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April

• April 18th – Neighborhood Clean-up Day (Details below - Rain Date 4/25)
• April 20^th – 6^th Grade George Manson University Field Trip
• April 21st - Election Day (No School for Students)
• April 22nd – Early Release Wednesday is Canceled.  April 22^nd will be a full day of school.
• April 23rd - 5th Grade Field Trip to Natural History Museum
• April 24^th - PreK Clemyjontri Park Field Trip

May

• May 4th - May 8th - Staff Appreciation Week
• May 13th - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours) 
• Dismissal 1:05 pm   

Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 28^th and April 29th, which was previously an early release Wednesday for elementary schools.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parentsfor more details.

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.

Parent Input for Class Placements 2026-2027

As we plan for the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting your input. Creating class assignments require careful consideration and the involvement of many perspectives. We know a good teacher-student match and a productive mix of children are ingredients for success. Should you have additional information about your specific child that school staff may not know, particularly regarding learning style and classroom environment,  you have the option to complete the 2026-2027 Class Placement - Family Input Form   no later than Friday, May 15th.

Please understand that while we value and consider all feedback, specific teacher requests and/or requests to place your child (or not place your child) with certain students cannot always be honored.   We cannot guarantee specific placement requests.  Our primary goal is to create well-balanced classes that meet the diverse needs of all students.

Preorder your GES Yearbook Today!

• GES yearbooks are available to preorder!
• Please go to lifetouch.com.
• GES Yearbook code is 14463726.
• Cost for a yearbook is $23.

 Pre-ordered copies will be delivered to students the last week of school (June 15th-17th). 

Garfield ES SOL Schedule 2026

May 8 – Reading (5th)

May 14 – Reading (4th)

May 14 – Reading (6th)

May 15 – Reading (3rd)

May 15 – Math (5th)

May 19 – Math (4th)

May 19 – Math (6th)

May 21 – Math (3rd)

May 21 – Science (5th)

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 progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. 

3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: SOL Preparation As SOL testing approaches, we are focusing on confidence and test-taking skills.

Helpful tips:

• Ensure good sleep and a healthy breakfast
• Encourage a positive mindset
• Practice strategies (read carefully, eliminate wrong answers, check work)
• Use simple stress-management techniques like deep breathing

Our goal is to help students feel calm, confident, and ready to do their best.

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters

Kindergarten Orientation was a Success!

Our Kindergarten Orientation was held on April 10, 2026 at 10:00 am. We loved meeting the class of 2039 and their families.

If you have a child turning five years old before September 30, 2026, please call our Registrar, Sarah Rothman, by email sgrothman1@fcps.edu  or phone 703-923-2900 to schedule a registration appointment today!

While we all work hard to protect our planet each day, Earth Week gives us a chance to learn about new opportunities and make commitments to do even more. We will be doing activities at school and families can complete the attached BINGO board. Each day next week has a theme and we will be having spirit days to match:

• Monday, April 20 – Wildlife Day - wear nature print
• Tuesday, April 21 – Zero Waste Day - wear white
• Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day - wear green
• Thursday, April 23 – Climate Change Day - wear red
• Friday, April 24- Watershed Day - wear blue

English Bingo Board

Spanish Bingo Board

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Community Conversations

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: 

• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Advanced Academic News

Programs (AAP) Screening Info

Check out the Spring AAP Newsletter ES (PDF) available in multiple languages:

Arabic | Chinese | English | Korean | Spanish | Urdu| Vietnamese

Join more than 500 families and community members for this year’s 2026 Special Education Family Conference on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference by completing the 2026 Special Education Family Conference Registration Form.