FCPS

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Hello, Scottie families!  

Happy Friday! We had a great first PTO meeting of the year Wednesday evening. Thank you to those who were able to attend, as it was our first in-person PTO meeting in over three years!

We are looking forward to next week where we will be celebrating Blue Star Schools Welcome Week, in which we welcome our military families. We will celebrate our military (and all) parents at our first parent coffee of the year on Friday, September 29. See below for details.  Also, next Friday we have our first SCA Spirit Day of the year - Multiples Day! Come dressed as twins, triplets, quadruplets, or wear Bonnie Brae colors of blue and white, and we will create rooms full of multiples!

We end next week with our PTO outdoor movie night on Friday as well. See the PTO section below or click here to volunteer to help out!  A reminder that movie night is a family event, and students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. We look forward to seeing our Scottie families next Friday night!

Finally, a reminder that all FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25 for Yom Kippur.

Have a great long weekend!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• September 15-October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
• September 23-October 1 - Blue Star Welcome Week
• September 25 - Yom Kippur (no school)
• September 29 - SCA Spirit Day: Multiples Day/Blue & White Day
• September 29 - Parent Coffee (8:40 am-9:25 am)
• September 29 - PTO Movie Night (doors open at 6:30 pm)

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus:  Perspective

Character Strength Features:  You appreciate that people see things in
different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.

Quote of the Week:  ““The simple things are also the most extraordinary
thing, and only the wise can see them.”                  

                                                                                -PAULO COELHO

A few amazing highlights that happened this week... Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

Blue Star Welcome Week

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to empower military families to thrive as they serve. There are approximately 14,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. Each year, one-third of our military families transition into or out of our district. Blue Star Welcome Week gives schools an opportunity to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure that our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities. 

We look forward to a great week, and a great finish to next week with our first Bonnie Brae spirit day of the year, and our first parent coffee!  See below for more information on these fun opportunities to connect as a Bonnie Brae community!

Parent Coffee – September 29

As we close out Blue Star Welcome Week, please join us on Friday, September 29 from 8:40-9:25 am in the cafeteria for our September parent coffee.  Our physical education, art, and drama teachers are looking forward to sharing information about their programs with parents.  Come to connect with other parents, hear from our specialists, and grab a coffee and some breakfast snacks! 

SCA Spirit Day - Multiples Day!

Our SCA Leadership has selected our first SCA Spirit Day – Multiples Day!  On Friday, September 29, we encourage our Scotties to come dressed as twins, triplets, quadruplets, or more!  Looking to join a group for this fun day?  Come dressed in Bonnie Brae colors of blue and white and we will create rooms full of multiples!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Challenge Materials Review Committee

Good afternoon, Bonnie Brae families!  As detailed in Regulation 3009, principals are required to submit a list of individuals who are available to serve on a Challenged Materials Review Committee if a departmental committee is needed.  Names of two parents are required. Parents must not be employed by FCPS and contact information should be provided. 

The list of potential committee members will be maintained at central office.  Names are randomly chosen to serve if a central departmental committee is required to review a challenged material.

If you would like to submit your name as a parent volunteer for Bonnie Brae, please fill out this form.  Thank you! 

Advanced Academics Programs (AAP) News

Welcome to a new year of learning and fun! Please read the following updates to learn more about our latest AAP happenings!

The FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter has been linked to our Bonnie Brae AAP site.   Please note under the CogAT testing section, the listed date to request a retake has been extended to September 22.

We will be holding a family information meeting on October 4 to provide an overview of AAP services and the full time (level IV) referral process. Session 1 will be held at 8:45am our Bonnie Brae Café. Session 2 will be held virtually at 6:00pm via ZOOM. A link to this session will be sent out the week of the Oct 2. Both meetings will share the same information, please select the best time for your schedule. We look forward to seeing you October 4th!

Please email our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Larissa Sheehan ([email protected]) with any questions.

When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent. 

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledgement Due

FCPS’ updated Student Rights and Responsibility (SR&R) booklet is available online and in SIS ParentVUE. The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Each year, we ask parents/caregivers to review and sign the SR&R. The SR&R will be visible upon logging in to SIS ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgment has been completed.

Signatures are due by Friday, September 29. Please contact our front office if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet. Visit the SIS ParentVUE Account Overview webpage for help logging in to your account.

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. There are solutions. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Kick Off  

Join Superintendent Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation at Hayfield Secondary School on Tuesday, September 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m., or at Whitman Middle School on Wednesday, September 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions. 

These events are part of a series of Community Conversations this fall and spring in each region. Days and times for the additional region events will be shared soon. Visit FCPS’ webpage to find out when and where you can engage with Dr. Reid.

Register to attend. Pre-registration is not required. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. 

Make a SUBstantial Difference! 

FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers. Weekly virtual substitute teacher information sessions are held each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for an upcoming session on Wednesday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 4.

The School Board has approved a list of 18 days for substitutes to receive high-volume pay. All teacher substitutes will receive their hourly pay plus an additional $80 for each high-volume day they work. See the list of high-volume days and more information. 

A bonus program for substitutes who accept more than the 10 required days has also been approved. Substitutes working 50 days within a school year, will earn a $200 bonus. Substitutes working 100 days within a school year, will earn a $300 bonus. Substitutes working 150 days within a school year, will earn a $400 bonus. Get more information on this sub bonus program.

