Hello, Scottie families!
We have an exciting and packed week coming up, as we celebrate Read Across America week and we kickoff our PTO Boosterthon fundraiser! Please see the information below on ways to show your Read Across America spirit!
A reminder that Tuesday, March 5 is a virtual school planning day due to the presidential primary election, and there is no school this day.
We are so excited to hold our "Bonnies vs. Scotties" staff basketball game at Robinson Secondary School on March 21! Details in the PTO section below, and click here for more information. Ticket sales are already hopping so be sure to get yours soon for this fun family event!
Have a wonderful weekend, Scotties!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
Next Week's Events
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March 2 - iCode Game Night, 6-9 pm
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March 4-March 8 - Read Across America Week
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March 5 - School Planning Day (no school for students)
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March 6 - PTO Chipotle Restaurant Night, 4-8 pm
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March 7 - Boosterthon Kickoff
Positivity Project
Upcoming Weekly Focus: Celebrate a Character Strength
Celebration: Classes will celebrate a student chosen Character Strength.
Positivity Project for Families
Families can find resources to help continue the discussion of character strengths at home by visiting the Positivity Project for Families webpage.
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
Students in Mrs. Clark's first grade class were creative and critical thinkers as they created a color, symbol, and image to represent a feeling. Way to use your imagination to think about new ideas!
Ms. Browning's students enjoyed celebrating Leap Day!
March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
Therefore, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based Administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, responsive instruction, etc.
Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days.
Attendance is Critical for Academic Success!
Regular attendance can help students be successful at school, graduate on time, and achieve their life goals. If students miss too much school, school staff may contact them to work with them to support improved attendance. Visit the FCPS attendance website for attendance resources.
Read Across America
March 4-March 8, we will celebrate Read Across America Week with a Spirit Week! Show your spirit each day and celebrate your love of reading. View the Read Across America Spirit Week flyer for more details.
Monday, March 4 - Reading Makes Life More Colorful: Wear your favorite color!
Wednesday, March 6 - Let's Get Reading: Read a book with your favorite color in the title or on the cover.
Thursday, March 7 - Hats Off to Reading: Wear your favorite hat!
Friday, March 8 - Cozy Up with a Good Book: Bring a stuffed animal and read to them (stuffed animal must fit in backpack).
Ramadan
Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact our family liaison, Santanish Chang at schang@fcps.edu regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection space and times, and instruction.
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring during March or April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Kindergarten Orientation-Save the Date
Do you have a rising kindergartener? Join us for our Bonnie Brae Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, April 2 (specific time to be determined). Learn about kindergarten, meet our staff, tour the building, and experience a school bus.
You are invited to join us for our, "This Is Us! - A Celebration of Our Community of Families" at Bonnie Brae on Thursday, April 11th, 5:30 pm-7 pm. We will learn about the cultures and traditions that make up our Bonnie Brae community as we experience performances, demonstrations, food, and a share fair.
We are looking for families to share about their culture and traditions with our Bonnie Brae community. View our This Is Us! webpage and view our This Is Us! flyer to learn more about this event and to register to share about your family's culture, heritage, and traditions.
Order Your 2023-2024 Bonnie Brae Yearbook!
Bonnie Brae yearbooks sales are on sale! Yearbooks ordered by April 15, 2024 are $23. Families can order a yearbook via our Yearbook page on our Bonnie Brae website (credit card only). If families wish to purchase a yearbook via check (made at to Bonnie Brae Elementary) or money order, please see our Barksdale Yearbook flyer. Yearbook Order flyers will be sent home in Tuesday Folders on February 6th. All yearbook orders are due by April 15, 2024.
***We will have a limited number of yearbooks for sale on-site in June at a cost of $25 per yearbook. ***
Yearbooks are expected to arrive late-May/early June.
Advanced Academic Program (AAP) News & Updates
Happy March! The AAP Spring Newsletter has been posted to the AAP Family Newsletters and Presentations section of our Bonnie Brae AAP website This newsletter highlights AAP services and reviews the spring screening process for each level of service. Please take a moment to review the newsletter and reach out to our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Larissa Sheehan (ltsheehan@fcps.edu) with any follow up questions.
Do You Know Where FCPS Funding Comes From?
The majority of FCPS funding is requested from the Fairfax County government, which generates its revenue from real estate and personal property taxes. The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the next largest source of revenue to FCPS through state aid and sales tax. The rest of the funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal aid and tuition for non-county residents. (The numbers above represent the FY 2025 proposed school operating fund in millions.)
FCPS does not have the authority to impose taxes and may only charge fees where the Commonwealth of Virginia has granted specific authority. Learn more about FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
Look for the FCPS Family Engagement Survey This Sunday
Parents/caregivers will receive the FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey Sunday, March 3, from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students. Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and our school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!
Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 -6 during February 28–March 7. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link:
https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Cori Lonnett, at calonnett@fcps.edu.
Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
Fun Run Fundraiser - REGISTER TODAY!
Our Bonnie Brae Fun Run fundraiser kicks off on 03/07/2024! We’re excited for this year’s fitness and character-building fundraiser! The school’s goal is to raise $20,000 for technology, field trips, PTO sponsored events, and more.
Watch this video featuring YouTube Trick Shot stars, Dude Perfect! https://vimeo.com/822079381/7d45649abf
In order for us to START strong - please register your family on MYBOOSTER.com NOW! Bonnie Brae PTO will be providing a tshirt to all fun run participants- don’t miss out on the fun- register today!
iCode Game Night - Parents Night Out - THIS WEEKEND!
Mark your calendars for our next Parents Night Out event with iCode! This is such a popular fundraiser, so make sure to register before spots run out! Drop off your kiddos and go out and enjoy your evening... they'll have access to games like Minecraft and Roblox and will be served pizza and drinks! Cost is $30/student. View the iCode Game Night flyer.
When: Saturday, March 2nd from 6-9PM
Where: iCode in Burke
Who: Students grades K-6
Chipotle Restaurant Night - COMING SOON
Join us for one of our best fundraisers of the year where the PTO receives 33% of sales! So help do some good for the school community AND get some delicious dinner! View the Chipotle flyer.
When: Wednesday, March 6th from 4-8PM
Where: Chipotle on Burke Centre
BBES Staff Basketball Game
Get ready for an action packed night, where our very own BBES staff go head to head on the basketball court! Join us for a fun night with performances by our very own Bonnie Brae Cheer Team, Chorus, and Pep Band! View our BBES Staff Basketball Game flyer for more details.
When: Thursday, March 21st - Doors open at 5:30pm and Game starts at 6:15pm
Where: Robinson SS Gym
All attendees will need a ticket for entry, so save time at the door and get your tickets online! $5 for a single ticket and $20 for a family ticket (for 4 or more). Click here to get yours today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/14785ea9-f620-4c87-bf39-4dcfa8f18dc3
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to make this a successful event! PLEASE sign up today so we have full coverage! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DACA72BA7F85-47090807-bonnie
After School Clubs Spring Session - COMING SOON!
After School Clubs Spring session registration will open on Tuesday, March 12! Please visit the PTO website at www.bonniebraepto.org for more information. We have a NEW registration process using Zeffy, so you will pay when you sign up - spots will sell out, so make sure to register ASAP!
Needs-based scholarships are available on a limited basis. You must reach out to April Bowman at adbowman@fcps.edu before registration opens on March 12 for a code to register. We will not be able to accommodate any scholarship requests after registration opens.
Questions? Please reach out to us at afterschool@bonniebraepto.org!
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
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March 10 - Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
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March 12 - PTO Spring After School Programs Registration Opens
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March 18 - Boosterthon Fun Run
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March 21 - Bonnie Brae Basketball Game (Robinson Gym), 6-8 pm
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March 22 - BBES Spirt Day
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March 22 - Parent Coffee (BBES Cafeteria), 8:40-9:15 am
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March 22 - End of Third Quarter
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March 25-March 29 - Spring Break (no school for students and teachers)
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April 1 - Teacher Workday (no school for students)
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April 2 - Kindergarten Orientation, (time to be determined)
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April 2 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
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April 3 - Fourth Quarter Begins
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April 3 - Spring After-School Programs Begin
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April 10 - Eid al Fitr (no school for students or staff)
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April 11 - This Is Us!-A Celebration of Our Community of Families, 5:30-7 pm (BBES Cafeteria and Gym)
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April 16 - Spring Picture Day (individual and class)
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April 17 - Purple Up! Day
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April 17 - PTO Meeting (In-Person), 6-7 pm
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