Bush Hill Updates - Tuesday, April 16, 2024

A Note From Mrs. Duffy

Dear Families,

This week at Bush Hill Elementary has been a whirlwind of exciting events that showcased our vibrant school community and the incredible talents of our students and staff.

A Steller Spectacle:  Recapping the Solar Eclipse Festival!

This past Monday, April 8th, Bush Hill took to the skies (safely, of course!) for our unforgettable Solar Eclipse Festival! This event wouldn't have been possible without the incredible collaboration of our dedicated staff and enthusiastic families. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize and volunteer – your efforts created a truly memorable experience for our students. Students were able to witness this celestial phenomenon using a variety of safe viewing tools they crafted themselves during STEAM class sessions leading up to and following Spring Break. Additionally, each student received a pair of certified eclipse glasses to use during the event and keep as a special memento.

A huge shout-out goes to our amazing STEAM teacher, Mrs. Blackburn, for her visionary planning and for leading this impactful learning experience.  We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm and engagement during the eclipse!

Celebrating Our Diversity at Community Night

Last Thursday, we were thrilled to host our annual Community Night! It was a truly special evening where over 27 families and staff members, representing an amazing 20 different countries, came together to celebrate our rich diversity. The night was filled with joy as we enjoyed traditional dances from Ecuador/Bolivia, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. The aroma of delicious food from around the world filled the air, and informative displays provided a glimpse into different cultures.

We received fantastic feedback from the many students and families who attended. A huge thank you goes to the dedicated planning committee for their tireless efforts in making Community Night such a success!

Odyssey of the Mind Team Shines at State Level

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Odyssey of the Mind team recently competed at the state level competition! Their hard work and creativity paid off, as they secured an impressive 2nd place finish in their division, qualifying them for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. Team members include Finn Gilkes, Mark See, Ryan Boriso, Elisa del Mundo, Ellie Shanks, and Aaron Ruf. The team was coached by Heidi Hess and Stephanie See. While the team has chosen not to travel for the World Finals, their achievement is truly remarkable. This is a testament to their dedication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the team's coaches and our school coordinator, Maria Mylnar, whose guidance and support made this incredible journey possible.

Chess Team Takes Third!

Bush Hill's Chess Team had a fantastic showing at Best Chess's Annual Scholastic Area-Wide Tournament in Gaithersburg on Saturday, April 6th. They achieved a commendable 3rd place finish overall! Team members include Declan Nolan, Isaac Autry, Mason White, Nathan Haug, Azeem Tyabji, Jacey Chang, John Syphrit III, Brianna Postigo-Duran, and Everett Suarez. We also want recognize student Nathan Haug who earned an impressive 3rd place finish in their category. Congratulations to the entire Chess Team on this well-deserved recognition!

I look forward to sharing more of Bush Hill's exciting news with you in the weeks to come. As always, we value your continued partnership in fostering a vibrant learning environment for our students.

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Panther PTA

Thank you for coming out to support the Bush Hill PTA at Hangry Burger this past Wednesday! It was a fun and successful event! Money raised from restaurant nights helps support field trips, school improvements, school events, and more!

Spring Enrichment Classes: Volunteers Needed!

If your child is attending a spring enrichment class, please be on the lookout for volunteer sign ups! We cannot run these programs without parent volunteers!

Coming Soon!

Next PTA Meeting:

We will forgo a virtual General PTA Board Meeting this month. Instead, please look for an update sent via Memberhub (Givebacks).

Become a PTA Member Today!

It's easy! Click here: Join_PTA 

Why join? Membership helps support our students and staff! The PTA helps plan fun activities for our school community (for staff and students), plans fundraisers, and supports the purchase of new materials and items for school improvements.

Ideas, thoughts, questions; want to volunteer or assist? We take donations via Givebacks and always need help from volunteers! https://bushhill.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Enjoy The Show!

