SCHOOLHOUSE NEWS - April 10
Spirit Week | Principal Evaluation | Rising Middle School

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Table of Contents


  • Calendar
  • Spirit Week for Month of the Military Child
  • Parent/Guardian Input Form
  • Principal Evaluation Feedback Form
  • FCPS Military Family Field Day
  • Middle School Family Presentation
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Resources
April Calendar

 

  • April 15 - Purple Up! Day Field Day
  • April 15 - PTA Pizza Night for Month of the Military Child
    Cafeteria | 5:00 p.m.
  • April 16 - PTA Meeting | Library | 6:00 p.m.

  • April 21 - Election Day (No School)
  • April 24 - PTA Career Night | 5:00 p.m.

Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update!

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 29, which was previously an early release Wednesday at Hayfield Elementary.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.

Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details. 


Month of the Military Child graphic

Month of the Military Child

 

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families


Purple Up! Day

To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15 for military children.

Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 


Arab American Heritage Month graphic

National Arab American Heritage Month


FCPS and Hayfield Elementary is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans.

Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Autism Acceptance Month graphic

Autism Acceptance Month


April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our school and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.



Spirit Week for Month of the Military Child

Monday 4/13: Camo Day

Blend in and stand out! Wear your favorite camouflage to show support for our military-connected families.

Tuesday 4/14: Military Branch Day

Represent your favorite military branch by wearing the color of that branch or something that shows your pride! 

Wednesday 4/15: Purple Up Day!

Wear purple to show support for the military children at Hayfield Elementary and everywhere! We will also hold our military field day today, so PE clothes are vital.

Thursday 4/16:  Red, White, and Blue Day

Show your patriotism by dressing in red, white, and blue! 

Friday 4/17: Pajama Day

Wear your pajamas as a reminder that rest and relaxation can be important for strength and resilience.



Parent/Guardian Input Form

Class Placement: Parent/Guardian Input (Optional) for Current K-5 Students or New Students for Next Year – Due Friday, May 8

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, Hayfield Elementary staff will be creating tentative class groupings this spring. Final classroom assignments will be shared in mid-August.

In developing class placements, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including:

  • Individual student information
  • Teacher input
  • Social relationships
  • A balanced mix of students with diverse needs, personalities, and learning styles

Due to the many variables involved in building well-balanced classrooms—including staffing considerations—we are unable to accommodate requests for specific teachers.

If there is information you would like us to consider regarding your child’s placement, please complete this form by Friday, May 8, at 4:00 PM. If you do not have additional input to share, there is no need to complete the form. https://forms.gle/JEaerGrBDU5vGxGj6.

Note: To keep the process organized, this form is the only way to submit parent input, as we cannot accept individual emails regarding class placement.

Our goal is to create supportive, well-rounded classroom communities where all students can thrive.

Best,
Dr. Tempel-Milner and Mr. O’Connor



Principal Evaluation Feedback Form

On Monday, April 6, you received an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key aspects of our school, including:

  • Instructional leadership
  • School climate
  • Management (human resources and organizational)
  • Communication and community relations
  • Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
  • Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback is important and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and participation. 



FCPS Military Family Field Day

FCPS Military Family Field Day

Join Fairfax County Public Schools
for our Military Family Field Day!

 

FCPS is excited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a good, old-fashioned field day! We invite all military-connected families with FCPS students to a special field day to honor our military-connected children. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community at Annandale High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 - 2 p.m.  

This is a great opportunity to connect with other military families across the Division!  

Head to the football and track stadium to play games and create crafts while food/beverage will be available for purchase to support various FCPS school clubs and organizations.  

Event Address: Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA

For planning purposes, please complete this form by Friday, March 27, 2026.

We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child! Contact Katie Server at kaserver@fcps.edu with any questions.



Middle School Family Presentation

Partnering with Your Child’s Middle School
Fairfax County Public Schools - Family and School Partnerships Office

Families of rising middle school students will explore ways to stay connected to learning and maintain strong family-school partnerships throughout their secondary education.

  • Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

This presentation helps families explore ways to stay connected to their students’ learning in middle school while maintaining strong family-school partnerships throughout their secondary education. 

Families are invited to this virtual meeting to discuss their changing roles as middle school parents/caregivers. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the presentation. 

Registration is required, and the Zoom link will be provided via email. 

For questions email Patricia Ramirez paramirez@fcps.edu



Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Hayfield Elementary School. All volunteers are required to be registered. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities at Hayfield Elementary:

With Spring Field Trips coming up, we need to make sure all chaperones are registered in the Volunteer FCPS system. There have been some changes to the requirements of volunteers. Field Trip volunteers should select Level 2. 

Go to Volunteer FCPS and select Field Trip Chaperone – All Grades (or select the grade if an opportunity is active) to create your profile. You must complete the next steps before your application can be accepted.

  • Watch the orientation video
  • Select OK at the bottom of the window (do not close the window)
  • Fill in and submit the application

Once you have completed those 3 steps, your application will be approved by Marily Grotz, Family Liaison, and your registration will be complete. It may take a few days to receive confirmation. For opportunity specific questions about the Volunteer FCPS registration process please email mgrotz@fcps.edu.



Community Resources


Earth Day Fairfax

Earth Day Fairfax

Saturday, April 25, 2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
at Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190


Mark your calendar for the 2026 Earth Day Festival! Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through interactive activities and games.

Enjoy:

  • Outdoor Discovery Activities
  • Interactive Nature Exhibits
  • Earth Friendly Vendors
  • Food Trucks
  • Local Bands and Live Entertainment
  • Free Giveaways
  • Furry Farm Friends
Admission is FREE; Parking is $10 per car at the gate. Cash and credit accepted. 

Person with pencil and calculator preparing taxes

Free Income Tax Preparation Services


Did you or your family make less than $69,000 in 2025? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free help preparing your tax return and maximizing refunds and tax credits. Visit one of the four VITA locations in Fairfax County to work with our VITA volunteers on your tax return. Plan your visit by knowing what documents to bring and viewing the full site schedule.



Hayfield Secondary Field Hockey Clinic


Hayfield Secondary Field Hockey Clinic - register here

Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades 3-8 | $50 per child

Learn from current Hayfield Field Hockey players and coaches!

Questions? Contact Hayfieldfieldhockey@gmail.com