Calendar Updates
June 4 - Fifth Grade Field Trip
June 8 - McLean HS Clap Out - 3 p.m. (Arrive at 2:50 p.m.)
June 8 - Chorus Concert - 5 p.m.
June 9 - Kindergarten End of Year Promotion - 2 p.m.
June 10 - 250 Year Family Gathering 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Parents and students invited! Mark your calendar for a 250 year parade and more fun! Plan on wearing red, white and blue!
June 11 - Parent Volunteer Breakfast - 8 a.m. and PTA meeting 8:45 a.m. This is a change to provide parents the opportunity to volunteer for the Field Day.
June 12 - Field Day - Kinder - Fifth Grade - Sign Up to Volunteer!
June 15 - Field Day Rain Date K-5 Sign Up to Volunteer!
June 15 - Sixth Grade Promotion - McLean HS 6 p.m. There will be no tickets - all can enjoy.
June 16 - Sixth Grade Field Day 9:30 - 11 a.m. & Sixth Grade Celebration 1 - 3 p.m. Sign Up To Volunteer
June 16 - After School Celebration for our retirees: Jeff Shivnen, Mark Brock and Nasreen Shaikh - Please invite previous graduates - Cafeteria 4:00 - 5 pm.
June 17- Last Day of School - Two Hour Early Release
2025-26 FCPS School Calendar
Fifth Grade Band Concert
Our fifth grade students were simply amazing - so wonderful to see so many students participate in band this year. We will be offering the same opportunity to our rising 5th graders for the next school year. Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Galyean were wonderful and supported their growth and learning! The current 4th graders will have the opportunity to sign up for advanced strings or band for the next school year. Thanks to our parents for supporting!
Administration Note
Dear Parents,
We had a busy two days! This week, we will conclude our SOL testing with some opportunities to retest. We will be working on completing our end of year testing for the iReady and Math MAP. We have some projects for the end of year and will also be turning in our laptops soon. Note that any chargers from home should be returned to the school with the laptops!
We were thrilled to have the band concert this past week. Their performances were wonderful. We will be releasing our sign up link for the next school year. Note that we have Chorus concert next week on the 8th of June.
We are looking forward to our field days, class parties, and also a new gathering - the 250 Year Community Block Party on June 10th 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. It will be fun event whereby families can come together and enjoy a parade, some crafts as well as music with a DJ! Wear red, white and blue. We will have an ice cream truck donated by Hopkins Realty!
Our retiring teachers, Mark Brock, Jeff Shivnen, and Nasreen Shaikh will be dearly missed. We invite past students and families to drop by on the 16th of June in the cafeteria at 4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to say farewell and thank them for their hard work. Mr. Shivnen will continue to support MC2 and Science Olympiad. We have staffed appropriately with the departure of these teachers and will share additional information.
Thanks as always for your support!
Warmly,
Holly McGuigan Tia Hawkins Sarah Talley
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Sixth Grade Band Performs!
We were excited to listen to the sixth grade band students this past week. Mr. .Zimmerman and Mr Galyean led a wonderful performance. We thoroughly enjoyed the gnomes within the band - the hats tell the story!! Our students in the fifth grade will be able to sign up for band for the next year soon. Thanks parents for your support!
Student Intentions for Next School Year 2026-27
As we plan forward for the next school year, please complete this google form if your child(ren) are NOT returning. It does NOT need to be completed if your child(ren) are returning to Kent Gardens. It is not binding, we are merely using this information to guide our thinking on numbers as we plan forward! Thanks in advance!
End of Year Library Updates
May 22nd: Last day of checkout
June 3rd: All student library materials due
Student Medication Pick Up - Clinic Reminder
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school, June 17th. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. You can start picking medications up as soon as next week! Contact Kristina Brown with any questions/concerns.
Student Device Pick Up
We are scheduling times for in school collection of student devices in early June. Note that we will also be collecting devices that are being used by students at home for various needs. Michael Parker will be contacting parents directly for setting up a time for those pick ups. Feel free to email him with any questions.
Scrabble ~ Spirit Day!
Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals - Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer. If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
Substitute for the 2026-27 School Year
Kent Gardens is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers: Flexible schedule; Make a difference in your local community; Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students. Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and reach out to Kent Gardens ES.
School Board Adopts 2027 Approved Budget
On May 21, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Approved Budget, continuing FCPS’ commitment to sustaining excellence by prioritizing competitive compensation and strategic investments that support student success.