Robinson Annual Homecoming Parade

Robinson's Homecoming Parade takes place on Friday, October 13th from 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm.  If families want to catch a glimpse of the Homecoming Court, teacher bikers, fall sports teams, the Marching Rams, the Robinson pyramid mascots, and more, then come view the parade along Cascade Ln., Gainsborough Dr., and Wheatstone Dr.

PTO Movie Night

We're excited for our first Movie Night of the year! We hope everyone can join us! We're still looking for AWESOME VOLUNTEERS to ensure a successful event! We'll need all hands on deck and a full roster of amazing volunteers, so please sign up for a slot to help make the magic happen! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DACA72BA7F85-movie#/

When: Friday, September 29th, concessions start at 6:30PM and movie begins at 7PM

Where: Bonnie Brae Elementary School in front of the school (this will remain an outdoor event, so if it rains, an alternate date will be announced)

Movie: The Super Mario Bros.

Please note that this is a family event and students must be accompanied by their parents at all times and may not be dropped off. 

PTO Volunteer Opportunities are OPEN!

Bonnie Brae PTO LOVES our amazing volunteers! Join in the fun, make an impact, and get involved! Volunteering is one of the best ways to get connected with other amazing Scottie families. Your help makes a huge difference in the lives of our students, so sign up today to help make the magic happen! 

https://forms.gle/GzbP6WzrWu5hsYtV6

Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities

At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know: 

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• October 2 - Fall After School Programs Begin
• October 4 -  AAP Family Information Meetings
• October 9 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
• October 11 - Chipotle PTO Restaurant Night
• October 13 - Robinson Annual Homecoming Parade
• October 20 - PTO Fall Festival, 6 pm-8 pm

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

PTO Meeting

All parents, caretakers, teachers, and staff are welcome to join us for our first PTO Meeting of the year! We are so excited to meet everyone and will have refreshments to enjoy throughout the meeting. 

Come learn about the Bonnie Brae PTO, opportunities to get involved, and the positive changes YOU can make in the lives of our school and students. 

• When: Tonight --- Wednesday, September 20th at 6PM
• Where: BBES Cafeteria

Can’t make it in person? Stream the meeting virtually using this Zoom link.

Please note that this is just to stream the meeting. Any questions/comments can be emailed to the PTO President and will be responded to after the meeting. 

Questions can be sent to [email protected].

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Kickoff

Dear BBES Families-

Today we are excited to kickoff our first significant fundraiser of the year.  The BBES PTO has partnered with Charleston Wrap on a product-based fundraiser featuring quality wrapping paper and an assortment of other products too.  A catalog and flyer with registration information are in your child's yellow Tuesday folder this week.  Registration is quick and information about the fundraiser can be easily shared via e-mail, text, and social media.  The BBES PTO will receive 40% of the proceeds on most items and 30% on personalized items.  Don't forget to enter our school code, 16200, when registering your Scotties.  

A quick note about prizes-  Students are eligible to earn various prizes by participating in the fundraiser.  Given limited PTO volunteer resources, the PTO team wanted to share with the community that prizes earned will be awarded following the conclusion of the fundraiser.  The marketing materials provided by the company mentioned that some prizes could be earned "tomorrow" or on a more instant basis, however, our school has chosen to award prizes at the end of the fundraiser.    

Interested in helping with future fundraising opportunities?  

E-mail [email protected] for additional information.  

Thanks for supporting our school community.  Go Scotties!

 

-The BBES PTO Fundraising Team   

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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Fall Picture Day - Tuesday, September 19th

Fall Picture Day is tomorrow! 

If you are placing an order via the paper order form, please make sure your child brings it to school on Tuesday, September 19th.  We will collect picture order forms when students come to get their picture taken. 

Online orders are also an option.  Paper order forms and online ordering should be completed by Tuesday, September 19th.  Families may place online orders up until 24 hours after picture day.  After 24 hours, the online ordering access may close.

All students who pre-purchase pictures will receive their picture packages at school.  

Students who did not prepay for pictures will receive a "Proof" of their picture from picture day.  Proof packages offer families a second opportunity to order pictures.  Proof packages are subject to shipping and handling costs of up to $8.50 and will be shipped directly to home.

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

We have had another great week of learning at Bonnie Brae!  Lots of exciting happenings coming up, including Fall Picture Day on Tuesday (9/19).  Additionally, we have our first PTO meeting of the year on Wednesday (9/20), and PTO movie night on September 29.  PTO movie night is a family event, and the PTO needs your support!  See the PTO section below and consider signing-up, or click here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DACA72BA7F85-movie#/

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• September 17 - Constitution Day
• September 19 - Fall Picture Day
• September 20 - PTO Meeting, 6 PM (Cafeteria)

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus:  Being Present and Giving Others My Attention (OPM)

Character Strength Features:  When you are with other people, you are present and give them your full attention.

Quote of the Week:  “Life is what happens when you put down your
phone."                                         

                                                                                -KID PRESIDENT

A few amazing highlights that happened this week... Picture Day Ordering Information

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Paper order forms will be sent home in Tuesday Folders on Tuesday, September 12th.  Online orders are also an option.  Paper order forms and online ordering should be completed by Tuesday, September 19th.  Families may place online orders up until 24 hours after picture day.  After 24 hours, the online ordering access may close.

