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Our fair is taking place all week through the morning of Friday, December 16th. We will have 2 family nights this year on Tuesday, December 13th from dismissal – 6:30PM and again Thursday, December 15th. December 15th we will be open until 6:30 then closing for the winter concert. Families will have the option to shop the fair after the concert for an hour but we will only be accepting credit card sales during that hour.
Students will have the opportunity to shop during the day at their teachers discretion. In School shopping will be open Tuesday Morning – Friday Morning.
How: We encourage families to create eWallets for students. This acts like a gift card and keeps students from having to bring cash to school. You can sign up for an eWallet on our Fair Homepage. We will also accept cash, card, and checks made out to Bush Hill Elementary.
*Important Change This Year: Unfortunately Scholastic is being taxed differently this year and we are no longer able to offer tax free purchases. Please keep this in mind when students bring wish lists home. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Volunteers: Thank you SO much to all who have signed up to help with our fair! If you are interested in volunteering please sign up here any bit of time helps make this even a success!
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Thursday, December 15th
6:30 PM
Bush Hill Gym
Please join us for an evening of musical fun
This will be our first winter concert since 2019!
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Bush Hill Silent Auction Now Accepting Donations
The Bush Hill PTA is planning a Silent Auction again this school year - most likely in March, exact date to be determined. However, if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation of goods, services, or funds before the end of the calendar year, you can now indicate that through our Silent Auction Pledge Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFkncdmLITJrtWy9ZUyACWqpO9fnEiHrgW_l0aDAvJXZq1SA/viewform Even if you want to donate something after January 1, 2023, feel free to enter your pledge into this form and we will follow up with you to finalize the details.
“Please copy and paste this link into a new browser window if it doesn’t open from the newsletter.”
Cards for a Cause - Bush Hill PTA Fundraiser
Thanks to everyone who's already bought "Cards for a Cause" for our school fundraiser. We're happy to let you know that we're extending the deadline to order until midnight on December 23rd! We're also announcing an incentive competition for students. If the school can sell a minimum of 500 boxes, the student who sells the most Cards for a Cause will win a Nintendo Switch! The top selling grade level will win a pizza party, and anyone who sells 5 boxes or more will win a sticker book by Usborne books. Anyone purchasing cards on behalf of a student can enter the student's name into an open text box at checkout that says "Leave a Note for the Seller" - this will help us to track who is selling the most boxes. Please note, participation in fundraising activities is completely optional.
Please visit
https://bush-hill-elementary-card-fundraiser.square.site/
Free Fresh Food Market
Family Liaisons at Bucknell Elementary School cordially invite Bush Hill school families to FREE fresh food market on Wednesday, December 14 from 11:30am to 1pm. They will have fresh foods and non-perishable options as well. You are welcome to stop by and check them out. They will be happy to assist you 😊
Bucknell ES Address: 6925 University Dr, Alexandria, VA 22307
Holiday Food Donations Welcomed
Bush Hill has an exciting opportunity to join us in making food donations for the Koinonia Foundation (http://www.koinoniacares.org/holiday-baskets.html) as part of their Holiday Baskets program for ministering to the need in the community. Koinonia directly supports families who live in our area.
This year they are creating holiday baskets to support the community. Each basket includes all the items. We are asking if you would like to donate to this cause please donate a basket in its entirety either as a single family or partner with another student’s family. If you are unable to donate a completed basket, you are also welcome to contribute individual items on this list and we will provide to Koinonia so that they may compile baskets to distribute. We are thankful for the support and generosity you have shown towards our community in the past.
Below are the items to include in either a complete basket or as individual items. Donations are welcome December 5 until December 14 and may be dropped off outside of the Bush Hill Main Office.
2 Boxes of Stuffing
1 Can Cranberry Sauce
1 Bag of Rice (small)
2 Cans/Boxes/Packages of Turkey Gravy (No Glass)
2 Boxes of Potatoes
2 Cans of Peas
1 Can of Broth, 2 Cans of Green Beans
2 Cans of Corn
One Box of Dessert Mix (Brownies, Cake)
2 Cans of Fruit
$25 Grocery Store Gift Card to purchase choice of a protein or other items
We are sincerely thankful in advance for your generosity and support in this effort.
In Case You Missed It!
On Tuesday, December 6th, Stefan Mascoll, Coordinator for the Office of Student Safety and Wellness at FCPS, presented on Bullying and Harassment Prevention and Intervention for parents and guardians. Topics covered were 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. A recording of this presentation can be accessed by the link and passcode below!
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/w5o2gJfv4L8dVOTDPzNZgBmq1kGOFZmCLPL2BH9DWlTnbSMt6dfWpYTjIAD2I77w.k_7U3qktr4xlSVoT
Passcode: PFp#s38Dr*
Mrs. Megan Madden
Megan N. Madden, M.Ed., NCC
Professional School Counselor
Bush Hill Elementary
703-924-5630
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety. Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further Information & support:
Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Email: sbelliott@fcps.edu
 Please remember to label your child's belongings with their name. If you are missing a lunch box, water bottle, jacket or sweater, please visit our Lost & Found. Unclaimed items will be donated soon.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.
Winter Break Tech Update
To support a healthy media balance and to encourage students to spend time away from screens, FCPS devices in general will not be going home over winter break. This will allow for updates to take place along with devices to be prepared for student usage in the new year. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Bhatti, our Tech Specialist at kbhatti@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS will be closed from December 19, 2022 - January 2, 2023 for the Winter Holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The Bush Hill Office will also be closed for the holiday.
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