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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. 

February 3 - 7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school our counselors, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Schauder 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.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact James Racine our school registrar.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Early Release Mondays

We wanted to provide a reminder and follow up to the FCPS communication that was sent in June regarding seven three-hour early release Mondays for elementary students in the 2024-2025 year.

Hunters Woods ES will dismiss at 12:40 p.m. on the dates below.  

• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

This time will be utilized for teacher planning time to support students, complete required professional development for the new Virginia Literacy Act, new reading and math standards, and other initiatives. 

Additional information can be found on the FCPS  Early Release Mondays webpage. If you have immediate questions, please email [email protected]. 

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage. 

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. See the complete school year calendar

Wednesday, January 29- Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day- No School for Students

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

 Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

📈 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.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

FCPS News

• In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Quarter End 

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. See the complete school year calendar.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.Click to edit this placeholder text.

🧥 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, Bethsy Vasquez, 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. 

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVue

Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call the main office at  (703).262.7400.

Varsity Tutors

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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. 

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

 

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected]. 

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Information
• Family Resources
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• Mark Your Calendars

  Snow much fun! Note for the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Families,

On behalf of the entire HWES staff, we extend our gratitude to you for your overwhelming support and generosity through your heartfelt words, thoughtful treats, and the annual “PTA Sweet Shoppe”.  We have had a wonderful month of December. 

We are incredibly grateful for your dedication to our school community. Your involvement and enthusiasm help to create a nurturing and positive learning environment for our students.

We look forward to welcoming all our students back on Monday, January 6th, 2025. May your winter break be filled with peace, joy, and happiness.

Warm Regards,

Emily Cope, Sean McCartney and Moonhee Doan

• The HWES office will be closed from Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3, 2025.
• We will look forward to seeing all of our students on Monday, January 6, 2025!

To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.

School Information ❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

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

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

📍 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 one of the following virtual meetings:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
• 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.

Family Resources 🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center. 

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website. 

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

• FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
• Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
• Fall 2024 Sports Champions

Mark Your Calendars

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

February 17: President's Day, No School

February 20-21: PTA Musical

February 24: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

March 17: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

April 28: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

May 19: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Events
• School Information
• Family Resources
• FCPS News: In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

Strong start to our mornings here at HWES!

 

The HWES office will be closed from Monday, December 23, through Friday, January 3, 2025.

 

We will look forward to seeing all of our students on Monday, January 6, 2025!

 

School Events Winter Spirit Week!

Join HWES for some school spirit and fun together!

• Monday, Dec 16 - Winter Hat Day
• Tuesday, Dec 17- Channel Your Flannel
• Wednesday, Dec 18- Festive Sock Day
• Thursday, Dec 19- Festive Sweater Day
• Friday, Dec 20- Pajama Day 
• Saturday, Jan 6- Light up the New Year, Bonus Day 

School Information ⭐Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals⭐ Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Hunters Woods’ AART: Tara-Jeanne Tompkins [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Mrs. Tompkins [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

SEL Screener Parent Reports

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Family Resources ⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

FCPS News: In Case You Missed It

In FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
• Join Our Teacher Team!
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

✅Mark Your Calendars

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

February 17: President's Day, No School

February 20-21: PTA Musical

February 24: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

March 17: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

April 28: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

May 19: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Events
• School Information
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

🌟A day in the life of our students.🌟 Learning and growing every day.  3 Hour Early Release Monday

• December 9th, 2024
• 12:40 pm Dismissal
• Specials for Grades 4-6 only
• To makes changes to your child's dismissal plan, please fill out the form

School Events Hunters Woods Winter Concerts

• Tuesday, December 10 Chorus Concert Grades 4-6
  • Students arrive at 6:15 PM for the 6:30 PM concert.
• Wednesday, December 11 Band Concert Grades 4-6
  • 4th & 5th grade students arrive at 5:45 PM for the 6:00 PM concert.
  • 6th grade students arrive at 7:00 PM for the 7:15 PM concert.
• Thursday December 12 Strings Concert Grades 4-6
  • Beginning/Intermediate students arrive at 6:00 PM for the 6:15 PM concert.
  • Advanced Strings students arrive at 6:45 PM for the 7:00 PM concert.

School Information 🖊️Federal Impact Aid Forms🌟

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household even if you are not connected to the military.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible. We are seeking 100% return of the form. 

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact [email protected]

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

Contact James Racine, [email protected] for a paper copy of the form. 

⭐Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals⭐ Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Hunters Woods’ AART: Tara-Jeanne Tompkins [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Mrs. Tompkins [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review are underway. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. If you are unable to attend on this date, view the list of remaining meeting dates on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. You may also sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter

Parent Resources 📝Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation Webinar

Webinar - Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online December 13, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. Register Here

Join us for this important webinar presented jointly by Fairfax County Schools, the Fairfax County Police Department, the Department of Justice, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Webinar Highlights:

• What is Sextortion?
• What are FCPS and FCPD seeing in relation to sextortion?
• How can families help prevent their kids from becoming victims?
• How should families respond if their child was victimized?
•  

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

 

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

 

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Family Academy Orientation
• Literacy Resources
• Winter Programs and Activities

✅Mark Your Calendars

December 9: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

December 10: Chorus Concert, 6:30 pm

December 11: Band Concert, 6:00pm or 7:00 pm

December 12: Strings Concert, 6:15 pm or 7:00 pm

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

February 17: President's Day, No School

February 20-21: PTA Musical

February 24: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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📷Picture Retake Day📷 Friday, December 6th, 2024

Picture retake day is rescheduled to this Friday, December 6, 2024

⭐3 Hour Early Release Monday is⭐ December 9th, 2024

• Confirmation of your child's dismissal plan have been sent this week. If there are any changes, please fill out the form. 
• Students enrolled in SACC, SACC will be open and providing supervision for the three-hour release.  
• All daycare busses/vans will pick students up at 12:40 pm
• For student staying late, please have your child bring their laptop and a snack. 

⭐If there are any changes to Dec 9th's early release dismissal plan, please complete this form no later than Wednesday, Dec 4th

 

Food Drive to Benefit South Lakes Food Pantry December 2-6, 2024

The Hunters Woods 6th Grade Student Ambassadors are sponsoring a food drive to help stock the South Lakes High School Food Pantry.

We're accepting a wide variety of items including oatmeal, granola bars, protein bars, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti, pasta sauce, canned vegetables, beans, rice, baking supplies, and personal care items. 

Please drop your donations off in the school lobby between December 2 and 6.

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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🕜 NO EARLY RELEASE TODAY! 🕜 Just a reminder that today Monday, November 25 is a FULL school day. We will NOT be having an early release today.  The next 3-hour early release will be on Monday, December 9! Thank you! Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Information
• South Lakes HS Event
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

Check out all the Hunters Woods happenings this week! Be sure to scroll to down for more photos!

• 📌 Thanksgiving Break, No School
  • November 27-29
• 📌 Early Release Monday
  • December 9 
  • Nov. 25 is not an early release date

School Information ⭐3 Hour Early Release Monday is⭐ December 9th, 2024

• Confirmation of your child's dismissal plan have been sent this week. If there are any changes, please fill out the form. 
• Students enrolled in SACC, SACC will be open and providing supervision for the three-hour release.  
• All daycare busses/vans will pick students up at 12:40 pm
• For student staying late, please have your child bring their laptop and a snack. 

⭐If there are any changes to Dec 9th's early release dismissal plan, please complete this form no later than Wednesday, Dec 4th

Full-Time AAP Referrals

All students in Grades 2-7 may be screened by referral for the full-time advanced academic program. The referral window is open from the first day of school through December 15, annually.

• Do not wait for test scores or the universal screener referral (second grade only).
• No referrals for full-time screening will be accepted after the spring screening deadline of December 15, annually.

The referral form and optional parent-guardian questionnaire can be found on the FCPS AAP Identification and Placement for Current FCPS Students. Contact Tara-Jeanne Tompkins, Hunters Woods’ AART, or view the FCPS Full-Time Academic Programs Services Identification Procedures website for more information.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on:

Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

 

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

South Lakes HS Event The 2nd Annual Late Nite at the Byrd is Back!

A welcoming event for the Boys and Girls basketball programs this year hosted by the South Lakes Athletic Leadership class. It is a free event but there will be a donation available. We invite members of the South Lakes community to join us to see:

• 3 Point Contest
• Dunk Contest
• Dance Team performance
• Raffle Prizes
• Contests for fans

 This is a chance for people to meet with teams, get autographs and take photos with the players!  The event is on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 8pm at the Wendell G. Byrd Gymnasium, following the boys basketball scrimmage. Please enter at door 4. Boosters will have concessions and gear store open in gym lobby!

Every middle school and elementary school child must be accompanied by an adult. 

