Brookfield News and Notes 12/06/2024

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.


Upcoming Events

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December


Principals' Message

Dear Brookfield Families,

We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break!

It was a joy to welcome our students back to school this week. We had a fantastic week filled with learning, laughter, and community. From engaging lessons to our SCA Spirit Day, our students have been shining brightly.

As we begin to approach the Winter Break and the New Year, we're excited to share an important update. Teachers in grades 3-6 are diligently working on plans to ensure a smooth transition for students as they move to the Educational Village in January. We are committed to providing a seamless and supportive learning experience for all students.

Additionally, please remember that Monday, December 9 is a three hour early release day for our students.

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm and safe!

 

Sincerely,

Lesley Hassen, Principal

Margaret Sisler, Assistant Principal

Anthony Ramakis, Assistant Principal


News and Notes

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.


Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

During the winter, students can feel tired, cold, and at times want to stay home.  Our teachers at Brookfield work to ensure every classroom is a warm, welcoming environment for all students.  It is important that students come to school every day to stay on pace with their learning. 

Does your child resist going to school? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 a.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.


🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.


Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Sally Chadbourn (SEChadbourn@fcps.edu) and Emily Zarybnisky (EMZarybnisky@fcps.edu) 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 PageNo late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.  Families who would like assistance with forms for Full-Time AAP services may come to Brookfield on Wednesday, December 11 between 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.  Spanish interpretation will be provided.  

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 Sally Chadbourn (SEChadbourn@fcps.edu) and Emily Zarybnisky (EMZarybnisky@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. 


Winter is Upon Us!

As the weather will continue to get colder, we would like to remind you that students are not permitted to enter the building until 7:55am. There is no staff supervision before this time. Please do not drop off, or allow your student(s) to arrive at school earlier than 7:55 a.m. Additionally, we kindly ask that your student is wearing appropriate winter gear for outdoor activities, as we do still have outside time during the winter months.


📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.


⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.


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Coming Soon: Winter Carnival

Winter Carnival

Come Kick Off The Season With Our Brookfield Community!

Tasty food
Pizza and Chick-fil-A will be available at the carnival! You can also enjoy our offerings of popcorn, treats, and more!

Games and Prizes
Play games and collect tickets for prizes! All Current Brookfield students receive 20 free tickets! Additional tickets for the activities are $0.25 each, or you can purchase an unlimited play wristband for $20 that includes face painting.

Stuffed Animals Needed
We are looking for new or gently used stuffed animals for our toy walk. Stuffed Animals can be dropped off in the office in the next few weeks.

Entertainment & Demos
Enjoy special performances and demos from HighKicks Taekwondo, Not Just Dance, Brookfield’s own Choir and Band, and more! You can also get your photo taken with Santa and Buddy the Bronco!

Winter Coat Closet
Find “new” coats, gloves, hats, etc. The donated items are available to all Brookfield families free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

Help Wanted!
We are looking for volunteers to help make our carnival a success. Lunch will be provided for those that sign up for the full day - 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please sign up here:  https://tinyurl.com/wintercarnival24


Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts

For more information email David.Leavitt@scouting.org


Pleasant Valley Preschool

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Pleasant Valley Preschool is a small family and community-oriented Cooperative Preschool.

Questions? info@pleasantvalleypreschool.com


Winter Clothing Collection

Clothing Drive
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Please consider donating new or gently used clothing for Brookfield students. Donations can be dropped off at the front office.

Questions? PTA.BROOKFIELD@gmail.com


Reminders

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Free Food Giveaway - Fresh Foods and Pantry Staples

The monthly free food distribution held by a community partner will resume Saturday, December 14th from 10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m. while supplies last.

The free food giveaway will take place on the following dates at Brookfield Elementary School:

 December 14th 


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Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all clubs and activities.  

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.