Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families –
We know that "How was your day?" often gets a one-word answer. To help you tap into what your child is thinking and learning this week, try these open-ended questions to spark a deeper conversation:
- What was the most interesting thing you heard or talked about in your class today?
- What was one thing today that felt a little tricky or stretched your brain today, and how did you handle it?
- Who is someone you saw being a Great Gator today? What did they do?
- If you could record a Gator Reel of ten seconds of your day today, what moment(s) would be in the video and why?
By asking about specific moments or feelings, you’re helping your child reflect on their learning and reinforcing the idea that their daily efforts truly matter.
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Positivity Project at Kings Glen
Kings Glen is partnering with The Positivity Project (P2) to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves. During our classroom Morning Meetings, short videos, class discussions and activities focus on one of the 24 character strengths that are the foundation of Positive Psychology. Gators explore their strengths and how to have positive relationships. P2 also offers short lessons for families at home.
Week of January 19-23: Perseverence
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Upcoming Student Experience Survey
Kings Glen will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in Grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on Monday, February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day. Any student may take the survey at home if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You received a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
Fairfax County Public Schools believes it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
Tdap & MenACWY for Rising 7th Graders
As required by the Code of VA, all students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of each of the following immunizations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older, and Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources. Visit our FCPS Immunization Resources page for more information. Schedule your child’s immunizations early, as summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Did Your Child Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your child(ren) about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit the FCPS cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703 239-4000.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Student-Led STEAM Night at Kings Glen!!
Friday, March 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
We are excited to announce the date for Kings Glen’s Student-Led STEAM Night -- Friday, March 6th, 2026 from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will showcase the incredible creativity and innovation of our students as they run interactive stations for their peers and share their STEAM projects. If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete the STEAM Night Project Plan form. Please reach out to Mrs. Rode if you have any questions.
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Parent Information Line Available in 8 Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
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KP/KG PTA News |
This month’s staff appreciation is at Kings Glen where we will be setting up a hot cocoa bar for the staff to enjoy. We are looking for donations; please sign up here! We are also still looking for volunteers who would like to serve on our 2026 Staff Appreciation Week Committee! More information can be found on the sign up.
Our next Spirit Night is coming up at Honeygrow on Friday, January 23rd from 10:30am to 10pm. Visit Honeygrow at 8426 Old Keene Mill Rd. anytime between 10:30 am and 10 pm using the code GIVE164 and 20% of the proceeds will come back to the PTA.
Mark your calendars - our FREE PTA Family Fitness Night is coming up at Kings Park on Friday, February 6th from 6:30-8pm. Please also join us at 6pm (directly before Fitness Night) for our PTA meeting to elect the nominating committee.
We’re looking for candidates for the Nominating Committee. Each year the PTA elects a Nominating Committee to put forth a slate of candidates for the PTA's next executive board. The PTA plans to elect the nominating committee at our February 6th meeting. Are you interested in serving on this committee? Please contact PTA president, Jennifer Argenta. Similarly, please reach out if you have any interest in serving on the 2026-2027 PTA board.
Save the Date! Code Ninjas will be hosting a Parents’ Night Out on Friday, February 13th from 6-8:30 pm. Click here for more information and registration information.
Thank you to Bethany Portock for organizing another highly successful Summer Camp Fair last week!
Jan. 23: PTA Spirit Night at Honeygrow (See Above)
Jan. 28: End of 2nd Quarter (2-Hour Early Release at 1:25 p.m.)
Jan. 29: Staff Development Day (No School for Students)
Jan. 30: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Feb. 6: PTA Family Fitness Night (6:30-8pm at Kings Park; See Above)
Feb. 13: PTA Code Ninjas Parents' Night Out (See Above)
Feb. 16: Presidents Day (Schools Closed)
Feb. 17: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Feb. 18: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)
Feb. 23: Student Experience Survey Opens (See Above)
Mar. 6: STEAM Night at Kings Glen (See Above)
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