 Any questions please email Mr. Cincinnati at [email protected]

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Preparing for Winter Weather
• SEL Screener Results
• Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

✅Mark Your Calendars

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 9: Early Release Monday, 12:40 Dismissal

December 10: Chorus Concert, 6:00 pm

December 11: Band Concert, 6:00 pm

December 12: Strings Concert, 6:00 pm

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

February 17: President's Day, No School

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Events
• School Information
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

Thank you to our wonderful PTA volunteers for setting up our book fair! The kids are very excited! School Events 📚Book Fair is Here!📚

Place: Museum Pod

Dates: Nov 18-22, 2024

Monday, Nov 18th 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday, Nov 19th 8:40 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday, Nov 20th 8:40 am - 6:00 pm *Extended Hours* Thursday, Nov 21st 8:40 am - 4:00 pm Friday, Nov 22nd 8:40 am - 12:00 pm School Information 📬Progress Reports Will Be Mailed Home

• Progress reports will be sent home in the mail.
• Parents and Guardians can also view progress reports in ParentVUE.

🖊️Federal Impact Aid Forms🌟

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: 

• Military families.
• Federally connected families.
• Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter. 

Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on:

Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Veterans Day Recognitions
• Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, and Community Leadership
• Teacher Hiring Event

✅Mark Your Calendars

November 18-22: Book Fair

November 20: PTA Meeting, 6:00 pm

November 22: PTA Movie Night, 6:00 pm

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 10: Chorus Concert, 6:00 pm

December 11: Band Concert, 6:00 pm

December 12: Strings Concert, 6:00 pm

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Event
• School Information
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

🌟Book Character Day is a great way to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading. It's also a fun way to connect with other book lovers and celebrate your favorite characters.

Veterans Day

• Monday, November 11, 2024
  • School Closed
  • HWES Main Office Closed

School Event Veterans Day Performance

Presented by our 2nd Grade Students

November 13th, 2024

6:30 pm - GYM

HWES Pumpkin Drive!

Looking for a place to donate your pumpkins and gourds after using them as Fall decorations?

Look no further! It’s time for the annual HWES Pumpkin Drive! All pumpkins will be used for science lessons, our composting program, and to feed the local wildlife during the winter.

For your convenience, you may also leave your pumpkins on the benches next to Kiss and Ride at any time. Thank you for your support!

School Information National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.

 

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings 

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

 

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

 

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

 

Thank You Ms. Rohani!

Next week, November 11th-15th, we celebrate the invaluable work that school psychologists do to help all students thrive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Rohani for her dedication and support to our school community. We are fortunate to have her as part of our Mustang family!

National School Psychology Week (NSPW)

Native American Heritage Month

During the month of November, people all over the United States celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Indigenous people globally year-round, and these celebrations are an opportunity to honor these important stories.

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Fall Testing Results
• Boundary Review Community Meetings
• Resources for Families 

✅Mark Your Calendars

November 11: Veterans Day, No School

November 13: Veterans Day Performance, 6:30 pm

November 18-22: Book Fair

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 10: Chorus Concert, 6:00 pm

December 11: Band Concert, 6:00 pm

December 12: Strings Concert, 6:00 pm

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, No School

January 28: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29: Teacher Workday, No School

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Event
• School Information
• FCPS News In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

Last Saturday, the Carson-Hughes Panther Orchestra Day was a huge success! Middle School students along with some Hunters Woods 6th graders and Mr. Smith learned and played orchestra pieces and performed for our community.

⭐November 1, 2024- No School

⭐November 4, 2024- No School

⭐November 5, 2024- No School

School Event HWES Pumpkin Drive!

Looking for a place to donate your pumpkins and gourds after using them as Fall decorations?

Look no further! It’s time for the annual HWES Pumpkin Drive! All pumpkins will be used for science lessons, our composting program, and to feed the local wildlife during the winter.

For your convenience, pumpkins may be dropped off at Kiss and Ride on Wednesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 7. You may also leave your pumpkins on the benches next to Kiss and Ride at any time. Thank you for your support!

Advanced Academic Full-Time Referral Deadline

The winter referral deadline for full-time advanced academic referral forms is December 15, 2024.  More information and referral forms can be found here. Please contact Tara-Jeanne Tompkins, AART, at [email protected] with any questions.

Learn about the Screening and Identification process for Full-Time AAP services. This presentation is mainly for parents of students in grades 2-6, but all are welcome to attend.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 

6:30 pm-7:30 pm 

Location: Museum Pod

School Information

This fall, all students in grades K-2 and some students in grade 3 were assessed using a new screener, VALLSS. Be on the lookout for a report detailing information about the screener and your child’s score. 

• For families of students in grades 1-3 with SIS ParentVue accounts, this is available now in the documents section.
• Kindergarten reports will be shared with families when they are available and will be available soon in SIS ParentVue in the documents section.
• If you have not yet set up your ParentVue, you will receive a copy at your child's parent-conference or in your child's Friday Folder. If you need assistance setting up your account, please email James Racine at [email protected]

Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

🏆Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! 

