Dear Beech Tree Families,

I hope today’s Memorial Day brought you positive and grateful memories of those who we have loved and lost in service to our country. This morning, JT and I met a strong, independent Korean War Veteran. It served as a reminder that our current sacrifices are nothing compared to generations before us. May we always remember to give thanks.

Last week our Preschool, 1st Grade and 4th grade teams were able to pack up student belongings and their classroom materials. As a reminder, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26^th student belongings from Preschool, 1^st grade and 4^th grade will be available for pick up from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Kiss & Ride Loop. For our safety and yours, please remain in the car and hold up a sign to the window that has the following information: Grade, Teacher’s Last Name, Student First and Last Name. The bags will be labeled the same way and organized in the cafeteria. We will bring your students’ bags out to your car. If your 4^th grader will not be continuing with Strings for the 2020-2021 school year, please go through the Bus Loop and place the instrument, in its case, on the flatbed in front of the school lobby. We will also have boxes out front, by the main entrance, for you to drop off library books, should you wish to return them prior to summer break.

On Monday, June 1^ststudent belongings from Kindergarten, 2^nd, and 3^rdgrade, will be available for pick up from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Kiss & Ride Loop. We will follow the same procedures as stated above.

On Tuesday, June 9^thstudent belongings from our Enhanced Autism classes and 5^th grade, will be available for pick up from 9:30am-12:30pm. We will follow the same procedures as stated above, however, ALL 5^th graders’ instruments and library books will need to be returned through the Bus Loop at the entrance to the school lobby.

I would also like to remind you that Superintendent Scott Brabrand shared that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will provide the following learning opportunities this summer: 

Special Education Services – Virtual Extended School Year

FCPS will provide Extended School Year (ESY) to students, grades PreK thru 12, whose IEP team determines that the student qualifies for ESY due to significant regression and lack of recovery of skills that were gained during the regular school year prior to the shutdown. 

This summer, ESY services will be provided virtually to students June 29-July 24.The learning will  be provided through the continued Distance Learning model. The learning materials will be available online and in printed packets mailed to students.

Elementary School Students

Elementary school students will have the opportunity to focus on math and literacy skill-building using self-directed print and digital materials. Each school will have teachers who will support students in their summer learning experiences from June 29 - July 31. Students will have the opportunity to connect with these teachers virtually during office hours for support. These programs are free to students and more information about continuity of learning resources will be provided before the end of the school year. 

Unfortunately, the following programs will not take place this year due to building closures:

• Institute for the Arts
• Elementary Institute for the Arts
• CTE Career Academy
• CTE Summer Academy
• Bridge to PAC (SPED)
• Pathways to Preschool (SPED)
• Bridge to Kindergarten
• Young Scholars
• Curious Minds

*Parents who registered a student for one of the above programs will receive additional information about refunds.

FCPS is continuing to develop additional optional programs that could be run in a virtual format. Parents and guardians will receive more detailed information about summer programming from their schools.

School Year 2020-2021

Discussions began last week with the School Board about our Return to School plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. 

We are awaiting guidance from the state about the possible required conditions that will need to be met for schools to reopen.  We also plan to seek the input of all of our stakeholder groups – parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators – in developing our return to school plan. 

The considerations for return to school include the need to:

• Ensure safe learning and working environments for students and staff
• Provide options for students and staff that are unable to return to school/work
• Comply with any social distancing requirements
• Provide student access to technology devices and internet services at home
• Provide staff with adequate time and training to prepare for the new school year
• Make decisions as soon as possible for scheduling and communication with families

We are preparing for a variety of possible scenarios including:

• Students will have a virtual start to the school year.
• Students will return to school with social distancing in place.
• School will open on time, but some students and/or staff may be unable to return and will participate through virtual learning.
• The preliminary report presented to the School board is available here.

As always, I thank you for your trust. Please let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Karim Daugherty

Principal

Beech Tree ES

703-531-2600

https://twitter.com/BeechTreeElem

https://beechtreees.fcps.edu/

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell