Fort Hunt Fox Den News | March 21, 2025
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Our Grade 5 students have been immersed in engineering topics through their literacy unit on technology and through their science unit on circuits & electricity. Here are some students demonstrating their mini-robots.
News from the Fox Den March 21, 2025 A Message from Ms. ConsollaOur students and staff have been marching through this month with high engagement and uninterrupted learning. This is the time of the year where we see the seeds we planted in the fall begin to blossom. Kindergarteners who only knew a few letter sounds in September now know all of them. Fourth graders who balked at writing several paragraphs at the start of the year now approach their writing assignments with confidence. It's been a big lift for our teachers to implement the new Benchmark literacy curriculum, and their efforts are paying off. Across the school, we're seeing great improvements and achievement in their reading and writing.
As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Fort Hunt.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
Planning Ahead: Student Holidays & Early ReleaseSchool will be closed for students on Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1. We will all have spring break during the week of April 14-18. When we return that Monday, April 21, there will be a 3-hour early release with dismissal at 12:40pm.
Kindergarten Orientation is next Wed, April 2 at 4pmIf you have a child who will be turning 5 by September 30, please join us on Wednesday, April 2 at 4pm to learn about our kindergarten program and next steps for registration. This event is for both the parent and the rising kindergarten student. Please share with neighbors.
Yearbook Sales: Two weeks leftMr. Green has been working hard on putting together a wonderful yearbook for Fort Hunt. Order yours today! You can order online using the school yearbook ID code: 14445624. Yearbooks are $18 each. The deadline to order a yearbook is April 11th.
Montessori Program Coming to West Potomac Pyramid: Free spots availableFCPS will offer a new Montessori program in the West Potomac pyramid. The program will begin in the 2025-26 school year, starting with multi-age classrooms at the pre-K and kindergarten levels.
The program will be located at Bucknell Elementary School. Families of 3, 4, and 5 year olds are invited to apply through a lottery process. Eligible families must have a verified residence in the West Potomac pyramid — Belle View, Fort Hunt, Groveton, Hollin Meadows, Hybla Valley, Stratford Landing, or Waynewood elementary schools. The program is free and transportation will be provided.
The Montessori method helps children become curious, creative, and excited to learn for the rest of their lives. In a Montessori classroom, the whole room is set up to help students learn using Montessori-specific hands-on materials. Students have a lot of choice in their learning, which helps them stay motivated and become more independent.
One special feature of the Montessori approach is having children of multiple ages in one classroom. Children learn valuable social skills such as cooperation and empathy through interactions with peers of different ages. Additionally, the multi-age environment allows students to learn at their own pace, while developing a sense of community. The Montessori classroom is carefully organized with hands-on materials, encouraging students to explore and work independently.
The lottery application for the 2025-26 school year Montessori program at Bucknell Elementary School will be available Monday, March 10, through Thursday, May 1, 2025. Families may learn more about the program and apply for the lottery at www.fcps.edu/montessori
Meet With Our Superintendent Monday, April 21 6:30pm at Mount Eagle ESYour voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, April 21, Mount Eagle Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (15 minutes from Fort Hunt)
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Spirit Fridays Are Here!We are officially in that long stretch of the year where cold, rain and mud can drag us down. As a fun way to end each week, our SCA is sponsoring Spirit Fridays between now and Spring Break. Students will find posters throughout the school and hear announcements on the morning news show. Check out the list below. Enjoy!
- March 28: Sports Day
- April 4: Mismatch Day
- April 11: Pajama Day
Other themed days:
Wednesday, April 2: Wear Blue for Autism Awareness Day
Wednesday, April 9: Wear Purple for Month of the Military Child
Attendance Matters - Even TardinessWe are seeing an increase in the number of students with unexcused tardies. At Fort Hunt, students are expected to be inside by 8:55am. Some effects of being late to school include:
- Missing out on important learning: It's like walking in late to a movie and you're confused about what the plot is.
- Embarrassment
- Disrupting the learning of the rest of the class
- Receiving fewer hours of instruction
- Establishing bad punctuality habits
- Negatively impacting future work ethic and employment opportunities
Thank you for working to ensure your child is at school before 8:55am.
Summer CampsPrepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
For more information, see the Summer Learning page.
No Cell Phone/Smart Watches PolicyJust a reminder that students may not use their cell phones / smart watches during school hours. Devices should either be in "airplane" mode or turned off during the hours of 8:55 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. Students should not be texting their parents and/or friends during the school day. We ask that parents also not text or call their child during the school day.
In case of illness, students need to be seen in the health room and the health room aide or public health nurse will call you if your child needs to be taken home. Students may not contact parents through their personal cell phones/smart watches to be picked up.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the main office at 703-619-2600 who will send your message to your child.
Review FCPS policy by grade level here.
A New Way to Check the Lost & FoundOur rack is overflowing with jackets and coats. But it's now organized by COLOR! This makes it easier to locate a missing item. We know that parents may not be able to get to the cafeteria to check it. If you know the color, brand, size of the missing jacket, you can email the description to Ms.Consolla at [email protected], and she'll check for you and/or send a photo.
What's For Lunch?If you're looking for what's on the menu, visit the menu here . More information about meals in FCPS can be found here. Families can add money to their child's account at My School Bucks.
Families may join their child for lunch on Fridays. You can read about it in our handbook.
Important TimesArrive on campus: 8:30am
Kiss & Ride: 8:35-8:55am
Doors Open: 8:35am Tardy Bell: 8:55am
Dismissal Bell: 3:40pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Important DatesFriday, March 28 | End of Quarter 3
Monday, March 31 | School closed for all staff & students Eid-al-Fitr holiday
Tuesday, April 1 | School closed for students Teacher Workday
Wednesday, April 2 | Kindergarten Orientation 4:00pm
April 14-18 | Spring Break
Monday, April 21 | 3-hour Early Release day
You can access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.
Get Involved with your PTAConsider becoming a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Fort Hunt. It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child and to have fun at their amazing community events! There are many ways where you can share your voice, talents and time. Everyone working together makes this a great community. Check out the PTA website for more information.
Parent/Guardian HandbookDo you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Fort Hunt website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator.
Your Partners in EducationWe are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.
Jean Consolla, Principal
Patty Settel, Assistant Principal
pasettel@fcps.edu
Quick Links- FCPS School Year Calendars
- Forms for the Start of School
- Student Rights & Responsibilities
- FCPS Schoology Support
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- Educate Fairfax
- FCPS Cares
8832 Linton Lane Alexandria, VA 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-2600
Attendance: 703-619-2626 | Web | X (Twitter) | Facebook