Bush Hill Updates - Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Specialist Corner

Library: This month students will be reviewing how to find books in the library and learning and reviewing routines. We will be working on using shelf markers to help keep our books organized while we browse and will be practicing how to hold respectful conversations where we show listening skills. Upper grade students will also be exploring their Destiny Discover accounts on their computers and primary grades will be working on finding books independently using pictures and words to help guide them. We are so excited to have students back in the library. Each class will have a weekly checkout time. Please make sure you help your child find a safe spot at home to keep their books and get in the habit of bringing them back to school each week. Thank you for your help. 

Art: This month artists will be reviewing and practicing our art room routines and expectations. Each grade level will be exploring their different Big Idea for the year: K-Self, 1-Family, 2-Community, 3-Culture, 4-Time, 5-Globalization, 6-Identity.  September also marks the start of our Drawing Units where we will explore 2D concepts and experiment with crayon and colored pencil techniques to develop well crafted works.  K-4 artists will be reviewing shapes and how they can be used to create forms and practice drawing the human face and body with the correct proportions.  5-6 artists will be integrating symbolism in 2D works to represent ideas related to their big ideas.  

PE: In September, all students are reviewing and practicing routines and expectations.  Students in grades 3-6 have started some teamwork activities and cooperative games.  They are learning how to work together as a team and what makes a good teammate.  Students in grades K-2 are learning and reviewing how to move in general and personal space.  They are practicing their locomotor movements and learning how to use equipment safely in the gym.  As September progresses, all students will move into a throwing and catching unit.  Students in grades K-1 will be learning how to overhand and underhand throw and catch.  Students in grades 2-3 will be reviewing these skill cues and eventually get to some throwing and catching activities such as volcano and clean out your backyard.  Students in grades 4-6 will also be reviewing these skill cues, and progressing to throwing and catching games and sports such as team handball.

Music: This month all students will be reviewing and practicing classroom expectations. All grade levels will be working on singing on pitch and keeping a steady beat.

STEAM:

STEAM is a class where students have an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Students learn by problem solving in teams and exploring new materials and designing their own solutions. Students collaborate in groups, ask questions, think critically, and learn to communicate their thinking.

As part of STEAM, we will use the Engineering Design Process to guide students' thinking and touch upon different careers and fields of work connected to STEAM content through open-ended challenges. 

Try some of these STEAM activities to continue the learning at home…

Meet Our Family Liaison

Dear Families of Bush Hill ES,

My name is Salima Intidame, and I am your Family Liaison. I am very excited to begin this school year’s journey with you; working alongside you so that you may become a partner in your child’s academic process.  This is my second year in Bush Hill ES where I have had the opportunity to meet great individuals in our school community.  My purpose at the school is to assist you to have access to as much resources about our school and FCPS as possible to enhance your student’s success. I work with a wonderful supportive team who is gladly willing to answer questions for which I may not have answers and connect you with the right staff/faculty who can best help you.

The following is a list of ways I will be communicating with you so that you will be well informed of all the things happening in our school. Please know that we rely greatly on technology.

  • News You Choose (Weekly)
  • Tuesday Folder (please check your child’s backpack)
  • School Broadcast Messages
  • E-mail Correspondence

    My e-mail address is: sintidame@fcps.edu

  • Parent Surveys
  • Personal Phone Calls & Follow-Ups

Safety is our number 1 priority!  When coming into the building for any reason, please make sure you visit the main office.  They will provide you with a pass to the appropriate location and/or make an appointment for you. Also, please understand that if you wish to volunteer in a classroom you must go through the school process.  

With the support of our Administration, Staff, and school community we will collaborate to make this school year extremely productive.  

I look forward to communicating with you and it will be my pleasure serving all of you.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting Community Conversations across the division to get to know our communities. Events will be held at the high school in each pyramid through November, unless otherwise noted below. Each Community Conversation will be held in person, allowing Dr. Reid an opportunity to better connect with participants. If you are unable to attend your pyramid's event, please consider attending another one. Schools will share registration information with families and employees. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Visit https://www.fcps.edu/blog/superintendent-community-conversations for more information

If you would like to share additional comments, please email Dr. Reid at superintendent@fcps.edu

All events will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Interpretation services, child care, and light refreshments will be provided.

Mark Your Calendar

September 16th  PTA Ice Cream Social 6:30 - 8 PM (Rain date 9/30/22)

September 21st  Back To School Night 6 - 8 PM

September 26th  Student Holiday - Rosh Hashanah

Bush Hill Attendance

Did you know you can submit an absence using our attendance email or phone #?

Please be specific about the reason why your child will not be attending school today.  Thank you! 

Rise & Shine & Be ON TIME!  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 in kindergarten and 1st grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of 3rd grade.

Four students smiling; Green, yellow, and red indicators for when absences become an issue.

Pay Using MySchoolBucks

Instructions for Setting up payment using MySchoolBucks:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

You may pay for Instrument Rental Fees, Library dues, Recorder fees, Field Trips and open lunch accounts using My School Bucks starting August 31st.

My School Bucks (MSB) is a FCPS system for payments of student fees and activities. It is easy, secure, and there are no fees for parents. 

Follow these simple steps:

  • Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com,
  • Add a child by school & student ID or birthdate. You will receive a confirmation email.
  • You may now pay the your student fees using a credit or debit card, or e-check.
  • A confirmation email will be sent to your child’s teacher to let them know you’ve paid.

Thank you!

Picture Day is September 27, 2022

Barksdale