All students who pre-purchased pictures will receive their picture packages at school.  

Students who did not prepay for pictures will receive a "Proof" of their picture from picture day.  Proof packages offer families a second opportunity to order pictures.  Proof packages are subject to shipping and handling costs of up to $8.50 and will be shipped directly to home.

Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

Renovation Update

We have heard from FCPS Office of Design and Construction on a timeline for our renovation.  The bid process closes in late October, with the School Board scheduled to select and award the winning bid on November 9.  Construction is scheduled to begin in November/December of this year, with a final project anticipated completion date of December 16, 2025 Please see the FCPS Bonnie Brae renovation website for more information on the renovation project.  

Advanced Academics Programs (AAP) News

Welcome to a new year of learning and fun! Please read the following updates to learn more about our latest AAP happenings!

The FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter has been linked to our Bonnie Brae AAP site.   Please note under the CogAT testing section, the listed date to request a retake has been extended to September 22.

We will be holding a family information meeting on October 4 to provide an overview of AAP services and the full time (level IV) referral process. Session 1 will be held at 8:45am our Bonnie Brae Café. Session 2 will be held virtually at 6:00pm via ZOOM. A link to this session will be sent out the week of the Oct 2. Both meetings will share the same information, please select the best time for your schedule. We look forward to seeing you October 4th!

Please email our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Larissa Sheehan ([email protected]) with any questions.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Blue Star Welcome Week

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community. 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 23 - October 1, 2023, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS

Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:

1. Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
2. Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
3. Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on: 
1. Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
2. Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
3. Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
4. Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener,Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
5. The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.

Paper forms can be signed and returned to school.

2023-24 Health and Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission levelCOVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Tips to Stay Healthy

Flu season is quickly approaching and communicable diseases continue to be present in our schools. Families and staff are encouraged to follow the health practices below to prevent the spread of illnesses and help keep our schools safe:

• Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine (with rare exceptions). Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ and pediatricians’ offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. As of Tuesday, September 12, updated COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use among those aged 6 months or older for the 2023-24 season. Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in your community by visiting Vaccinate Virginia, or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA or 877-829-4682. Note: Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be provided in the same appointment.
• Check with your student’s healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on their required school entrance immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form.
• Check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. If a child is sick, please keep them home and get them tested for COVID-19 to stop further spread from occurring. Additional guidance on when to keep your child home due to symptoms and illness is available on the FCPS Attendance webpage. FCPS employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.
• Don’t forget to wash hands regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and limit the time children spend in large group settings with contagious individuals whenever possible.

The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 school health practices is available on the Health and Safety Guidance webpage.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy.

When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent. 

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits. 

Students Are Learning Every Day

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

BBES Parent Course on Schoology: New Update A new flyer has been uploaded to our Parent Schoology Course.

New this week: Burke Basketball Flyer

In order to access Schoology, you must be signed up for a Parent Vue account and can use those credentials to sign in. Don't have a Parent Vue account? Register today! 

Movie Night

We're so excited for our first Movie Night of the year! We hope everyone can join us!

• When: Friday, September 29th (concessions start at 6:30PM and movie begins at 7PM)
• Where: Bonnie Brae Elementary School
• Movie: The Super Mario Bros.

We'll need all hands on deck and a full roster of awesome volunteers to help make this night a success, so please sign up for a slot to help make the magic happen!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DACA72BA7F85-movie#/

Please note that this is a family event and students must be accompanied by their parents at all times and may not be dropped off. 

PTO Meeting

All parents, caretakers, teachers, and staff are welcome to join us for the first PTO Meeting of the year! We are so excited to meet everyone and will have refreshments to enjoy throughout the meeting. 

Come learn about the Bonnie Brae PTO, opportunities to get involved, and the positive changes YOU can make in the lives of our school and students. 

• When: Wednesday, September 20th at 6PM
• Where: BBES Cafeteria

Questions can be sent to [email protected]

PTO Fundraising

Throughout the school year, the Bonnie Brae PTO will conduct a variety of fundraising activities in support of our school community ranging from restaurant nights, “thon” style fundraising campaigns, community partnerships, direct monetary donations, and product-based fundraisers.  We know and respect that everyone has different preferences as to how you may prefer to support our school community throughout the year.  

To kick off our series of fundraisers, the PTO has partnered with Charleston Wrap for a product-based fundraiser.  This is an online only fundraiser where items purchased will be shipped to customers directly.  Our school PTO will receive 40 percent on most items purchased and 30 percent on personalized items.  A fundraising catalog/flyer will be sent home in your child’s Tuesday folder on September 19th.  Please take a moment to review the catalog and register your child for the fundraiser.  Thanks in advance for your support of our school community.  Go Scotties! 

PTO Volunteer Opportunities are OPEN!

Bonnie Brae PTO LOVES our amazing volunteers! Join in the fun, make an impact, and get involved! Volunteering is one of the best ways to get connected with other amazing Scottie families. Your help makes a huge difference in the lives of our students, so sign up today to help make the magic happen! 

https://forms.gle/GzbP6WzrWu5hsYtV6

Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities

At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know: 

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• September 25 - Yom Kippur (no school)
• September 29 - PTO Movie Night
• October 4 -  AAP Family Information Meetings
• October 9 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

After School Clubs - Registration Opens Tonight

After School Club registration for Teacher-led programs opens tonight at 7pm! Head to our website at that time to follow the link to register.

