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A Message From Principal Clarke

Dear Beech Tree Families, As we navigate the winter months, our students have been enthusiastically immersing themselves in the wonders of hibernation and the incredible adaptations animals undergo to survive this season. Through a myriad of hands-on activities and engaging lessons, they have embarked on a journey of discovery that has ignited their curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. In a vibrant display of unity, our school recently participated in National Wear Red Day to champion heart health awareness. Both students and staff joined forces, dressed in bold red attire to raise awareness and show solidarity for this crucial cause. Witnessing our school community unite in support of such an important health initiative was truly heartwarming. This past week marked the kickoff of Black History Month at Beech Tree. Throughout the month, we will take the opportunity to celebrate and honor the achievements, milestones, and contributions of African Americans to our nation's rich history. Our dedicated educators have prepared engaging activities and lessons to ensure our students learn about the inspiring individuals who have helped shape our world. Next week February 5th to 9th, we will be celebrating National School Counselor Appreciation Week. This is a special time to express our gratitude to the wonderful Ms. Diamond Torres, our school counselor. Ms. Torres plays a pivotal role in supporting our students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Her dedication, empathy, and tireless efforts are truly commendable. Please join me in extending a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Torres for all that she does to make a positive impact on our school community. Upcoming Events and Important Dates: School Counselor Spirit Week will be February 5th -9th. Please review the themes for each day. Wednesday folders will contain information regarding the upcoming Science Olympiad. This is a before-school club for 3rd and 4th grade students that will begin February 29th. The club will only allow 16 participants. Additional information will be sent home in the Wednesday folders. Reminders and Announcements: School will be closed on Monday, February 19th as we honor President’s Day. We value the partnership between our school and families. If you have any suggestions, concerns, or if there's anything you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your support is crucial to the success of our students and our school community. Together, we can create an environment that fosters learning, growth, and success for every student at Beech Tree Elementary School. Wishing you a wonderful month ahead!   Thank you for your continued support and partnership. With appreciation, Principal Clarke

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, February 6th Restaurant Spirit Night at Anthony’s
  3000 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, 22042
  11:30am-8:30pm 
• Thursday, February 8th 100th Day of School
  

  Rising 6th Grade Parent Q&A
  9:30am-10:15am Cafeteria
  5:30pm-6:15pm Cafeteria

• Monday, February 19th President's Day - NO SCHOOL 

• Thursday, February 22nd PTA Talent Show 6:30pm

See the complete school year calendar.

*To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly request that parents or guardians accompany their children to school events*

Monday, February 5th 

• Wear your PJS to relieve stress and lower your cortisol levels!
• Start the day with the five-finger breathing method

Tuesday, February 6th

• Wear taco-themed clothes or colors
• As a class, "taco" bout who you can talk to about your feelings!

Wednesday, February 7th  

• As a class, let's think of something we did over the past few weeks that we feel very happy about!

Thursday, February 8th

• Let's spread kindness like confetti and make our class the happiest place ever!
• What thoughtful act will you do today?

Friday, February 9th 

• What are your future plans?
• Wear something that shows where you would like to go to college or the type of job you would like to have in the future!
• Adults, represent your college!

Rising Kindergarten Information

We are excited to begin thinking about 2024-2025!  Do you have a child at home who will be five by September 30th?  Please start your registration now by filling out this intake form HERE

Superintendent to Present FY 2025 Proposed Budget

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the board. 

View the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, or the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, please visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

🚍 Here Comes the Bus

Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.

To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.

Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to HCTB@fcps.edu.  

Note: eNotify text messaging will continue to be used for reporting bus delays and bus incidents.

💻 Upcoming Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The following events are currently scheduled for February:

• How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help
  Join educator, author, and Educational Connections founder Ann Dolin for new strategies to tackle these sticky situations while preserving your relationship with your child. 
  February 23, 10-11:30 a.m. 
   
• Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan (FBA/BIP) Essentials for Families
  Does your child have concerning behaviors at school? Did you know that there is a process to identify and support them? Learn about the FBA and BIP process and how it is used in FCPS to support any student who experiences behavioral challenges. This webinar is presented by staff from the Office of Special Education Instruction, Office of Intervention and Prevention Services, and Office of Special Education Procedural Support. 
  February 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. or March 1, 10-11 a.m.

For more information and to register for the webinars, click on the linked titles above.

Rising 6th Grade Parent Q&A

In preparation for our rising 6^th graders, below is a recap of upcoming 6^th Grade Transition dates. Students have received a presentation on AVID, a college readiness course being offered at Glasgow by Ms. Torres during counseling lessons. 5^th grade teachers have posted all AVID materials and application form online for student and parent access. For questions, please email Ms. Torres at adtorres@fcps.edu.

Restaurant Spirit Night at Anthony’s

Beech Tree School Information

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

FCPS News

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

• Superintendent to Present Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget
• Here Comes the Bus App
• Career Exploration Event for High School Students

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

3401 Beechtree Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Phone: 703.531.2600
Attendance: 703.531.2626 | Web | Twitter