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Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
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Dear Beech Tree Families,
As spring break approaches, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a fantastic break! Our students, teachers, and staff have dedicated themselves tirelessly over the past few months, and I am thrilled for everyone to have a well-deserved rest. For those of you planning to travel, I wish you safe journeys. For those staying local, enjoy a staycation! There are a few important updates to share:
- I am excited to say that the crosswalk signage has arrived. FCPS has specked out the sign location and we are now awaiting pole placement. We have been informed that underground utility infrastructure has to be finalized prior to the pole installation. Thank you to all as we exercise patience in waiting for the completion of this project.
- Please be reminded that when visiting a FCPS school a photo ID must be brought with you. We cannot accept a picture of your identification. It is mandatory to bring your license or state-issued ID card. Visitors must scan their driver’s license to obtain a photo-label name tag before entering the school. This requirement is essential for the safety of our students and staff.
- On April 8th, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from our area. Initially, we purchased eyewear for safe viewing, but the district determined that schools could not use any eyeglasses. They have revised their stance on this decision. However, all eyewear has been returned and is now on backorder. In the effort of safety, please feel free to send your child in with protective eyewear for the eclipse.
- In preparation for this event, students will be making FCPS recommended safety equipment during their STEAM class that will allow them to safely indirectly view the eclipse. This hands-on activity will not only enhance their understanding of the eclipse but also assist with safety during this rare astronomical event.
We hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable time together during this break.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
With appreciation,
Principal Clarke
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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
- Saturday, April 13th Family Field Trip Udvar-Hazy Center 9:30am
- 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.
🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association.
This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break.
⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize. Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9, to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
🏐 New Athletic Opportunities for Students
The FCPS advertised budget for next school year expands high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being. FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details. Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
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.
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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.
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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!
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 Hi Beech Tree Parents!
We’re seeking energetic parent volunteers for Thursday, April 4th as we bring Walk in My Shoes to Beech Tree!
The Walk in My Shoes program's mission is to create a more welcoming school environment so that all students feel included, understood, and supported. We encourage parents of children with ADHD, Autism (sensory processing), Food Allergy, or English as a Second Language (ESOL) to sign up to volunteer. For the ESOL parent volunteer, we ask parents who speak a language other than Spanish and Vietnamese since they are our dominant languages at Beech Tree.
While this event is only being offered for students in 3rd to 5th grade, we encourage parents from all grade levels to sign up to volunteer. Our goal is to share a modified version of the curriculum with our Kindergarten to 2nd grade students during their class counseling lessons with Ms. Torres.
There will be a 45-minute virtual training prior to the event. If you have questions, please email Penny, our PTA President at penny.yiannarakis@gmail.com or Ms. Torres, our School Counselor at adtorres@fcps.edu.
Thursday, April 4th, 2024
5th Grade: 9:30am - 10:30am
4th Grade: 10:30am - 11:30am
3rd Grade: 11:30am - 12:30pm
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0544AEAB2DA5F85-48626217-beech#/
Ms. Torres
Diamond Torres, M Ed.
School Counselor, Beech Tree Elementary
adtorres@fcps.edu | Office: 703.531.2668
  
Hello Beech Tree Community!
Fun Fair Success! We are almost at Spring Break, but before that, we want to thank everyone who donated and participated in the Fun Fair last weekend! It was an incredible success, and we hope everyone had a fantastic time. We are looking forward to sharing more feedback at our next PTA meeting, so make sure you join us!
Yearbook Orders Just a friendly reminder that yearbook orders are due by April 28th. Don't miss out on capturing all the wonderful memories from this school year! Order yours today here, or look for more information in the Principal’s messages.
Have a Wonderful Spring Break, Everyone!
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
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