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

It has been a wonderful first few weeks of school!  Our students are building classroom communities, developing skills in reading and writing, having rich conversations about math, learning about FCPS' Portrait of a Graduate attributes, and strengthening relationships through The Positivity Project's "Other People Mindset."  We are excited for all that is to come!

We had another great Back-to-School Night on Wednesday!  Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS Superintendent, was in attendance for a portion of the event and she was thrilled to meet and greet many of our Bonnie Brae parents!   

Be sure to check out the PTO section below for information on registering for a PTO sponsored After School Club.  Registration opens Tuesday, September 12 at 7 PM.  Contact the PTO with any questions.

It looks like slightly cooler temperatures are on the horizon for the weekend.  Enjoy the time with your friends and family!  

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• September 11 - National Day of Service and Remembrance

A few amazing highlights that happened this week... Remembering 9/11

Each year, the United States commemorates the tragic loss of life on September 11, 2001, and the acts of courage, compassion, and sacrifice that followed. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day and 9/11, is a chance to reflect and to act in service to others as a way of honoring those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Picture Day Ordering Information

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Paper order forms will be sent home in Tuesday Folders on Tuesday, September 12th.  Online orders are also an option.  Paper order forms and online ordering should be completed by Tuesday, September 19th.  Families may place online orders up until 24 hours after picture day.  After 24 hours, the online ordering access may close.

All students who pre-purchased pictures will receive their picture packages at school.  

Students who did not prepay for pictures will receive a "Proof" of their picture from picture day.  Proof packages offer families a second opportunity to order pictures.  Proof packages are subject to shipping and handling costs of up to $8.50 and will be shipped directly to home.

SCA Update

Our SCA sponsors are looking forward to next steps in determining the SCA Cabinet and Leadership Team (grades 4-6) for this school year.  Thank you to all those students who applied to be a candidate for SCA.  Candidates will be announced Monday, September 11 and voting will take place Wednesday, September 13 in classrooms.  Please direct any questions to Rochelle Oedemann ([email protected]) or Lynda Falkenstein (l[email protected]).

Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:

1. Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
2. Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
3. Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on: 
1. Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
2. Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
3. Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
4. Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener,Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
5. The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.

Paper forms can be signed and returned to school.

Health Information and Emergency Care Forms

The Health Information and Emergency Care forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet. 

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 

The Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations

Immunizations are required Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form. To access that form, click Online Packets in the top right of the screen after logging in to SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account by contacting the main office.

2023-24 Health and Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission levelCOVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.

Students Are Learning Every Day

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com

All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/caregivers can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to [email protected].

STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest Offers Hands-On Activities for Students

Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information.

Teacher-Led After School Clubs

Registration for Teacher-led After School Clubs opens Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7pm! Make sure to check out the available programs and register early to get your spot. Community-led program registration is now open! Email [email protected] with any questions. Needs-based scholarships are available.

Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities

At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know: 

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• September 19 - Fall Picture Day
• September 25 - Yom Kippur (no school)

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

Restaurant Night - Thurs., Sept 7 at Five Guys

Our first restaurant night is tonight from 4 pm - 8 pm at Five Guys in Burke. Mention the Bonnie Brae PTO and 20 percent of the sales will be provided to the Bonnie Brae PTO.  We hope to see you there!  

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Back to School Night for EAC & Grades 4-6 (6 pm-7:30 pm)

Parents/Guardians of students in EAC and 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join their child's teacher at Bonnie Brae on Wednesday, September 6th to learn about their child's classroom experience, grade level curriculum, and other important school year details.  There are two slots offered so families can attend multiple teacher sessions if necessary (session 2 is for families with more than one Bonnie Brae student, providing these parents an opportunity to hear from multiple classroom teachers).  Additionally, parents and guardians will have the opportunity to visit with our specialists in the library, either from 6:30-6:45, or from 7:15-7:30.  Please see the updated schedule below!

As a reminder, Back to School Night is for adults and teachers. However, we understand that some parents may need to bring young children. While space is limited in our classrooms, if you do bring your child, please make sure they are supervised at all times, as we are not able to provide childcare.

Session 1:  6:00 - 6:30 PM (classrooms)

Intersession:  6:30-6:45 PM (parents switch classes and/or visit with specialists in the library)

Session 2:  6:45 - 7:15 PM (classrooms)

Wrap-up:  7:15-7:30 PM (parents have the opportunity to visit with specialists in the library)

We look forward to seeing our EAC and grades 4-6 parents/guardians on Wednesday, September 6!

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

 

We hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing long weekend.  

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• September 4 - Labor Day Holiday (no school)
• September 6 @ 6-7:30 PM - Back to School Night (EAC & 4th-6th grade)

A few amazing highlights that happened this week... Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 4, Labor Day, is a holiday for all FCPS employees and students.  We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

Back to School Night for EAC & Grades 4-6 (6 pm-7:30 pm)

Parents/Guardians of students in EAC and 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join their child's teacher at Bonnie Brae on Wednesday, September 6th to learn about their child's classroom experience, grade level curriculum, and other important school year details.  There are two slots offered so families can attend multiple teacher sessions if necessary (session 2 is for families with more than one Bonnie Brae student, providing these parents an opportunity to hear from multiple classroom teachers).  Additionally, parents and guardians will have the opportunity to visit with our specialists in the library, either from 6:30-6:45, or from 7:15-7:30.  Please see the updated schedule below!

