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One of the nice parts of being at Fort Hunt is taking advantage of our wide hallway. Teachers, like Ms. Wall shown here, have been enjoying lunch with students. Families are welcome to join their child for lunch beginning in November. You can read the policy here in our handbook.

News from the Fox Den

October 17, 2025

A Message from Ms. Consolla

What a wonderful and energetic week we've shared here at Fort Hunt! The air has been crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and our students have been full of excitement, especially with all the fantastic activities we've been enjoying.

As we look ahead, please mark your calendars for two very important dates. First, a friendly reminder that there will be no school on Monday, October 20th, as we observe Diwali. We wish all our families celebrating the Festival of Lights a joyful and peaceful holiday.

Our Fall Fest is in one week on Friday, October 24, and your help is still needed! It's an amazing Fort Hunt event that requires everyone to pitch in. Please click here to sign up to volunteer a few minutes of your time. All volunteers can help AND have time to enjoy Fall Fest with their family.

Finally, I invite everyone to take a moment to nominate an outstanding staff member at Fort Hunt for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Award. Even if the employee does not move forward in the process, we do share the nominations with our staff. It means so much and only takes a few minutes. See below for the link to the nominating form.

As always, thank you for your partnership with us in your child's education at Fort Hunt. 

Jean

Jean Consolla, Principal

jtconsolla@fcps.edu

Follow us on Instagram @FortHuntES

Upcoming Dates There is no school on Monday as we observe Diwali. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school at 8:35am on Tuesday. Looking ahead to the following week: there will be a 2-hour early release on Friday, October 31. It's the last day of quarter when there is always a 2-hour early release. Dismissal will be at 1:40pm.

Fall Fest is so great! How can I sign up to help? Can I enter Trunk or Treat? How do I register my family for the Pumpkin Decorating contest? Click on this one-stop link to join in the fun at Fall Fest.

Recognizing Our Amazing Staff at Fort Hunt

Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! This is a great way to recognize a teacher, custodian, office staff member, instructional assistant and/or administrator who has demonstrated excellence. For more information and to submit a nomination for a Fort Hunt Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination form through this Google form link.

All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category. Deadline for nominations is 4pm on Friday, October 31^st.

Questions?  Email our Awards Liaison, Tracy Hutchison.

Expectations Around the Reading & Writing Grades for Your Child

You might notice that your student's progress report grades in English language arts (ELA) look a little different and lower than you might expect. This is happening because last year we brought in a new curriculum and new ways to check on learning (assessments), and there are new state guidelines called the VDOE Standards of Learning.

FCPS is raising the bar and setting high goals! We are teaching and grading students on the big skills they need by the very end of the school year. Think of it like going on a journey. It’s challenging at first, but on your journey, you learn your way — and maybe even a few shortcuts! 

First quarter grades may seem lower than usual as students work hard to reach grade-level mastery.

Please know that this is a positive, expected part of the learning journey. We are here to support every student as they grow and achieve. We are celebrating the effort and growth toward these new, higher standards!

Progress reports will be available in ParentVUE on Monday, November 10 and sent home in the Wednesday folder on November 12.

Learn more about this change in ELA grading and reporting.

Boundary Review Community Meeting: Next Saturday at Sandburg MS

FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings are underway. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting Saturday, October 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Sandburg Middle School,  in person or virtual.

Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.

At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the Mount Vernon High School pyramid. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.

If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the list of October boundary meetings. 

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.

We are a Purple Star School  This week we learned that we have received a designation as a Purple Star school for the third time. This means we have met the requirements designed to welcome military-connected families to our school. You can read more about what it means to be a Purple Star school here.

Save the Date: Veterans' Day Celebration & Thanksgiving Luncheon Monday, November 10 We will have our annual Planting of the Flags and honoring our veterans followed by the Thanksgiving Luncheon. Stay tuned for more details about how you can volunteer to a be a speaker and/or a server at lunch. Meal ticket information will also be coming.

Bond Referendums Support Communities

The building and renovation of Fairfax County public schools is not funded through the division’s annual operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. A $460 million bond referendum is on the November ballot. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.