Needed – Sign-Up Form Link
• Do you work in a STEAM Career Field or have STEAM activity that you’d like to share? If so, please complete this Parent Station Proposal FORM and we will contact you! 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

During the winter months students have experienced dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chap stick for these symptoms. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, March 24, at Kings Park Elementary School, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Monday - Friday, March 17 - 21, 2025

Spring Book Fair Week! Volunteers sign up here: https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

April Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Monday, April 21, 2025

School Assembly! (rescheduled from January 8 due to the snow day)

 

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

Thank you for joining us at our PTA Meeting yesterday. There was a lot of great information including the offering of Spring afterschool programs, upcoming Spring Book Fair, the Wellness Fair, and Spring Festival on Friday, May 9.  You can find the March meeting slide deck on the PTA website here: hvpta.ptboard.com/activity. 

Spring Book Fair is next week! Don’t forget to sign up or update your eWallet accounts to allow your child to make purchases at the fair. Here’s the link: https://tinyurl.com/bookwormewallet.

Also, please help us make the Spring Book Fair a success by volunteering during the parent evening shopping hours! These sessions generate significant funds for our school, and without your support, we will have to cancel them. 

We urgently need parent volunteers on:

• Wednesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 20
• Shifts: 4:30–5:30 pm and 5:30–6:30 pm

Your time is crucial to keeping these shopping hours running. Please consider signing up—you make all the difference! https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw.

Lastly, Quarter 3 is almost over and we need to start preparing elections for new PTA Board members for the 2025-2026 school year starting now. We need 1 more volunteer to be a part of the nomination committee to receive nominations and announce the candidates at the April meeting. Elections are held in May. This is a light lift. It will take a couple of hours of your time. If you are interested in joining this team, please email me at [email protected]. 

Please review the open positions for our Board for next school year! We’re still looking to fill these critical roles. 

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

Spring Afterschool Programs Are Now Available! March 24 - May 28, 2025

Monday Golf ($125/child)| 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (5 weeks)

Grade K – 6 | Dates: March 24 – May 19 (Missed classes – 03/31, 04/14, 04/21 & 05/12)

Register by March 20th: https://registration.youthathletesunited.com/events/spotlight/tgag-hunt-valley-elementary- school-monday-4-15-pm-y-0-m-y-m

Tuesday Spanish ($150/child) | 4:15pm – 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grade K – 2 | Dates: March 25 – May 27 (Missed classes – 04/01 & 04/15)

Register by March 20th: https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171619

Tuesday Spanish ($150/child) | 4:15pm to 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grade 3 - 6 | Dates: March 25 – May 27 (Missed classes – 04/01 & 04/15)

Register by March 20th : https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171620

Wednesday CodeFuture ($60/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm | (9 weeks)

Grades 3 - 6 | Dates: March 26 – May 28 (Missed classes – 04/16)

Register by March 20th:  https://huntvalleypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1171618

Wednesday Kids In Motion ($129/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (9 weeks)

Grades K - 3 | Dates: March 26 - May 28 (Missed classes – 04/16)

Register by March 20th:  https://www.novakidsinmotion.com/registration/

Thursdays Silver Knights Chess ($189/child) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm (9 weeks)

Grades K - 6 | Dates: March 27 – May 28 (Missed classes – 04/17)

Register by March 20th: https://chessacademy.com/products/hunt-valley-elementary-chess-club                                                                            

Friday Soccer ($120/child) | 4:15pm – 5:15pm (8 weeks)

Grades K - 6 | Dates: March 28 – May 23 (Missed classes – 04/18)

Register by March 20th: https://bbaafterschool.leagueapps.com/events/4534612-hunt-valley-elementary-soccer- spring-2025-2

Parent Volunteer Sign up:

https://tinyurl.com/4r86xhjr

Hunt Valley 3rd Annual Wellness Fair

When: Join us for our 3rd annual Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 13th from 6-7:30pm! 

What: Our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.  Entry is free. We look forward to celebrating wellness with you! We could still use some parent volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. If you are interested and available, please email Dianna Carr at [email protected].

Spring Book Fair! Mar 17 - 21, 2025

We need many volunteers to make the book fair successful and to run smoothly as possible. If you’re able, please consider volunteering for this eagerly anticipated event. Sign up below or scan the QR code to the right —--------------------------------------->

https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=237c0da6-3c72-43e9-96d9-d1dc14b7606e~s.9223370296865699264

Spring Break Food Drive (March 26 - April 4)

Winter Holiday Break was such a huge hit and the receiving families were so appreciative that the community came together to lend a helping hand - Leah Kocsis will be running a food drive to provide over Spring Break. The collection period will be March 26 – April 4.

Collecting food donations and gift cards to create food baskets. There will be a SignUp Genius coming soon to focus collection on items most needed.  Included in the SignUp will be fabric grocery bags and gift cards.