As a reminder, Back to School Night is for adults and teachers. However, we understand that some parents may need to bring young children. While space is limited in our classrooms, if you do bring your child, please make sure they are supervised at all times, as we are not able to provide childcare.

Session 1:  6:00 - 6:30 PM (classrooms)

Intersession:  6:30-6:45 PM (parents switch classes and/or visit with specialists in the library)

Session 2:  6:45 - 7:15 PM (classrooms)

Wrap-up:  7:15-7:30 PM (parents have the opportunity to visit with specialists in the library)

We look forward to seeing our EAC and grades 4-6 parents/guardians next week on Wednesday, September 6!

SEL SCREENER

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

Key updates to the screener this year include:

• Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12. 
• Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning. 
• Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.

Results are mailed home to families after each screening. Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVue. 

For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact us at 703-321-3900.

Picture Day: Fall Individual Photos

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Students will attend picture day with their teachers. Flyers and order forms will be sent home via Tuesday Folders and the information will soon be available on our Bonnie Brae ES Website.

Parent/Guardian Consent For Digital Resources

Teachers will use a variety of digital resources to help students learn during the 2023-2024 school year.  These digital resources have been checked and approved by Fairfax County Public Schools.  Some of these digital resources require parent consent. Families, please provide your consent for your student to use these resources through the Parent Digital Consent System.  Log in with the same username and password you use for ParentVue SIS.

Please see the FCPS Digital Resources - Parent Consent page for a full list of digital tools requiring family consent. Not every student will use all the tools listed on the FCPS page.  

2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 

Remembering 9/11

Each year, the United States commemorates the tragic loss of life on September 11, 2001, and the acts of courage, compassion, and sacrifice that followed. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day and 9/11, is a chance to reflect and to act in service to others as a way of honoring those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

Restaurant Night-Five Guys

Bonnie Brae PTO is pleased to kick off our first restaurant night of the year at Five Guys on Burke Centre Parkway, on Thursday, September 7th.  Please mention the Bonnie Brae PTO at checkout.  Five Guys will donate 20 percent of the sales from 4-8 pm to the Bonnie Brae PTO.  We hope to see you there! Thanks for your support of the Bonnie Brae community.

After School Clubs

Bonnie Brae and the PTO are happy to bring back After School Clubs! Look for more information in next week's Tuesday folders and check out the PTO website to see the many exciting teacher-led clubs and community-led programs that will be offered this Fall!

Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities

At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know: 

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• September 11 - National Day of Service and Remembrance
• September 19 - Fall Picture Day
• September 25 - Yom Kippur (no school)

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Back to School Night for PAC & Grades K-3 (6 pm-7:15 pm)

Parents/Guardians of students in PAC, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade are invited to join their child's teacher at Bonnie Brae on Wednesday, August 30th to learn about their child's classroom experience, grade level curriculum, and other important school year details.  There are two slots offered so families can attend multiple teacher sessions if necessary.

Session 1:  6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Session 2:  6:45 pm - 7:15 pm

Back to School Night is for adults and teachers. However, we understand that some parents may need to bring young children. While space is limited in our classrooms, if you do bring your child, please make sure they are supervised at all times, as we are not able to provide childcare.

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

What a great first week of school!  It has been a week full of joy, laughter, relationship building, and learning.  Next week we will hold Back-to-School Night for our PAC and grades K-3 classes on Wednesday, August 30 (6-7:15 PM). Back-to-School Night for grades 4-6 parents will be held the following week, on September 6.  Back to School Night is for adults and teachers. However, we understand that some parents may need to bring young children. While space is limited in our classrooms, if you do bring your child, please make sure they are supervised at all times, as we are not able to provide childcare.

There is no school next Friday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day break.  School resumes after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 5.  

Have a great weekend with your friends and family!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• August 30 @ 6:00-7:15 PM - Back to School Night (PAC, K-3rd grade)
• September 1 & September 4 - Labor Day Holidays (no school)

A few amazing highlights that happened this week... Parking & Recess

With the placement of the trailers out on "Scottland Yard," we plan to utilize a portion of our bus loop as a dedicated blacktop space during recess.  We will be blocking off a portion of the bus loop with cones and barriers.  Please be mindful of the closed off areas of the bus loop during the school day.  We will have 15 minute visitor parking near the entrance to the bus loop (see map below). We thank you for being mindful of our recess area during the school day!  

Band, Strings, & Chorus Registration

Registration forms for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade strings, and 5th and 6th grade band and chorus went home in Tuesday folders this week!  The deadline to register your child for Strings, Band, and/or Chorus is August 29th.  If you need another form, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher.  We hope your child can enjoy Fine Arts at Bonnie Brae!

SCA Information Session

There will be an information session for any 4th, 5th, or 6th grade students interested in SCA Cabinet and Leadership Team in Mrs. Oedemann’s room on Wednesday, August 30 at 8:30 AM.  Students are encouraged to attend if they are interested, or with any questions!

