Mustang Message - 9/20/2020

BMP is thankful for our new Little Library donation

A Message from the Principal

Did you know that many people contribute to the exciting things going on at Bren Mar Park?  Our latest celebration is the donation of the BMP Little Free Library!  It was put together and donated by an FCPS student who has a passion for helping others enjoy her love of reading.  The Little Free Library is a collection of school-appropriate books that are free to take as well as leave.  We are so excited about this amazing addition for our school community!

Please know the Little Free Library does not receive the same intensive cleaning care as our building or ensured quarantining of books as our library.  Please plan ahead with hand sanitizer or gloves and the recommendation that books be set aside for 7 days before use.

We look forward to our school community enjoying this special gift for years to come!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Williams

 

Monday Schedules

Mondays is a part of the school week.  For the next few weeks, every child is assigned a small group time with their general education teacher to build relationships with peers and get support with technology.  Independent work is also assigned  and should be completed that day.  If your child is unable to participate during the school day, we ask that parents/guardians report the absence or the commitment to completing the work asynchronously to the school office at 703-914-7272.  You are welcome to visit the FCPS website at https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/schedules-and-attendance to learn more.

Starting in early October, not every child may be assigned a small group intervention or enrichment small group, however independent work will continue to be assigned along with a check-in for attendance.  Details will come through your child's classroom teacher. 

 

Reminders: Health Screenings

Any in-person visits to the school building are by appointment only. This includes for technology help or support.  Please be aware that, by FCPS guidelines, visitors to the building will be required to complete a Covid-19 Health Screening Questionnaire each time before they enter the building.  We do ask that, for the safety of others and our staff, that you reschedule any in-person visits to the building should you exhibit any symptoms of Covid-19.

 

Ways to Help Your Child at Home

Ways to troubleshoot problems with sound on your student laptop

FCPS has created some student friendly 'how to' videos for distance learning.  We will share this series of videos here.  Our next video goes over ways to troubleshoot problems with sound on your student laptop.   Please take a moment to watch this video with your Mustang.

 

4th/5th Grade Band/Strings

We are excited to offer strings (4th and 5th grades) and band (5th grade) classes at Bren Mar Park this year! Classes will meet every other week during specials, and we are planning opportunities for extra help and practice. Please see below for information about our classes.

Link to the registration form: https://forms.gle/GQv6MUSJ33Rm28Kv9 Registration deadline is Friday, 9/25/2020.

Video: Parents Session (held Wednesday 9/16): https://youtu.be/cVn51YTGKvY

Additional Information is accessible through homeroom teachers’ Google Classrooms.

Please contact Mr. Johnson, strings teacher (bmjohnson1@fcps.edu) or Mrs. Hinkle, band teacher (dfhinkle@fcps.edu) if you have any questions.

 

Parent Technology Help

The Parent Technology Help Desk is available at 1-833-921-3277, open from 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  Parents or guardians who need help in a language other than English, interpreters are available and FCPS also has parent information phone lines, available in eight different languages.

The online portal allows older students and parents/guardians to request help directly. Please use this to submit help request tickets to help you faster!

Limited BMP Technology Team support is available by appointment only and only on select days and times.  We ask that you submit a ticket first, however if you feel you need an in-person appointment, please call the BMP front office during regular school hours to schedule an appointment.

Get more information about the new Parent Technology Help Desk

 

Talking Points Permission Form

Please review

Form Turn-In Options

  • Drop off completed forms to the Bren Mar Park Elementary front office between the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
  • Return forms via mail to:

Bren Mar Park Elementary School

6344 Beryl Road

Alexandria, VA  22312

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Lim at jjlim@fcps.edu or call 703-914-7203.

 

A note from the PTA President

Our BMP PTA Membership Drive is underway! I encourage you to start or renew your membership for only $10 per person. Your membership gives you a vote and a voice at meetings. Most importantly, you will be a part of one of the oldest child advocacy organizations in the United States. Please find membership forms in English and in Spanish.

 

Specialist Spotlights

A note from Mr. Hill, PE –

My name is Mr. Hill.  I have had the pleasure of teaching Physical Education at Bren Mar Park for 18 years.  I enjoy hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. I am a certified Zumba instructor and love to dance. I am hopeful we will be able to have our Family Dance Night later this year. The kids know me as the crazy cat guy.  I rescue homeless kitties.  I brought home 2 more cats this summer and now have 16 living with me.  When I retire in 2 years, I would like to start a rescue for cats and dogs.

During virtual learning, we plan to focus on fitness, movement, dance and mental wellness. It was wonderful seeing all the kids last week.  I’m sure they miss their friends and teachers as much as we miss them.  We will be offering clubs on Mondays to connect with students and enhance fitness. I am looking forward to another wonderful year at BMP!!!!      

 

Important Upcoming Dates/Events

October 1            Parent Information Night:  Digital Citizenship & Technology

October 12          Student Holiday:  School Planning Day