FCPS

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Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month. 

Wear Red on Wednesday to demonstrate kindness! Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts. 

If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School. 

Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.

Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.

📚 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools to use as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support, and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend an information night on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., at Thoreau Middle School. Parents/caregivers will learn more about Lexia, and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom and supporting student growth in reading. Attendees will also get tips for supporting their students at home.

Register to attend or submit a question in advance. Unable to attend in person? Join on Zoom. 

Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade. 

We’ve got an engaging summer planned for your students!

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office will offer two enrichment camps this summer - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy. For details on the activities we have planned, please read below.

All information can be found on our websites! For Tech Adventure Camp go to bit.ly/FCPS_TAC. For CTE Summer Academy go to bit.ly/FCPS_CSA.

Important Updates:

• Current 6th graders (rising 7th graders) are eligible for CTE Summer Academy.
• Some of the bus stops have changed from last summer. I’m attaching our tentative bus schedule for this upcoming summer.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1st FOR ALL OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS!

GET READY TO REGISTER! USE THE LINKS BELOW 😊

Tech Adventure Camp | CTE Summer Academy

A special reminder about the tuition waiver. Fairfax County Public School students receiving Free and Reduced Meals, there are a select number of tuition waivers available. To receive the waiver, students must have a Consent to Share form on file with FCPS. Parents can find the Consent to Share forms on the FCPS Food and Nutrition website (https://www.fcps.edu/frm). Parents can also share the benefits during the online application process.

📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

Elementary Institute for the Arts

IFTA and E-IFTA are weekly arts camps for students in grades 2-11. E-IFTA is for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. IFTA allows older students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage or E-IFTA webpage to register.

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for several volunteers to help in the cafeteria. Please use this link to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-volunteer

Mark you calendars

February 19--President's Day Holiday--building closed

February 21--PTA meeting @ 6:30 pm

March 5--No School for Students

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

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Thank you

Thank you to all our awesome volunteers who made this week’s Book Swap a huge success!

Where is the cold weather?

I know Puxatany Phil forecasted an early spring, but it’s only February and we’ve got 60 degree weather!

If you are missing the cold air, consider coming out this weekend for a family fun night of ice skating put on by the Hunt Valley PTA Sunshine Community.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 10 from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. (arrive by 6:15 p.m. to get your tickets and check-in)

WHERE: Fairfax Ice Arena, 3779 Pickett Rd.

This is a private event open only to Hunt Valley students and their families.

There is a discounted rate of $5.50/person to attend and an additional $4/person for skate rentals. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served!

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/hves

Sign up for our first HVES spelling bee!

Do you love words? Are you a fan of competition? Sign up to compete in the first Hunt Valley Spelling Bee on Thursday Feb. 29 @ 5pm! You’ll have the chance to shine as you spell. The last kid standing wins and gets to represent HVES in the county-wide bee. All competitors will leave with new knowledge, confidence, and a prize.

Sign-up soon to receive further info and the sample word list. Registration will close Feb. 15 or when we have 40 spellers.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 19 |  Student Holiday [President’s Day]

Feb. 21  | PTA meeting [6:30 p.m. in the school library]

Connect with us!

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.

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month. 

Superintendent to Present FY 2025 Proposed Budget

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the board. 

View the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, or the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, please visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

Here comes the bus

Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.

To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.

Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to [email protected].  

We’ve got an engaging summer planned for your students!

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office will offer two enrichment camps this summer - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy. For details on the activities we have planned, please read below.

All information can be found on our websites! For Tech Adventure Camp go to bit.ly/FCPS_TAC. For CTE Summer Academy go to bit.ly/FCPS_CSA.

Important Updates:

• Current 6th graders (rising 7th graders) are eligible for CTE Summer Academy.
• Some of the bus stops have changed from last summer. I’m attaching our tentative bus schedule for this upcoming summer.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1st FOR ALL OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS!

GET READY TO REGISTER! USE THE LINKS BELOW 😊

Tech Adventure Camp | CTE Summer Academy

A special reminder about the tuition waiver. Fairfax County Public School students receiving Free and Reduced Meals, there are a select number of tuition waivers available. To receive the waiver, students must have a Consent to Share form on file with FCPS. Parents can find the Consent to Share forms on the FCPS Food and Nutrition website (https://www.fcps.edu/frm). Parents can also share the benefits during the online application process.

📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information. 

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

2024 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

With more than 42 camp sessions to choose from, Little Theatre of Alexandria, (LTA) Summer Camps offer a wide range of fun and educational experiences for your child. Visit our registration page today!   Visit our 2024 Summer Camp Catalog

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for several volunteers to help in the cafeteria. Please use this link to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-volunteer

Mark you calendars

February 19--President's Day Holiday--building closed

February 21--PTA meeting @ 6:30 pm

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 Administration

Happy Friday Hunt Valley Community!

What a difference a week makes--it's hard to believe we had freezing cold temperatures this time last week with a bunch of snow and today it feels like springtime outside!

We have made it to the end of the 2nd quarter and halfway through the 2023-2024 school year! We are excited to see all our students back on Monday for the beginning of the 3rd quarter. We are also hopeful that our students can have outdoor recess next week. With the fluctuations in the temperature please encourage your child(ren) to dress in layers so they can be comfortable throughout the building and outside. It is also a good idea to label your child's belongings (i.e., coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunchboxes, etc.). as we anticipate our lost and found will continue to grow.

We hope that everyone enjoys the weekend! 

Warm regards,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information. 