Parent Toolkit

Please visit our Parent Toolkit webpage where some yearly action items for all parents to complete are housed. Items with an asterisk (*) are time sensitive and require parent action.

Picture Day: Fall Individual Photos

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Students will attend picture day with their teachers. Flyers and order forms will be sent home via Tuesday Folders and the information will soon be available on our Bonnie Brae ES Website.

Parent/Guardian Consent For Digital Resources

Teachers will use a variety of digital resources to help students learn during the 2023-2024 school year.  These digital resources have been checked and approved by Fairfax County Public Schools.  Some of these digital resources require parent consent. Families, please provide your consent for your student to use these resources through the Parent Digital Consent System.  Log in with the same username and password you use for ParentVue SIS.

Please see the FCPS Digital Resources - Parent Consent page for a full list of digital tools requiring family consent. Not every student will use all the tools listed on the FCPS page.  

2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

Remembering 9/11

Each year, the United States commemorates the tragic loss of life on September 11, 2001, and the acts of courage, compassion, and sacrifice that followed. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day and 9/11, is a chance to reflect and to act in service to others as a way of honoring those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

Volunteer Fairfax is a resource that can be used to find out about service-learning opportunities in the community. Service learning is a great way for students and families to engage with local nonprofits and volunteer. More information about volunteer opportunities on this day can be found on Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/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.

From the Office of Student Safety & Wellness

Overdoses touch people and communities in many ways. International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, 2023, is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and remember those who have died without stigma while also acknowledging the grief of their loved ones.  Learn more about what to look for in regards to substance abuse and oversdoses while reading, "When a Nap Isn't a Nap".

Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Services

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2023-24 Opt-Out Booklets.

Message From Our BBES PTO

The Bonnie Brae PTO wants to welcome all of our Scotties back to school!  We hope everyone is ready for the exciting events we have planned this year. Check out our events overview and mark your calendar!  

We are always looking for awesome volunteers to help with events and planning! Make new friends, have some fun, and help make the magic happen! Just fill out the form and select the events and committees you're interested in joining and a PTO Board Member will contact you shortly.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. 

After School Program - RunFit Kidz

RunFit Kidz fall registration opens on Friday, August 18. This running program is open to 1st-6th graders. Learn more about the program and register your student to save their spot on their website.

Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities

At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know: 

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• September 6 @ 6-7:15 PM - Back to School Night (4th-6th grade)
• September 19 - Fall Picture Day

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

What a fantastic Open House and Back-to-School BBQ Bash today!  Special thanks to our Bonnie Brae staff and our PTO for organizing and carrying out this great community event.  

We are looking forward to the first day of school on Monday!  On the first day only, parents (all grades) may walk their child to the classroom door if they wish, but are reminded that they should not enter the classroom.  An announcement will be made at 8:30 AM reminding all parents that they will need to exit the building so that we can get the school day (and year!) started.

Have a great weekend!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family.  Relationships.  Success. Next Week's Events

• August 21 @ 8:20 AM - First Day of School!
• August 21, 8:30-9 AM - Kindergarten parents "Tears & Cheers" Coffee & Donuts in the cafeteria

First Day of School

Monday, August 21, is the first day of school for the 2023-24 school year. See the complete school year calendar.FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on FCPS Facebook and Instagram.

 

Parent Toolkit

Please visit our Parent Toolkit webpage where some yearly action items for all parents to complete are housed. Items with an asterisk (*) are time sensitive and require parent action.

• Digital Resource Consent*
• Emergency Care Information*
• Free and Reduced Meal Application*
• Lunch Information
• ParentVue*
• Paperless Opt-Outs
• Schoology
• Schoology- BBES Parents Course
• Student Rights & Responsibilities*
• Transportation / Kiss and Ride Information

Parking & Recess

With the placement of the trailers out on "Scottland Yard," we plan to utilize a portion of our bus loop as a dedicated blacktop space during recess.  We will be blocking off a portion of the bus loop with cones and barriers.  Please be mindful of the closed off areas of the bus loop during the school day.  We will have 15 minute visitor parking near the entrance to the bus loop (see map below). We thank you for being mindful of our recess area during the school day!  

 

Kindergarten Parent Coffee

We would like to invite kindergarten parents to our “Cheers and Tears” coffee and donut gathering with the administrators, from 8:30-9 AM on the first day of school, Monday, August 21. This is a great way to start the year! While there will not be a formal presentation, parents will have an opportunity to meet our administrators and other kindergarten parents and guardians.  On the first day of school, parents (all grades) may walk their child to the classroom door if they wish, but are reminded that they should not enter the classroom.  An announcement will be made at 8:30 AM reminding all parents that they will need to exit the building so that we can get the school day (and year!) started.  Kindergarten parents are invited to head to the cafeteria at that time, where coffee and donuts will be available.  We look forward to seeing many of you there!    

Kiss & Ride Sign Up

As we welcome students back to Bonnie Brae ES, we want to ensure the safe arrival and departure of each child. Bonnie Brae ES has an established area called the Kiss & Ride (at our side parking lot), which is designed as a safe place for adults in private vehicles to load and unload children. With the cooperation of all drivers, we will be able to provide an efficient and safe transfer of children.

