Hello, Scottie families!
We hope you and your family enjoyed a rejuvenating Spring Break and are now ready for an exciting 4th quarter of school. Thank you to all the families who joined us on Tuesday for our Kindergarten Orientation, and to our kindergarten team and specialists for organizing this event for our newest Scotties! If you were unable to attend, please see our website for details on registering your child for the 2024-2025 school year.
Exciting news...we have been able to secure approved eclipse viewing eyewear for all Bonnie Brae students to use on Monday, April 8. See below for details and safe viewing practices.
Next week we are looking forward to our "This is Us!" celebration of our community and families, on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30-7 PM. See this flyer for information on how to sign-up to share. We invite all of our families to attend, whether to share your culture and heritage, or to enjoy the fun of celebrating and connecting with the Bonnie Brae community. Be sure to plan to attend this special event!
A reminder that as the weather warms up, we rely on your support to ensure all our Scotties are present and engaged in learning every day. Attendance matters, and we want all our students to be a part of the exciting learning opportunities coming up. Let's make the most of this final quarter of the year!
Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
Next Week's Events
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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)
Positivity Project
Upcoming Weekly Focus: Fairness
Character Strengths: You believe that all people have value. You
approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
Quote of the Week: “It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.”
-ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
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...
Renovation has started and the students are so curious about the process!
Ms. Connelly's class is smiling, even on a really rainy day!
Renovation Update
Over Spring Break work began on the vacated wing of the building, which is now closed off from the inside to the rest of the building for safety. In the coming weeks our contractor will be placing their construction trailer and equipment on the small ball field near the parking lot (the left front field as you face the fields from the parking lot). We will continue to share renovation updates with the community as we receive them, but we are excited that the project has started. Expected completion of the project remains summer of 2026. For more information, please see the FCPS Bonnie Brae website here.
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.
School Library Week and Month
April is School Library Month (and April 7-13 is National Library Week) and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs.
Take a moment to learn more about FCPS Library Programs and share your appreciation of your school librarian!
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Solar Eclipse - Safe Viewing at Bonnie Brae!
A solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. At Bonnie Brae, we have been able to collect approved eyewear so that students can safely view the eclipse ONLY while wearing the eyewear. We plan to have students go outside with their teachers shortly before dismissal to see the eclipse. While we will have approved eyewear, we understand that some families may prefer to pick their child up early from school on this day, to experience the eclipse as a family or for safety reasons. Please be sure to send your child to school on Monday, and let their teacher know if you plan to pick up your child before the end of the day.
Here's what you need to know:
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Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
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Regular sunglasses are not good enough. We will be providing eyewear that has been approved for viewing.
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Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal for some students), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.
For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.
This Is Us! Event - April 11th!
We are excited to see our Bonnie Brae families at our "This Is Us! - A Celebration of Our Community of Families" event on Thursday April 11th, 5:30 pm-7 pm.
All families are invited to come experience the share fair, taste the food and drinks, and view the parade.
If you would like to contribute to our "This Is Us!" event, we are still looking for families to share about their culture and traditions with our Bonnie Brae community. Sign up to share about your family's culture, heritage, and traditions using our This is Us Google Flyer.
Spring Picture Day-Individual and Class Photos
Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, April 16th. Students will have an individual and class photo taken. Order online here or visit our Spring Picture Day webpage. Paper copies of the order form will be sent home in Tuesday folders on April 9th.
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.
Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will discover how FCPS is integrating this program into the classroom to support student literacy growth. Tips for supporting students at home will also be shared. 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.
Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction
Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education.
Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.
For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book.
Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback.
New Regulation on Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact [the principal/family liaison/their child’s teacher] regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Religious Accommodations in Schools for Students webpage for more information.
Register Today for the Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet School Lottery
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open through Friday, April 12. Learn more about the schools, their programs, and locations.
Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit
Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-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 theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey.
This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.
Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
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. 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.
iCode Game Night - Parents Night Out - COMING SOON!
Mark your calendars for our next Parents Night Out event with iCode! This is such a popular fundraiser, so make sure to register before space runs 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 flyer. REGISTER TODAY: https://shorturl.at/rGTU0
When: Saturday, April 20th from 6-9PM
Where: iCode in Burke
Who: Students grades K-6
Cost: $30/student
Chick-fil-A Spirit Week COMING SOON!
Chick-Fil-A Spirit Week runs all day, all week!
When: April 22th through April 26th
Where: Chick-fil-A Burke Centre Parkway location.
Mention Bonnie Brae spirit week, show the Chick-fil-A flyer or use mobile ordering code BBSpirit24 for the Bonnie Brae PTO to earn 15% of sales!
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar
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April 16 - Spring Picture Day (individual and class)
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April 16 - Grade 5 IRW Assessment
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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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April 20 - Game Night at iCode, 6-9 pm
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April 22 - Earth Day
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April 22-26 - Chick-fil-A Spirit Week @ Burke Center Parkway location
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April 26 - BBES Spirit Day-Decades Day
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April 26 - Parent Coffee (BBES Cafeteria), 8:40-9:15 am
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May 2 - Grade 5 SOL Reading Test
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May 3 - Teacher Workday (no school for students)
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May 7 - Interims Sent Home
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May 7 - Grade 6 SOL Reading Test
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May 8 - Grade 4 SOL Reading Test
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May 9 - Grade 3 SOL Reading Test
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May 10 - Grade 5 SOL Math Test
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