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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,
As we wrap up this part of the school year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, support, and dedication to our school community. Watching our students grow, learn, and thrive has been such a joy, and none of it would be possible without the incredible teamwork between our families, staff, and students.
During Winter Break, we hope you have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful time with your loved ones. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a quieter pace, we wish you a season filled with warmth, happiness, and good health.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year on January 6th, refreshed and ready for all the exciting learning opportunities ahead! Until then, have a safe and wonderful winter break.
Satonya Dews, Principal
Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal
Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal
Keith Downing, Assistant Principal
News from the Bailey's ES Attendance Team
We are so thankful that you are helping to support your child’s attendance at school. Notifying the school via the attendance line (703-575-6845 or BaileysElem.Attendance@fcps.edu) when your child will be sick, bringing your child to school late or picking up early for an appointment rather than missing a full day of school, and limiting trips to school breaks helps us work as a team to support your child’s success.
To continue inspiring all our students to want to come to school, learn, and have fun, we would love your help with a schoolwide bulletin board that will be placed in the cafeteria from February-June of 2025. Please use the attached activity over the winter break or when your child might need something to do (“I’m bored”) to help them reflect and create something about why they like to come to school or feel school is important. Completed work can be turned into your child’s teacher.
❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.
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.
Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.
🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.
Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.
Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage
📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:
- Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Language interpretation will be available.
All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
⛄Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather ❄️
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related 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.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
⛄ 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.
📚 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.
🍲 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.
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
The weeks surrounding winter break often include more empty seats in classrooms. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. Let’s nurture a rock-solid attendance habit.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.
If you or your child need support, please contact a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison.
If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our guidance on when to keep your child home.
Find more attendance resources.
Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance
Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 p.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.
✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Loving Solutions
We are thrilled to invite you to Loving Solutions, a free 10-week parenting course designed specifically for Bailey’s parents with children aged 5 to 10 years old. This empowering program offers a supportive environment where parents can connect, share experiences, and gain practical strategies to address their child’s behavioral challenges at home and how to strengthen the relationship between child and parent.
Highlights of the program include:
- A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
- A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
- Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.
Important Details:
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Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
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Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
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Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
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Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
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Childcare will be available at no cost.
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Cost: Free!
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.
Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform
Estamos emocionados de invitarte a Soluciones Amorosas, un curso gratuito de 10 semanas diseñado específicamente para los padres de Bailey's con niños entre 5 a 10 años de edad. Este programa poderoso ofrece un ambiente de apoyo donde los padres pueden conectarse, compartir experiencias y adquirir estrategias prácticas para abordar los desafíos de comportamiento de sus hijos en casa y cómo fortalecer la relación entre padres e hijos.
Aspectos destacados del programa:
- Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
- Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
- Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.
Detalles importantes:
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Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
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Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
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Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
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Costo: ¡Gratis!
No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.
Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform
Save the Date
December 23rd - January 5th- Winter Break
January 20th- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)
January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day
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