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Dear BMP Families,
FCPS continues to be on pause for all in-person instruction due to state and local increases of Covid-19 cases. More information is expected to be coming out shortly, and we look forward to sharing updated with you!
Monday is a holiday for students because it is a teacher workday. No school work will be assigned for students. School resumes on Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m.
We invite families to pick up school supplies for their child this week, any day between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Williams
Principal
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Mr. Simmons is originally from Atlanta, GA. He studied French Literature at the University of Paris and received a BA in French from the University of Virginia. He taught high school French in Atlanta and English in West Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer. After receiving a Masters in Education, he became a 5th grade teacher and later an ESOL teacher. When not pondering old adventures, Mr. Simmons enjoys planning new ones.
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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.
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
Music Spotlight
Ms. Millett and Ms. Gore would like to thank everyone who came to the Virtual Winter Sing Along in December. 😊
Strings classes are meeting every other week during specials, and on Mondays when we have small group & club activities. 4th graders are starting to use their bows and learning notes on the D and A strings. 5th graders are working on bow skills with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Variations. There are opportunities every other week for tuning and instrument help at Annandale High School on Mondays 4:30-5:30 (the next one is scheduled for January 25). Please contact Mr. Johnson (bmjohnson1@fcps.edu) for more information.
Band classes are meeting every other week and on Mondays at 3:30 on alternate weeks. Since we have only 30 minutes, it would be helpful for all students to have their instruments assembled before logging on. Students have an online book called “Band Fit”. Each page they achieve, they receive a virtual badge that I bring to color so they can keep up with each level that they achieve. Some students have downloaded videos on flip grid. I would like to see more students use this resource if they have permission. They can always email me a video as well. It has been a pleasure to teach your students a band instrument in this virtual setting. Please reach out by email if you have any questions.
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.
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
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.
January 25 Student Holiday: Teacher Workday (no student work)
February 4 BMP Family Market, 4:30 p.m.
February 4 Progress Reports will be mailed home
February 8 Laptop Swap for students in grades 3 & 4
February 10 6:30 p.m. Parent Information Session for Return to In-Person
February 12 6:30 p.m. Family Dance Night
February 15 Holiday: Presidents' Day (no student work)
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