If you are interested in using Kiss and Ride to drop off or pick up your child, please complete the Kiss and Ride form. Returning and new Kiss and Riders will receive new tags prior to students returning.

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss and ride procedures and being patient as they wait for their children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000 with any additional questions. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Update Contact Information to Receive Messages From FCPS

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from FCPS and our school by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. Make sure you complete the Emergency Care Form for your child every year and update when necessary. 

To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then select the “Online Verification/Update” form in the drop down menu. Click “Begin Packet.”

Parents who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account continue to have the option to communicate updates via the normal paper process. They can also print and complete a blank Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to the front office.

School Breakfast & Lunch

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. The best way to purchase meals (and keep food lines moving!) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. Our front office staff can help with any questions. MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically, as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

What is Schoology?

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized and it keeps the class connected.

A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:

• Your child’s classes.
• Your child’s upcoming assignments.
• School, class, and group announcements.

Parent accounts will be available after August 21. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. More information on how to login and use Schoology is available online.

Picture Day: Fall Individual Photos

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Students will attend picture day with their teachers. Flyers and order forms will be sent home via Tuesday Folders and the information will soon be available on our Bonnie Brae ES Website.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Services

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2023-24 Opt-Out Booklets.

After School Program - RunFit Kidz

RunFit Kidz fall registration opens on Friday, August 18. This running program is open to 1st-6th graders. Learn more about the program and register your student to save their spot on their website.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• August 30 @ 6:00-7:15 PM - Back to School Night (PAC, K-3rd grade)
• September 1 & September 4 - Labor Day Holidays (no school)
• September 6 @ 6-7:15 PM - Back to School Night (4th-6th grade)
• September 19 - Fall Picture Day

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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Welcome Back to School Events on Friday (8/18)

Hello, Scottie families! 

We are excited to start the 2023-2024 school year in just a few days!  A reminder that our Open House is scheduled at the times below, and we can’t wait to see our families and enjoy some social time together during our free Back-to-School BBQ Bash, from 12:15 PM - 1 PM tomorrow, out front of the school.  Stop by to grab a hot dog (or slice of pizza while supplies last) some chips, and water. 

While the BBQ itself is free, we are excited that the Kona Ice truck is scheduled to be onsite and available for flavored ice purchases, should families like to grab a sweet treat as well.  Thank you to our PTO for partnering with us on this fun, family event!

August 18 - Open House & Supply Drop-Off

• 9:00 AM-10:00 AM - Kindergarten & PAC
• 11:00 AM-12:15 PM - Grades 1-6 & EAC
• 12:15 PM-1PM - Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash (front of Bonnie Brae)

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Welcome Back to School Events on Friday

• August 18 - Open House & Supply Drop-Off
  • 9:00-10:00 AM - Kindergarten & PAC
  • 11:00-12:15 PM - Grades 1-6 & EAC
• August 18 @ 12:15-1PM - Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash (front of Bonnie Brae)

Renovation Timeline Updates

As we shared during the spring, the FCPS Office of Design and Construction has shared with Bonnie Brae that the start of our renovation is due to begin in late fall/early winter. Currently, we have all trailers installed and ready to welcome students on Friday at Open House. Grades 3-6 will be in the trailer classrooms this year. We will continue to share all updates as we receive them with the community through our Family Newsletter. Please see the FCPS Bonnie Brae renovation website for more information on the renovation project.

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Hello, Scottie families!  

We hope you have been having a wonderful summer, with opportunities to relax and spend time with family and friends. We have been gearing up for the start of another great year at Bonnie Brae, and can't wait to see everyone next Friday, August 18, for our Open House and Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash!  See below for details and other pertinent beginning of the year information.  

See you all next week, and have a great weekend!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

 

                                 Family.  Relationships.  Success.

Next Week's Events

• August 18 - Open House & Supply Drop-Off
  • 9:00-10:00 AM - Kindergarten & PAC
  • 11:00-12:15 PM - Grades 1-6 & EAC
• August 18 @ 12:15-1PM - Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash (front of Bonnie Brae)

Welcome Back to School Events Parent Toolkit

Please visit our Parent Toolkit webpage where some yearly action items for all parents to complete are housed. Items with an asterisk (*) are time sensitive and require parent action.

• Digital Resource Consent*
• Emergency Care Information*
• Free and Reduced Meal Application*
• Lunch Information
• ParentVue*
• Paperless Opt-Outs
• Schoology
• Schoology- BBES Parents Course
• Student Rights & Responsibilities*
• Transportation / Kiss and Ride Information

Kiss & Ride Sign Up

As we welcome students back to Bonnie Brae ES, we want to ensure the safe arrival and departure of each child. Bonnie Brae ES has an established area called the Kiss & Ride (at our side parking lot), which is designed as a safe place for adults in private vehicles to load and unload children. With the cooperation of all drivers, we will be able to provide an efficient and safe transfer of children.

If you are interested in using Kiss and Ride to drop off or pick up your child, please complete the Kiss and Ride form. Returning and new Kiss and Riders will receive new tags prior to students returning.

