Bailey's ES News-April 5th, 2024

translation icon

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


Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

I hope this message finds you well-rested and rejuvenated after a fantastic spring break! As students returned to school this week, we focused on re-establishing our classroom routines and setting goals for the remainder of the school year. Our teachers are committed to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for every student as we begin the fourth quarter.

On Monday from 3:00 – 3:30, students will have the opportunity to watch the solar eclipse.  They have been learning about the eclipse during their STEAM Lab classes and are excited to see it.  For student and staff safety, we have purchased solar eclipse glasses for this event.  There is more information included below about how to safely view the eclipse.

Thank you for your continued support of our school.  We hope you have a great weekend. 

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Kyle Jimenez, Assistant Principal


️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on 

April 8th 

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. 

Here's what you need to know:

  • Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
  • Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.  
  • 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.

🧸 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:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. 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. 


Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Internal Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians of FCPS students. You are being asked for feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community. The survey window is April 15 - April 26, 2024. Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholders.

Thank you for your feedback!


🎤 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:

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.


Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024

  • 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.


🏫 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.


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:

  • CHILDREN/TEENS WITH CANCER
    • 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.
  • CHILDREN/TEENS WITH A LOVED ONE WITH CANCER              
    • 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.
    • 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.
  • GRIEF/LOSS
    • 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.

1st Eng

1st Spa

calendar

Save the Date

April 10th - Eid al Fitr Holiday- No school

April 18th - 1st Grade Museum Parent Night 5:00 - 7:00 pm                            (see information above)