Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES
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A Message from Principal Ritter
Dear Kings Glen Families,
As the spring blossoms continue to transform our campus, there is no better time to celebrate the world around us. This week, we are proud to join schools across the division in celebrating Earth Week and highlighting our commitment to the Get2Green initiative!
At Kings Glen, we believe that environmental stewardship isn't just a topic discussed in class, it’s a way of life. Through Get2Green, our students are stepping into leadership roles for our building. Whether they are monitoring our recycling, tending to our school gardens, or learning about energy conservation, our Gators are proving that you’re never too young to make a global impact.
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Sustainability is a team sport! If you’re looking for ways to keep the conversation going at home this week, here are a few "Green Challenges" for the family:
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The "Power Down" Hour: Pick one hour this week to turn off all screens and non-essential lights. It’s a great time for a board game or a walk outside!
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Native Plant Scavenger Hunt: See how many local Virginia plants or birds you can identify in your neighborhood.
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The "Refuse" Rule: Before recycling or tossing an item, ask: "Can I reuse this for a craft, or can I refuse the single-use plastic next time I’m at the store?"
We are so proud of the curiosity and care our Gators show. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Kings Park Elementary School this evening for the PTA Earth Day event from 6:00 – 7:30pm.
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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 20-24: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
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Spring Pictures Available Now for Purchase
Hello Kings Glen Elementary School Families! Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at our school and pictures are now online. All orders will include free shipping until May 4th. Please use the link below to view your student's Spring photos.
https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001356033
Please remember, the online code is the Student ID Number.
For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com
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Purchase Your 6th Grade Panoramic Picture!
Any student who has not had a chance to order a Panoramic photo, it’s not too late! All orders using the link below will ship to the address entered at checkout.
https://shop.imagequix.com/s1802883809
For questions or about ordering, please contact Victor O'Neill Studio at underclass@vosphoto.com.
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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.
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Spring Standardized Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where students are in their learning.
This list of assessments for each grade level provides the spring timeframe for required tests. Each school sets specific testing dates and communicates schedules to students and families. Please review school newsletters and emails carefully for this information.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and that the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible. Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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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Benchmark News
Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the different lessons that stories across cultures can teach us.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could go on an adventure like one of the characters you’ve read about in this unit, which one would it be and why?
- Activity: Ask your child to imagine that they’re going on an adventure. Ask them to draw items they’ll need to take with them. Would their supplies be different if the adventure was underwater or somewhere very cold?
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding, and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, we will share copies with you directly.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
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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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.
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KP/KG PTA News |
Thank you to Bethany Portock for organizing an amazing Glow Dance! Also, thank you to everyone who volunteered before, during and after the dance! We hope everyone had a fantastic time!
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.
Mark your calendars for Staff Appreciation Week from May 4-8th! We are busy planning a week full of fun goodies and treats for all the staff, but we need your help! We are looking for food donations for events throughout the week as well as people to help with setup and cleanup.
The annual Kings Park vs Kings Glen Staff Kickball Game is coming up on May 8th at Kings Glen at 6:30 pm!! More details coming soon!
The Nominating Committee presented their slate of candidates for the 2026-2027 PTA board at our meeting on April 14th. The candidates are as follows and elections will be held on May 18th at 6:00 pm.
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President: Jen Argenta
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Secretary: Emily French
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Treasurer: Kristin Hopkins
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VP of Fundraising: Sarah Maccubbin-Tremper
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VP of Events: Bethany Portock
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VP of Education/Outreach: Lisley Anco
Apr. 22: PTA Earth Day Event (6-7:30 p.m. at Kings Park ES)
May 1: Deadline for Class Input for School Year 2026-27 (See Above)
May 5: Grade 4 Reading SOL
May 6: Grade 6 Reading SOL
May 8: Kings Park vs Kings Glen Staff Kickball Game (6:30 p.m., Kings Glen)
May 7: Grade 5 Reading SOL
May 12: Grade 4 Math SOL
May 13: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)
May 14: Grade 5 Math SOL
May 15: Grade 6 Math SOL
May 18: PTA Meeting (Elections for SY2026-27 Board; See Above)
May 19: Grade 5 Science SOL
May 25: Memorial Day (School Closed)
May 26: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
May 27: Eid al-Adha (School Closed)
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