2/14/25 News From the Nest: Family Edition

Glen Forest ES News and Announcements1 week ago

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اذا كننتم بحاجة ان تستلموا هذه الرسالة بلغة اخرى  فنرجوا زيارة موقع ا مدرستنا  على هذا الرابط.                  

https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1 

February 14, 2025

Greetings, Glen Forest Families!

At GFES, we are a school of inclusion and belonging. We value each of you and your children, and we are grateful to be a part of their learning journey. Thank you for sharing them with us every day—our school community is stronger because of you!

As we are in the beginning of the 3rd quarter, we want to remind families the importance of attending school.  If your child misses just 2 days per month, they are at a significant disadvantage.  They will have missed 30 hours of math instruction and 60 hours of reading and writing instruction.  Please let us know if your child is showing signs of school refusal and make sure they in school if they are not sick.  Thank you for your continued support!  It's cool to be in school!

 

Presidents Day (Holiday) - All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday.

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. Glen Forest will host a kindergarten orientation later this spring.  Stay tuned for the date and time!

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. We have had students appearing on the Morning News Show highlighting famous Black Americans! If you or your family would like to come on the News Show to share as well, please contact Heather Carroll at [email protected].  Learn more about Black History month

Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that 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. Read a letter from the health department

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

  • Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school. 

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Did you know that the Justice High School Pyramid, which we are a part of, is the only K-12 Title 1 Pyramid in FCPS? The Justice Pyramid Principals meet monthly to collaborate. We are nine schools united in our shared vision of creating environments centered on High Expectations, Belonging, Joy, and Success.

The shared commitment of the Justice Pyramid schools to these values strengthens the bond among communities while ensuring a unified, student-centered approach to education. Together, we work to create pathways for every learner to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mark Your Calendars!

Monday, Feb. 17th - No School - President's Day

Tuesday, Feb. 18th - PTO Chick-fil-A Spirit Day - 11:00am-8:00pm - flier coming home

Thursday, Feb. 20th - Family Engagement Meeting: At Home Literacy Tips- 10:00-10:45am - in the cafe and online via Zoom @ https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99279163694

Wednesday, Feb. 19th - Family Food Market - 5:00pm-6:30pm - cafe

Monday, March 10th - 3 Hour Early Release for Students - Dismissal 1:05pm

Monday, March 10th - PTO Meeting via Zoom 7:30pm https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92982945083

Thursday, March 13th - 1st Day of PTO After School Clubs - flier coming home soon!

Thursday, March 13th - Family Engagement Meeting: Making Math Fun- 10:00-10:45am - in the cafe and online via Zoom @ https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99279163694

Saturday, March 15th - FCPS Family Summit - 8:30am-3:30pm at South Lakes HS in Reston - see more information at this link 

Thursday, March 20th - Family Engagement Meeting: Special Education Info Session- 10:00-10:45am - in the cafe and online via Zoom @ https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99279163694

Glen Forest ES Administrative Team

Pictured from left to right:

Jessica Green, Assistant Principal for Pre-K, 1st Grade and Special Education, [email protected]

Alexandra Bowman, Assistant Principal for 2nd and 3rd Grade, [email protected]

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Principal, [email protected]

Chris Musgnug, Assistant Principal for Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade, [email protected]

If you have any comments, concerns, questions, or compliments, please email me at [email protected].  Thank you for sharing your children with us and for your continued partnership in their education.  

From Many, We are ONE!  Team Glen Forest!  #GFeaglessoar

Warmly, 

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Your Proud Principal

5829 Glen Forest Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041 |  Phone: 703.578.8000

Attendance: Submit Online or Call 703.578.8019 

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1/10/25 News From the Nest: Family Edition

Glen Forest ES News and Announcements1 month 1 week ago

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اذا كننتم بحاجة ان تستلموا هذه الرسالة بلغة اخرى  فنرجوا زيارة موقع ا مدرستنا  على هذا الرابط.                  

https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1 

January 10, 2025

Happy New Year! We hope you and your children had a wonderful winter break and enjoyed the recent snow. As we step into this new year, we are excited to welcome your students back to school.

Attendance plays a critical role in your child's learning and overall success. Each day provides opportunities for growth, connection, and achievement. Please make every effort to ensure your child attends school daily, as every moment matters.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to an amazing second half of the school year!

Mark Your Calendars!

Monday, January 13th - PTO Meeting via Zoom 7:30pm-8:00pm https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92982945083

Wednesday, January 15th - Family Food Market 5:00pm-6:00pm

Monday, January 20th - No School - Martin Luther King Jr Day

Tuesday, January 28th - Second Quarter Ends 

Wednesday, January 29th - Teacher Workday - No School for Students 

Thursday, January 29th - Family Enegement Event - inova I

Thursday, January 30th - Rising 6th Grade Night at Glasgow MS 6:00pm-8:00pm

With winter weather upon us, please make sure your child is clothed appropriately.  All coats, hats, and gloves should be labeled with their name.  If you need assistance securing necessary outerwear, please contact our school social worker, Michelle Wenz, at [email protected] and she can assist in connecting you with available resources.