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For more information or to volunteer - please click below

BHES Spring Book Fair Homepage

Book Fair Volunteer Sign-Up 

 

Rising Kindergarten Orientation

You and your rising Kindergartener are invited and encouraged to attend our Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, April 25th from 6:00-7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to visit our school, meet our Administrators & Teachers, and learn about our Kindergarten program.  Please share this valuable information with your neighbors who may have rising Panthers.

Have you registered for Kindergarten?  Early registration helps us plan ahead for the 2024-2025 school year.  Registration registration packets are available in the Bush Hill ES Main Office, or you may download the forms using the links below.

The registration requirements are as follows:

For incoming Kindergarten students – please visit https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration

It is important that you have filled out all the paperwork, and bring with you the following:

  1. Photo ID
  2. Original Birth Certificate
  3. Proof of Residency (Deed or Lease to your home)
  4. Virginia Physical and Immunization Record (due prior to school starting in August, 2024)

When you are ready, and have gathered most of your documentation, please contact our Registrar, Ms. Elizabeth DePalma @ (703) 924-5600 or email  efdepalma@fcps.edu to set up your registration appointment.  All registrations are done by appointment only.

For further information, the Fairfax County Public Schools website is www.fcps.edu and the Bush Hill Elementary website is https://bushhilles.fcps.edu/ 

PE News

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It’s that time of year again. Field Day T-shirts are coming!

Show your Panther Pride by ordering a shirt for the Big Day!

Field Day is Wednesday June 5th ( Rain date Monday June 10th)

Information has been sent home in Tuesday Folders.

The sale ends April 26th, no orders will be taken after this date.

https://BUSHHILL24.ITEMORDER.COM

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Ms. Mulcahy & Ms. Nolan

Bush Hill Physical Education Teachers

Celebrating Panther Staff Appreciation

Staff Appreciation Week 2024

Want to make an impact this year to show your appreciation for our teachers and staff?

Let's pool our resources and collectively ensure all staff members and teachers feel appreciated during Staff Appreciation Week, May 6 to 10.

Choose how you want your money to be spent by donating to any of the following: lunch; individual staff gifts; therapeutic visits;  raffle prizes; or open gifting.  If none of these fit your preference, we are also taking donations of your time.  You can sign up for any of these here:  https://tinyurl.com/yv5whvrd

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From FCPS


✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.

Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, Inclusion

The FCPS Family Summit 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. Session topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; helping children manage emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Online sessions will provide support for students with disabilities and their families. 

Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn more about the guest speakers and register to attend. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.


💻 April Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Upcoming events include:

Click the linked titles above to register. Learn more about FRC webinars and events.

🌏 Earth Day Festival

Fairfax County Park Authority's Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sully Historic Site. The festival will include earth and nature-focused programs, scavenger hunts, and other activities.


Edison High School

Come see Edison Theatre Company at their creepiest and kookiest!   We have a special deal for Middle School Students!  Tickets go on sale April 12 at 8 am for the spring musical The Addams Family (School Edition) running May 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Edison Auditorium. Tickets are available in advance by following the link below; tickets are also sold at the door.

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15633/thomas-edison-high-school-theatre

If you enter "FutureEagle" in the promotion field, you will get 50% off for up to 6 tickets for the May 1st or May 2nd, 7pm performances

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Building A Legacy - One Brick At A Time

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Bush Hill ES Fundraiser

Consider making your student or loved one’s legacy permanent at Bush Hill Elementary School by purchasing a brick to be placed on our brick path between Door 3 and Door 5. The bricks will be placed there among the other legacy bricks. We have two brick options to choose from. Bricks purchased now until May 24, 2024, will be laid in late summer 2024. Bricks purchased after May 24th, 2024, will be laid by Spring of 2025. All profits raised will be used to support student events, materials and supplies for Bush Hill ES.

Link:

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/checkout/getproduct?clientKey=ZZI5ZQWBKS04NJ8&buttonID=c23ad13d-4c15-4405-b98c-8ad89e89817c