Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families,
As we move further into April, I want to take a moment to highlight a celebration that is incredibly close to my heart: The Month of the Military Child. For many, this is a time to acknowledge the unique lifestyles of our military-connected families. For me, it’s a bit more personal. I grew up as a military child, and I carry that experience with me every day. Military children face a unique set of challenges: frequent moves, starting over at new schools, and saying "see you later" to many along the way. Yet, through it all, they develop an incredible ability to adapt, a global perspective, and a strength of character that is truly inspiring.
The dandelion is the official flower representing military children. The dandelion is hardy, puts down roots quickly, survives in almost any climate, and blooms where it is planted. This week, we honor our "dandelions" for their resilience, their adaptability, and the unique perspective they bring to our classrooms.
Whether your family is military-connected or not, the resilience we celebrate this month is something we can all aspire to. Our school is a stronger, more vibrant place because of the diverse experiences our students bring to the classroom.
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Calendar Reminders
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Tuesday, April 21st is a Special Election day, and there is no school for students on this day.
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Wednesday, April 22nd is now a regular-length school day (previously scheduled as a 3-hour release day).
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 April 13-17: Humor
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April is Month of the Military Child!
To commemorate the Month of the Military Child, Kings Glen recognizes and thanks our military children for their service as part of a military family. We are very proud of our military community who have served or are still serving our beloved nation, and we have planned several activities to recognize, honor and show our appreciation for them.
Honor Wall. Help us honor our Kings Glen military students by sending in a copy of a picture of the United States military member with your child to be featured on a bulletin board. Please include names and the branch of service with the picture. Pictures can be sent to school to the attention of Ms. Stottlemyer, School Counselor, or emailed to etstottlemy1@fcps.edu. Please note that pictures will not be returned so please send a copy or a scan.
Military Child Spirit Week ~ April 13-17
April 13: Dress as a character from a favorite book for our Book Fair
April 14: Wear Camo or something to represent a branch of the US Military
April 15: Wear Purple for Purple Up Day
April 16: wear something to represent your country or culture
April 17: Wear RED (Remember Everyone Deployed)
Purple Up! Day ~ Wednesday, April 15th
This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.
Did you know, Kings Glen has been as recognized with their Purple Star Designation since 2022, and this year was the recipient of the Purple Star 2nd Award?
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Books Are Blooming! Spring Book Fair Arrives Soon!
April 13-17
Our Kings Glen Spring Book Fair will be open at school during the week of Monday, April 13-Friday, April 17! There will be after-school evening hours from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14th. Create an eWallet for your child or donate $16 for a book for a friend at our Book Fair home page.
Ms. Keaney appreciates and welcomes parent volunteers… you can volunteer after hours to help with set up or pack up, or sign up to help with preview or shopping times during the school day in shifts to assist with 4th, 5th, or 6th grade. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/kgspringbookfair. Thank you for your support!
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Spring SOL Reading, Math and Science Testing Dates
For your planning purposes and reference, please see the Spring 2026 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 or staying the entire day on the days your child(ren) are participating in an SOL Assessment.
Upcoming SOL Testing Dates:
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Grade
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Reading SOL
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Math SOL
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Science SOL
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Grade 4:
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May 5 (Tues)
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May 12 (Tues)
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n/a
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Grade 5:
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May 7 (Thurs)
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May 14 (Thurs)
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May 19 (Tues)
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Grade 6:
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May 6 (Wed)
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May 15 (Fri)
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n/a
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AAP Spring Newsletter
Families, attached please find the Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Spring Newsletter, with information about screening for Subject Specific (Level II), Part-Time (Level III), and Full-Time (Level IV) Services as well as an overview of the continuum of Advanced Academic services in FCPS. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Rode, AART.
Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Spring Newsletter (Spanish)
April Statewide Election: No School for Students
Tuesday, April 21st
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21st for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Spring Garden Cleanup!
Friday, April 17
It is that time of year again! We need your help weeding and re-mulching the Kings Glen garden to get ready for spring planting. We will be meeting for garden cleanup on Friday, April 17 (3:25-4:30pm). Please sign-up HERE to volunteer to help out with our school garden.
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Update on the R3 Garden
The R3 Garden behind Kings Glen is getting a fresh start this year as we work to revitalize the space from the spring through the fall. While we were excited to kick off the project last year, we hit a few bumps in the road when a seedbed was upturned, leading to a difficult environment where unfortunaltely the initial ferns did not thrive. To fix this and remove weeds and invasive plants that have since moved in, you will soon notice a large tarp covering a portion of the garden for the next several months. This covering is a necessary step to naturally clear the ground without harsh chemicals, creating a clean slate for the soil. This preparation will set the stage for our favorite part of the project; this fall, students will return to the garden to plant a new collection of plants!
Class Input for the 2026-2027 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 Friday, May 1st.
It's Not Too Late to Order Your 2025-26 Yearbook!!
The 2025-26 Yearbook sales are open now and the price is $17. Although the date to pre-order has passed, you can still secure your copy by placing your order through one of the following options:
Email KGNotes@fcps.edu with questions. Thank you!
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Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest – “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader”
Submission Deadline April 17th
Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support Fairfax County Public Schools students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest during March. FCPS students in grades K–12 are invited to design a 2” x 7” bookmark celebrating the power of learning and creativity under the theme “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.”
Artwork must be original, flat (no glitter or pop-ups), and include the student’s name, grade, and school on the back. Entries will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme, and overall effort. Four winners (K–2, 3–6, middle, and high) will each receive a $25 gift card, and winning designs will be printed and shared in schools and the community. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement.
Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, or sent via pony mail. By submitting, students confirm FCPS enrollment and grant permission for printing and promotion (first name and grade only; parent/guardian signature required for winners).
Please click this link for instructions: Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest Flyer and Instructions.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for childcare and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
FCPS Cares
Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu.
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KP/KG PTA News |
The Glow Dance will be held on Friday, April 17th from 6:30-8PM for Kings Glen students only. Pre-registration is required and we need many volunteers to help before, during and after the dance! Please note every student must have an adult chaperone and one adult may chaperone up to 3 students.
There are still spaces available in our Spring After School Activity classes! Please visit our website for more information and registration links.
Our free Earth Day event is coming up on April 22nd at KPES from 6-7:30PM where we’ll have free crafts and activities for students as well as food trucks (for purchase)! We will start off with a community clean-up of the school grounds at 5:30 PM.
Apr. 13-17: Military Child Spirit Week (See Above)
Apr. 13-17: Spring Book Fair (See Above)
Apr. 15: Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child (See Above)
Apr. 17: PTA Glow Dance (Kings Glen students only)
Apr. 17: KG Garden Cleanup (3:25-4:30 p.m.)
Apr. 17: Deadline to Submit Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest (See Above)
Apr. 21: Special Election Day (No School for Students)
Apr. 22: Regular School Day fo | 
