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Dear Panther Families,
We hope this week has been filled with exciting learning opportunities for your children. We were thrilled to end last week with our first all-school morning meeting on Thursday. During this special gathering, we celebrated the incredible work our students have been doing to embrace our Panther Pact values: Appreciate, Include, Empathize, and We All Belong. It was heartwarming to see our students' commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. We also had a special visit from the one and only Panther!
We are also excited to welcome Ms. Side to our school community as our new Assistant Principal starting today. Ms. Side brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our school community. We are confident that her leadership will contribute to the continued success of our students.
Don't forget to join us for Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 4th! This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teachers, learn about our curriculum, and ask any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Volunteers Needed!
We are gearing up for a great school year but need YOUR help to make it Whether you can contribute a few hours a month or take on a leadership role, your involvement makes a significant difference. Please reach out to us to learn more about how you can get involved.
Volunteers Needed: Ice Cream Social
Save the date for our annual ice cream social Friday, 9/13 from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Bush Hill cafeteria. We need volunteers to help set up/clean up and serve during the event. Sign up here by 9/12.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0E4BA4AD2DA0FCC07-50812335-icecream
First PTA general meeting will be Tuesday Sept 17th more information coming as it gets closer, mark your calendar to attend!
Enrichment Programs are coming this Fall! The PTA has set up various enrichment programs to offer to Bush Hill students/families. We have something for everyone in the mornings and afternoons. More information will be coming out this week and registration will be set up through the vendors. Here is the list of offerings so you can start thinking/planning! Let Me Run - boys running club (grades 3-6) Your Best Chess - chess club (all grades) Kidcreate Alexandria - art club (K-3) STEM ExCel - (grades 1-6) iCook - cooking club (grades K-3) STEAM - science (grades 4-6) Odyssey of the Mind (all grades, split into teams) Learn Music Now - music club (all grades) We need parent/teacher volunteers to be coaches for Let Me Run and to be coaches for the Odyssey of the Mind teams. If interested email the PTA at ptabushhillelementary@gmail.com.
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!
Follow us on Facebook
Want to stay up to date on all PTA events and opportunities? Make sure you are following us on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/BushHillES/
Understanding the 2024-25 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 30.
Participate in Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Focus Groups
Each year, FCPS reviews and updates the SR&R to ensure it reflects our commitment to equity and the goals outlined in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. This year, we are partnering with K12 Insight to host focus groups.
Parents/caregivers should have received an email from K12 Insight with information on how to participate in a focus group. School-based and central office staff who work directly with students, and middle and high school students have also been invited to participate.
Your voice is essential to delivering an SR&R that supports a caring and inclusive climate and culture in every school community. If you have questions, you can submit them on our website or contact Kathleen Walts, executive director of Equity and Student Relations.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! This fall, a series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
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Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School.
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Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School.
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School.
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.
Click the date above to register. Registration is not required, but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
🖥️ Free Webinars for Families
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on:
- Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
- Helping students organize their school work.
- The new Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Participation Decision-Making Tool.
- Setting limits for children who like to push boundaries.
- Teen development and well-being.
Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone!
Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!
Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.
The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for running the public schools in Fairfax County. Twelve School Board members are elected by county voters every four years.
A student representative serves on the board as a non-voting member. They are chosen by their peers each year.
The School Board makes general rules and sets guidelines to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools runs properly. They follow the laws of Virginia and the rules set by the Virginia Board of Education.
Learning about your local School Board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved.
Learn more about the School Board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch their meetings.
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