Donations will be collected in a blue bin out front of the school. Leah Kocsis can also arrange to pick up large donations from your home or you can drop it by her place.  Please contact Leah to set that up – [email protected].

Thank you for your generosity!

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.
• Secretary: Organizes meetings, takes minutes, keeps records, manages social media posts, attends and supports PTA-sponsored events, creates meeting and marketing paraphernalia, and performs other delegated duties as assigned.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Reach out to Iris Stoyanov at [email protected] for questions or if you are interested in becoming a board member for the next school year.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Happy Friday! We wanted to thank everyone who came out to support our spellers at our 2nd annual Spelling Bee last Friday. We appreciate all the students, families, community members and our very own PTA for coordinating such a wonderful event. A huge shout out to Mrs. Trull for being the chair for the spelling bee and to our judges for volunteering to help! 

Monday, March 10th is our next 3-hour early release Monday. Families received an eNotify confirming when their child(ren) will be dismissed from school. Please contact the main office with any updates. 

We are looking forward to our Wellness Fair, on Thursday, March 13th. Please see information below and consider volunteering to help at the event.

Please see below for information about:

• SOL testing schedule
• Spring Picture Day, Monday, March 17th
• Ramadan
• Wellness Fair
• Kindergarten Orientation
• Purple Up! Day T-shirts (Last Day to Order!)
• VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• Immunizations
• Health Reminders
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Varsity Tutors
• Yearbook Ordering Information

We hope that everyone has a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

March 10--3-hour Early Release

March 13--Wellness Fair 6:00-7:30

March 31--Eid-al-Fitr, NO SCHOOL

April 1--Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL

April 3--STEAM Fair

April 14-18--Spring Break

February 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for March 7- March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits.

A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits please submit the first request form. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Hunt Valley Wellness Fair Thursday, March 13th

Join us for our 3rd annual Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 13th from 6:00-7:30pm!  Our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. Please click on the Sign-Up Link to volunteer.  We look forward to celebrating wellness with you!

 

  Purple-Up! Day T-Shirts Available for Purchase

 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day! 

Due to schools being out for spring break, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

FCPS Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase until Friday, March 7, 2025, through Custom Ink.

The shirts highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our over 13,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at [email protected]. 

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

During the winter months students have experienced dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chap stick for these symptoms. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Tuesday, March, 11, 2025

March Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Agenda Topics: White Board Upgrade Update, Spotlight on PTA Board Officers, Committee Updates including Book Fair and Wellness Fair, Spring festival update, Spring session afterschool programs 

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Monday - Friday, March 17 - 21, 2025

Spring Book Fair Week! Volunteer sign up listed below.

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

 

A Message from the PTA President

Dear families,

We had a very successful Spelling Bee last Friday on February 28, 2025!  Thank you all for coming out and supporting the spellers.  Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and to all spellers that participated!  We could not have this event without the leadership of Mrs. Casey Trull, Spelling Bee Coordinator, Ms. Ashley High, the Pronouncer and Mrs. Trull’s friend, and our wonderful judges, Mrs. Carrie Bartlett, Mrs. Anna Taleysnik, and Ms. Melissa Smarr (Mrs. Gibbs’ sister).

1st Place: Saifan Iqbal (2nd time winner will represent HVES in the Fairfax County Bee on March 23, 2025)

2nd Place: Goodali Erdenebaatar

3rd Place: Antonio Balzano

 

On that same February 28 day, one of our Hunt Valley students, Connor Huber, won 1st place at the Fairfax County level for his poem “Welcome” in the PTA Reflections Program - Accessible Arts Division. The ceremony took place at Lake Braddock where he received the Outstanding Interpretation Award from the Fairfax County PTA for his Reflections Entry. His entry advanced to the States level - the Virginia PTA where he won the Merit Award (3rd place).

 

Your child may have come home with “new” books recently. To celebrate National Read Across America Week 2025, the PTA hosted a book swap on Tuesday, March 4. Students excitedly selected from a wide array of books generously donated by our families. Special thanks to Mrs. Kate Johnson for leading this event, and to all the volunteers who helped organize and assist students in finding books to take home. Recognition goes to Nina Landes, Ashley Gusich, Dusti Ward, Andrianne Konstas, Sam Bristol, Christina Clevenger, Shelby Galinski, Kacie Jones, Paula Spears, Katherine Copeland, and Jessica Urbon.

 

March PTA Meeting Reminder!

When: Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm - 8pm.

How: Join us virtually: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som.

What: Agenda topics include white board upgrade Update, spotlight on PTA Board Officers, committee updates including Book Fair and Wellness Fair, Spring Festival update, spring session afterschool programs

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

Hunt Valley 3rd Annual Wellness Fair

When: Join us for our 3rd annual Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 13th from 6-7:30pm! 

What: Our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.  Entry is free. We look forward to celebrating wellness with you! We could still use some parent volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. If you are interested and available, please email Dianna Carr at [email protected].

Spring Book Fair! Mar 17 - 21, 2025

We need many volunteers to make the book fair successful and to run smoothly as possible. If you’re able, please consider volunteering for this eagerly anticipated event. Sign up below or scan the QR code to the right —--------------------------------------->

https://hvpta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=237c0da6-3c72

-43e9-96d9-d1dc14b7606e~s.9223370296865699264

Mid-Year School Supply Restock

We are well into the second half of the year, and teachers are running low on some school supplies (tissues, anyone?). Here is a SignUp Genius with the needs of all teachers and staff who would appreciate anything you can send in.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44ADAB2DABFE3-54930651-february

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Friday, February 28, 2025

Spelling Bee, School Cafeteria, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Book Swap, School Lobby, during the school day

Tuesday, March, 11, 2025

March Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Monday - Friday, March 17 - 21, 2025

Spring Book Fair Week! Volunteer sign up will be coming out soon

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

A Message from the PTA President

Dear families,

We have our second annual Spelling Bee this Friday, February 28 at 6pm in the school cafeteria. Come out and support your spellers. We have 40+ spellers which is more than last year. Woot!

This week, we’re collecting books for our Book Swap event scheduled on March 4. If you have any gently used books to donate, please bring them to the school. Donated books will be organized and made available for students to take home during the event.  Remember, one student’s old book can become another’s new adventure!

The Washington Irving Middle School PTA has reached out and wanted to share some information with rising 7th graders and their families. More information are located below.

Please review the open positions for our Board and Committees for next school year! We're still looking to fill some critical roles.

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President ​

A Message from the Washington Irving Middle School PTA

Is your child attending Irving Middle School next year?

We want to welcome you and your student(s) to the WIMS community! We’re here to help with the transition from elementary to middle school. A larger community means a larger network of support, and we’re excited to share that with you!

We invite you to join us at our next PTA meeting on Tuesday, March 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the Irving Library. This is a great opportunity to learn how the PTA supports students and families and to get involved as we begin recruiting officers and committee chairs for next year.

Start showing your Irving pride now with our Spring Spirit Wear Sale! Shop online at 1stplacespiritwear.com/collection/97260. The Grand Opening Sale runs February 25 – March 10—use code SPIRIT626 for 25% off!

Connect with the WIMS PTA:

 Email: [email protected]  Website: irvingms.givebacks.com  Facebook: @WIMSPTA  Instagram: @irvingmiddleschoolpta

We look forward to welcoming you to the Irving community!

– WIMS PTA

February School Supply Restock

We are well into the second half of the year, and teachers are running low on some school supplies (tissues, anyone?). Here is a SignUp Genius with the needs of all teachers and staff who would appreciate anything you can send in.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44ADAB2DABFE3-54930651-february

HVES Book Swap on March 4!

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

What: Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition they want to donate and they will be able to take a “new” book or two home the following week 

How: Classrooms will sign-up and walkthrough the tables during the school day

Collection Dates: February 24 - 28. Bins will be placed outside the school doors and there will be bins inside the school lobby for students to drop off

Need More of: Chapter books, grades 4 -6 level reading

Not Accepting: Textbooks, religious books, cookbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, activity books

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon

Questions: Kate Johnson at [email protected]

Hunt Valley 3rd Annual Wellness Fair

When: Thursday, March 13th from 6-7:30pm

What:  This is a free community event supporting overall mental and physical well-being. Our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.

Volunteers Needed: Please click on the Sign-Up Link to volunteer. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ABAA2AA3FEC07-55187716-2025

Spring Book Fair! Mar 17 - 21, 2025 2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

We will have our 3rd annual Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 13th from 6-7:30pm! For this event, our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. If you are able to volunteer, please use the Sign-Up Link.

Next Friday, February 28th is our Spelling Bee. Please consider attending to support all our spellers!

Please see below for information about:

• Black History Month
• SCA February Notes
• Ramadan
• Kindergarten Orientation
• Purple Up! Day T-shirts
• VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders
• Irving Musical Theatre Performance
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• Immunizations
• Health Reminders
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Varsity Tutors
• Yearbook Ordering Information

We hope that everyone has a fantastic long weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

February 28--Spelling Bee

March 10--3-hour Early Release

March 13--Wellness Fair 6:00-7:30

April 3--STEAM Fair

  Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration 

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

 

Febraury 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits.

A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

 

  Purple-Up! Day T-Shirts Available for Purchase

 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day! 

Due to schools being out for spring break, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. The color purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

FCPS Purple Up! t-shirts are available for purchase until Friday, March 7, 2025, through Custom Ink.

The shirts highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our over 13,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at [email protected]. 

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

Washington Irving Musical Theatre Performance - Frozen, Jr. 

