Our PreK students enjoy time in the morning to explore various stations so that they can collaborate while being creative. 

Bucknell Families, 

This week was packed with fun as students continued to dive deep into grade level content and receive support from teachers in small groups to ensure individual needs are being met.  During Morning Meeting each day, the administration team facilitated discussions around our school wide expectations and Students’ Rights and Responsibilities (SRR).  We’re focusing this month on being both kind and safe.  Please ask your child if they remember our BARKS expectations and support them as they make connections and display these characteristics both at home and at school.

B – Brave

A – Accountable

R – Respectful

K – Kind

S – Safe

Next week is a big week for Bucknell as we prepare for our Math Night on March 14^th from 5pm – 7pm! This is an opportunity to learn how your child experiences math at school and to get resources to support your child at home.  Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Please make sure to RSVP by clicking this link https://bit.ly/besmathnight and join us for a night of math fun!

Lastly, we are continuing to evaluate our Kiss and Ride line to make sure that it runs smoothly, and cars can go through quickly.  We will be lettings students out of cars starting at 8:40am to begin moving the line forward.  Students can wait in the cafeteria until 8:45am when the morning bell rings. Please be mindful to pull all the way to the front of the Kiss and Ride line so we can let numerous students out of their cars at once.  We will continue to evaluate and make changes as needed.

As we prepare for Monday, make sure to Spring Forward! Sunday, March 12^th is daylight savings day so we will move our clocks ahead one hour.

See you on Monday!

Please click here for the entire newsletter in additional languages.

Sincerely,

Rashida Green, Principal 

Gina Toler, Assistant Principal 

Follow Bucknell ES on Twitter: @BucknellElem

Familias Bucknell,

Esta semana estuvo llena de diversión ya que los estudiantes continuaron profundizando en el contenido de nivel de grado y recibieron apoyo de los maestros en grupos pequeños para garantizar que se satisfagan las necesidades individuales.  Durante la reunión matutina de cada día, el equipo de administración facilitó discusiones sobre las expectativas de nuestra escuela y los Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes (SRR).  Nos estamos enfocando este mes en ser amables y seguros.  Pregúntele a su hijo si recuerda nuestras expectativas de BARKS y apóyelo mientras hace conexiones y muestra estas características tanto en casa como en la escuela.

B – Valiente

A - Responsable

R – Respetuoso

K – Tipo

S – Caja fuerte

¡La próxima semana es una gran semana para Bucknell mientras nos preparamos para nuestra Noche de Matemáticas el 14 de marzo  de 5pm a 7pm!  Esta es una oportunidad para aprender cómo su hijo  experimenta las matemáticas en la escuela y para obtener recursos para apoyar a su hijo en casa.  Los alimentos y bebidas estarán disponibles para su compra. ¡Asegúrese de confirmar su asistencia haciendo clic en este enlace https://bit.ly/besmathnight y únase a nosotros para una noche de diversión matemática!

Por último, continuamos evaluando nuestra línea Kiss and Ride para asegurarnos de que funcione sin problemas y que los autos puedan pasar rápidamente.  Dejaremos que los estudiantes salgan de los autos a partir de las 8:40 a.m. para comenzar a mover la línea hacia adelante.  Los estudiantes pueden esperar en la cafetería hasta las 8:45 a.m., cuando suena la campana de la mañana. Tenga cuidado de tirar hasta la parte delantera de la línea Kiss and Ride para que podamos dejar que numerosos estudiantes salgan de sus autos a la vez.  Continuaremos evaluando y haciendo cambios según sea necesario.

Mientras nos preparamos para el lunes, ¡asegúrate de Spring Forward! El domingo 12 de marzo es el día del verano, así que adelantaremos nuestros relojes una hora.

¡Nos vemos el lunes!

Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín completo en idiomas adicionales.

Sinceramente

Rashida Green, Directora

Gina Toler, Subdirectora

Siga a Bucknell ES en Twitter: @BucknellElem

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• The Dangers of Fentanyl
• Kindergarten Registration Time
• Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Daylight Savings Begins! Spring Forward! Sun., March 12th

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12th. 

As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars

Math Night - March 14th - 5pm

• Join us on March 14th from 5pm - 7pm in the cafeteria for Family Math Night.
• Food and drinks will be sold. Cash only.
• Every student will walk away with a math game that they can play at home with their family!
• Participate in a pie walk and have a chance to take home a pie! Tickets will be sold for $1.
• Each student will be given 5 tickets to vote for the staff member they want to see pied in the face!
• If you are interested in donating a pie, please email Rachel Jenkins at rmjenkins@fcps.edu
• Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/besmathnight

Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.   

Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from March 20-24, 2023 in the newly painted Bucknell Library!  You may also visit the book fair during Literacy Night on Tuesday, March 21^st!!

This year, you can say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.  Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/bucknellelementaryschool1

Please contact Kerry Ames, our librarian if you can volunteer any time during the week:  koames@fcps.edu or 703-660-2931.

Join us for our PTA Meeting - Mon., March 13th 6pm via Zoom!

Coffee & Conversations with the Principal, PTA, and Bucknell Staff - Wed., March 15th at 9am 

PTA Events Next Week!

There are two opportunities to engage with us next week through your Bucknell PTA! The first is our virtual PTA meeting on Monday night at 6PM (March 13) where we will be sharing all the exciting events happening at Bucknell this month. We will also discuss the search for new PTA leaders and hear updates and news from Principal Green. Everyone is invited to attend (this includes staff) and the best part is you can log-on from the comfort of your own home! 

Next week, we will also be hosting families in-person at our Spring "Coffee & Conversations" in the Bucknell Library at 9AM on Wednesday, March 15. We will be joined by Principal Green and our long-time Bucknell School Counselor, Mr. Pierce Prior. All families are welcome to attend (including staff, if available!) and we will provide light breakfast and drinks courtesy of the Bucknell PTA.

We hope to see you at either (or both!) of these events. If you have questions or need more information, please reach out (in English or Spanish) to our PTA President, Neil Sullivan: neil.james.sullivan@gmail.com

It's Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events—including orientation—in the Spring during March or April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources on hand that they need on the first day of school. 

After determining which school their child will attend, families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms, details can be found on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

Please reach out to our registrar, Karen Salinas, to make sure your child is registered for Kindergarten! You can call 703-660-2900 or email her at ksalinas@fcps.edu 

SoCo Summer Strings 

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings (formally Stallion Summer Strings) is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 10^th-21^st from 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. 

Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1st-June 9th so sign up soon!

Grades 4-6 Skype a Scientist - Saturday, March 11th  

Calling all 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders! There is a Saturday STEAM program at Martha Washington Library, on Saturday, March 11th at 2:00pm.  Registration opens Saturday, February 25th at 2:00pm    https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/calendar?cid=6524&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=6524&cm=3449&inc=0  (Click to page 2)   

This opportunity is “In person” and we will be skyping with a scientist on the west coast. The Skype a Scientist program lined up is with marine biologist Sydney McDermott (San Jose State Univ and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute).  She researches California coastal invertebrates and the impact of lost human objects on sea life (particularly lost shipping containers!)  Ms. McDermott scuba dives for her job! Sign up to participate in this fun activity! 

A permanent reminder to all of our staff, students, and families. "You are not lucky to be here. We are lucky to have you." 

Opioid Awareness Meeting: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community 

Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities. Fairfax Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School. 

Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department, in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.

The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.  

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.Watch the video and learn more on our website. Register for the March 13 event.

Review Draft Goals for FCPS' New Strategic Plan 

Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.

FCPS emailed the survey link to all parents and caregivers on Monday, March 6. Please check your email, if you haven't had a chance to take the survey yet. If you are a community member who does not have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate. 

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.

Medicaid Policy Changes 

A change in federal Medicaid policy could impact the health care coverage of millions of students. In order to avoid gaps in coverage, families need to know:

• Families, especially those who have moved residences during the pandemic, should contact their state Medicaid offices to ensure their contact information is up to date.
• Families should watch their mail for letters about Medicaid and the state Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, status. 
• Recipients must submit any renewal forms they receive to maintain coverage, which states could mail at any point between March 2023 and February 2024.
• Families who no longer qualify for Medicaid after the review may qualify for coverage through their state’s health insurance exchange.

Learn more in this EducationWeek article. 

Women's History Month

 Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Equity in Education Month

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)—in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association—observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. 

Disability Awareness Month

In March people throughout the United States will celebrate Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness Month. Both histories are foundational parts of American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of this history year-round, and the celebration of Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness month are opportunities to honor these diverse and important stories.

Celebrating Arts in Our Schools Month

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

• Problem solving

• Creativity

• Observation

• Communication

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.

FCPS Cares - Recognize Bucknell Employees! 

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Bucknell Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!

• March 6-10 - National School Breakfast Week
• March 12 - Daylight Savings Begins (Spring Forward)
• March 13 - Bucknell PTA General Membership Meeting 6pm
• March 14 - Math Night 5pm-7pm 
• March 15 - PTA-Principal Coffee & Conversations 9am 
• March 20 - Fundraising Night at El Paso Mexican Resturant + Magic Show
• March 21 - Literacy Night 5pm-7pm
• See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

6925 University Drive, Alexandria, VA 22307  |  Main Phone: 703.660.2900
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