The adopted budget reflects the division’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging fiscal environment shaped in part by chronic state underfunding and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the budget maintains key investments and restores several reductions made during the prior fiscal year. Read about the FY 2027 Budget
Note from Parent Liaison, Shelley Lowinger
It has been an absolute pleasure being your Family Liaison at Kent Gardens. I want to wish you and your families an adventurous and relaxing summer full of love, happiness and good health. The end of the school year can bring extra challenges such as childcare, clothing, food and other resources. If your family needs support, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always here to partner with your family.
Free Summer Reading Festival Fairfax County Government Center at 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA on Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. At this outdoor event, families will enjoy games, crafts, face painting, bounce house, photo booth, food trucks and more!
Fairfax County Health Department – continues to offer a wide range of public health services that include immunizations, maternal and child health care, HIV/STI testing and counseling, tuberculosis services, pregnancy testing, WIC nutrition support, vital records, and eye care assistance for eligible residents. Walk-ins and appointments are available Updated Public Health Center Services Flyer 703-246-7100 | fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics
Health Department Services & WIC Information is providing ongoing community health services including environmental health, communicable disease support, refugee services, maternity services, school immunizations, TB testing and treatment, and WIC nutrition assistance. Updated Fairfax County Health Department Flyer (English) (Spanish)Contact 703-246-2411 | WIC Information Line: 703-246-5599
Sibshops/SibTeen Summer Camp (Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23) Sibshops and SibTeen will hold a two-day summer camp for children who have a sibling with a disability. Each day participants will participate in a variety of fun recreation and art based community building activities and discussion related to their shared experience and access peer support. Lunch will be provided each day. Sibshops is open to children in grades 2 through 5. SibTeen is offered to children in grades 6 through 9. Timing - 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.at Fairfax Villa Elementary Register here
English Empowerment Center Summer 2026 English Classes is accepting registrations for Summer 2026 English classes for adult English learners. Site-specific flyers https://englishempowermentcenter.org/for-students/in-person-classes/Online Classes: link: https://form.jotform.com/251064922607152
Summer Class Schedule Flyer
Inova Cares Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs (Upcoming, Summer 2026) Free physicals and immunizations for children (ages 5+, Medicaid or uninsured only). June 27 – Inova Cares Manassas July 25 – Inova Cares Falls Church Call 703-698-2550 (appointments required; no walk-ins) Flyer
Student Bus Passes - Free Transportation - All FCPS middle/high school students can get a free SmarTrip card for the CUE buses from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bus Discount Program for Adults Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
Child's Mental Wellness Matters - Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun! Registration is open for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students. Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun - The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation. Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
2026 CTE Summer Enrichment Programs - Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes. Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_TAC, Please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu
Rising 7th Graders - Longfellow - Jump Start
Come join us for one of these two sessions. It is an optional, non-academic program is designed to support a smooth transition by introducing students
to school staff, meeting new peers, exploring the school layout, and learning key policies before the year begins. In addition to informational sessions,
students will enjoy fun, community building activities. The two available dates are: August 11 - 8:30 - 12:30 OR August 12 8:30 - 12:30 pm.
Location: Longfellow Middle School
Registration: Opens on April 30th
Cost: $30.00 per student
Transportation will not be provided for this event. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and picking up their students.
Fourth Grade Field Trip - Jamestown
KG PTA News and Updates
Join the PTA Now!
The PTA at KGES is SUPER BUSY! When you join the PTA, you help support the work we do at our school AND the advocacy work that the PTA does at all levels of the government! Membership in the KGES PTA needs to be renewed every year and you don't have to wait for the school year to start. You can join the PTA NOW!
OUR NEXT PTA MEETING WILL BE: June 11 (Field Day is the 12th)
Parent Volunteer Breakfast is 8 am. on June 11th - KG welcomes all parents who have volunteered! We will transition to the PTA meeting.
Summer at KGES - Come Join!
Kindergarten Readiness Camp - Calling Rising Kinders! We are excited to offer a Kindergarten Readiness Camp July 13-17 AT Kent Gardens! This camp will help prepare your student for a successful start to school at Kent Gardens by building early academic skills, independence, and confidence in a supportive environment. Register here.
Basketball Summer 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 - 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 complements 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.
Lemons to Lemonade - Dates: July 20 - July 24 Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Grades: Rising 3rd and rising 4th Teachers: Sheri Emory and Amelia Emory Description: Students will learn about the life cycle of lemons, engage in hands-on activities involving lemons (including tasting lemons and lemon products), read books, write stories about their experiences, and make lemonade to share with families on the last day. | 