Hive Happenings Newsletter

Hello Stenwood Families,

The Hive has been buzzing all week! Today alone marked the 100^th day of school, our Valentine’s Day celebrations, and Friday the 13^th! Thank you to all the class parents and volunteers who helped our students celebrate Valentine’s Day today. The 100^th day is always a fun way to recognize just how much we have learned!

You should have received your child’s second quarter progress report on Monday; it is also available in ParentVUE. As a reminder, we send paper copies home with all students because we believe progress reports are a vital piece of communication between school and home, regardless of any paperless opt-outs. We have also included an attendance report card for all students.

Important Dates to Remember:

Monday, February 16^th: All schools and offices closed (Presidents Day).
Tuesday, February 17^th: Teacher Workday; no school for students.
Wednesday, February 18^th: 3-hour early release (see details below).

Below you will find information about the following items:

Early Release Wednesday 2/18 - NEW
New Visitor Management System- Raptor Safe - Updated
Ramadan Accommodations - Reminder
Fasting Meal Kits - Reminder - Updated
Next Year’s Intention Form/Rising Kindergarten Information - Final Call
Help Keep Stenwood Phone- and Device-Free! - Reminder
Yearbook Ordering - Reminder
Lunar New Year - NEW
Ramadan Observance Begins - NEW
Ash Wednesday - NEW
Black History Month Celebration - NEW
SR&R Survey - NEW
Summer Learning and Fun for Students - NEW
Warm Up FCPS - Reminder
Community Peers Preschool Program - Reminder
Original, Makeup, & Retake Pictures Are Now Online! - Reminder
Marshall High School STEM Night! - NEW
Dual Language Immersion - Reminder
Holidays and Observations Drawing Contest - Reminder
School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
Stenwood PTA - Reminder

Sincerely,

Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu

Bryan Case, Assistant Principal
bgcase@fcps.edu

Early Release Wednesday - 2/18

A reminder that our next Early Release Wednesday is February 18^th. Students will be released based on the selection that was made earlier this year. A reminder was sent home yesterday. At this time, changes cannot be made for 2/18. If you would like to pick your child up early, you may come to the office at 1pm. If you would like to make a permanent change to your childcare needs for the remainder of the year, please let the office know starting 2/19. We ask that all changes be made at least two weeks in advance. The next 3 hour early release is 3/18.

New Visitor Management System - Raptor Safe

Beginning Wednesday, 2/18, FCPS will be rolling out Raptor Safe, our new visitor management system. This will be the standard way to sign in at all FCPS schools.

The new system allows you to preregister via the Raptor Safe app, saving you valuable time when checking in for school visits or events! We strongly encourage all family members to download the app and complete their registration today, it will only take a couple of minutes to complete the process!

Registration Options:

Via the App: Search "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also visit raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ for direct links.
In Person: If you are unable to register ahead of time, you can still complete the process at the school kiosk. Please ensure you have a valid photo ID with you to check in.

Ramadan Accommodations

As Ramadan approaches, families are encouraged to contact Mr. Case, bgcase@fcps.edu regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Fasting Meal Kits

From February 18^th to March 19^th, 2026, FCPS allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information:

Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

February 11^th, 2026 for week of February 18^th, 2026
February 16^th, 2026 for the week of February 23^rd, 2026
February 23^rd, 2026 for the week of March 2^nd, 2026
March 2^nd, 2026 for the week of March 9^th, 2026
March 9^th, 2026 for the week of March 16^th, 2026

Next Year’s Intention Forms/Rising Kindergarten Information

A couple of weeks ago, students brought home a Student Intention Form. We are asking families to fill out this form for each child to help us plan for adequate staffing next year. If you need an extra copy please reach out to the office at 703-208-7600.

If you have a child who will turn five on or before September 30^th, 2026, please return the blue form or fill out the Rising Kindergartner form. We have Kindergarten Orientation coming up on April 29^th from 9:15 - 10:00am. If you have any neighbors that have children that turn 5 on or before September 30^th, please let them know to reach out to Ms. Michelle Burke, mpburke@fcps.edu as soon as possible so we can ensure they have all the information they need.

Help Keep Stenwood Phone-and Device Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (SmartWatches, AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-208-7600.

Yearbook Ordering

Help your child remember the moments that made this school year special by ordering your copy of the Stenwood Elementary School Yearbook NOW at http://www.yearbookforever.com! The yearbook will feature memories that you and your child will want to look back on for years to come.

The company has a set amount they will print, so once they hit the limit, they will not print any additional yearbooks. The cutoff date to buy one is March 6^th, 2026, if they are not sold out before then.