Principals' Update

Dear Freedom Hill Families,

It was great to spend a full week back together with our students and settle into our normal rhythm again. Our classrooms were buzzing with learning, and it was a joy to see students engaged and reconnecting with their routines. This week also brought special celebrations, including Valentine’s Day and the 100th day of school. Students enjoyed festive activities and creative 100th-day projects that filled the building with excitement and school pride. Thank you to everyone who supported our 3rd grade field trip and participated in the February PTA meeting—we appreciate your involvement and partnership!

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday or Tuesday as we observe Presidents Day, Lunar Near Year, and the first evening of Ramadan. We hope you enjoy the extended weekend, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday (which is an early release day at 1:05).

Lastly, we are excited to see our students in action next Friday as the PTA hosts our Science Fair! The event will begin at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria, and we look forward to cheering on our participants. We welcome all families to support our students, even if you child did not conduct an experiment this year. We are expecting a special demonstration by to the Marshall HS Robotics Team, too!

In partnership,

Nicholas Zapadka, Principal

Tim Scesney, Assistant Principal

Holly Sims, Assistant Principal

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

2025-26 FCPS School Calendar

Freedom Hill Family Resources

Breakfast/Lunch Menus

February 16 – School Closed, Presidents’ Day
February 17 - No School for Students, Lunar New Year / First Day of Ramadan
February 18 - Early Release Wednesday at 1:05
February 19 - "Warm Up" Spirit Day - Wear Tropical/Bright Colors
February 20 - Science Fair, 6:30-8:00PM in the Cafeteria - non-participating visitors welcome!
February 25 - Family Dinner Out (FDO) @ Panera, 8364 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Use code: FUND4U)
March 2 - Read-A-Thon Kickoff Event, AM

This week, we are working on ONE of the FIVE overarching pillars of the Positivity Project. Cheering others’ success is an important test of our character every single day.

Friends don’t get jealous of each other or begrudge the other for finding success. They celebrate every victory together.”

~Karen Kingsbury

Questions you might enjoy talking about:

Be grateful. The root of jealousy is cut off when you focus on the things you DO have, not that you don’t have.
Be inspired instead of discouraged by their success.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is different.
Know that your value does not come from external things.

Remaining Early Release Days

Will include:

February 18
March 18
April 22
May 13

Read more about early release Wednesdays on the FCPS website.

Student Fasting Meal Kits

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.