Tickets are available to purchase here.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

During the winter months students have experienced dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chap stick for these symptoms. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Friday, February 28, 2025

Spelling Bee, School Cafeteria, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Book Swap, School Lobby, during the school day

Tuesday, March, 11, 2025

March Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Thursday, April 3, 2025

STEAM Fair (school led), more details coming soon

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

A Message from the PTA Vice President

We are thrilled to congratulate Connor for winning first place for his poem in the Accessible Arts Division at the Fairfax County Council level! This is a remarkable achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder.

A special thank you goes to Daphne, our Reflection Chair, for her hard work and dedication in making this happen.

The FCCPTA Reflections Awards Ceremony will take place on February 28 at 7 PM at Lake Braddock Secondary School, in the Little Theater (Entrance 14). If you’re interested in attending the ceremony, please be sure to RSVP by February 25 using the link below:

2024-2025 FCCPTA Student Reflections Awards Ceremony RSVP - Theme: Accepting Imperfection

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Anusilan Sherpa

Hunt Valley PTA Vice President ​

February School Supply Restock

We are well into the second half of the year, and teachers are running low on some school supplies (tissues, anyone?). Here is a SignUp Genius with the needs of all teachers and staff who would appreciate anything you can send in.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D44ADAB2DABFE3-54930651-february

HVES Book Swap Coming Soon!

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

What: Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition they want to donate and they will be able to take a “new” book or two home the following week 

How: Classrooms will sign-up and walkthrough the tables during the school day

Collection Dates: February 24 - 28. Bins will be placed outside the school doors and there will be bins inside the school lobby for students to drop off

Need More of: Chapter books, grades 4 -6 level reading

Not Accepting: Textbooks, religious books, cookbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, activity books

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon

Questions: Kate Johnson at [email protected]

Hunt Valley 2nd Annual Scripps Spelling Bee

The 2025 Hunt Valley Scripps Spelling Bee was open to all students (K-6) and will be held at Hunt Valley Cafeteria on Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration for the Hunt Valley Bee is now closed.

We have 46 registered students competing!

Questions: Email [email protected]

Hunt Valley 3rd Annual Wellness Fair

When: Thursday, March 13th from 6-7:30pm

What:  This is a free community event supporting overall mental and physical well-being. Our community and school have partnered together to promote a balanced lifestyle focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.

Volunteers Needed:Please click on the Sign-Up Link to volunteer. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ABAA2AA3FEC07-55187716-2025

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Happy Valentine's Day! Today, several of our grade levels had a party to celebrate the day. Thank you to all the parent volunteers and teachers that helped to organize and lead the stations, games and activities for our students. As we walked around the building today, it was great to see the smiles on the students faces and hear the laughter fill the hallways.  

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Please see below for information about:

• Black History Month
• SCA February Notes
• Ramadan
• Kindergarten Orientation
• Irving Musical Theatre Performance
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• Immunizations
• Health Reminders
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Yearbook Ordering Information

We hope that everyone has a fantastic long weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

February 17--President's Day Holiday NO SCHOOL

February 28--Spelling Bee

March 10--3-hour Early Release

  Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration 

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

 

Febraury 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits.

A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Washington Irving Musical Theatre Performance - Frozen, Jr. 

Tickets are available to purchase here.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches, we ask that you keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

During the winter months students have experienced dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chap stick for these symptoms. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

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7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Friday, February 28, 2025

Spelling Bee, School Cafeteria, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Book Swap, School Lobby, during the school day

Tuesday, March, 11, 2025

March Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Thursday, April 3, 2025

STEAM Fair (school led), more details coming soon

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

 

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Hunt Valley’s first annual Science Fair! We had a fantastic turnout, with a great crowd, engaging projects, and excited students who had an amazing time.

Each presenter had the opportunity to share their project on the microphone, give demonstrations, and even let attendees participate in experiments—making the event both fun and interactive!

A special thank you to our incredible Co-Chairs, Tori Whyte and Megan Caprio, along with Anusilan Sherpa, our PTA Board Champion, for their dedication in making this event a success.

We can’t wait for next year’s Science Fair! 🚀🔬✨

 

Lastly, please review the open roles below that we need to fill for next year’s PTA. We must fill the President and Treasurer role to have a PTA. The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled.

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

  Exciting News from the PTA President

We received exciting news—a STEAM Fair is happening on Thursday, April 3, 2025, led by Mrs. Lawson and the school!

If you participated in the Science Fair and would like to present your project again, hold onto it for an encore showcase at the STEAM Fair. It’s a great opportunity to share your work with even more people! Stay tuned for more details! 🚀🔬🎨

In the event that Wednesday is closed due to the inclement weather, stay safe and warm out there. I am sure the kids would love the extra snow days we’re having this year. 

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President ​

Click to edit this placeholder text.

 

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon

The Science Fair registration has closed and we have 30+ projects! It was open to all students (K-6). It is a fun way to explore topics in science, math, and engineering. It will be held at Hunt Valley Gym on Friday, February 7 from 6PM - 7:30PM. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be live demonstrations, and a scavenger hunt for items found in the projects.

If you would like to be a parent volunteer, please sign up: Volunteer Sign Up

 

HVES Book Swap Coming Soon!

 

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

What: Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition they want to donate and they will be able to take a “new” book or two home the following week 

How: Classrooms will sign-up and walkthrough the tables during the school day

Collection Dates: February 24 - 28. Bins will be placed outside the school doors and there will be bins inside the school lobby for students to drop off

Need More of: Chapter books, grades 4 -6 level reading

Not Accepting: Textbooks, religious books, cookbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, activity books

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon

 

Questions: Kate Johnson at [email protected]

Hunt Valley 2nd Annual Scripps Spelling Bee

The 2025 Hunt Valley Scripps Spelling Bee was open to all students (K-6) and will be held at Hunt Valley Cafeteria on Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration for the Hunt Valley Bee is now closed.

We have 46 registered students competing!

Questions: Email [email protected]

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

The weather has given us a variety of temperatures this week! Our students (and staff) were grateful to back outside for recess! The temperatures will be little colder next week so please make sure that students come to school with layers so that they will be comfortable inside and outside.

Our next 3-hour early release is Monday, February 10th. All families received communication this week about what time their student(s) will be dismissed on Monday. If you have any questions, please call the main office.

We are excited for our Science Fair tonight! We hope that you come by to see the awesome experiments that our students have worked on over the last few months. The Science is in the gym from 6:00-7:30.

Please see below for information about:

• Black History Month
• Kindness and Heart Health Spirit Week
• Free Books for All
• Ramadan
• Kindergarten Orientation
• Irving Musical Theatre Performance
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery
• Science, Technology and Arts Magnet Schools
• Immunizations
• Health Reminders
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Yearbook Ordering Information
• Community Boundary Review Meetings

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

February 7--Science Fair

February 10--3-hour Early Release

February 17--President's Day Holiday

February 28--Spelling Bee

  Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration 

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

 

Febraury 28- March 29 - Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

For students who will be fasting and would like an alternate location during their lunch, one will be provided where they can engage socially with their peers. If your child will be fasting during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can plan accordingly.

Washington Irving Musical Theatre Performance - Frozen, Jr. 

Tickets are available to purchase here.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches, we ask that you keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

During the winter months students have experienced dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chap stick for these symptoms. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

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https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

  PTA Important Dates

Friday, February 7, 2025

Science Fair, School Gym, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Friday, February 28, 2025

Spelling Bee, School Cafeteria, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday, March, 11, 2025

March Virtual PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us here: https://meet.google.com/gdf-rhfg-som

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day 

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

 

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

Congratulations to Connor Huber who placed 1st for Reflections Literature in the Accessible Arts Competition at the Fairfax County Level. He will be advancing to States! 

Our first annual Science Fair is THIS Friday!  Come out to the gym at 6PM and support the students presenting their projects! There will be live demonstrations, and a scavenger hunt to find items found in the projects. We have 40+ projects which is a great turnout! Thank you to all that have signed up. Volunteers are needed. Here is the sign up if you’re interested: Volunteer Sign Up.

Last Thursday, January 30, the school hosted an incredible Multi-Cultural Night filled with delicious food and amazing talent show performances! A huge thank you to Mrs. Garretson, the SCA sponsor, her SCA Officers, and SCA Reps for their hard work in planning and organizing this fantastic event. The PTA proudly showcased the Reflections Artwork, creating a beautiful display, complemented by a special performance of “The Crack in Everything” by Robin Vivian.

 

Lastly, please review the open roles below that we need to fill for next year’s PTA. We must fill the President and Treasurer role to have a PTA. The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled.

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President

New Date for Multicultural Night with Special PTA Add-Ons Hunt Valley First Annual Science Fair!

The Science Fair registration has closed and we have 30+ projects! It was open to all students (K-6). It is a fun way to explore topics in science, math, and engineering. It will be held at Hunt Valley Gym on Friday, February 7 from 6PM - 7:30PM. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be live demonstrations, and a scavenger hunt for items found in the projects.

If you would like to be a parent volunteer, please sign up: Volunteer Sign Up

 

Hunt Valley 2nd Annual Scripps Spelling Bee

The 2025 Hunt Valley Scripps Spelling Bee was open to all students (K-6) and will be held at Hunt Valley Cafeteria on Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration for the Hunt Valley Bee is now closed.

We have 46 registered students competing!

Questions: Email [email protected]

2025-2026 Board and Chair Positions

 

2025-2026 PTA Board

• President: Collaborate with the board to set PTA goals aligned with school needs, lead meetings, oversee the board & committees, partner with the school admin, teachers, and staff, work with the Treasurer to manage funds transparently, and support committee event planning and program management
• Treasurer: Managing the PTA's finances, including collecting and depositing income, maintaining accurate financial records, creating and monitoring the budget, paying bills, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES Book Swap Coming Soon!

