Kings Glen Gator Bytes March 18, 2026
Weekly News and General Information for Kings Glen ES

Gator Bytes: News and General Information for Kings Glen ES


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Dr. Christine Ritter

A Message from Principal Ritter

Dear Kings Glen Families -

They say if you don’t like the weather in Virginia, just wait five minutes. We enjoyed a beautiful tease of spring over the weekend, only to be reminded that Mother Nature and her surprises are not quite finished yet. We want to extend a sincere thank you to our entire community, families, students, and staff, for your incredible flexibility and patience during Monday’s early weather closure. Your cooperation ensured our students and staff made it home safely and smoothly.

The energy in the building is high as our Kings Jesters prepare to take the stage. Our cast and crew have been working tirelessly on this year’s musical production, Newsies Jr. The talent and dedication these students are showing is truly inspiring. We hope to see the whole community in the audience to support our hard-working performers during the evening shows Tuesday, March 24th – Thursday, March 26th.

And as a reminder, after many postponements due to weather, our Spring pictures have been rescheduled to Monday, March 23rd, including the tradition of the 6th Grade Panoramic picture.  Spring pictures include the class pictures, so please make every effort to have your student at school on Monday!


REMINDER:  Eid Al-Fitr Holiday

Friday, March 20 ~ Schools Are Closed

Please note that there is no school this Friday, March 20th in observance of Eid al-Fitr. We wish a joyful and peaceful celebration to all of our families who are observing the holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the building on Monday, March 23rd to kick off a week of learning as we wrap up the third quarter of the school year!


Positivity Project

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 March 16-20Identifying the Good in Others


Spring Pictures

Spring Picture Day and 6th Grade Panoramic Picture at Kings Glen

Monday, March 23rd

Due to the need for rescheduling our Spring Pictures from this past Monday's snow day, Victor O'Neill Studios will be taking Spring Pictures/Class Pictures and the 6th Grade Panoramic Picture on Monday, March 23rd.

You will be able to view and order your child’s photos in their online gallery approximately ten days after picture day. If you have any questions leading up to picture day, please reach out to Victor O’Neill Studios by emailing underclass@vosphoto.com .


Newsies, Jr.

Kings Jesters 'Newsies, Jr.' Tickets On Sale Now!

Show Dates March 24th, 25th and 26th

The Kings Jesters will be performing Newsies, Jr. on Tuesday March 24th, Wednesday March 25th and Thursday, March 26th! Tickets are $7 each, and can be purchased via MySchoolBucks (Kings Glen students only), cash, or check payable to Kings Glen ES.  If paying by cash/check, please place in envelope with your student's name and teacher.  Seating is limited, so be sure to get your tickets soon!


April Statewide Election: No School for Students

Tuesday, April 21st

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

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.


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:

Grade

Reading SOL

Math SOL

Science SOL

Grade 4:

May 5 (Tues)

May 12 (Tues)

n/a

Grade 5:

May 7 (Thurs)

May 14 (Thurs)

May 19 (Tues)

Grade 6:

May 6 (Wed)

May 15 (Fri)

n/a

 


Order Your Yearbook

Preorder Your 2025-26 Yearbook!!

Deadline to Preorder is Monday, April 13th

The 2025-26 Yearbook sales are open now and the price is $17.  Secure your copy by placing your preorder through one of the following options:

Email KGNotes@fcps.edu with questions. Thank you!


Summer Learning Opportunities

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students.  Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps. 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. 


Month of the Military Child

April is Month of the Military Child!

To commemorate the Month of the Military Child, we at Kings Glen recognize and thank 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.

Spirit Week April 13-17. We are excited to have a spirit week showing our appreciation to our amazing military community. More information coming next week.

Purple Up! Day ~ Wednesday, April 15th

This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

Did you know, Kings Glen has been as recognized with their Purple Star Designation since 2022, and this year was the recipient of the Purple Star 2nd Award?


Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest – “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader”

Submission Deadline April 17th

Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support Fairfax County Public Schools students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest during March. FCPS students in grades K–12 are invited to design a 2” x 7” bookmark celebrating the power of learning and creativity under the theme “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.”

Artwork must be original, flat (no glitter or pop-ups), and include the student’s name, grade, and school on the back. Entries will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme, and overall effort. Four winners (K–2, 3–6, middle, and high) will each receive a $25 gift card, and winning designs will be printed and shared in schools and the community. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement.

Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, or sent via pony mail. By submitting, students confirm FCPS enrollment and grant permission for printing and promotion (first name and grade only; parent/guardian signature required for winners).

Please click this link for instructions: Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest Flyer and Instructions.  


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 6:30-7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) as follows: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


FCPS Cares

Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES!  Families, colleagues and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu.


Kings Park Kings Glen PTA

     KP/KG PTA News


Registration for Spring After School Activities is now open!  Visit our website for more information on classes and how to register. Please note that every after school program is required to have a parent volunteer in attendance or the class will be cancelled. If you are interested in helping coordinate our parent volunteers, please reach out to Lisley Anco at educomm@kpkgpta.org.

The PTA Board is looking for a new Secretary and Treasurer to join us for the 2026-2027 school year.  Please reach out to board@kpkgpta.org if you’re interested in learning more about these positions.

Save the date! Glow Dance returns to Kings Glen on April 17th for Kings Glen students only.  More details coming soon!


Dates to Remember

Mar. 20:  Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Schools Closed)

Mar. 23:  Spring Picture/6th Grade Panoramic Picture Day (See Above)

Mar. 24-26:  Kings Jesters 'Newsies, Jr.' Musical Performance Nights

Mar. 27:  End of 3rd Quarter (Students Dismissed at 1:25 p.m.)

Mar. 30-Apr. 3:  Spring Break (School Closed)

Apr. 6:  Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Apr. 10:  School Planning Day (No School for Students)

Apr. 13-17:  Military Child Spirit Week (Details to Come)

Apr. 15:  Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child (See Above)

Apr. 17:  PTA Glow Dance (Kings Glen students only)

Apr. 17:  Deadline to Submit Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest (See Above)

Apr. 21:  Special Election Day (No School for Students)

Apr. 22:  3-Hour Early Release Wednesday (Students Dismiss at 12:25 p.m.)