WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE FOREST - 9/11/26

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Calendar reminder graphic

Mon, 9/14   Girls on the Run Registration Deadline

Tue 9/15     Virtual Parent Workshop: Setting the
                   Stage for a Great School Year, 6p

Mon 9/21    NO SCHOOL, Yom Kippur Holiday

9/28-10/2    Blue Star Welcome Week Spirit Days

Mon, 9/28   NFES Military Families Meetup,
                   4:30-5:30p, NFES playground

Tue 9/29     AAP Parent Information Night, 6-7p,
                   NFES cafeteria

Thu 10/8     Curriculum Night, 6-7p, NFES

Mon 10/12  NO SCHOOL, Staff Planning Day

Tue 10/13   Fall Picture Day

Wed 10/21  3-hour Early Release, dismissal
                    begins at 1:35p


Good afternoon Newington Forest Families,

We had a wonderful turnout for Back to School Night on Wednesday evening! It was exciting to see so many families engaged with their children’s teachers and learning more about the year ahead. Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and the PTA for making the evening such a meaningful success.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the courage, compassion, and selflessness shown that day. May this anniversary remind us of the strength found in coming together and caring for one another. As a school, we encourage our Knights to honor this spirit by showing C.A.R.E.—making thoughtful Choices, having a positive Attitude, Respecting themselves and others, and giving their best Effort everyday. We also remind our students that small acts of caring and kindness can make a difference. 

Looking ahead to next week, we will host our Virtual Workshop: Setting the Stage for a Great School Year on Tuesday evening at 6:00p.m. The workshop will be presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed. We hope many families will participate and learn strategies to help their students have a successful school year.

Sincerely,

Angela Thompson
Principal


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Scenes from Back to School Night


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Virtual Parent Workshop:
Setting the Stage for a Great School Year

Ready to make mornings smoother, homework easier, and the school year less stressful? Join us -

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
6:00pm
Virtual

“Setting the Stage for a Great School Year” with Ann Dolin, M.Ed., former Fairfax County teacher and author, will offer simple and practical strategies you can use at home to help your child build:

  • Routines & Structure
  • Independence & Organization
  • Confidence & Less Stress
  • Healthy habits for a successful school year

RSVP today: https://forms.gle/3YhnLefQzNkQAgwd8

Questions? Contact Andrea Howard, NFES Family Liaison, at ahoward@fcps.edu.


Elementary AAP Family Information Meeting 

A family information meeting, focusing on the AAP continuum of services offered in FCPS and the Full-Time referral process for students in grades 2-8, will be held on:

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
6:00 - 7:00pm
NFES Cafeteria - In Person

If you have any questions, please contact our AART, Cathy Trope, at cjtrope@fcps.edu.


Last Call for Girls on the Run!

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Registration closes on September 14th.

Training begins: September 21, 2026

5K Weekend: November 21-22, 2026

Designed for students in grades 3-6, this empowering program is back for another year at Newington Forest, with Ms. Cavazos, 2nd Grade Teacher, leading the charge once again. In addition to strengthening their bodies, our Knights will learn to:

  • Build the confidence to be themselves
  • Learn to listen deeply, show empathy, and invite others to speak up, too
  • Learn from mistakes and persevere using stick-with-it strategies

Registration is open until September 14, 2026!

Visit gotrnova.org to learn more about Girls on the Run.


Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

  • Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

If your child is unable to make it to school, there are 3 ways to report the absence:

  1. ParentVue
  2. Leave a message on the Attendance line - 703-923-2626
  3. Email NewingtonForestElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

FCPS & School Board Welcomes Families

 

Dr. Michelle Reid

FCPS Superintendent

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Mateo Dunne

FCPS School Board Member, Mount Vernon District

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Sandy Anderson

FCPS School Board Member, Springfield District

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Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.


Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.


FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Newington Forest staff members.

FCPS Cares

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FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • Review and Sign the SR&R
  • Your Child Belongs at School
  • What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


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