 |
|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.
|
Dear Beech Tree Families,
The past week has been truly amazing with the weather being so pleasant and beautiful. I hope that you were able to get outside with your children, friends or neighbors and enjoy the fresh air. As we all know, being outdoors is a great way to rejuvenate ourselves.
I am excited to announce that our biggest event of the year, the PTA Fun Fair, is taking place tomorrow from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is open to everyone, and I would encourage you to attend. There will be a variety of fun-filled activities, such as amazing raffle baskets, cake walks, food trucks, community resources, and new exciting games. It is going to be a fantastic day! I hope to see you there.
As we approach Spring Break, please be reminded that it is from March 25-29. The main office will be closed during that time. We will eagerly welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3rd. Please note that student attendance is essential. Studies have shown that even two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let's work together to ensure that your children have a successful school year.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
With appreciation,
Principal Clarke
|
 We encourage family members to enjoy the same lunch as their child, whether it's a packed lunch or from the school cafeteria. To maintain the integrity of our meal program, we kindly request refraining from bringing fast food options. Please bring your picture ID, as it will be required for check-in with the front office.
On the day of your child's scheduled lunch, please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in at the office. Our staff will direct you to the cafeteria. As you depart, please remember to check out at the office. For those opting to purchase lunch from the cafeteria, adult pricing is $4.75, payable in cash. For more details on lunch options, please click here.
- Friday, March 22 is the end of the third quarter
- March 25th -29th Spring Break-No School
- Monday, April 1st Student Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, April 2nd Student Holiday-No School
Kindergarten Orientation at 3:00pm
- Wednesday, April 3rd Classes will resume
- Wednesday, April 17th Purple Up! to Support Military Families
- Saturday, April 20th Beech Tree Earth Day 10:00am
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*
🖍️ Kindergarten Orientation
Our Kindergarten Orientation will be on April 2 from 3:00 p.m.-4:00p.m. Incoming kindergarten students and families will get to experience "A Day in the Life of a Kindergartener" while receiving a tour of Beech Tree. We can't wait to meet our incoming kindergarteners and our newest Beaver families.
How to Help Kids Balance Phones and Screens with Sleep
Tips for managing TV, tablets, phones, and tech so your kids can get a good night's sleep.
Phones and devices are a major part of a kid's daily routine, and that extends to nighttime as well. In fact, over half of preteens and teens surveyed by Common Sense reported using their phones overnight.
Not getting enough sleep can affect children's physical and mental health. Staying up too late can even impact their attention, behavior, and development. When it comes to screens and sleep, there are a few things to remember:
- Blue light at night interrupts natural sleep rhythms. So it's best to avoid it before bed. (Blue light from the sun keeps us alert during the day. The highly concentrated blue light from screens does the same thing.)
- Just using a device is stimulating. Using screens before bed makes it harder to fall asleep, because they keep your brain alert when it should be winding down.
Young people can face a lot of pressure during the day. So it's understandable that many turn to their phones to relax. Try to help your kids reflect on their tech experiences without judgment. Then, check out these ideas to support them in balancing their tech use at night:
-
Limit using screens before bed. Whenever possible, shut everything off—including phones and tablets—at least an hour before bedtime. Set a screen-free routine with your child, like reading or listening to podcasts, to help them settle in for the night. And for older kids who might be doing online homework late, help them find a routine that calms their brain and body down after they turn off their device.
-
Block the blue light. Make sure kids are using "night mode" on their devices after sunset. Apple and Android devices have options to adjust display color based on time of day.
-
Turn off notifications. Make sure your kids turn off their notifications at night. You can use built-in features like Apple's Screen Time or Google's Family Link to set limits.
-
Keep phones out of the bedroom or sleeping area at night. Teens tell us that putting their phone in another room overnight is the best way to help them resist the temptation to use it—and this leads to better sleep. But some kids use their phones to play background noise or music to fall asleep. If this is the case for your child, try other options, like a white noise machine. Or have them turn off notifications and set "do not disturb" on other apps overnight so the phone's only job is to play music.
-
Talk about tech expectations. Use a Family Tech Planner to create rules for how everyone uses devices. This will give kids a say and develop a shared understanding of how they can make the most out of entertainment and tech time.
-
Walk the walk. Of course, adults can also have a hard time putting down their devices. Whenever you can, model healthy tech habits that you want your kids to pick up.
🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
LOST and FOUND - What are you missing?
As we transition to spring weather, it’s the time of year when we find long sleeves all over the building when the afternoons warm up, and those items end up in Lost and Found! Please check to see if you have your child's winter coat (or if you are missing any other jackets, lunch boxes, etc.). The Lost and Found is located at the entrance of the cafeteria. Thank you!
We will be donating unclaimed items after spring break.
|
|
 |
Now accepting Yearbook Orders
It is now time to place your order for the 2023-2024 school yearbook. Please visit our official website at beechtree.fcps.edu to make your purchase. The deadline for orders is April 28th, therefore we encourage you to place your order promptly. The cost of the yearbook is $10.00, and orders can only be processed online through our website. Do not hesitate, secure your copy today.
|
 🩹 Measles Is Preventable
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
 #InvestInExcellence ✨
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from Fiscal Years 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in 2024. The county’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements. If the county returns to 52.6% for the upcoming year, that would be $63 million more as an investment in excellence for our schools.
We are in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback.
Give your feedback on the Fairfax County budget: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/FY25Budget
Contact your state and federal elected officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: https://bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25
 From FCPS This Week
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
CTE programs are available for students currently in grades K-5 to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing; and for students currently in grades 6-11 to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration.
IFTA and E-IFTA are weekly arts camps for students in grades 2-11. E-IFTA is for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. IFTA allows older students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage or E-IFTA webpage to register.
FCPS ACE Online STEM Courses
Fairfax County’s Adult and Communication (ACE) are offering K12 Enrichment classes starting in Jan. They are offering classes for grades 2-12. Learn more at ACE 4 KIDS or at the ACE K12 FCPS website.
FCPS Summer Learning Page
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning
Summer Programs for Preschoolers and Kindergartners
Please see the camps in the links below.
https://dmv.kidsoutandabout.com/content/preschool-summer-camps-dc-metro-area
https://dcmoms.com/ages-stages/toddler/toddler-friendly-summer-camps-in-dc/
https://www.brighthorizons.com/programs/summer-camp
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Beech Tree Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
|
 FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
Please consider filling out the survey that will remain open until next Friday 22nd. You can find it in your language by clicking here Survey - Encuesta and it would only take 10 minutes of your time. As our principal said, we sincerely value your feedback, and we will read the results of it and carefully consider how to use it to improve our school and community. Also, remember that we can provide printed copies of it if that works best for you, just send me a text at 571-587-1569 or on talking points or call me at 703-5312692 and I’ll put it on your child’s backpack.
Your feedback matters!!
   
Hello Beech Tree Community!
Here are this week’s exciting news:
Don't forget, the Fun Fair is TOMORROW from 10 am to 2 pm!
Preordered tickets have been sent home with your child. For convenience, remember to fill out your raffle tickets before arriving.
Tickets will also be available at the door: Game tickets are 3 for $1, and Raffle tickets are $1 each. Please note: PTA can only accept cash, checks, or Venmo payments.
Bring a reusable bag to carry all your prizes!
Enjoy delicious food from DC Steakholders and DC Slices Food trucks, serving from 11 am to 2 pm.
The raffle ends at 12 pm, followed by winner announcements in the cafeteria.
Don't miss the Silent Auction, featuring classroom plates created by your child's class! Bidding closes at 2 pm.
-
Magnus Chess Club:
Interested in joining our spring chess club? Check out the attached flyer for details!
The club will meet on Friday mornings starting April 5th. Don't miss out on the fun!
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
Parent Liaison: Mariangeles Quinto (703) 531-2692
|
