Beech Tree ES Family Message-December 6, 2024

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A Message From Principal Clarke


Mrs. Clarke

Dear Beech Tree Families,

During October and November, students participated in engaging lessons on college and career readiness. We created a school hall of college and military pennants to inspire and introduce our students to their future possibilities.

In December and January, we shift our focus to career clusters. Career clusters group jobs and industries into categories based on similar skills and educational pathways, such as health sciences, technology, or arts and communication. Through these lessons, students will learn about the wide range of career options available, the skills needed for success, and how their current learning connects to their future goals.

This focus aligns with our mission as an AVID school to prepare students for college and career success. By helping students explore pathways early, we are fostering the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to pursue their aspirations and achieve their dreams. Together, we are building a foundation for lifelong success!

We look forward to continuing this journey of exploration and inspiration, helping every student envision a bright future!

In addition, thank you for the tremendous support for the PTA's International Night. A wonderful celebration of our diversity and cultures was had by all. Families presented their cultural heritage through delectable cuisines and traditional attire, creating a stunning tapestry of traditions and customs from around the globe. Your support and involvement makes our school a truly exceptional place.

Lastly, on Friday our 3rd-grade students and teachers had an enriching experience during their field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The trip provided hands-on learning opportunities in social studies and science, particularly in areas such as ancient Egypt and the ecosystem. The exhibits were captivating, bringing their classroom studies to life.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Beech Tree Elementary School community. Together, we make each week a celebration of learning, diversity, and shared accomplishments.

 

With appreciation,

Principal Clarke


page 1page 2Dec & Jan Save the DatesWinter Spirit Week


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

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

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  Nadya Abu-Rish at nkaburish@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 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 Nadya Abu-Rish at nkaburish@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.

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  Nadya Abu-Rish at nkaburish@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 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 Nadya Abu-Rish at nkaburish@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.


📚 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.


🍲 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.


⏰ 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.


❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Update your contact information in UConnect to receive text messages regarding weather closings from FCPS. When a weather event is in the forecast, be sure to plan for childcare, if needed.


🥰 Recognize Staff For The Great Work They Are Doing!

FCPS CARES

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Beech Tree Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!


Beech Days Calendar Lunch Visitation Schedule

Beech Days Lunch

⏰ Beech Tree Early Release Mondays 1:00pm

  • February 10
  • March 10
  • April 21
  • May 12

Parent Liaison
Quinto

Dear Families,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the FCPS Family Academy! This exciting new section of the Fairfax County Public Schools website is designed to empower families with resources to support their children’s educational journey.

The Family Academy offers a wide range of opportunities, including classes, webinars, workshops, and programs tailored to meet your needs and enhance your child's learning experience.

Explore the Family Academy today and discover all the ways we are here to support you and your family!

Información en español haga clic aquí.

 

Calling All Parents—English and Spanish Speakers!

We need Cafeteria Volunteers! If you’re available to lend a hand from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM during our kids’ lunch, we’d love your support.

I’m organizing a schedule to ensure we have extra help as often as possible. Whether you can join us regularly or just once in a while, your time and assistance would be greatly appreciated. Plus, your kids will be thrilled to see you there!

If you’re interested, please contact me to get started. Thank you for helping make our cafeteria a welcoming and supportive space for our students!

Family Academy

PTA

International Night

We couldn't have pulled off such a fantastic International Night without the incredible support of our amazing community! A big thank you to all the parents, staff, and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. A huge round of applause to those who shared their cultures with us through music, dance, and cuisine. Your passion and enthusiasm made the night truly unforgettable!

  

PTA Fundraiser at Raising Cane's

Raising Canes

Next Virtual PTA Meeting

Mark your calendars for the next PTA meeting scheduled for January 9, 2025. This meeting will entail the planning and preparation for the Fun Fair! 

 

Contact the PTA at PTABeechTree@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @beechtreepta

PTA

Beech Tree School Information

Hours:  9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:05 a.m. for arrival)

Attendance Line 703-531-2626

Attendance EmailBeechTreeElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

School Registrar: Sandra Merino (703) 531-2620

Parent Liaison: Mariangeles Quinto (703) 531-2692