Mustang Message - November 29, 2024


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We are a community of learners... thriving in a diverse world!

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

 

Thanksgiving

Bren Mar Park ES's PTA provided Thanksgiving lunch for teachers and staff

 

Important Dates

Dec. 06     Parent Coffee Meeting - Spring Screening

Dec. 23 - Jan 03    No School - Winter Break

 

Reminder to our Families: Bring a Government Issued ID for Pick Up

For the safety and security of our students for pick up during or immediately at the end of the school day, please always arrive with a government-issued ID.  Checking identification helps us make sure a child is going home with the correct caregiver.  Even if your child has been a part of the Bren Mar Park community for several years, staff may request to check government-issued ID to verify identification.  Thank you!

 

Volunteer Opportunity: Family Market

December 5, 2024 is our next Family Market.

Bren Mar Park partners with Capitol Area Food Bank and Trader Joe's to host this event each month to ensure that food insecurities within our BMP community are addressed.  Many BMP staff volunteer, and we welcome all community members to volunteer, including high school students who are seeking to complete community service hours.  This wonderful event is from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Volunteer opportunities and contacts are below:

- 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. - We need 2 people with a van or truck who can drive to the new Trader Joe's in Springfield to pick up and deliver to Bren Mar Park the donations they provide (2 needed); contact Nora Joy at nljoy@fcps.edu 

- 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.  We need 2-3 people to help set up the donated food items for the Family Market in the cafeteria; contact Belle Arze at bbarze@fcps.edu

- 4:15 - 6:00 p.m.  We need people to distribute food items or help with other tasks during the Family Market; contact Belle Arze at bbarze@fcps.edu

 

Bren Mar Park Renovation Updates

We are excited that the Bren Mar Park renovations will begin soon!  Estimated start is January 2025.  The School Board will be reviewing and finalizing the next step of the process at the School Board meeting on December 5, 2024.  An informational meeting for families will be made available in January.

The renovation, with the addition of a 2-story building, will bring the future building area to approximately 111,580 square feet and is anticipated to increase our school's capacity to 800.

Learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/bren-mar-park-elementary-capital-project

Join the News You Choose Email List to get updates at GovDelivery

 

Winter Break - BMP Front Office

The FCPS winter break is from December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025.  There is no school for students during winter break.  School is back in session for students starting Monday, January 6, 2025.  Doors open at 9:00 a.m.

During winter break, the office is open the public for these dates and times:

Monday, December 23     9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 24 - 27     Closed to the Public

Monday,  December 30         9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  

Tuesday, December 31- Wednesday, January 1     Closed to the Public

Thursday, January 2 - 3    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.     

 

Bus Drivers Needed

Bus drivers are needed in FCPS.

 

Bus Attendants Needed

School Transportation Attendants needed in FCPS.

 

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

 

Register for ParentVUE Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

 

AAP Referral Window Reminder

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to AART Yetta Williams no later than December 15, 2024

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Yetta Williams at yfwilliams@fcps.edu

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

 

Come see Disney’s Newsies Jr. at Holmes Middle School!

HMS

When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

Performances will be held Friday, December 6 at 7pm and Saturday, December 7 at 2pm and 7pm.

$5 for students, $8 for adults.

Tickets may be purchased ahead of time by clicking here. Pending availability tickets will also be for sale at the door.

Now is the time to “Seize the Day” and come see this incredible show!

 

Dress for Cold Weather

Cold Weather Information

When bad weather occur, it may be necessary for FCPS to cancel, delay, or close schools early. Please have a plan in place in the event of these emergency situations. Children need to know where to go or what to do if a family member would not be home.

The safety of students and staff is the priority when FCPS makes a decision about school closures and delays. 

Throughout the winter weather, FCPS and Bren Mar Park ES monitor the weather for very low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside.  Students do continue to participate in outdoor recess during the cold weather months.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and/or other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors.

Exceptions to outdoor recess are when there is a warning for unsafe temperature conditions or clothing doesn't support safe play.  You can get more information on National Weather Service website, which includes tips on staying safe during cold weather

 

Students Participate in Outdoor Recess Unless

Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing our Nora Joy, social worker at nljoy@fcps.edu can assist you. You can also call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.

 

FCPS Comprehensive School Boundary Review

Fairfax County Public Schools is undergoing a comprehensive boundary review. This review will assess the boundaries across our district to better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, student health and wellness, and evolving community needs. 

Boundary Review Committee Meetings begin next week.  The Region 6 meeting will be held at Annandale High School on Thursday, December 12, 2024, beginning at 6:45 p.m.  Other meeting dates and locations can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/maps/2024-2026-boundary-review