To submit a nomination for a Hunters Woods Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the linked Google forms. One individual may only nominate one employee per category

All that are required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for each of these awards.

• Outstanding Teacher
• Outstanding New Teacher
• Outstanding Leader
• Outstanding Professional Employee: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Resource Teachers, Special Education Department Chairs, Reading Specialists
• Outstanding Operational Employee: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaison

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 8, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms.Doan at [email protected]

FCPS News In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Calendar Reminders
• Resources for Families 
• Complete Impact Aid Survey

✅Mark Your Calendars

November 1: Diwali & All Saints' Day, No School

November 3: Day Light Savings (Fall back)

November 4: Teacher Workday, No School

November 5: Election Day, No School

November 7: AAP Information Night, 6:30pm-7:30pm

November 11: Veterans Day, No School

November 18-22: Book Fair

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Important Calendar Reminders

Thursday, October 31, 2024- Two Hour Early Dismissal 

• End of Quarter 1
• 1:40pm dismissal for all students

Friday, November 1, 2024- Holiday, No School

• Diwali: We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. 
• All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos: On this day we recognize those in our community observing All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (Nov 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

Sunday, November 3, 2024- Day Light Saving Time Ends 

• Daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!

Monday, November 4, 2024- No School

• School Planning Day

Tuesday, November 5, 2024- No School

• Election Day: The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Event
• School Information
• Parent Resources
• FCPS News: In Case You Missed It
• ✅Mark Your Calendars

A Note from the Principal's Desk

Dear HWES families,

As we approach the end of the first quarter next week, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of our students, staff, and families. It’s been a productive start to the school year, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum.

With the cooler fall weather settling in, it’s a great time to remind our students to come to school with jackets and/or sweaters.  Please take a moment to label any jackets and sweaters. This makes it easier for us to return any lost items promptly.

Next week brings some schedule changes. On Monday, we will have a 3-hour early release, with dismissal at 12:40 PM. On Thursday, there will be a 2-hour early release at 1:45 PM, and there will be no school on Friday, November 1st, 4th, or 5th. Please communicate any dismissal changes with your child’s teacher and the HWES main office to ensure all students are dismissed safely during this busy week. The county calendar is here.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to making this school year successful!

Warm regards,
Emily Cope, Moonhee Doan, Sean McCartney

Did you know HWES has a fleet of 34 bicycles for our students? During PE with Mr. Silva and Ms. Williams, students in grades 4-6 students are getting fit, having fun, and learning important life skills with our bike program! 🚲💪 #bikesafety #healthyliving #mustangsonthemove

⭐October 28, 2024- Three Hour Early Dismissal

• No Specials for Grades 4-6
• 12:40 pm Dismissal
• Next 3-hour early release will be December 9th. Please start to consider what your plans will be, and we will reach out soon. 

⭐October 31, 2024- Two Hour Early Dismissal 

• End of Quarter 1
• 1:40pm dismissal for all students

⭐November 1, 2024- Holiday, No School

• Diwali:🪔 We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. 
• All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos: Next week we recognize those in our community observing All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (Nov 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

⭐November 3, 2024- Day Light Saving Time Ends 

• Daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!

⭐November 4, 2024- No School

• School Planning Day

⭐November 5, 2024- No School

• Election Day: Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

School Event ✨We're excited to announce that our HWES Student Ambassadors have planned a Spirit Week to celebrate the end of Quarter 1. This is a great opportunity for our school community to come together and have some fun✨ Advance Academic Program Information Night

This event is for families interested in learning about the Screening and Identification process for Full-Time AAP services. This presentation is mainly for parents of students in grades 2-6, but all are welcome to attend.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 

6:30 pm-7:30 pm 

Location: Museum Pod

Questions? Contact Tara-Jeanne Tompkins, the AART at [email protected]

School Information 🚸Arrival and Dismissal Safety🚸

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we need your help to maintain a safe environment for everyone. We have seen and gotten reports of drivers on their phones, drivers making U turns on Colts Neck Road as well as pedestrians walking out into traffic at undesignated points. 

Let's keep our children safe by:

• following all traffic rules,
• driving at safe speeds, and
• exercising caution near school grounds.

Your cooperation makes a difference and helps keep our students safe as they arrive and depart each day.

Check out this flyer for more ways to get to school safely!

✅Language Arts Grading Updates✅

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reports and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan  Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents.

See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

 

Parent Resources 📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. 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.

 

FCPS News: In Case You Missed It Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Register below.

• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Federal Impact Aid Survey
• Football Players Tackle Literacy
• Tips to Keep Children Safe

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

✅Mark Your Calendars

October 28: Early Release Monday , 12:40 pm dismissal

October 31: End of Quarter One, 1:20 pm dismissal

November 1: Diwali & All Saints' Day, No School

November 3: DAY LIGHT SAVINGS (Fall back)

November 4: Teacher Workday, No School

November 5: Election Day, No School

November 7: AAP Information Night, 6:30pm-7:30pm

November 11: Veterans Day, No School

November 18-22: Book Fair

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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• School Events
• School Information
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• FCPS News: In Case You Missed It

🔍A field trip full of sensory exploration and scientific discovery for our kindergarteners! At Hunters Woods, we're always finding new and exciting ways to make science fun and engaging for our students.

 

🌟Monday, October 28th- Three Hour Early Release, 12:40 pm dismissal

🌟Thursday, October 31st- Two Hour Early Release, 1:40 pm dismissal

🌟Friday, November 1st- School Closed

🌟Monday & Tuesday, November 4th & 5th- School Closed

 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student. 

 

School Events Advance Academic Program Information Night

This event is for families interested in learning about the Screening and Identification process for Full-Time AAP services. This presentation is mainly for parents of students in grades 2-6, but all are welcome to attend.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 

6:30 pm-7:30 pm 

Location: Museum Pod

Questions may be directed to Tara-Jeanne Tompkins, the AART at [email protected]

 

Opportunity to Support Childhood Cancer in our HWES Community!

To help raise fund for pediatric cancer research, join us for a fun event of shooting hoops or serving volleyballs opened to HWES staff, families, and kids grades 3 and up. 

Sunday, October 27th from 11:00am -12:00pm

South Lakes High School

Donate Here 

Sign Up Here

 

🍂Langston Hughes Middle School Fall Fest

Langston Hughes Middle School student council is hosting a Fall Festival on October 30th from 5:00-6:30 p.m. There will be games, prizes and a costume contest. You can enjoy free popcorn, hot dogs, and trunk or treating!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided

 

School Information ⭐3 Hour Early Release Monday is⭐ October 28th, 2024

• Confirmation E-mails have been sent out this week. Your child's dismissal plan is the same as the first early release Monday plan or updated information we have received since then.
• For students already enrolled in SACC, SACC will be open and providing supervision for the three-hour release.  
• All Daycare busses/vans will pick students up at 12:40 pm
• Please have your child bring their laptop and a snack. 

⭐If there are any changes from what the e-mail states, please reply back to that e-mail by October 23rd, 2024

 

🏆Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! 

To submit a nomination for a Hunters Woods Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the linked Google forms. One individual may only nominate one employee per category

All that are required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for each of these awards.

• Outstanding Teacher
• Outstanding New Teacher
• Outstanding Leader
• Outstanding Professional Employee: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Resource Teachers, Special Education Department Chairs, Reading Specialists
• Outstanding Operational Employee: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaison

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 1st, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms.Doan at [email protected]

 

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice. 

 

Parent Resources 5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle: A Webinar for Families

Plans go awry, your child gets disappointed or doesn’t get their way. They begin getting upset. Rational talk doesn’t work. Nothing does. Now your child is in full meltdown mode and doesn’t hold back. What do you do?

Calm Parenting Podcast founder, Kirk Martin will show you:

• How to calm kids with big emotions.
• Exactly what to say in the moment and how.
• Why intensity is critical and why to avoid eye contact.
• How to stop the cycle of shame and embarrassment.

November 11, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register online

 

🩺Medical Care for Children

The Medical Care For Children Partnership Foundation  is a public/private nonprofit that connects kids to a medical and dental home, as well as a wide range of vital resources. MCCP empowers uninsured children in Fairfax County to improve their health and well-being and realize their potential to learn, grow and thrive. Click the above link to learn more about the foundation and upcoming medical/dental clinics.

 

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

 

✅Mark Your Calendars

October 28: Early Release Monday , 12:40 pm dismissal

October 31: End of Quarter One, 1:20 pm dismissal

November 1: Diwali & All Saints' Day, No School

November 4: Teacher Workday, No School

November 5: Election Day, No School

November 11: Veterans Day, No School

November 18-22: Book Fair

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, No School

December 3: Picture Retake Day

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School

FCPS News: In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• FCPS Family Orientation
• Community Conversations
• Immunization Clinics

Quick Links

• SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
• FCPS School Year Calendar
• Hunters Woods Calendar
• FCPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Hunters Woods
• PTA website 
• FCPS Cares

2401 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA  20191 | Main Office: 703-262-7400
Attendance: 703-262-7474 | Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook