Bonnie Brae ES: Family Newsletter

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Principal's Message

Hello, Scottie families!  

Family was at the forefront this week at Bonnie Brae. First up, on Wednesday we had the privilege of holding assemblies for all Bonnie Brae students to hear from Trevon "Trey" Jenifer, a three-time gold medal winning member of Team USA's paralympic wheelchair basketball team.  Mr. Jenifer shared his story and his skills, and a powerful reminder that, "it is okay to be different," which resonated with staff and students alike.  Not only is Mr. Jenifer an incredibly kind and skilled person, but he is also a Bonnie Brae parent.  Thank you, Mr. Jenifer, for sharing your experiences with us, and also for bringing all of your Olympic medals for everyone to see!  What a treat!

As we approach Veterans Day on Monday, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to the brave individuals who have served and continue to serve our country. We enjoyed a wonderful Veterans Day breakfast with our Bonnie Brae veteran connected families this morning, and we are grateful for the generous and delicious breakfast donations that were provided by the Bonnie Brae community.  To our Bonnie Brae families who have veterans among them, we extend a heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices you and your loved ones have made.

Finally, next week we are so excited to host our camping themed Math & Literacy Night, on Wednesday, November 13, from 6-7:30 PM.  There will be fun math and literacy games, and food will be available.  See the section below for more information.  We hope to see you there!

Enjoy the three-day weekend with your family.  We will see our Scotties back at school on Tuesday, November 12.   

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal


Family.  Relationships.  Success.


Week at a Glance

  • November 11- Veterans Day Holiday (no school for students and staff)
  • November 12 - Wendy's Restaurant Night
  • November 13 - Math & Literacy Night, 6-7:30 PM (Cafeteria & Gym)

Positivity Project logo

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus:  Spiral Review

Reviewed Character Strengths:  Integrity, OPM – Words & Actions, Bravery, Creativity, and Teamwork


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...


Veterans Day Breakfast

Veterans Day Breakfast at Bonnie Brae


Veterans Day Breakfast

Veterans Day Breakfast at Bonnie Brae


Updates

Veterans Day

Veterans Day - No School For Students

Monday, November 11, is Veterans Day and schools will be closed for students.


Trey Jenifer

Trey Jenifer Visits Bonnie Brae

Trey Jenifer, a Bonnie Brae parent and US Paralympic gold winning athlete, visited our Scotties today to share his experiences and wise words. His powerful reminder that, "It is okay to be different," resonated with students and staff (https://youtube.com/shorts/_m4Y1A_HWSw?feature=share). His one on one basketball match against second grade teacher Ms. Cho, also created awe and excitement (https://youtu.be/UmCfBOMgY3o). Way to make those shots Ms. Cho!


Supporting Children in Politically Charged Times

Political events can generate strong reactions, emotions, and differences of opinion.  Educators and families play a crucial role in helping students feel safe and learn how to engage with others with differing perspectives in a peaceful and respectful manner. The National Association of School Psychologists has published this guidance to help teachers and families support students in politically charged times.


Ready for School

Ready for a fantastic day at school!


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/data/youth-survey/, 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 on Wednesday, November 13th.

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.


Math & Literacy Night

Math & Literacy Night - November 13, 6-7:30 PM

Hey Scotties, let’s go camping! Join us on Wednesday, November 13 from 6-7:30 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! Check out the details about our Math & Literacy Night.


Robinson Marketplace

Robinson Marketplace – Saturday, November 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM

Robinson PTSO is hosting its Annual Marketplace Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 9, from 9 AM - 3 PM at Robinson Secondary School.  Just in time for the holidays! Shop from local Home Based, Small Boutique Businesses, and Hand Crafters. Our very own Robinson Groups and Clubs will also have some treasurers including Robinson Spirit Items!  We also have a great silent auction running from 10 AM - 2 PM.  We hope to see you there!


IEP Palooza

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance


Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.


Boundary

Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.


Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.


IEP Palooza
Bonnie Brae ES PTO

PTO Subscription Calendar

We're catching up with technology and cutting down on paper waste! Help us save trees and reduce flyers for every event/fundraiser by subscribing to the PTO Calendar. Visit our website here for instructions: https://www.bonniebraepto.org/calendar


"Staff Favorite Things" List is Now LIVE!

Our amazing website team has been working hard to get the BBES Staff Favorite Things lists and links to their Amazon Wishlists updated for our Scottie Families! View it on our website here: https://www.bonniebraepto.org/support-our-staff


Wendy's

Wendy's Restaurant DAY!

Grab a quick and delicious meal and support the PTO at the same time! The fundraiser runs ALL DAY on 11/12 so stop on by and show the flyer: https://www.bonniebraepto.org/home/wendy's-fundraiser


iCode

iCode Parents Night Out Fundraiser

Parents, get ready for a kid-free night out! Drop off your kiddos (Grades K-6) for a fun night of gaming and pizza!

When: 11/16 from 6-9PM

Where: 6045 Burke Centre Parkway

Cost: $30/child

Register here: https://shorturl.at/bIZ9X


PTO PRESIDENT NEEDED!!!

Want to get involved in our school community, work with an AMAZING team of dedicated parents and teachers, and make a huge impact for your child's school? WE NEED YOU!!! The Bonnie Brae PTO needs to fill this position by NOVEMBER so we can ensure a smooth transition next year... train this year and work with the past-president next year as an advisor! You won't be alone! You'll have help and a GREAT team!

Some key roles of the President include:

- Preside over monthly PTO and board meetings

- Serve as the primary contact for the Principal and Assistant Principal

- Participate in and coordinate across PTO committees

Email president@bonniebraepto.org if you're interested or have questions!


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 


Donate ANY TIME!

Don't wait for a fundraiser to donate to the PTO! Share via text, email, or social media with your family and friends. Let them know that donations support our Scotties with field trip transportation, assemblies and enrichment programs, fun and educational events for all students, and so much more! Donate today!


Upcoming Events

  • November 16 - iCode Parents Night Out Fundraiser, 6-9 PM
  • November 20 - PTO Meeting, 6-7:30 PM (Cafeteria)
  • November 22 - SCA Spirit Day: Hat Day
  • November 22 - Parent Coffee, 8:30-9:20 AM (Cafeteria)
  • November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break (no school for students and staff)
  • December 9 - Three-Hour Early Release Monday,12:15 PM
  • December 11 - Band Concert, 6-7 PM (Gym)
  • December 11- Chorus Concert, 7-8 PM (Cafeteria)
  • December 17 - Interims Sent Home

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.