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

2024 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

With more than 42 camp sessions to choose from, Little Theatre of Alexandria, (LTA) Summer Camps offer a wide range of fun and educational experiences for your child. Visit our registration page today!   Visit our 2024 Summer Camp Catalog

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for several volunteers to help in the cafeteria. Please use this link to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-volunteer

Mark you calendars

January 26--Teacher Workday--NO SCHOOL

February 19--President's Day Holiday--building closed

February 21--PTA meeting @ 6:30 pm

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 Administration

Happy Friday Hunt Valley Community!

We hope that everyone has been able to enjoy some extra time at home this week! These two rounds of measurable snow brought us snow days and a two-hour delay. For snow lovers--it has been a wonderful week! For those that don't enjoy the snow and cold temperatures it looks like next week will bring with it some warmer temperatures but with some rain. 

Next Thursday, January 25th is the end of the 2nd quarter and students will be dismissed at 2:05 pm. School will be closed on Friday, January 26th for a teacher workday. 

We hope that everyone enjoys the weekend! 

Warm regards,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information. 

Dual Language Immersion Program Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16. 

A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page. 

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

2024 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

With more than 42 camp session to choose from, Little Theatre of Alexandria, (LTA) Summer Camps offer a wide range of fun and educational experiences for your child. Visit our registration page today!   Visit our 2024 Summer Camp Catalog

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for several volunteers to help in the cafeteria. Please use this link to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-volunteer

Mark you calendars

January 25--End of 2nd quarter; 2-hour early release

January 26--Teacher Workday--NO SCHOOL

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.

Book Swap coming soon

Each student is invited to bring in school-aged books in good condition to donate from Jan. 22 to 31. Students will be able to take a book or two home on Feb. 6.

Bins will be placed outside the school doors for all donations.

Please note that all donations must be appropriate for students in grades K to 6.

Books should be in good condition. Please DO NOT donate dictionaries, old college school books, encyclopedias, religious materials, or other inappropriately aged materials.

January PTA membership meeting minutes

Thank you to everyone who made it out to last week’s meeting. It was great seeing familiar faces and some new ones too!

Below is a quick recap of what we discussed.

• Budget: After doing a mid-year review, a budget adjustment was suggested and approved by our membership to add funds for helping pay for field trip buses, increasing the teacher appreciation and movie nights.
• Principal’s report. Principal Hightower gave praise for the SCA’s cultural event and discussed the growth of Hunt Valley, including the fact that this is the highest ever population for the school and it continues to grow. If you have ideas about how school leadership can navigate that growth with more resources and space, please reach out.
• Vice-principal’s report. VP Gibbs mentioned that more information will be shared in the spring on SOL timeline and that a second lock down drill will be done sometime in January.
• Committee report.
  • After school activities chair. Winter activities are kicking off now.
  • Wellness chair. Pyramid Run has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Students who signed up DO NOT need to sign up again.
  • Book Swap chair. Scheduled for Jan. 6. Only age-appropriate books should be donated starting Monday, Jan. 22.
  • Book Fair chair. Date is confirmed for the week of March 11.
• President’s report. Informed membership that Iris Stoyanov would be running for the VP position. Discussed upcoming events and deadlines [Jan 25 - end of quarter teacher treat; Feb 10 - ice skating at Fairfax Ice Arena; Feb 14 - Crossing Guard Appreciation Day; Feb 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day]

Other topics of discussion were related to fundraising opportunities for the school.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hunt Valley library.

Thank you and congrats!

Thank you to Iris Stoyanov for stepping forward to run as PTA vice president.  She was successfully elected to this position. Welcome to the team!

Sign up for our first HVES spelling bee!

Do you love words? Are you a fan of competition? Sign up to compete in the first Hunt Valley Spelling Bee on Thursday Feb. 29 @ 5pm! You’ll have the chance to shine as you spell. The last kid standing wins and gets to represent HVES in the county-wide bee. All competitors will leave with new knowledge, confidence, and a prize.

Sign-up soon to receive further info and the sample word list. Registration will close Feb. 15 or when we have 40 spellers.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 25 |  2-hour early release

Jan. 26  |  Student holiday

Connect with us!

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 Administration

Happy Friday Hunt Valley Community!

It was wonderful to see so many students and their families celebrating Multicultural Night with us last Friday! Thank you to all the families that hosted a booth and brought food/drinks, artifacts and shared stories and information about their heritage. This event would not have been possible without our SCA officers and representatives or our fabulous SCA sponsors, Mrs. Garretson, and Ms. Hunt! 

We were excited to welcome, Dr. Ponce, Chief of Schools for FCPS to our Multicultural Night. He enjoyed walking around and talking with students, families, and staff. It was a great opportunity for FCPS Leadership to see our Hunt Valley Community in action!

We hope to see more families tonight at our Winter Movie Night. Have a wonderful three-day weekend and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday.

Warm regards,

Keieownna Hightower, Principal

Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal

 

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. See the complete school year calendar.

📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information. 

Dual Language Immersion Program Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16. 

A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page. 

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

2024 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

With more than 42 camp session to choose from, Little Theatre of Alexandria, (LTA) Summer Camps offer a wide range of fun and educational experiences for your child. Visit our registration page today!   Visit our 2024 Summer Camp Catalog

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for several volunteers to help in the cafeteria. Please use this link to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-volunteer

Mark you calendars

January 12--Movie Night

January 15--Martin Luther King Holiday-NO SCHOOL

January 25--End of 2nd quarter; 2-hour early release

January 26--Teacher Workday--NO SCHOOL

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

Attendance: 703.913.8820 | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram