Bush Hill Updates - November 22, 2022

A Note From Mrs. Duffy

Please welcome the newest Panthers to our Bush Hill Staff:

  • Mr. Eugene Aubee is our new Building Supervisor. Mr. Aubee will work the evening shift with our custodial team.
  • Ms. Maricela Chanta-Zelaya began yesterday as a new student monitor. She will be working in a variety of classrooms throughout the building to support students and provide planning time for teachers.
  • Ms. Sook Lee is a special education instructional assistant.
  • Ms. Samantha Mulvaney is a part-time resource teacher
turkey

Schools and offices will be closed November 23-25. Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 28.

 See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.

Outstanding Employee Awards

This is the last chance to nominate a Bush Hill staff member who is awesome at their job! Submit the nomination through the Bush Hill Outstanding Employee Nomination Form

For information about each category and the list of Bush Hill staff, check out the Bush Hill Outstanding Employee Awards Information slide deck. 

The deadline has been extended to Monday, November 28th so you can get those nominations in! Please contact Lina Kortsha at lkortsha@fcps.edu with any questions.

Winter Book Fair

Calling all book fair lovers! We are in need of volunteers for our Winter Fair. The fair will take place Friday, December 9th – Friday, December 16th  with family nights Tuesday, December 13th and Thursday, December 15th. Any time you can offer is appreciated. Please sign up on here. If you are unable to help for a full time slot we would still love to have you! We are looking forward to another successful book fair!

Hannah Woll

Bush Hill Librarian

Attendance Matters

Dear Families,

We are thankful for you!

As we prepare to take time off from school for the Thanksgiving break, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families. 

Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security, especially after the chaotic transitions experienced over the last two years.  

As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.

We thank:

  • Our students and their families who do their best to show up to class every day even when it isn’t easy.
  • Our teachers who have gone above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment where students can thrive.
  • Our administrators who help us work together to ensure we are healthy and safe, feel a sense of community and experience the excitement of an engaging learning environment.
  • Our many, many healers and helpers - the support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need.

May these days off be restful and healing. 

From Our Social Worker

T Mobile is providing free internet and hotspots to 10 million low income families who qualify.  Use this link to apply.   https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million

Not sure if your child may have a mental health concern or where to get help.  If you are concerned your child may need mental health assistance use this link to set up an intake and appointment for therapy.  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/news/2020/child-mental-health-concern

Jennifer Cann, LCSW

School Social Worker

Bush Hill Elementary School (Monday/Tuesday, alternating Wednesday

(703)924-5691

Free & Reduced School Lunch – Please do not forget to apply if you think you qualify

https://www.fcps.edu/frm

If you or someone you care about needs help or is in crisis, TAKE ACTION! 

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about:

If you or someone you care about is in crisis:

  • Call the Crisis Link Hotline at 703-527-4077 or text NEEDHELP to 85511
  • Chat online with a specialist using the Lifeline Chat 
  • Call Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2) - 571-364-7390
  • Go to the nearest emergency room at your local hospital
  • Call or go to Fairfax County CSB Community Emergency/Crisis Services (703) 573-5679
    • For outpatient Walk-in assessments, please call ahead (703) 383-8500.  
  • Call 911

SIBSHOPS

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

Saturday, December 3, 2022  9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services. There is only an in-person option.

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

Parent Liason News

Dear Bush Hill Families,

Your contribution to Strategic Plan development is very important. Our hope is to bring voices that are “not always heard”. Please join us to this opportunity and complete the Nomination Form.

Family Team: Nomination Form

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is currently seeking nominations for parents, caregivers, and family members who are interested in contributing to Strategic Plan development as part of our Family Team.

The Family Team will represent the rich diversity of families who make up our FCPS community. Family Team members will focus on identifying the engagement and outreach practices that will improve our partnerships with families.

Family Team members should plan to attend the following meetings:

  • Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. - noon (in person) at Marshall High School
  • Saturday, January 14, 9 a.m. - noon (in person) at Marshall High School

  • Saturday, February 4, Noon - 3 p.m. (in person) at Marshall High School

  • Monday, February 13, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (virtual session)

Language interpretation services are available for all meetings. For in-person meetings, childcare and assistance with transportation will also be provided, as needed.

If you are nominating someone other than yourself for the Family Team, please respond to the questions as best as you can. Nominations are due by Tuesday, November 22. 

Please email strategicplan@fcps.edu with questions. Visit our website to learn more about the strategic planning process. Thank you for your interest!