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

What: Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition they want to donate and they will be able to take a “new” book or two home the following week

How: Classrooms will sign-up and walkthrough the tables during the school day

Collection Dates: February 24 - 28. Bins will be placed outside the school doors and there will be bins inside the school lobby for students to drop off

Need More of: Chapter books, grades 4 -6 level reading

Not Accepting: Textbooks, religious books, cookbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, activity books

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon 

Questions: Kate Johnson at [email protected]

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Multicultural Night last night! It was wonderful to see so many families attend to share about their heritage and to learn from each other! The food was absolutely delicious :) This year, there was a parade of nations where students and families wore traditional outfits and carried flags. There was also a talent show portion where several students performed a dance, song, played an instrument or modeled their outfit. Ms. Robin Rundquist delivered a fabulous story-telling performance for the students and families! We appreciate all the hard work that our SCA put into planning and executing this event as well as the support of our PTA.  A huge thank you to our PTA sponsor, Ms. Garretson and all our staff members that attended the event. 

Next Friday, February 7th is our first annual Science Fair sponsored by our PTA. We are looking forward to seeing all of the projects that our students have completed!

Monday, February 10th is our next 3-hour early release. Families will receive an eNotify confirming their selection for student dismissal. If there are any changes to when students will be dismissed or how they will get home, please fill out the google form that will be included in the email. 

Please see below for information about:

• National School Counseling Week
• Free Books for All
• Irving Musical Theatre Performance
• Health Reminders
• Updating Emergency Contacts
• Yearbook Ordering Information
• Community Boundary Review Meetings

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

February 7--Science Fair

February 10--3-hour Early Release

February 17--President's Day Holiday

February 28--Spelling Bee

National School Counseling Week

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Washington Irving Musical Theatre Performance - Frozen, Jr. 

Tickets are available to purchase here.

Health Reminders ❤️‍🩹

Flu season is here, and we all want to keep our students healthy and safe. Please remind your child to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If your child is feeling unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches, we ask that you to keep them at home to rest and recover and be fever free for 24 hours without medication, before returning to school. This helps prevent the spread of illness to others.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out.

During the winter months students have experience dry skin and/or chapped lips.  Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and chapped stick for these symptoms.  

Returning to In-Person Work?

If you are no longer telecommuting, please make sure your emergency contact information is updated. You can update via ParentVue. 

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Join us TONIGHT for Multicultural Night!!! Tomorrow is PJ Day! Please wear your pajamas tomorrow--NO STUFFIES or SLIPPERS.

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunt Valley PTA News You Choose

We communicate with PTA members and the entire Hunt Valley community about events sponsored by the Hunt Valley Elementary Parent-Teacher Association. If you do not wish to receive PTA emails, please unsubscribe to PTA "News You Choose" using the link at the bottom of this bulletin. 

Hunt Valley ES News You Choose official school communication is sent separately on Fridays with information from HVES Administration. 

                            Click here to get to the Hunt Valley website.

 

Thursday, Multicultural Night (school led) | January 30, 2025 | 6pm - 8pm

Reflections Artwork Display and Special Performance by Robin Rundquist - Vivian

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Spirit Night @ Panera Bread (West Springfield Rolling Rd) (code FUND4U) 4pm - 8pm

Friday, February 7, 2025

Science Fair, School Gym, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Friday, February 28, 2025

Spelling Bee, School Cafeteria, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Wellness Fair (school led), School, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

EVERY MONDAY

Spirit Night @ Eat Pizza (mention or type “Hunt Valley” in comment box) all day

EVERY TUESDAY

Spirit Night @ Papa Johns (code HVES4010) all day

A Message from the PTA President

Dear Hunt Valley Families,

Today is the end of the 2nd Quarter! We’re halfway through the school year! This Thursday, January 30, the school has planned an amazing Multicultural Night from 6-8pm. In addition, the artwork from the PTA’s Reflections Program will be displayed in the gym and there will be a performance by a professional storyteller Robin Vivian at 7:30pm. 

The first annual Science Fair will take place next week February 7 during school hours, with a parent’s night open to families that evening from 6PM - 7:30PM. Come out and support the students presenting their projects. We have 45 projects which is a great turnout! Thank you to all that have signed up. Volunteers are needed. Here is the sign up if you’re interested: Volunteer Sign Up.

We currently have 2 judges for the Spelling Bee and we need 3! We are in need of one more judge for the bee happening on February 28, 2025 at 6pm. Please email our Spelling Bee Coordinator, Casey Trull, at [email protected], if you’re able to support this event.

We've now compiled a full list of positions for the PTA that we'll need to fill for the 2025–2026 school year. We must fill the President and Treasurer role to have a PTA. The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. 

If you need anything, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Sincerely,

Iris Stoyanov

Hunt Valley PTA President ​​

New Date for Multicultural Night with Special PTA Add-Ons Hunt Valley First Annual Science Fair!

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up: Volunteer Sign Up

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER: Hunt Valley 2nd Annual Scripps Spelling Bee

Register your child for the Scripps National Spelling Bee at Hunt Valley! The 2025 Hunt Valley Scripps Spelling Bee is open to all Kindergarten - Grade 6 students and will be held at Hunt Valley Cafeteria on Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00–8:00 p.m. All interested students must register in advance for the Bee and will receive a word study list. The winner will advance to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee.

Register here: https://forms.gle/nVwaKyHUjTukgpkf9          

Please encourage people to enroll! Last year we had roughly 30 participants.

Have 29 students registered. Can we exceed last year’s number? Final day to register is Jan 31, 2025.

Questions: Email [email protected]

Hunt Valley’s First Garden Club!

Sponsored by Mrs. Rafle (Kindergarten teacher). She was spotlighted at the December PTA meeting and the slides can be found on the PTA website (hvpta.ptboard.com/activity). If your child (Grade 3 - 6) is interested in joining the Garden Club, submit the registration form by January 31, 2025. The forms will also be in the take-home folders.

Volunteers Needed for the following events

• Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 - 9) | Email Jillian at [email protected]
• Spring Fling Coordinator (May 9) | Email Iris at [email protected]

The chair positions must be filled if we are to continue to hold the same great events next year.  Please reach out if you're able to help support your PTA. If you were the chair this year and would like to continue next year, please let us know so we can mark that position as filled. We do not want to assume that you will continue next year :).

HVES Book Swap Coming Soon!

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

What: Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition they want to donate and they will be able to take a “new” book or two home the following week

How: Classrooms will sign-up and walkthrough the tables during the school day

Collection Dates: February 24 - 28. Bins will be placed outside the school doors and there will be bins inside the school lobby for students to drop off

Need More of: Chapter books, grades 4 -6 level reading

Not Accepting: Textbooks, religious books, cookbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, activity books

Volunteers Needed: Sort books and support day of event. Sign-up coming soon 

Questions: Kate Johnson at [email protected]

HVES PTA’s Amazon Affiliate Link

EARNINGS TO DATE: $19.99

Support Hunt Valley PTA with Your Amazon Shopping! Use the PTA’s Affiliate Link for your Amazon purchases: https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX

Every purchase you make through our link sends a small commission our way, helping us fund fun events, educational programs, and so much more for our amazing kids. 🎉🎓

It’s simple:

    1.    Click on our Amazon Affiliate Link (https://amzn.to/4dpxoJX)

    2.    Shop as you normally would.

    3.    Feel great knowing you’re contributing to a better school experience for all our students! 😃

 Thank you for your support and happy shopping! Let’s make every purchase count! 🏫💛

Join the PTA!

PTA memberships are available for purchase in our online store only for $10! A digital PTA member/student directory is included in the membership price. Teachers and Staff get a $5 discount off in-person spirit wear purchases.

Remember, your PTA membership goes to support students and staff in many ways! Email [email protected] with questions.

School Directory Information: COMING SOON!

General Information & Communication Volunteer Opportunities

We depend on our parent volunteers!

Please use the QR code below or reach out to our PTA Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Tinsley, at [email protected] to join the mailing list for volunteers. 

 https://forms.gle/ifKFuqzzrwqQbPN17

The following positions are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. You do not have to do it alone. Grab a friend and be a powerful team with the help of a PTA Board Member as your Champion:

●      Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025)

●      Spring Fling (May 16, 2025)

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

PTA Website!

Check out our new PTA website if you haven’t done so already. For those that need it, the school code is: KB63B8. It is designed to make staying up-to-date with latest events and being involved easier than ever! Our site features a user-friendly interface with everything you need most in one place: 

●      Event Calendar: Sync PTA events and FCPS holidays directly to your personal calendar so you never miss out.

●      Volunteer Sign-Ups: Easily find and sign up for volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

●      Student Directory (coming soon): Connect with other families and classmates through our secure online student directory in which only paid members have access, making it easy to arrange playdates, birthday party invitations, study groups, or just stay in touch.

●      Announcements: Stay updated with the latest news and important information from the PTA.

Account creation is required to access full features. Visit our new website today (https://hvpta.ptboard.com/) and explore how we’re making it simpler for families to engage and support our school community! 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to [email protected].

Official Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group

Join the Hunt Valley PTA Facebook Group to stay updated on the latest events, volunteer opportunities, important announcements, and shoutouts celebrating amazing moments. Our group is a space for parents, teachers, and staff to connect, collaborate, and support each other in creating the best learning environment for our students. Follow us for real-time updates, tips, and ways to get involved in making our school community even better! 

