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Dear Bush Hill Community,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every member of our school community.
I am thankful for our dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for our students. Their passion for education and their commitment to excellence are truly inspiring.
I am thankful for our parents and guardians who play a vital role in their children's education. Your involvement and support are essential to our school's success.
And most importantly, I am thankful for our students, whose curiosity, enthusiasm, and resilience make our school such a vibrant and dynamic place to be.
As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us take time to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. May this season of giving and thanks be filled with joy, peace, and happiness.
On behalf of the entire Bush Hill Elementary School Community, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Mary Duffy, Principal
 Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 22, through Friday, November 24. Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.
 Hello BHES!
Our winter book fair will be December 8th – 15th!!
Book Fair Preview Click Here! https://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/homepages/flyer_custom/flyer_custom.html#p=1
Visit our Book Fair Homepage to set up your eWallet!
Volunteers are needed to make this a success!! Any questions reach out to the BHES Librarian, Allison Porta-Sheridan. Thank you! Would you like to help with the book fair? Sign up here!
Allison Porta-Sheridan
Librarian | Bush Hill ES
phone: 703.924.5600
email: amportasheri@fcps.edu
find your next book: Bush Hill Library Catalog
On behalf of the Bush Hill PTA, It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to the family, co-workers and students of Mrs. Crystal Syphrit. Mrs. Syphrit’s passing is a loss for the entire Bush Hill community. We pray that the memories of her kindness and commitment provide solace at this time.
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We are in the final stretch of our Cards for Cause Fundraiser. Your support is crucial in helping us reach our fundraising goals, which directly benefits our students and enhances their school experience. The deadline for participation is this Friday November 24. The class that sells the most boxes of cards will receive a PTA sponsored Pizza Party. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact.
 The fall line of Bush Hill Spirit Wear is now available! Show your school pride and support by dressing in our stylish and comfortable Spirit Wear. Spirit Wear is currently only available at the PTA Pop Up store. Your next opportunity to purchase is at the Winter Concerts on December 12th and 14th.
Our Next Restaurant Night is December 13th at Hangry Burger. Bring your friends and family as we come together to share good food, laughter, and create lasting memories. 20% of your total will be donated to Bush Hill PTA.
The BHES Winter Book Fair will be December 8th – 15th!! Book Fair Preview Click Here! https://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/homepages/flyer_custom/flyer_custom.html#p=1
Volunteers are needed to make this a success!! Want to help with the book fair? Sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054EA8AF2FAA8-46148902-scholastic
Any questions reach out to the BHES Librarian, Allison Porta-Sheridan, amportasheri@fcps.edu Thank you!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bush Hill parents for their incredible support throughout the November PTA events. Your enthusiasm, participation, and dedication made these events truly special and impactful to our school community. There are plenty more opportunities to bring your talents to a PTA event or effort. Please join if you have not done so already; please serve as your availability and desires allow. Thank you in advance!!
Lastly, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season! May this special time be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or taking some well-deserved time for yourself, may the holidays bring warmth and happiness to your heart. Remember to Stay Safe and Take Care of One Another. Here's to creating beautiful memories and embracing the spirit of the season. Happy holidays!
Missing School Over the Holidays
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Student Attendance and Engagement
During the Academic Matters segment of the November 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed student attendance and engagement. Attendance and absenteeism rates are one measure for Goal 2 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Chronic absenteeism — which is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school for any reason — is a concern across Virginia school districts. Although FCPS continues to outperform the state average in attendance rates, we are tracking chronic absenteeism closely.
- Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Attendance is critical for academic success!
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
FCPS will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-25 school year. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources.
You may access the resources in person and online from Wednesday, November 15, until Friday, December 15, at noon. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review webpage. Those reviewing instructional materials may complete an electronic comment sheet that will be available on the webpage during the review period.
Visit FCPS' website for instructions on how to view hard copies of the instructional materials at Pimmit Hills Center. The Elementary Language Arts team will be there to answer questions Friday, December 1, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and School Board.
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