Virtual Parent Presentation: Bullying and Harassment Prevention and Intervention

Join us on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 from 7:00-8:00pm via Zoom for a presentation given by Stefan Mascoll, Coordinator for the Office of Student Safety and Wellness at FCPS. Stefan will be giving a presentation for parents and guardians on Bullying and Harassment Prevention and Intervention. Topics to be covered are the definitions and examples of bullying, harassment, and other types of concerning behaviors, school bullying and harassment prevention and response, and tips and resources for parent prevention and response. We look forward to connecting with you on this important topic! Zoom link to come.

Holiday Resources & Donor Opportunities

HOLDIAY RESOURCES

Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, 913-680-7968

Holiday Toy Giveaway

Register by calling and providing your child’s information by December 15.

Pick up gifts at 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 2022.

Northern Virginia Family Service 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100, Oakton, Virginia 22124. Telephone number is (571)748-2500 Both Thanksgiving and Christmas programs are administered by the charity / non-profit organization. They are involved in collecting food, toys, clothing, vouchers and more from the region. Those items are then passed out to qualified low-income families, with a focus on children and the elderly. The toys are free to those that qualify.

Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) Location is 3959 Pender Dr #200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Main phone number is (703)537-0643 A referral is needed in order to get assistance to their holiday programs. The Fairfax County Public School or the government can provide this if needed. The Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas programs they administer are a last resort. Applicants can’t be participating in any other services from another local church or charity. More information on Britepaths programs.

Annandale Christian Community For Action, or ACCA Inc. Main address is 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. Call the non-profit at (703)222-0880 for information Free gift baskets, food, Turkeys, and meals are offered at both Thanksgiving and Christmas time. There may be free books, clothes, Christmas stocking stuffers, matchbox or hot wheels cars, sporting goods and other presents for kids at Christmas.

Angel Tree and Adopt a Family from Salvation Army Fairfax Corps Businesses and others from the community donate toys, clothing, games, shoes and other items. There are multiple Salvation Army centers in northern VA, as noted below. The goods are then provided for free to those that are less fortunate. The national non-profit matches low-income children, infants, and families with donors to assist them in receiving free holiday assistance, such as toys clothing, gift certificates, and food vouchers. They operate Angel Tree and give out free Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food baskets from a pantry.

  • Another Salvation Army center is in Alexandria. The corps office is at 1804 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301. For applications, dial (703)836-2427
  • The main holiday services are at the center address is 4915 Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Main phone number is (703)385-8700
  • There are other resources too. More on assistance from Fairfax County VA Salvation Army.

Ecumenical Community Helping Others-ECHO Main location is 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Call the agency at (703)569-9160 This organization, supported by local faith congregations, distributes new games, clothing, toys and other goods at Christmas for client families with young children.  ECHO, on its own or through local individuals or congregations, provides the groceries for families to make a festive holiday meal at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  ECHO serves a specific geographic area but does not discriminate on any basis except for residency within the service area.

Toys for Tots Fairfax County There are several places to donate, or to apply to pick up, free Christmas toys. They will be unwrapped. Games, books, electronics, Legos, sporting goods, clothes, tablets, and other presents are offered. This is a US Marine Corp assistance programs that helps the low income, immigrants, and military families/veterans among others. To learn more, or apply, try this.  https://quantico-va.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200&nRedirectInd=3.

Toys for Tots Locations:

The Koinonia Foundation 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Telephone: (703)971-1991 The non-profit organization may have free Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas gifts, meals, small gifts and food.

United Community Ministries

7511 Fordson Rd.

Alexandra, Virginia, 22306

Call (703) 768-7106

The Living Word, Inc.

7406 Alban Station Ct.

Springfield, Virginia, 22153

Call 703-866-4140

Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Dia - Alexandria Spanish Seventh Day Adventist

2812 Franklin Street

Alexandria, Virginia, 22306

Dial 703-314-9188 or (571) 305-2085

Casa de Alabanza

7406 Alban Station Ct.

Springfield, Virginia, 22153

Main number is 571-502-0006 or (703) 866-4140

DONOR OPPORTUNITIES

Salvation Army

1804 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301. For applications, dial (703)836-2427

Fairfax County Adopt a Family

dfsadoptafamily@fairfaxcounty.gov

Send an email and include your name, organization/company name, email, phone number and mailing address.  Indicate the number of children you would like to support in your adopt-a-family (plan to purchase about four to five gifts per child in addition to winter clothing). You can also buy something for parent(s)/caregiver(s) (a gift card to a big box store is recommended).

Ecumenical Community Helping Others-ECHO Main location is 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Call the agency at (703)569-9160.

The Koinonia Foundation 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Telephone: (703)971-1991

***You can contact individual resources listed above and inquire to their ability to accept donations.

salima