November 18, 2022

Dear Beech Tree Families,

The students have had a great week of learning. Students engaged in spirited debates while practicing their communication skills. Our students also enjoyed a Thanksgiving Luncheon with their classmates.Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy was served up. 

Saturday will be our first Beech Tree Olympics! Pleaes come out and support our athletes as they partake in the events. We expect to have a fun time had by all! Looking forward to seeing you there!

In Proud Partnership,

Taiia Clarke & Bridget Louder

Beech Tree Principals

Calendar Survey: Make Your Voice Heard! 

FCPS parents/caregivers, employees, and students in grades 7-12 were emailed an invitation to take the 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey. This survey is part of an annual process to gather input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. Please complete the survey by Thursday, December 1, and make your voice heard! For more information or help filling out the survey, please visit our website.

Feedback Welcome on Proposed Family Life Education Changes

The Fairfax County School Board is reviewing recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and invites public feedback as part of the review process. In May 2022, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) presented recommended curriculum changes, to go into effect for the 2023-24 school year. Those changes include adopting gender-combined instruction, and exploring instruction of gender identity, recommended media, and other instructional changes. 

The recommendations reflect leading education and child development research and expert advice. According to research cited in the recommendations, these changes will create a more inclusive learning environment, result in higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.

Public feedback will be shared with FLECAC and the School Board. FCPS staff and the School Board will consider all feedback but are unable to reply to individuals. 

Learn more about the recommended changes on our website. The public feedback form will be available on our website and will be open October 31 through December 1.

Strategic Planning 2022-23

Opportunities to Participate in the Strategic Planning Process FCPS is offering a number of opportunities for parents/caregivers to be involved in the Strategic Planning process! Check out two immediate options below:

Nominate Yourself or Someone Else for the Family Team 

We are currently seeking nominations for parents/caregivers who are interested in contributing to Strategic Plan development as part of the Family Team. This team will represent the rich diversity of families that make up FCPS’ community, and will focus on identifying engagement and outreach practices that will improve our partnerships with families.

If you are interested in being part of the Family Team or would like to nominate someone else, please fill out this form by Tuesday, November 22. 

Be a Key Communicator!

If you are a member of a community organization or group, consider signing up to be a key communicator during the strategic planning process. FCPS key communicators are active members of the community who people turn to for information, and have an interest in sharing information about the school division and encouraging involvement. If this describes you or someone you know, please get the details and complete this form by Monday, November 28.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Dr. Michelle Reid will be hosting Superintendent Community Conversations across the division this fall to get to know our communities. Events will be scheduled at high schools in each pyramid between August 18 - November 29. Please contact Kathy Ryan, krryan@fcps.edu, or Christie Scott, cascott@fcps.edu, with questions.

Please join us for a Superintendent Community Conversation at Justice High School on Monday, November 21st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more about Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, and help her get to know our school community. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as child care and light refreshments. Please register to attend.

November is Native American Heritage Month!

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

November is National Family Engagement Month

November is National Family Engagement Month! This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates and nurturers.   Over 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their child. The importance of family engagement will be highlighted during the month of November as we celebrate and strengthen family-school partnerships together.  Look for a calendar of ideas in your child’s Wednesday folder!

School Testing Updates

The Winter Virginia Growth Assessment window is upon us. Students in grades 3-5 will take the Reading VGA the week of November 28 and the Math VGA the week of December 5. Please contact Bridget Louder at bglouder@fcps.edu with any inquiries you may have. 

Winter Wear Clothing Drive

When: November 21-December 9th

Drop off new or like-new winter wear for our clothing closet to the front office.

Thank you for supporting our Beech Tree families!