Kindergarten Parent Coffee

We would like to invite kindergarten parents to our “Cheers and Tears” coffee and donut gathering with the administrators, from 8:30-9 AM on the first day of school, Monday, August 21. This is a great way to start the year! While there will not be a formal presentation, parents will have an opportunity to meet our administrators and other kindergarten parents and guardians.  On the first day of school, parents (all grades) may walk their child to the classroom door if they wish, but are reminded that they should not enter the classroom.  An announcement will be made at 8:30 AM reminding all parents that they will need to exit the building so that we can get the school day (and year!) started.  Kindergarten parents are invited to head to the cafeteria at that time, where coffee and donuts will be available.  We look forward to seeing many of you there!    

New Student Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year

To plan for staffing to support your child, we request that you begin the registration process as soon as possible.

Online Kindergarten and new student registration is available.

Contact person: Jenny Martinez 

Eligibility: A child who will be age 5 on or before September 30, 2023. (Children born after September 30, 2018 are ineligible to attend kindergarten for the upcoming school year.)

Support Your Child's Success - SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Bonnie Brae Fine Arts Programs

We are excited to offer Strings or Band Ensemble to ALL interested 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade students!

• ALL interested 4th Grade students may choose to sign up for STRINGS!
• ALL interested 5th & 6th Grade students may choose to sign up for either STRINGS or BAND!

During the first week of school, our students will have the opportunity to see and hear a variety of the Instrumental choices that we offer, so please keep an eye out for more information to come in Tuesday Folders, such as Sign-Up Forms and how to rent an instrument to use for class!

We are so excited to be together soon!  Please consider signing up for Band or Strings – making music together will really make this year special for all!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Mr. Miller, Strings  [email protected]

Mr. Gurian, Band, [email protected]

Picture Day: Fall Individual Photos

Fall Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 19.  Students will attend picture day with their teachers. Flyers and order forms will be sent home via Tuesday Folders and the information will soon be available on our Bonnie Brae ES Website.

Bonnie Brae Dining Room Assistant Needed!

Join our Scottie staff as our next Dining Room Assistant.  We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children, is friendly and energetic, and can manage student behavior in the cafeteria.  The Dining Room Assistant will work about three hours a day.

Dining Room Assistant Job Description:

• Assist students during lunch time.
• Supervise student clean up, keep order, and dismiss students to their teachers.  

If interested, please contact, Natalie Vershaw, (703) 321-3900.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

• August 18 - Open House & Supply Drop-Off
  • 9:00-10:00 AM - Kindergarten & PAC
  • 11:00-12:15 PM - Grades 1-6
• August 18 @ 12:15-1PM - Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash (front of Bonnie Brae)
• August 21 @ 8:20 AM - First Day of School!
• August 30 @ 6:00 - 7:15 PM - Back to School Night (K-3rd grade)
• September 1 & September 4 - Labor Day Holidays (no school)
• September 6 @ 6-7:15 PM - Back to School Night (4th-6th grade)
• September 19 - Fall Picture Day

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Kindergarten and New Student Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year

REMINDER: If you have not registered your rising Kindergarten student, please contact Jenny Martinez right away. Remind your neighbors as well! To plan for staffing to support your child, we request that you begin the registration process as soon as possible.

Online Kindergarten and new student registration is available.

Contact person: Jenny Martinez

Eligibility: A child who will be age 5 on or before September 30, 2023. (Children born after September 30, 2018 are ineligible to attend kindergarten for the upcoming school year.)

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

TODAY!!! Popsicles on the Playground

We are looking forward to bringing kindergarten students and families together for some Summer Fun! TODAY, Wednesday, August 2nd from 4 PM to 5 PM, we are thrilled to host our Kindergarten Popsicles on the Playground event to welcome rising Kindergarten Families on our Side Playground! 

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

Bonnie Brae Dining Room Assistant Needed!

Join our Scottie staff as our next Dining Room Assistant.  We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children, is friendly and energetic, and can manage student behavior in the cafeteria.  The Dining Room Assistant will work about three hours a day.

Dining Room Assistant Job Description:

• Assist students during lunch time.
• Supervise student clean up, keep order, and dismiss students to their teachers.  

If interested, please contact, Natalie Vershaw, (703) 321-3900.

View the 2022-2023 FCPS School Calendar

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter

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

Bonnie Brae Back-to-School Events

We look forward to seeing all of our Scotties at our upcoming Back-to-School Events.  These events are listed below, detailed on our Bonnie Brae website, and on the flyer linked below.

• Friday, August 18 - Open House and Supply Drop-Off!
  • 9:00 AM-10:00 AM- Kindergarten and PAC
  • 11:00 AM-12:15 PM- Grades 1-6
• Friday, August 18 @ 12:15 PM-1:00 PM - Bonnie Brae Back-to-School BBQ Bash!
• Monday, August 21 @ 8:20 AM - First Day of School!
• Wednesday, August 30 @ 6:00-7:15 PM - Back-to-School Night (Kindergarten-3rd Grade)
• Wednesday, September 6 @ 6:00 PM-7:15 PM - Back-to-School Night (4th-6th Grade)

View and translate this information on our website.

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

Bonnie Brae Elementary

@BonnieBraeES

Bonnie Brae ES Website

Bonnie Brae PTO

Bonnie Brae PTO Website

5420 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.321.3900
Attendance: 703.321.3939 | Web | Twitter