Hello, Scottie families!
Today was a great day as we finished up with our first parent coffee of the year. Thank you to Mrs. Fuller (art) and Ms. Constantinides (drama) for sharing about their programs, and to our parents who were able to attend, especially our military connected parents, as we concluded Blue Star Welcome Week!
Tonight the PTO hosts an outdoor movie night (located in the front of the school). Concessions start at 6:30 PM, and the movie begins at 7 PM. As the PTO previously shared, all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We look forward to seeing you tonight!
Enjoy movie night, and have a great weekend!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
Next Week's Events
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September 15-October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
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October 2 - Fall After School Programs Begin
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October 4 - Walk and Roll to School Day
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October 4 - AAP Family Information Meetings
Positivity Project
Upcoming Weekly Focus: Forgiveness
Character Strength Features: You forgive those who have done wrong.
You accept that people make mistakes.
Quote of the Week: “Genuine forgiveness does not deny anger but faces
it head on.”
-ALICE DUER MILLER
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
Get Ready to Walk and Roll to School!
Bonnie Brae is participating in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 4. The purpose is to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.
Employees and students are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work on October 4, where it is safe to do so. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to accompany their children to school.
Get more information about Walk and Roll to School Day.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.
Challenge Materials Review Committee
Good afternoon, Bonnie Brae families! As detailed in Regulation 3009, principals are required to submit a list of individuals who are available to serve on a Challenged Materials Review Committee if a departmental committee is needed. Names of two parents are required. Parents must not be employed by FCPS and contact information should be provided.
The list of potential committee members will be maintained at central office. Names are randomly chosen to serve if a central departmental committee is required to review a challenged material.
If you would like to submit your name as a parent volunteer for Bonnie Brae, please fill out this form. Thank you!
Advanced Academics Programs (AAP) News
Welcome to a new year of learning and fun! Please read the following updates to learn more about our latest AAP happenings!
The FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter has been linked to our Bonnie Brae AAP site. Please note under the CogAT testing section, the listed date to request a retake has been extended to September 22.
We will be holding a family information meeting on October 4 to provide an overview of AAP services and the full time (level IV) referral process. Session 1 will be held at 8:45am our Bonnie Brae Café. Session 2 will be held virtually at 6:00pm via ZOOM. A link to this session will be sent out the week of the Oct 2. Both meetings will share the same information, please select the best time for your schedule. We look forward to seeing you October 4th!
Please email our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Larissa Sheehan (ltsheehan@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Robinson Annual Homecoming Parade
Robinson's Homecoming Parade takes place on Friday, October 13th from 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm. If families want to catch a glimpse of the Homecoming Court, teacher bikers, fall sports teams, the Marching Rams, the Robinson pyramid mascots, and more, then come view the parade along Cascade Ln., Gainsborough Dr., and Wheatstone Dr.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener.
The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions.
The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. Key updates to the screener this year include:
- Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12.
- Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning.
- Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.
SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE.
For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact your child’s school.
Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker.
Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
Projects Funded by Recent School Bonds
Thanks to the support of Fairfax County citizens who approved the 2019 and 2021 bond referendums, projects have been funded at Armstrong, Bonnie Brae, Braddock, Bren Mar Park, Brookfield, Crossfield, Dranesville, Fox Mill, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Lees Corner, Louise Archer, Mosaic, Oak Hill, Wakefield Forest, Washington Mill, and Willow Springs, elementary schools; Cooper and Frost middle schools; and Centreville, Falls Church, Justice, Madison, and West Potomac high schools.
Not only do our facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, from both a technological and instructional standpoint. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students across the division have high quality, effective learning environments.
Watch some of the ribbon-cutting celebrations. Follow the status of FCPS capital projects for updates on renovation projects.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn about registering to vote.
Free COVID-19 Tests
Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, and for information on when students should stay home from school.
Make a SUBstantial Difference!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers. Weekly virtual substitute teacher information sessions are held each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for an upcoming session on Wednesday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 4.
The School Board has approved a list of 18 days for substitutes to receive high-volume pay. All teacher substitutes will receive their hourly pay plus an additional $80 for each high-volume day they work. See the list of high-volume days and more information.
A bonus program for substitutes who accept more than the 10 required days has also been approved. Substitutes working 50 days within a school year, will earn a $200 bonus. Substitutes working 100 days within a school year, will earn a $300 bonus. Substitutes working 150 days within a school year, will earn a $400 bonus. Get more information on this sub bonus program.
Health and Fitness Expo at Pinn Community Center
We are less than two weeks away from Pinn Center’s Health & Fitness Expo! We are extremely excited to welcome families from all around the Burke/West Springfield/Fairfax area. The day will include Yoga/ Zumba Demos, Nutritionist Consultations, Biometric Screenings, Flu/Covid Shots, Healthy Cooking Demos, and much more. Parking will also be available at Robinson Secondary School and transportation will be provided to the center. This event is open to all ages, and we encourage the whole family to come out and enjoy!
Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Kick Off
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
After School Clubs
Reminder that After School clubs start the week of October 2nd. If you have any questions, please reach out to afterschool@bonniebraepto.org.
PTO Volunteer Opportunities are OPEN!
Bonnie Brae PTO LOVES our amazing volunteers! Join in the fun, make an impact, and get involved! Volunteering is one of the best ways to get connected with other amazing Scottie families. Your help makes a huge difference in the lives of our students, so sign up today to help make the magic happen!
https://forms.gle/GzbP6WzrWu5hsYtV6
Disclaimer About After-School & Enrichment Opportunities
At times there are external opportunities that students may want to explore. When schools share these opportunities with families and students, please know:
Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
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October 9 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
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October 11 - Chipotle PTO Restaurant Night
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October 12 - FLE Virtual Night, 6 pm-7 pm
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October 13 - Robinson Annual Homecoming Parade
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October 18-30- Bonnie Brae Book Fair
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October 20 - PTO Fall Festival, 6 pm-8 pm
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October 26 - Parent Coffee, 8:40 am-9:15 am
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
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