Hunt Valley Elementary Parents Facebook Group

You are invited to join the unofficial Facebook group for the Hunt Valley community, Hunt Valley Elementary Parents. Please note that anyone who requests to join, including someone added by an existing group member, must answer the membership questions and check the box indicating agreement to abide by the group rules. If your membership has not been approved, this is likely why; check your Facebook messages (you may have to dig around for the section for messages from non-friends) for assistance from an admin. Please note that this group is not sponsored by the school or the PTA!

PTA Loves Our Local Business Sponsors!

The PTA is proud to announce that we have received a new sponsor. They want to support the PTA, Hunt Valley Elementary, and the Hunt Valley Community. Our newest sponsors include:

●      Peraspori - If you love and appreciate real, pure cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and olives, shop at Peraspori that get it shipped directly from Greece to Virginia. They are also sold in a local shop in Bon Air, VA. If you are passing by, stop by and support.

●      Brian Huber Realtor, Samson Properties - Contact Brian Huber if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. He is an experienced Realtor and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). His average days on the market is 9 days and for 98% of list price.

Thank you for your continued support!

●      Arceli Brown from State Farm - Contact Arceli Brown for your home, auto or any insurance needs.

●      Waverly Der from Elite M.A. Burke - Contact Waverly Der, the Program Director, if you’re interested in having your kids learn lasting life skills through martial arts. They teach self-confidence, respect & manners, goal-setting skills, self-defense skills, strength & fitness. Also check out their afterschool program at their facility.

●      Dianna Carr from Be Well Health Coaching - Contact Dianna Carr if you are interested in having a health coach, personal trainer, learn about nutrition and strategies to become a better, healthier version of you.

For more information on each of the sponsors, you can find their marketing material on the PTA Website at https://hvpta.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=6805.

Help us find more business sponsors to support the PTA

As a Hunt Valley PTA Sponsor, for only $250, the contribution will directly benefit our students and school community, helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone. The business will receive the following benefits:

●      Recognition in Our Weekly Newsletter

●      Acknowledgment at Monthly PTA Meetings

●      Visibility and Invitation to All PTA Sponsored Community Events

●      Tax Deduction

Our goal is to receive 10 corporate sponsorships this year. Help us achieve our goal! If you are interested in finding sponsors or becoming a sponsor and supporting the Hunt Valley PTA, please contact us at [email protected]  

For more info, visit the Hunt Valley Elementary School PTA website

If you have comments or suggestions for this newsletter, email [email protected]

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

We experienced some very cold weather this week which made arrival and dismissal an adventure! Thank you to everyone for your help and flexibility during this time to keep all our students safe! During these winter months, please make sure that students are dressing in layers and wearing coats, gloves, hats, etc. so they are warm. If your child is experiencing dry hands or lips during this time, they are welcome to bring in a small bottle of hand cream or lip balm to use at school. 

Quarter 2 ends on Tuesday and this is a full day of school. Students are off on Wednesday, January 29th. They will return on Thursday, January 30th for the start of the 3rd quarter.

We are excited for our Multicultural Night next Thursday, January 30th. This is a fabulous event that gives our community an opportunity to come together to share about our cultures and hertitiage.  We hope to see everyone there!

Please see below for information about:

• Multicultural Night Information
• Keep Your Child Warm during Winter
• Yearbook Ordering Information
• Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families
• Community Boundary Review Meetings
• West Springfield Little League registration

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

 

Mark Your Calendar

January 28--End of 2nd quarter

January 29--Teacher Workday--NO SCHOOL

January 30--Multicultural Night 6:00-8:00

February 10--3-hour Early Release

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Cynthia Youssef at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care. 

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

A Message from our Administrators

Dear Hunt Valley Community,

We hope that everyone enjoyed their Winter Break and the extra days off due to the snow that we received. It was so nice to be back at school for a full week with our students!

We appreciate everyone's flexibility with the rescheduling of our Multicultural Night. Postponing this event to January 30th will give our SCA the needed time to plan and organize. We hope to see everyone there!

Please see below for information about:

• Club and Candid Pictures
• Multicultural Night Information
• Keep Your Child Warm during Winter
• Yearbook Ordering Information
• Community Boundary Review Meetings
• West Springfield Little League registration

We hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal

Mark Your Calendar

January 20--Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day--NO SCHOOL/BUILDING CLOSED

January 21--Club and Candid Pictures

January 28--End of 2nd quarter

January 29--Teacher Workday--NO SCHOOL

January 30--Multicultural Night 6:00-8:00

February 10--3-hour Early Release

Club and Candid Pictures are Tuesday, January 21st! 🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Cynthia Youssef at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care. 

Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51211530-cafeteria

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch

7107 Sydenstricker Rd., Springfield, VA 22152  |  Phone: 703.913.8800

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram