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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
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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,
This week seems to have flown by! Who could have known how quickly March would come and go?
We want to remind you that Fairfax County Public Schools will be closed next week for Spring Break. Whether you're taking a family trip or enjoying quiet days at home, we hope that Spring Break provides you with the chance to recharge and create lasting memories with family and friends. Please remember that the Bailey’s ES office will be closed from March 25th - 29th. Staff will be spending time with their families and will not be available to respond to emails, texts, or phone calls during Spring Break. They will return your message when school resumes on April 3rd.
As we look ahead to the 4th quarter, we are filled with excitement and optimism for all that is yet to come for the remainder of the school year. Our students still have lots of learning to do and experiences to share. By working together, we will continue to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our school! We look forward to seeing everyone back at Bailey’s on April 3rd.
Satonya Dews, Principal
Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal
Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal
Kyle Jimenez, Assistant Principal
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 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 by the CDC after resuming 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 to keep our students and staff healthy.
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
A Note from Music
March is Music in our Schools Month!
¡Marzo es el mes de la música en nuestras escuelas!
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When you think of elementary music class, do you think of singing, moving, and playing? Yes, that is what we do each day! But, so much more happens than meets the eye. Did you know…
1) We are working on social emotional skills as we use music as a vehicle to learn about self, others, and the world.
2) We are learning about the world we live in, as music is an experience found across all cultures and countries. Differences, similarities, and respect are recognized, practiced and celebrated throughout the year.
3) We sing together to learn about our past and present, learn from one another, and begin to envision a society where everybody is just as amazing and awesome as we are!
4) “Music instruction is affirming, meaningful, and relevant to students as they utilize the artistic process to learn about themselves and others, and develop critical perspectives of the world.” (Cuthbertson. 2022)
Cuando piensas en la clase de música de primaria, ¿piensas en cantar, moverte y tocar? ¡Sí, eso es lo que hacemos todos los días! Pero sucede mucho más de lo que parece. Sabías…
1) Estamos trabajando en habilidades socioemocionales mientras usamos la música como vehículo para aprender sobre uno mismo, los demás y el mundo.
2) Estamos aprendiendo sobre el mundo en el que vivimos, ya que la música es una experiencia que se encuentra en todas las culturas y países. Las diferencias, las similitudes y el respeto se reconocen, practican y celebran durante todo el año.
3) ¡Cantamos juntos para aprender sobre nuestro pasado y presente, aprender unos de otros y comenzar a imaginar una sociedad donde todos sean tan asombrosos e impresionantes como nosotros!
4) “La enseñanza de la música es afirmativa, significativa y relevante para los estudiantes, ya que utilizan el proceso artístico para aprender sobre sí mismos y los demás, y desarrollar perspectivas críticas del mundo”. (Cuthbertson. 2022)
🧸 Kindergarten Registration:
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
💻 Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.
When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future:
Community Conversations Continue
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.
Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.
Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Everyday Counts
This year, Spring Break is March 25-April 2. We are eager to welcome your children back in school on Wednesday, April 3. Their attendance is very important. Teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning.
Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong.
According to a recent study of elementary and middle schools, there’s a 5.8% difference between April and June attendance rates. In struggling schools, the attendance drop is nearly twice that. Let's work together to end the school year with success.
FCPS School Counseling Services
INOVA LIfe with Cancer Pediatric Programs/Resources
INOVA Life with Cancer (LWC) offers support services for children, adolescents, and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis at no cost. In addition to groups, LWC provides individual support and parent/school consultations about supporting a child impacted by cancer.
Here are some of their upcoming programs:
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CHILDREN/TEENS WITH CANCER
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Young Adults in Treatment Group | Thursday, 3/14 from 7:00pm-8:00pm | ZOOM. This group is for teens and young adults (16-24 years old) with cancer who are undergoing treatment (or have recently completed treatment). The group meets virtually, and provides space to share and listen with peers going through their own cancer journey. To register, please contact Stratton@inova.org.
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CHILDREN/TEENS WITH A LOVED ONE WITH CANCER
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Curious About Cancer |Thursdays @ 5:30pm – 7:00pm| IN-PERSON AT THE LWC FAMILY CENTER; 5-week series running from 4/4 to 5/2. This 5-week program is for kids ages 8-12 with a family member with cancer (parent, sibling, grandparent, etc). This group will provide kids with the opportunity to learn about cancer in an age appropriate way, learn and share coping skills, and be supported by peers with similar experiences. Dinner will be provided. Register on ourwebsite.
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Create Calm | On Demand Mindfulness & Yoga Videos for Kids LWChas partnered with Create Calm to provide on-demand yoga-based movement classes, breathwork, and guided meditation videos that will keep your child/teen supported on-the-go. The free content features tools for stress management to support our families in both Spanish and English. Access these resourceshere.
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GRIEF/LOSS
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Grief Circle for Teens | Tuesday, 4/1 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm| IN-PERSON AT THE LWC FAMILY CENTER.This workshop is for teens ages 14-18 with a loved one who died from cancer in the last 4 years. Participants will engage in the “Kintsugi” process and how it can relate to their grief experience. Kintsugi is a Japanese art form in which breaks and repairs become a part of the object’s history. Register on ourwebsite.
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.
Save the Date
March 25th- 29th - Spring Break
April1st & 2nd - Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday
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