Literacy Resources for Families 

A new Literacy Resources for Families webpage has been published to the external web to provide families with information about how to support their children with developing literacy knowledge and skills at home. It provides valuable information about the reading and writing resources to be used at home, the VALLSS, Reading Plans, guidance for Parent Teacher Conferences, and training available through the Family Academy.  There is also a Family-Facing Curriculum web page that explains what your children are learning and when they are learning it. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any clarifying questions.  

Glen Forest ES Administrative Team

Pictured from left to right:

Jessica Green, Assistant Principal for Pre-K, 1st Grade and Special Education, [email protected]

Alexandra Bowman, Assistant Principal for 2nd and 3rd Grade, [email protected]

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Principal, [email protected]

Chris Musgnug, Assistant Principal for Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade, [email protected]

If you have any comments, concerns, questions, or compliments, please email me at [email protected].  Thank you for sharing your children with us and for your continued partnership in their education.  

From Many, We are ONE!  Team Glen Forest!  #GFeaglessoar

Warmly, 

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Your Proud Principal

5829 Glen Forest Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041 |  Phone: 703.578.8000

Attendance: Submit Online or Call 703.578.8019 

Web Twitter | Facebook

11/26/24 News From the Nest: Family Edition

Glen Forest ES News and Announcements2 months 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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اذا كننتم بحاجة ان تستلموا هذه الرسالة بلغة اخرى  فنرجوا زيارة موقع ا مدرستنا  على هذا الرابط.                  

https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1 

November 26, 2024

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, we would like for you to know how thankful we are for each and every one of you.  Thank you for sharing your children with us at Glen Forest ES and for your continued support in their education. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful break and create many warm memories.  

Thanksgiving Break

November 27th-29th

 

We look forward to welcoming back our students on Monday, December 2nd!

Boundary Review Community Meetings

FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. 

With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

A form was sent home with all K-5th grade students titled "Federal Impact Aid Survey" that needs to be filled out and returned.  We must account for EVERY student. Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. If you have not already, please fill out the form and return to school.  You can read about the survey at this link.  

Grade Level Attendance Competition

We have started a grade level attendance competition and the numbers are looking strong!  Last week, our 4th grade won with a 97% attendance rate!  Parents, thank you for your continued support with getting your child to school each day (unless sick, of course). 

Week of Nov. 18th: Kindergarten: 96%, 1st Grade: 95%, 2nd Grade: 94%, 3rd Grade: 95%, 4th Grade: 97%, 5th Grade: 94%

PTO 5K Fun Run!  Thank you to everyone who came to our PTO 5K Fun Run this past Saturday.  Our fall running club members worked hard to prepare and ended the season with a successful race. Congratulations to all of our runners and a huge thank you to the coaches; Devan Davis, Kaitlyn Knox, Kat Hartzell, & Scarlett Bavin!  

Going to the movies over the holidays? Please consider visiting a Regal Cinema. Share with family and friends that if they purchase a Regal Movie Ticket Bundle before January 5, 2025, not only will they get to enjoy an amazing film experience, but they'll also be supporting Glen Forest PTO in the process!

Every action, share or purchase really makes a difference. Here is our link to join: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/48165-glen-forest-pto-regal-fundraising-campaigns

Meet Laura Colombo, Acting Assistant Principal

While Jessica Green is on leave, the Region 2 Leadership Team has gifted us with an Acting Assistant Principal.  We are thrilled to have Ms. Colombo with us until approximately mid-January.  Welcome Ms. Colombo!

Bio: My name is Laura Colombo and I am incredible excited and grateful to be joining your family for a couple of months as Acting Assistant Principal while Mrs. Green is out and learning alongside this incredible team of staff and students! I am originally from outside Cleveland, Ohio where my family still resides. I attended Michigan State University and received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Special Education - Learning Disabilities. I moved to Fairfax County after college and have been working in FCPS for the last 14 years first as a special education teacher at Cunningham Park in Vienna and then at Graham Road in Falls Church before transitioning to Special Education Department Chair at Graham Road. I completed my master’s degree at George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction and my certificate in Administration and Supervision at James Madison University. When I am not in the school setting, I often spend my time reading. with family, and showing dogs. 

Mark Your Calendars!

Wednesday, Nov. 27th - Friday, November 29th - No School - Thanksgiving Break

Monday, Dec. 2nd - Students Return to School

Thursday, Dec. 5th - Family Engagement Meeting - Topic: Prevention & Care of Illness During Winter

Monday, Dec. 9th - Fall Picture Retakes

Monday, Dec. 9th - PTO Spirit Night at Panera - 4:00pm-8pm

Monday, Dec. 9th - Friday, Dec. 13th - Scholastic Book Fair!

