Mustang Message 01/17/2021

Dear BMP Families,

FCPS continues to be on pause for all in-person instruction due to state and local increases of Covid-19 cases. Virtual instruction will continue until the further notice, including for our PAC and Early Childhood preschool programs.  There will be no in-person instruction until further notice.  Details for in-person return to school will be shared soon.  We will also continue with our current bell schedule until further notice, meaning that classes continue to begin at 9:15 a.m. each morning.  Attendance continues to be required and monitored.  

Monday is a holiday for staff and students in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  No school work will be assigned for students. It is also MLK Day of Service.  While we cannot host a Day of Service project in the school building as we did last school year, this is a wonderful opportunity to have your child do something or volunteer in a way to improve the community!  For more information, you are welcomed to visit this website.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Williams

Principal

 

The Many Faces of BMP

Gauri Shirali - Deo

 

Mrs. Shirali - Deo has volunteered with young children while she was in college in India. She has done her graduate work in the US and has taught in Mississippi, California, and Washington state. She has presented at local, state and national early childhood conferences. She has been a Parent Educator, and a Developmental Specialist. 

Mrs. Shirali-Deo  is very excited to be at Bren Mar Park. She loves music, dance, nature and more recently gardening.

 

For Parents of Grade 5 Students

As we begin the new year, the process for orienting your child to begin preparing to transition to middle school is quickly approaching.  Please note the following important dates for parents of families with children in grade 5.  More detail will come as the date approaches.

Holmes Middle School Transition Events for 2021

  • January 27 (6:45PM-8PM) – Hybrid Curriculum Night
  • January 28  (9-10AM) – Curriculum Night Q’s and A’s
  • February 26 – Deadline for all students completing Google Form to select classes.

Should you have any questions, please contact school counselor, Jessie Lanier.

 

Student Holiday Grab & Go Meals Not Available

Grab & Go meals at BMP will not be available on January 18th, 20th or 25th.  Additional meals will be offered in advance to ensure students have access to meals. 

 

Virtual Reading Buddies

For families who are interested in having their child practice reading skills with high school volunteers, on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., the Fairfax County Public Library hosts Virtual Reading Buddy events.  Please click on the link for more information: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/7256742

 

Specialist Spotlight

Library Spotlight

Due to the Inauguration Day holiday on Wednesday, January 20, curbside library checkout has been moved.  Curbside checkout for this week only will be on Thursday, January 21 from 11:30-12:30 and from 5:00-6:00.  Books will also be delivered to bus stops on Thursday, January 21 during student lunch times.  Check the library website for bus stop locations and times.  If you do not see the book carts outside of the school during the evening hours, please come to the front lobby.  During the winter months when it is cold and gets dark early, we will be handing out books from the front lobby.  Happy Reading!

 

Laptop Swap for Students in Grades 3 & 4

On Monday, February 8th from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., we are hosting a Laptop Swap for students in grades 3 and 4.  Each student in these grade levels will have the opportunity to get a brand-new laptop

The Laptop Swap will be a drive-thru distribution structure.  Students in grades 3 and 4 wanting to pick up a brand-new laptop will need to return their current FCPS laptop. No appointment needed.  Families will drive around the BMP bus loop to return the current FCPS laptop and pick up the prepared new student laptop without having to leave the comfort of the car.  Students do not need to be present to sign in.  Those who walk to the school may also return their current FCPS laptop and pick up a new one. More information to come soon.

 

Upcoming Webinars to support you and your family

From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Families to Create Calm and Confidence in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty: A Webinar for Families

How are YOU doing?  Really, how are you?

Trying to lead a family during these times can be exceedingly difficult. Children's mental health is declining, and parents are concerned about their own mental health. 

  • Are you feeling helpless and overwhelmed by the uncertainty and fear surrounding your child’s future and the impact this time is having on their ability to learn?  
  • Are you worried about increased anxiety and stress leaving you feeling depleted and overwhelmed? 

Learn practical tools that can be applied IMMEDIATELY to restore your sense of calm and focus so you have the energy and confidence you need to cultivate joy and connection in your family.

Presented by Corinne Coppola, M.A., and Well-Being Professional.

Friday, February 12, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Register for From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Families to Create Calm and Confidence in the Midst of Chaos and Uncertainty: A Webinar for Families

                                                                                         

Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series

  • 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
  • 02/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
    • Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of instructional control
    • Parents/guardians will review strategies to support their students with following directions
  • 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
  • 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence

Thursday February 18, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Register for Teaching Your Child to Follow Directions

 

Strategies to Support Social Emotional Learning at Home: A Webinar for Families

Social and emotional learning starts at home. Parents and families are critical partners in helping their children develop social and emotional know-how. They can model the kinds of skills, attitudes, and behaviors we want all students to master. 

This webinar will highlight:

  • What is social-emotional learning?
  • Strategies to use our children’s behavior and emotion as forms of communication.
  • Strategies to create emotional safety.
  • Strategies to recognizing and supporting personal and family strengths.

Join FCPS Social Worker, Jeanne Veraska & FCPS School Psychologist, Lisa Phifer for this important webinar.

February 17, 2021 6:30 - 8 p.m. or February 19, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Register for Strategies to Support Social Emotional Learning at Home: A Webinar for Families

 

Is it Over Yet? How to Help your Child Cope with the Pandemic and the Eventual Return to Normalcy: A Webinar for Families

Join licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Bateman for a webinar focused on parenting strategies to help children cope with the challenges of the pandemic. 

Strategies include: 

  • Coping with general stress, changes in daily life/routine, uncertainty about the future, loss of regular activities and social interaction, virtual school, etc.
  • Executive functioning to assist with the challenges of virtual school
  • Managing anxiety about health and safety
  • Building resilience in children to reduce risk of separation anxiety, social anxiety, etc. once the pandemic ends

Friday, February 26, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Register for Is it Over Yet? How to Help your Child Cope with the Pandemic and the Eventual Return to Normalcy: A Webinar for Families               

 

BMP PTA

PTA General Meeting

The PTA welcomes any members from our school to attend the upcoming General Meeting on Thursday, January 21st at 6:00 p.m.  It will be a virtual meeting.  To attend please use the following link: 

https://meet.google.com/obt-rvcp-yyc

 

Spirit Week

Sponsored by SCA of Bren Mar Park

January 26-29

 

Tuesday: Favorite Color Day – Wear your favorite color and change your screen background to match

Wednesday:  Crazy Sock Day – Wear the silliest, craziest, most colorful socks you can find

Thursday:  Thankful Thursday – Hold up a sign in class with a special thank you message for one of your teachers or all of them!

Friday:  Bake off Day – Take a picture of a traditional family food you enjoy or have made and share with your class.

 

Important Upcoming Dates and Events

January 18       Holiday:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (no student work)

January 20       Holiday: Inauguration Day   (no student work)

January 21       PTA Meeting, 6 p.m.

January 22       2 hour early release - No in-person instruction; virtual only

January 25       Student Holiday:  Teacher Workday  (no student work)

February 4        BMP Family Market 4:30 p.m.

February 8       Laptop Swap for students in grades 3 & 4