Kings Glen Gator Bytes April 23, 2025
Weekly News and General Information for Kings Glen

Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES


To view this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletin en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.


Dr. Christine Ritter, Principal

A Message from Principal Ritter

Greetings Gator Families,

We hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring Break! We are excited to see our Gators back in the building, ready to learn and grow.

This week, we also want to take a moment to recognize and thank our amazing office staff, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Kamerow, and Ms. Alvarado in honor of Administrative Professionals Day. Their hard work, organization, and warm smiles help keep our school running smoothly every single day. We appreciate all that they do each and every day for all of Gator Nation!


Battle of the Branches Hovercraft Games

Friday, April 25

BRING IT ON!!! Seeking all families connected to the US Military for the Kings Glen Hovercraft Battle Of the Branches!  Prepare for an electrifying event ~ the Battle of the Branches Hovercraft Games! Assemble your team of 2-6 military-connected members and gear up to compete in an exhilarating challenge. (Register here!)

Join us on April 25 from 1830 to 2000 in the Kings Glen gym.  

  • Your mission? Collect as many items as possible while navigating the gym on hovercrafts that were built and tested by KG students in SACC.
  • Join us for an evening of thrills, teamwork, and friendly rivalry you won't soon forget!  Which branch will WIN…?
  • New this year - Sign up to decorate / redesign the hovercraft!

Miltary Child Education Coalition: Call for the Arts

Deadline Wednesday, April 30th

The MCEC (Military Child Education Coalition) Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child. Share experiences, dreams and challenges through art!

The 2025 Call for the Arts is now open! Guidelines, ideas and entry form can be found by clicking Militarychild.org  and scrolling down to the Call for the Arts section!  The deadline is April 30th. Check out some of last year’s winners!


5th/6th Grades Spring Chorus Concert

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m.

We are so excited for our upcoming spring chorus concert on Tuesday, April 29th. Call time is at 6:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. This will include our 5th and 6th Grade Chorus.  Chorus students, please wear your green Kings Glen Music shirts. 


Yearbook Order Time

Purchase Your 2024-25 Yearbook

You can still order a yearbook but only while supplies last. The price of a yearbook is $16. Email KGNotes@fcps.edu with questions. Thank you!


6th Grade Panoramic

Order Your 6th Grade Panoramic Photo!

All orders using the link below will direct ship to a home address entered at checkout:  https://shop.imagequix.com/s1450068679

Please use your student ID as your online code

For questions or about ordering, please contact Victor O'Neill Studio: underclass@vosphoto.com


KG Garden

KG Garden Spring Clean-Up

Friday, May 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Help mulch and weed the garden.  No experience needed!  Help up keep the Kings Glen gardens thriving!  Sign up here.


Class Input for the 2025-2026 School Year

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, our staff collaborates regarding student placements.  A variety of factors such as student personalities, friendships, and academic abilities are considered as we create our new classes.  Other factors impacting the decision-making process of student class assignments are new student enrollments and teachers moving to a new assignment.     

Families may assist in this process by sharing insights in our optional Input Survey. Please note the following when providing information. We do not accept requests for specific teachers for the upcoming grade placement.  We do our best to create a positive learning year for your child.

Please provide your input by submitting the Kings Glen Parent Input Form as it will ensure we have your request.  Please do not email your child's teacher additional information. 

Completion of the form is optional and the deadline for any correspondence is Monday, April 28th.


Spring SOL Reading, Math, and Science Testing Dates

For your planning purposes and reference, please see the Spring 2025 Standards Of Learning (SOL) Testing Dates.  When possible, please avoid scheduling appointments and/or activities that would prevent your child from arriving at school on time on the days your child(ren) are participating in an SOL Assessment.

Dates and Grade Level Schedule:

  • Tuesday, May 6:   Grade 5 Reading SOL
  • Wednesday, May 7Grade 6 Reading SOL
  • Thursday, May 8:   Grade 4 Reading SOL
  • Tuesday, May 13:   Grade 5 Math SOL
  • Wednesday, May 14:   Grade 6 Math SOL
  • Thursday, May 15:   Grade 4 Math SOL
  • Friday, May 16:   Grade 5 Science SOL

Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
  • FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed. See upcoming events below. 
  • Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:

  • Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish) 
  • Getting to Know FCPS: A Family Orientation (available in English, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish)
  • Learn About Lexia and How It Supports Students’ Individual Learning Needs
  • Military Family Workshop on the Advanced Academic Program
  • Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: Cognitive Disabilities, Twice-Exceptional Students, and Teen Development. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend. 

✨ Building vibrant home, school, and community partnerships is Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan.


Avoid the Summer Rush: Schedule Required Seventh Grade Vaccinations Today!

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

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
  • Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
  • A complete series of two doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian, at the parent’s/guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

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

Please review the Virginia Department of Health information packet for more information on rising seventh grade immunization requirements.


Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Wednesday, April 23 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Mason Crest ES.

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


Excellence Is At a Crossroads

Fairfax County residents believe in the value of a strong public school system. Residents live here because of the excellence of Fairfax County Public Schools, even our community members with grown children. Excellence in FCPS comes from its people — dedicated teachers and support staff who make sure that our students are ready to learn. Today, that excellence is at a crossroads.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will finalize the budget on Tuesday, May 6, and the current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million. 

Now is the time. Do we want continued excellence, or are we ready to consider cuts to important programs that we have come to expect from FCPS? 

Do you believe in the power and promise of public education? Go to fcps.edu/crossroads


The Role of Boundaries in Teen Development

Friday, April 25th, 10-11:30 A.M.

Join Dr. Jain as she supporting families to understand the importance of Boundaries, model healthy boundaries, and navigate social and digital boundaries.  (Register here)


KPKG PTA

 

 KP/KG PTA News


Staff Appreciation Week is coming up from May 4-9 and we will be celebrating the wonderful staff at both Kings Park and Kings Glen. Our theme is “In Our Staff Appreciation Era” and we are in need of food donations as well as volunteers to help with the daily events all week long. Please use this sign up genius to sign up for a slot. Also, if your student would like to make friendship bracelets for the staff, you can still sign up and drop them off by April 25th.  

Mark your calendars: our super popular PTA Kickball Game and End of Year event is coming up at Kings Park on May 16th.  More details to follow.

Join us for a thrilling night of soccer at Audi Field on June 7th as Kings Park and Kings Glen come together to support DC United! Tickets start at just $30, and by using this special link, you guarantee you'll be sitting with other KP/KG families for the game.


Dates to Remember