Bonnie Brae ES- Family Newsletter
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Hello, Scottie families!
Thank you to those parents and guardians who were able to join us at our April parent coffee, where we shared about The Positivity Project (also referred to as P2) and ways for parents to connect with P2 at home. Bonnie Brae continues to utilize The Positivity Project with our students, staff, and community, as a way to support the building and maintaining of strong relationships with a focus on the "other people mindset," which supports the learning and success of all our Scotties. Check out the Positivity Project for Families webpage to help continue the discussion of the 24 positive character strengths at home.
Next week we celebrate our incredible Bonnie Brae staff during Staff Appreciation Week! Please consider donating here, or give the gift of time during recess here.
A reminder that tomorrow, May 3, is a teacher workday and there is no school. Have a great evening, and a wonderful weekend with your family!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success. Next Week's Events- May 7 - Interims Sent Home
- May 7 - Grade 6 Reading SOL Test
- May 8 - Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day
- May 8 - Grade 4 Reading SOL Test
- May 9 - Grade 3 Reading SOL Test
Upcoming Weekly Focus: Leadership
Character Strengths: You value each member of your group and
inspire people to do their best.
Quote of the Week: “When the world is silent, even one voice becomes
powerful...Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.’”
-MALALA YOUSAFZAI
Positivity Project for FamiliesFamilies can find resources to help continue the discussion of character strengths at home by visiting the Positivity Project for Families webpage.
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...Mrs. Czarnecki's students analyze primary sources to answer the question, "What was Harriet Tubman's greatest achievement?".
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!As we approach the end of the school year, it’s important for students to stay engaged, attend school, and finish strong! Visit our website for attendance resources. As we shared previously, we will be giving weekly absenteeism updates. As of May 1, 2024, Bonnie Brae's absenteeism rate for the year has gone above the state threshold of 15%, and we are currently at 15.1%. Be sure to send your child to school when healthy, and help us continue to decrease our overall percentage of students who are considered chronically absent (as a reminder, chronic absenteeism is missing 10% or more of days in a school year, regardless of excused or unexcused).
Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day-May 8Join us on Wednesday, May 8th for Walk and Roll to School Day! Participate with our Bonnie Brae School Community by walking or riding your bike to school. Enjoy the health benefits to the exercise associated with this event, as well as the benefits to the environment by removing vehicles from the road. We hope to see you walking or rolling on May 8th!
Parent Input for Next Year's Class PlacementWe are getting ready to discuss class placement for the 2024-25 school year and would appreciate parent/guardian input for consideration during these discussions. If you would like to provide input, please complete this form by May 10, 2024. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with you and your children to best support their learning needs.
Resources for Newly Registered FamiliesBeing connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
- School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
- FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
- Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities.
- Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact Santanisha Chang, [email protected].
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
Register Your Children Online
Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.
SOL Testing at Bonnie Brae-Begins May 2ndSpring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science take place in May. The FCPS Grade Level Tests webpage provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). If you have questions about SOLs, contact your child's teacher or Natalie Vershaw, school test coordinator.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th GradersImmunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations.
It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.
Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight LanguagesParents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer ExtravaganzaDon’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza!
Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth.
Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!
Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.
FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential GuidanceThe Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Staff Appreciation Week - VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS NEEDED!!!Volunteers and donations are needed to make next week a success!!! Many hands make light work, so please sign up today via our Volunteers & Donations SignUpGenius to help ensure we have enough volunteer coverage and items donated as we shower our AMAZING BBES staff with love, food, gifts, and appreciation for the full week from May 6 - 10. Thank you for your time and generous contributions!
Staff Appreciation Week - Giving the Gift of Recess TimeAs a way to show the teachers how much we appreciate them, please consider volunteering, via our Recess Time SignUpGenius, to supervise students during recess throughout the week of May 6-10. Sign up for one slot or many!
Spring Carnival - Volunteers Needed!The BBES PTO welcomes all families to join us for our annual event as we celebrate with carnival games, music, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, staff dunk tank, food trucks, and concessions! View our Spring Carnival flyer for more details.
When: Friday, May 17th from 6-8PM
Where: Bonnie Brae Elementary
Cost: $5/student (save time with pre-sale tickets online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/092ec9d8-6609-4bf1-8c22-b2384be69815)
These exciting events that make magical memories for our little ones are only possible WITH YOUR HELP! Please sign up to help during the event via our Spring Carnival SignUpGenius.
*This is not a drop-off event, and all students must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
Board Positions OPEN - BBES PTO Needs YOU!We hope everyone has had a wonderful year and enjoyed all of the events, after school programs, fundraisers, assemblies, and so much more! But all of this is only made possible by having a robust team of volunteers to lead the PTO with a full Board. There are SO MANY benefits to joining the PTO Board! You'll stay connected and involved in the school community, make new friends, and be a special part of helping make magical memories for our kids that will last a lifetime!
We are currently seeking PTO Board nominations for the 2024-2025 school year for the President, President Elect, and two Co-VPs of Fundraising. PLEASE reach out to any current board member or the PTO President at [email protected] if you are interested. Many hands make light work, and we hope to continue supporting so many wonderful events and programs for our students next year with your help!
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
- May 15 - Grade 5 Math SOL Test
- May 15 - Grade 6 Math SOL Test
- May 15 - PTO Meeting (virtual), 6-7 pm
- May 16- Grade 4 Math SOL Test
- May 17- Grade 3 Math SOL Test
- May 17 - PTO Spring Carnival
- May 21 - Grade 5 Science SOL Test
- May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday (no school for students and staff)
- May 30 - Five Guys Restaurant Night, 4-8 pm
- May 31 - Spirit Day-Beach Day
- June 5 - 5th/6th Grade Strings Concert (Oak View ES), 6-7 pm
- June 6 - 4th Grade Strings Concert (Robinson),
- June 6 - 5th/6th Grade Band Concert (Robinson),
- June 7 - Field Day
- June 12 - Last Day of School, 2 Hour Early Release, 1:15 pm
5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter