Bailey's ES News-January 12th, 2024

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى


MLK

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

On Monday, January 15th, school will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  Throughout this past week, our students have been learning about Dr. King’s work.  We encourage families to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that honor his legacy.

We also wanted to share that Bailey’s Upper ES is in the process of searching for a new principal.  Parents who have students at Bailey’s Upper can provide valuable input in this process.  Please review the information below from Megan Vroman, the Assistant Superintendent from Region 2, to learn more about how you can participate in the principal selection process.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our school!  We hope you have a great long weekend! 

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Kyle Jimenez, Assistant Principal


A Message from Megan Vroman, Assistant Superintendent, Region 2

Thank you to all who could attend last night's community meeting. Below is the link to the recorded meeting.

Bailey’s Upper Elementary

Passcode: 76V419^#RQ

If you are interested in serving as a panelist, please submit your information using this Google form. The FCPS Human Resources Department will contact those selected for the panel.

We invite you to email the FCPS Department of Human Resources (MRParker@fcps.edu) with the skills, experiences, and leadership characteristics you feel are needed for Bailey’s Upper Elementary School. Your Input is confidential.

The deadline to give input and enter your name to be part of the panel is 12:00 pm on January 15, 2024.

I look forward to working closely with the Bailey’s Upper Elementary School, parents, staff, and community members during the principal selection process.


Important information for

Spanish Immersion Families

Starting January 29th, all Spanish Immersion students will be switching their homeroom class to their partner teacher to start their day for the remainder of the school year. This means, if they currently start their day with their language arts/social studies teacher, they will switch to start their day with their math/science teacher and vice versa.  This will ensure that students receive equal amounts of instructional time in language arts and math. Their lunch, recess and specials classes will remain exactly the same. More information will be communicated directly from your child's homeroom teacher closer to the switch. 


Mark Your Calendars!!!

Parent/Caregiver Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child. 

We encourage parents/caregivers to eat the same lunch as their child either packed or school lunch. We kindly ask that you do not bring fast food/outside lunch or candy. Also, parents please be advised that the bathrooms directly outside of the cafeteria are for student use only. 

On the day of your child’s lunch, please arrive 5 minutes early so you can sign-in at the office and they will direct you to the cafeteria. Additionally, when you leave the school, please remember to check out in the office.  If you choose to buy lunch from the cafeteria, adult pricing is $4.50 and may be paid in cash.  Click here for more information on purchasing lunch.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess. 

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher

January Lunch

A HUGE Thank You!

Thanks to a generous donation from the Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary & Lion’s Club, each student in our school has received a six-serving bag of shelf-stable apple cinnamon oatmeal. It will be coming home in your child’s backpack on Friday, January 12th. Families, please be sure to check your child's backpack and remove it before your child returns to school on Tuesday.


Dual Language Immersion Program Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16

A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page. 


Magnet School Application and Lottery Information

The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Tuesday, March 5, through Friday,

April 12, 2024. No late applications are accepted.

To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:

Bailey’s Upper, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual only)

Hunters Woods Elementary, February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (In-person)

Snow date: February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Bailey’s Primary, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)

Snow date: February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.


Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness. 

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.


Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families.

Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.


Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.


Food Insecurity Resources

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.


Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season

Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and keep them at home if they are sick. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.


Family Resource Center Workshops

The Family Resource Center has developed several workshops for families and educators. The following two live workshops can be signed up for through this form and take place on February 16th and on March 15th:

2/16 (10-11:30am) Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication Add to Calendar Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.

3/15 (10-11:30am) Taming Tantrums and More Add to Calendar Parents, ever had a moment when things feel like a big puzzle and you just need the right pieces? We will share strategies to help when your child’s behavior feels like a rollercoaster. Learn how to turn meltdowns into moments that make you go 'ta-da!'

In addition to the above workshops, the Family Resource Center has a YouTube channel from which families and educators can access past workshops and seminars. Below is a selection of past workshops that might be of interest:

5 Ways to De-Escalate Dysregulated or Defiant Children with Kirk Martin

Who's the Boss? 5 Ways for Families to Help Kids with Big Emotions

Seven Tips to Behavior Success at Home

Calm Creators Tools to Help Students Process Feelings

Managing Aggression and Teaching Cooperation

Challenging Behaviors: ABCs of Behavior and How to Respond

Strategies to Diffuse Unexpected Behavior

Seven Steps to Behavior Success at Home

Parent Coaching in Early Childhood

5 Ways to Stop Anxiety, Power Struggles, and Behavior Issues

123 Magia: Lo Básico

Meet the Author Series 123 Magic


Family Lit

Family Lit Spanish

calendar

Save the Date

January 15th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday- No School

January 25th - 2 Hour Early Release, 1:40 Dismissal

January 25th - Dual Language Immersion Parent Information Night - 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

January 26th - Teacher Work Day, No school for students

January 29th - Spanish Immersion Homeroom Class Switch

February 8th - PTA Meeting (virtual) - 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

February 13th - Magnet Program Information Night – 6:00- 7:00 p.m.