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Dear Beech Tree Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the same joy and excitement that echoed through our school this past week. I am happy to share some highlights with you.
Winter Chorus Performance: Our talented students took the stage in a wonderful chorus performance. The dedication put in by our 4th and 5th grade chorus students and Mr. Belloise shone brightly. The students did a great job of performing. They definitely made us proud.
International Night Celebration: Our school community came together for a vibrant International Night that celebrated the rich diversity within our student body. Families showcased their cultural heritage through delicious cuisines and traditional attire. It was a beautiful tapestry of traditions and customs from around the globe, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our wonderfully diverse community.
Gratitude: We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of these events - from the PTA to the dedicated teachers who guided our students to the parents who shared their cultural treasures during International Night. Your support and involvement make our school a truly special place.
Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for more exciting events in the upcoming months. We are eager to continue creating memorable experiences for our students and fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. To do this effectively, it is important that we work together to uphold protocols and norms that demonstrate safety and respect during school events. With that in mind, please take note of the following expectations while attending school events:
- Parents it is important that your children are supervised by you during events. We love our Beavers and want them to remain safe at all times. Running around out of your eyesight can lead to accidents and harm. Please monitor your child’s whereabouts for safety.
- During speaking engagements, please respectfully silence and/or limit conversations, so that those speaking can be heard by all attendants. They may be sharing information that you could find useful.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Beech Tree Elementary School community. Together, we make each week a celebration of learning, diversity, and shared accomplishments.
Thank you for your partnership in education.
With appreciation,
Principal Clarke
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- December 11 - December 15: Schoolwide Spirit Week
- Monday, December 18 through Monday, January 1, 2024
Winter Break- No School
- Thursday, January 11th Curriculum Night 6:30pm
*To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly request that parents or guardians accompany their children to school events*
Holiday Food Drive
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Our annual Holiday Food Drive will take place from November 29 - December 14. We are accepting non-perishable canned goods and boxes—no frozen foods, refrigerated items, or bread. Food will be delivered to Food For Others, the same food bank that supplies our students with their weekend bags, on Thursday December 14. There is a box located in the lobby of the school. |
 🙋♂️ Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators providing a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers lending a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Winter Testing Window
Below are the dates for the winter testing window. Thank you for ensuring your students are in attendance.
| Date |
Assessment |
Grade |
| December 12 |
Math VGA |
5th Grade |
| December 13 |
Math VGA |
4th Grade |
| December 14 |
Math VGA |
3rd Grade |
| Week of January 8 |
Reading iReady |
Grades 1-5 |
| Week of January 15 |
Math iReady |
Grades 1-5 |
Family Literacy
Spring Semester starts in February
What a fabulous fall semester it has been! We are currently serving two hundred seventy eight adults and sixty eight children between the ages of two and five years, across thirteen sites in the district. Although our classes will wrap up the week before FCPS’s winter break, our spring semester starts the first week in February. Family Literacy has ongoing enrollment, so please feel free to refer families to us any time. We will make sure that we contact them and invite them to a class that works with their schedule.
Contact Micheline Lavalle (Family Literacy Specialist) at Mblavalle@fcps.edu and/or Natalia Sosa Molina at ensomolina@fcps.edu (Family Literacy Program Assistant).
Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
Reminder: Window for Full-time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2023
Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-5 who would like their student to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time (Level IV) Referral Form to Nadya Abu-Rish or email it to her at nkaburish@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2023, at 4:00pm.
📝 Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
🍲 Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Dear Beech Tree Families,
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful families and friends who joined us at International Night last night. Your enthusiastic participation made the event a tremendous success, showcasing the incredible diversity and richness of our Beech Tree community. We appreciate your efforts in making International Night a memorable and delightful evening for everyone.
Spirit Wear Sale: Beech Tree T-Shirts Available!
Get ready to show your school spirit! Our Spirit Wear sale is just around the corner. Join us on Monday, December 11, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the cafeteria to purchase your very own Beech Tree Elementary School t-shirt. These stylish shirts are available for just $10, and we accept cash or Venmo payments. Don't miss this opportunity to wear your school pride with flair!
Supporting Families in Need: Gift Card Donations
The spirit of giving continues at Beech Tree Elementary School. We invite you to participate in our effort to support families in need by donating $25 gift cards. Your generosity can make a significant impact on the lives of those in our community. Gift card donations will be accepted through December 14th, and you can drop them off at the school office.
Let's come together as a community to spread joy and warmth during this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous holiday. May this festive season be filled with warmth, laughter, and precious moments spent with loved ones. We are grateful for the sense of community that binds us together and look forward to creating more cherished memories in the upcoming year.
Beech Tree PTA [PTABeechTree@gmail.com]
  
Hours: 9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:05 a.m. for arrival)
Attendance Line: 703-531-2626
Attendance Email: BeechTreeElem.Attendance@fcps.edu
School Registrar: Sandra Merino (703) 531-2620
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