Bonnie Brae ES: Family Newsletter

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Principal's Message

Hello, Scottie families!  

It's been another great week here at Bonnie Brae!  The weather has been beautiful, and we have enjoyed seeing our Scotties engaged in joyful learning throughout the building and Scottland Yard. 

A reminder that Monday, October 14 is a Staff Development Day, and there is no school for students.  Please see below for lots of important information, to include the upcoming three-hour early release (October 28), the Book Fair next week, our Math & Literacy Night (November 13), and to volunteer to support with the PTO Fall Festival (October 25). 

Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends. Soak up the sunshine!

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal


Family.  Relationships.  Success.


Week at a Glance

  • October 14 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
  • October 14-October 18 - Digital Citizenship Week
  • October 15-October 22 - Book Fair (BBES Library)
    • October 15, 17, & 22 - Family Shopping Nights, 3:30-6:30 PM
  • October 16 - Parent Coffee: Advanced Academics & Portrait of a Graduate, 8:30-9:20 AM (Cafeteria)
  • October 16 - PTO Meeting (virtual), 6-7:30 PM          

Positivity Project logo

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus:  Integrity

Character Strengths:  You are honest and speak the truth. You present yourself genuinely and sincerely.

Quote of the Week:  “To believe in something and not live it, is dishonest.”

-MAHATMA GANDHI


Positivity Project logo and outline of a house

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.


Scottie Feature

A few amazing highlights that happened this week...


Images around bonnie brae

Seen around Bonnie Brae this week!


Socratic Seminar in Ms. McGuire's Class

Students in Ms. McGuire's class participated in their first Socratic Seminar this week!


Updates

Calendar Reminder

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.


Fall Pictures - Seeing Your Child's Picture Proofs

If you pre-ordered a fall picture package, it should be arriving shortly.

For families who did not have a chance to pre-order, it is not too late! Please visit the Victor O’Neill photo portal.  Use your child’s student ID number when asked for the online code.  If you are unsure of your child’s student ID number, please email your child's classroom teacher.

For questions about school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com.


Book Fair Starts on Tuesday!

Book Fair begins on Tuesday and runs through Oct 22! Grades 1-6 will have the opportunity to shop during the school day. Students may pay with cash or eWallet. The eWallet system works differently this year! You set a spending limit for your child. Your credit card is not charged until a purchase is made, so there are no wasted/leftover funds. Visit Bookworm Central to setup an eWallet: https://www.bookwormbmaps.com/eWallet/.

We will also have three family shopping nights:

Tuesday, October 15 – 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Thursday, October 17 – 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Tuesday, October 22 – 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Volunteers are still needed to help during the school day and on our family nights. Please sign up for a slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49A9A82BAAFACF8-51562829-bbes#/

If you have any questions about the Book Fair, please contact our librarian, Lora Lewis, at lmlewis3@fcps.edu.


Math and Literacy Night

Math & Literacy Night - November 13!

Hey Scotties, let’s go camping! Join us on Wednesday, November 13 from 6-7 PM for our camping themed Math and Literacy Night! At this event you will participate in fun and engaging math and literacy games and activities with other students and teachers. There will be a scavenger hunt, a photo booth, and food all while wearing your favorite camping and/or cozy clothes! More details to come but mark your calendars now!


Early Release Monday, October 28 - Please Complete the Survey

On Monday, October 28, dismissal will be three hours early, beginning at 12:15  PM. To allow teachers time to complete the state required 27 hours of language arts training, we encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their typical route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. While these are designated as early release days — where necessary, we will ensure that student supervision is in place for students who must stay until our regular dismissal time of 3:15 PM.  Typical bus transportation is available at 3:15 PM, and SACC will be open for afternoon SACC families starting at 12:15 PM.

Homeroom teachers have shared the October 28 Early Release Survey with their students' families. We are asking that all families complete the October 28 Early Release Survey by Friday 10/18.  Please review these important details:

  • To ensure safety for each student, parents/caregivers must complete the survey to notify the homeroom teacher if they plan to have their child leave school at 12:15 PM via bus, kiss & ride, or walking by 3:00 PM on Friday, October 18.  
  • Changes to your child’s dismissal plan cannot occur after close of business October 23rd.  
  • If parents/caregivers have an emergency and need to pick up students who are being supervised at school after 12:15 PM on October 28, please contact the office at 703-321-3900. 

Thank you for taking time to review this important information about the upcoming 3-hour early release on Monday, October 28.  


Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.  During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day. Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M. Register Online 


Students writing together

News You Choose - Check Your Subscriptions & Get Signed Up!

News You Choose (NYC) is a subscription-based, email communication tool used for the distribution of non-critical communications such as newsletters, events, news updates, and other topics. Families can subscribe to newsletters on hundreds of topics (ie Bonnie Brae groups, School Board Member updates, Robinson Secondary, Special Services...).  Families can also update their preferences (change what they are subscribed to).

  1. Visit the FCPS News You Choose webpage
  2. Enter your email address
    1. Already signed up for NYC - enter email address that receives the NYC communication
    2. Creating a new NYC account - enter email address you would like to receive NYC communication 
  3. Scroll through the options and check off subscriptions options you are interested in.  For example:
    1. Bonnie Brae (News and Announcements, Bonnie Brae ES PTO)
    2. Capital Projects (School Construction)
    3. Robinson Secondary (Grade Level Options, Athletics & Activities)
    4. Special Services
  4. Scroll to the bottom and click on Submit

Once submitted, the NYC account is updated and you will begin receiving email communication about chosen topics.


Technology Resources for FCPS Families

FCPS has partnered up with Fairfax County Government to help our FCPS families discover valuable resources and learning events!  Visit the Digital Equity websites to learn how families can:


Advanced Academics Program (AAP) News

This October, Bonnie Brae will be hosting two Advanced Academic Family Information Sessions.

Meeting 1: Wednesday, October 16-8:30-9:15am (Bonnie Brae Cafeteria) -This meeting will introduce the Advanced Academic Program and Portrait of a Graduate Services provided at Bonnie Brae. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Meeting 2: Wednesday, October 30-5:00-6:00 pm (Bonnie Brae Cafeteria)-This meeting will provide an overview of Full Time (formerly named Level IV) Services and the Full Time Services Screening Process for students in grades 2-6.

Full Time Referral Deadlines:

Fall Full Time Referrals Due: October 15. This is for new to FCPS students (as of January 2024) in grades 3-6. 

Spring Full Time Referrals Due: December 15. This is for all Current FCPS students in grades 2-6.

Please visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage to learn more about the referral, screening and selection process for AAP services.  Please contact our AART, Larissa Sheehan, ltsheehan@fcps.edu, with any AAP related questions. 


STEAM Donations image

Math & Literacy Night - Donations Needed

Our Math & Literacy Night is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th. We have got some fun things planned, but we need your help!

If you can, we would appreciate donations of the following items:

Toilet Paper Rolls Paper Towel Rolls Pipe Cleaners
Masking Tape Tin Foil

Paper Plates

Colored Tissue Paper Craft Foam Cotton Balls
Large Beads Rubber Bands

Popsicle Sticks

 

Sign up on our Math & Literacy Night Donations page if you can donate items. Donated items should be sent in no later than October 31.  Donations can come to Cecilia Doan, Math Resource Teacher or be given to your child’s teacher.  Please see our Donations Needed flyer for more details.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Cecilia Doan,
cvdoan@fcps.edu.


Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people

Bonnie Brae will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey to our 6th graders sometime between 11/12 – 11/22 (date coming soon).

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to Mrs. Lonnett (your child's school counselor) no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to Mrs. Lonnett.


Robinson Spirit Wear

Robinson Secondary School Spirit Wear!

Robinson has launched its first ever ONLINE spirit wear store and they have some NEW Robbie the Ram gear!  Check out this tee and hoodie along with other youth merch here -OR- go to their website at www.robinsonramsboosters.com to see all things Robinson. 

Questions, please contact, spiritwear@robinsonathleticsboosters.com.  


Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Transportation options are available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.


national walk and roll to school day

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.


Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.


Bonnie Brae ES PTO

Join the PTO

Get involved, stay connected, and learn what's happening with our Scottie community! We're an organization of parents, school staff, and community members supporting our Scotties and school community. Join the PTO today: https://www.bonniebraepto.org/ptomembership 


Fall Festival

Fall Festival VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

All Scotties are invited to join us for an evening of fun and celebrating the season! There will be games, costume contests, a live DJ, and concessions for sale. 

When: Friday, October 25th from 6-8PM

Where: Bonnie Brae Elementary (indoors)

Cost: $5 per student 

Save time at the door and get your tickets online now: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/439fd8ff-d406-44e1-9711-8ca152e13629

We need amazing volunteers LIKE YOU to help make this a success! Sign up to help with the event! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DACA72BA7F85-51893422-2024


Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser - Let's Keep Going!!!

Help Us Reach Our Goal! We’re already halfway through our Charleston Wrap fundraiser! Have you registered yet? Can you TEXT 10 of your friends & family right now and help us reach our goal of $10,000? Fundraiser ends October 15th! REGISTER online today at www.registercw.com using Organization ID# 16200

Funds raised help support our school community with assemblies, bus costs for field trips, staff appreciation events, classroom and schoolwide improvements, and so much more!  View more details about the Charleston Wrap fundraiser.

Want to donate directly to the PTO any time throughout the year? Click and share the link with family and friends who want to support our amazing school community! https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/10fad167-6ef2-4f7d-a881-f3f084070ec6


Cardinal gymnastics

Cardinal Gymnastics Kids Night Out - Fundraiser

It's a win-win! Parents get a night out while kids enjoy an AWESOME night full of gymnastics fun, games, crafts, and pizza! We're partnering with Cardinal Gymnastics for our next Parents Night Out drop-off fundraiser! A portion of the proceeds will come back to support the Bonnie Brae PTO.  View more details about this event.

When: Saturday, October 26th from 5-9PM (NOTE: This is for 4 HOURS 😍)

Where: 5581 Guinea Road, Fairfax

Cost: $60 per child (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $50 if registered by 10/12)

Age requirement: 5-12 years old

Register online NOW! https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/jr3.0/Openings/OpeningsDirect?OrgID=545066&Session=Special%20Events:%20Fall%202024&sort=Cat1,StartDate,StartTime


Chick-fil-A Spirit Week flyer

Chick-fil-A Restaurant Week FINAL DAY!

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Week runs all day, all next week! So mark your calendars!

When: Monday Oct 7th through Friday Oct 11th

Where: Chick-fil-A Burke Centre Parkway location.  

Mention Bonnie Brae spirit week or use mobile ordering code BB2024 for the Bonnie Brae PTO to earn 15% of sales!


Upcoming Events

  • October 25 - PTO Fall Festival
  • October 26 - PTO & Cardinal Gymnastics Parents' Night Out Fundraiser
  • October 28 - Three Hour Early Release Monday     
  • October 30 - AAP Family Information Night, 5-6 PM (Cafeteria)
  • October 31 - SCA Spirit Day: Costume Day
  • October 31 - Two Hour Early Release Day (End of 1st Quarter)
  • November 1 - Diwali Holiday (no school for students & staff)
  • November 4 - School Planning Day (no school for students)
  • November 5 - Teacher Workday/Election Day (no school for students)
  • November 6 - 2nd Quarter Begins
  • November 7 - Fall Picture Make-Up Day
  • November 8 - Veterans Day Breakfast, 8:30-9:15 AM (Cafeteria)

Subscribe to our Calendar

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Printable FCPS 2024-25 School Calendar (PDF)


Bonnie Brae Hours - Office 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Instructional 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.