In This Week's ROAR

5 Things You Need to Know for Summer!!!

#1The End of Several Eras- Good-byes and Thank yous!

#2 Order School Supplies for Next Year Now

#3 PTA News- Cngrats New Board and By-Laws Passed

#4 Summer Fun at School
              Rising Kinder Playdates Save the Date- June 20
              Kindergarten Readiness Camp 7/13-17   
              Basketball with Mr. Avery
              Art with Ms. Kladler
              Coding with Ms. Nabaki
              Everyday Economics with Ms. Alany
              Young Entrepreneurs with Ms. Alany

#5 Online Directory

Extra Credit: Community Events

A Moment of Personal Privilege

KG Community, for the last 3 years, I (Alyssa Densham) have put together the ROAR and sent it winging its way into your in-boxes every Wednesday morning so that our VERY large and SUPER diverse community could stay up-to-date on ALL the amazing things happening at our school. 

This is my very last ROAR to you. My kiddos and I are moving to Florida where I'll be starting a PhD program in the Fall. We're very excited about this opportunity and also sad to leave what has become a very real home for our entire family. The ROAR however will continue on in the incredibly capable hands of Kelly Chapman (of our Staff and Teacher Appreciation Week fame!). She'll send out our mid-Summer update sometime toward the middle of July and then another email a week or so before school starts. You will ALWAYS have the most important information right here in your inbox! Need to contact the ROAR? Reach out to Kelly.

#1 The End of Several Eras: Good-Byes and Thank Yous

Kent Gardens is fortunate to have so MANY incredible staff working on behalf of our children who have been here for more than just a few years. This year, we are saying good-bye to Mr. Shivnen, Mr Brock, and Ms. Shaikh as they retire. You'll still see Mr. Shivnen around as he'll continue to support Math Counts and Science Olympiad. He's also a scoutmaster in the area too. We are deeply grateful for the way these amazing educators have brought their whole selves to the task of supporting our community for so many years!

We are also deeply grateful to Principal McGuigan. We are SO excited for this next chapter of her life, but we will also miss her so much. We have been lucky to experience her calm and steady leadership over these years.

Principal McGuigan also shared that we are saying good-bye to Ms. Lim, Ms. Dalakis, and Ms. Oreska this year as they move.

The PTA is also aware of a number of our volunteers who will not be at Kent Gardens next year because their kiddos have aged out of Middle School or their families are moving. The list is lengthy to name them all, but we would not be the community we are today without their time, effort, and energy for the past number of years! Thank you, PTA Volunteers!

And thank you, KG Community, for the way you supported our 6th Grade Promotion Celebration this year! A special 6th Grade Thank You to Sherif & Ali Group | Compass for sponsoring the photo booth and Rita’s treats for our 6th Grade Celebration Party. Our 6th graders are now ready for Middle School!

Changes are hard. But to quote Semisonic's 1998 hit song Closing Time, "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" and we cannot wait to see what the 2026-27 school year has in store. So much learning, so many activities, so much joy are waiting for our return on August 24. Want to plan ahead, check out next year's school calendar here!

#2 Order School Supplies for Next Year

September you will thank June you IF you take advantage of ordering school supplies now! Don't wait! Place your order now and everything will arrive at your home before KG's open house! Pick by grade level, add on headphones, and rest this summer knowing you don't have to beat the crowds to find a Pink Pearl Eraser or pre-sharpened Ticonderogas1

Order now!

#2 Congrats New PTA Board; By-Laws Passed

#4 Summer Fun at School

Rising Kinder Playdate Save the Date- June 20

We had SO much fun at our VERY FIRST Rising Kinder Playdate! We hope that you'll join us for our next playdate on June 20 from 9am-11am at the KG playground for our FIRST rising kinder playdate of the year! Bring sunscreen and water. Please note that the building will be closed/no bathroom access. 

Kindergarten Camp

Mr. Avery's Summer Basketball Camp

Mr. Avery is hosting a basketball summer camp for rising 3-6th graders. July 27-31 from 1-4pm at Kent Gardens. $230

Register here.

Summer Art Camp with Ms. Kladler

Ms. Kladler is hosting a Summer Art Camp at KG! Rising 1st-6th can sign up for the morning session (930am -1230pm); Rising 4th-7th can sign up for afternoon session (1-4pm), or both AM and PM! Morning session compliments Mr. Avery's basketball camp. Bring a lunch if you will be at camp all day. Camp will run  July 27th-31st, and the price includes all supplies. 

Register here.

Summer Coding with Ms. Nabaki

Students will learn the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way, using beginner-friendly tools such as Scratch. They will build simple games and animations while developing important skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Through guided, hands-on activities, they will learn how to break down ideas into steps, think like a programmer, and gain confidence using technology.

Register here!

Economics with Ms. Alany

#6 Support Our School

Online Directory

Kent Gardens' Online Directory offers the community and EASY way to connect for playdates, parties, and fun when school is not in session. 

Access the directory here!

Extra Credit: Community Events

Learn to Row with McLean Crew

Rising 7th Graders: Learn to Row Fall 2026 with the McLean Crew Team!

Learn the fundamentals of rowing on the Potomac River. 7th and 8th graders row Tuesday/Thursday in Sept-Oct. No rowing experience necessary. Completed '26-'27 VHSL physical needed by 9/13/26 for a swim test. 

Fill out the Rower Interest Form to connect with the team and get updates!  

McLean Rugby

Looking for a SUMMER ACTIVITY for your kids? 

Join Our Rugby Family!

A fun, active way to get your kids involved in a positive, team-based sport - our program welcomes boys and girls of all ages and experience levels — no rugby experience needed!

Build confidence, fitness, teamwork, and leadership in a safe, supportive environment. Kids grow on and off the field, make new friends, and become part of a strong, family-oriented community.

Programs:
• NON-CONTACT (Coed, ages 4–10)
• Tackle (Coed, ages 10–14)
• Boys & Girls Tackle (ages 14–18)

Come out, give it a try, and see why so many Northern Virginia families love being part of our rugby community!

 Learn more & sign up: www.rugbyVA.com / gary@greatfallsrugby.com

Karate Lessons

One of our KG parents is offers a Karate lessons and also teaches the after-school academy at KG. Please visit the website to learn more and register.

Weekend Karate Classes

Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM for one hour
Location: McLean Racquet and Health Club, downtown McLean next to Giant
Website: https://www.mcleanrhclub.com

Please click on “Kids Karate at McLean - Sign-Up” in the top right corner.

Summer Karate Camp

https://www.kentgardenskarateclub.com/

Rising Kinder Girl Scouts Recruitment