A Message from our Administrators
Good Afternoon School Community,
The snow is finally melting and warmer days are ahead. We’re looking forward to spending more time outside next week and taking advantage of the fresh air and sunshine with our students.
Please remember that next week is a short week. School will be closed for students on Monday and Tuesday. When students return, Wednesday will be a three-hour early release day. Enjoy the long weekend with your families.
We’re also excited about the beautiful mural currently being painted in our main hallway. It is already adding color and pride to our space, and it will continue to brighten our school for years to come. We are grateful to our PTA for their partnership in making this project possible. We look forward to unveiling the finished mural and celebrating it together as a community.
Wishing you a wonderful extended weekend.
Sincerely,
Keieownna Hightower, Principal
Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal
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Mark Your Calendar
February 16th--No School Presidents' Day Holiday
February 17th--No School Teacher Workday
February 18th--3-hour Early Release
February 20th--PTA Spelling Bee @ 6:00
March 9-13th--Spring Book Fair
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Tropical Spirit Day
Division Wide Spirit Tropical Spirit Day! Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
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Hunt Valley STEAM Night
Save the Date! The Hunt Valley Code UP! Team is excited to host our 2nd Annual Family STEAM Night on March 18th from 6:00 - 8:00pm. This FREE event is filled with engaging STEAM activities and explorations for students of all ages. There will be a combination of outside vendors, staff, and FCPS students participating – all are welcome to attend. Bonus Event – the PTA sponsored HVES Student Science Fair will be held the hour preceding STEAM Night, opening at 5:00PM and viewable throughout the night.
We would like to extend an invitation for community participation! If you would like to participate by hosting a station to promote a STEAM Career, engage students in a hands-on STEAM activity, or help with the logistics of setup/supervision/clean up, please complete this FORM by March 4th. If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Lady (smlady@fcps.edu). We hope to see you there!
FCPS Cafe Listings
From our Family Liaison:
The Family Café Series is a special time for parents to come together and learn about important topics. These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child’s education—mind, body, and heart.
All sessions are 6:30-8 p.m. Interpreters and Childcare available.
Please sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFRuXgsfpNPlJlhak0wYQCqGR18DrtrJVWqmhk4dOhdsrgbw/viewform?utm_campaign+
Ramadan
If your child will be observing a fast during Ramadan, please let their teacher know so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Thank you.
Early Release Wednesdays
⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools
Limited early release days for elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year.
Three-hour early release days for our school will include:
- February 18
- March 18
- April 22
- May 13
Read more about the reasons for early release and the proposed early release dates.
Yearbooks for Sale
To order a yearbook for the 2025-2026 school year visit www.strawbridge.net and use the online code: YB33201. The cost is $13.00. Orders will be accepted until 4/10/2026--order yours today!
County Flu Letter
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Dual Language Immersion
Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages
FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opened on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.
The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program.
Applications for first grade closed on Thursday, February 12. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.
View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
Having lunch with your student
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
-Bring valid ID to check in the office
-Sign up using this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA5AF2EA6FECF8-51771041-lunch#/
-You may bring a homemade lunch, or you may purchase a lunch from the cafeteria for $5.00 (cash only)
-No fast food or treats are allowed in the cafeteria
-No siblings
-No pictures
Please help with clean up when you are done.
Thank you!
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