Wednesday, Dec. 18th - Family Food Market - 5:00pm-6:00pm

Friday, Dec. 20th - Last Day of School Before Winter Break

Monday, Dec. 23rd - Sunday, Jan. 5th - WINTER BREAK - No School

Monday, Jan. 6th - School Resumes

Literacy Resources for Families 

A new Literacy Resources for Families webpage has been published to the external web to provide families with information about how to support their children with developing literacy knowledge and skills at home. It provides valuable information about the reading and writing resources to be used at home, the VALLSS, Reading Plans, guidance for Parent Teacher Conferences, and training available through the Family Academy.  There is also a Family-Facing Curriculum web page that explains what your children are learning and when they are learning it. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any clarifying questions.  

Glen Forest ES Administrative Team

Pictured from left to right:

Jessica Green, Assistant Principal for Pre-K, 1st Grade and Special Education, [email protected]

Alexandra Bowman, Assistant Principal for 2nd and 3rd Grade, [email protected]

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Principal, [email protected]

Chris Musgnug, Assistant Principal for Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade, [email protected]

If you have any comments, concerns, questions, or compliments, please email me at [email protected].  Thank you for sharing your children with us and for your continued partnership in their education.  

From Many, We are ONE!  Team Glen Forest!  #GFeaglessoar

Warmly, 

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Your Proud Principal

5829 Glen Forest Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041 |  Phone: 703.578.8000

Attendance: Submit Online or Call 703.578.8019 

Web Twitter | Facebook

11/5/24 News From the Nest: Family Edition

Glen Forest ES News and Announcements3 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

If you need this message in another language, please visit this link: https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1

Si necesita este mensaje en otro idioma, visite el sitio web de nuestra escuela en este enlace: https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1

اذا كننتم بحاجة ان تستلموا هذه الرسالة بلغة اخرى  فنرجوا زيارة موقع ا مدرستنا  على هذا الرابط.                  

https://glenforestes.fcps.edu/aggregator/sources/1 

November 5, 2024

Attend Today!  Achieve Tomorrow!

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent. They will have missed 30 hours of math instruction and 60 hours of reading and writing instruction.  This puts your child at a huge disadvantage in meeting academic and social/emotional targets.  

Please contact the school if your child is showing school refusal so that we can problem solve together!  We want and need our students in school!

Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Thanksgiving Lunch ~ November 21st

We are excited to be hosting a Thanksgiving Lunch again this year for our families on Thursday, November 21st! Last year we welcomed about 300 visitors! Fliers with an RSVP will be going home to families on Wednesday, Nov. 6th!

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Literacy Resources for Families Webpage

A new Literacy Resources for Families webpage has been published to the external web to provide families with information about how to support their children with developing literacy knowledge and skills at home. It provides valuable information about the reading and writing resources to be used at home, the VALLSS, Reading Plans, guidance for Parent Teacher Conferences, and training available through the Family Academy.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. If your family would like to share about your Native American culture on our Morning News Show, please reach out to Heather Carroll at [email protected]

PTO 5K Fun Run!

Our annual Glen Forest 5k Fun Run is taking place on Saturday November 23. Registration from 10:00-10:45 with the race starting at 11:00am. There will be music, games, face painting, and food trucks! 

If you would like to volunteer at the race, please let any member of the PTO board know or email [email protected]. Help is greatly appreciated!!

Mark Your Calendars!

Wednesday, Nov. 6th - AAP Parent Information Night - 6:30pm in the cafe

Wednesday, Nov. 6th - PTO Restaurant Fundraiser - Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant - Purchases all day will benefit PTO

Monday, Nov. 11th - No School - Veterans Day  

Tuesday, November 12th - Report Cards Available in ParentVue

Wednesday, November 13th - Report Cards Sent Home

Monday, Nov. 18th - PTO Meeting 7:30pm via Zoom (link will be sent)

Wednesday, Nov. 20th - Family Food Market 5:30pm-6:30pm

Thursday, Nov. 2st - Families Invited to Thanksgiving Lunch! Flier coming home on 11/6

Saturday, Nov. 23rd - 5K Fun Run!  Race starts at 11:00

Understanding the Full-Time AAP (Advanced Academic Programs) Screening Process

At this meeting, Parents of 2nd-5th grade students will learn about Fairfax County’s AAP Full-Time Services Referral, Screening, and Identification Process. There will be an Arabic and Spanish translator available.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
6:30-7:30 PM
In the Glen Forest Cafeteria

Glen Forest ES Administrative Team

Pictured from left to right:

Jessica Green, Assistant Principal for Pre-K, 1st Grade and Special Education, [email protected]

Alexandra Bowman, Assistant Principal for 2nd and 3rd Grade, [email protected]

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Principal, [email protected]

Chris Musgnug, Assistant Principal for Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade, [email protected]

If you have any comments, concerns, questions, or compliments, please email me at [email protected].  Thank you for sharing your children with us and for your continued partnership in their education.  

From Many, We are ONE!  Team Glen Forest!  #GFeaglessoar

Warmly, 

Dee Dee Herndon-Wilson, Your Proud Principal

5829 Glen Forest Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041 |  Phone: 703.578.8000

Attendance: Submit Online or Call 703.578.8019 

Web Twitter | Facebook

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