Beech Tree ES Family Message-March 7, 2025

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A Message From Principal Clarke


Mrs. Clarke

Dear Beech Tree Families,

We are pleased to share the success of our recent Career Day. The event was a vibrant and engaging experience, characterized by the active participation of our students and the generous contributions of our volunteers. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our school counselor, Ms. Torres, for her coordination and dedication in making Career Day a wonderful event.

A particularly impactful segment of the day was our college student panel. These insightful young adults provided a unique perspective, addressing a wide range of questions from our students. The discussions spanned practical topics like "how to make friends in college" and "what kinds of food do you eat?" to broader explorations of campus life and the college experience. Students gained insights into living on campus and commuting from home, as well as the diverse pathways available, including four-year universities and community colleges. This panel demystified the college experience and opened our students' eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead.

We were grateful to have the Mason District Police Department participate in our Career Day. We acknowledge that these can be very trying times, and we deeply appreciate the officers who took the time to connect with us. Their kindness and generosity in demonstrating the humanity within their profession was truly impactful, fostering positive interactions and building bridges within our community.

Beyond the college panel and police department participation, our students demonstrated curiosity and engagement as they explored numerous professions. The presentations provided insights and fostered a sense of limitless potential. We extend our sincere gratitude to each volunteer for dedicating their time and expertise. Their willingness to share their professional experiences has undoubtedly inspired our students and planted the seeds for future aspirations. We are grateful and appreciative of your time and service to our students. We offer you a big THANK YOU! It could not have been accomplished without your support.

As a gentle reminder, Daylight Saving Time commences this Sunday. We encourage all families to adjust their clocks forward by one hour to fully embrace the extended daylight and the arrival of spring. This seasonal shift presents an excellent opportunity to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the rejuvenating sunshine.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

With appreciation,

Principal Clarke


News and Notes

Monday, March 10 Early Release

Our Next 3-hour Early Release is next Monday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m.

Please note that on Monday, March 10, 2025, we will have a 3-hour early release at 1:00 PM. To assist us in finalizing our plans, Please complete the early release form for each of your children at Beech Tree by Sunday, March 2nd. A response is required for every student. You can find the form at the following link: UPDATE CHILDCARE NEEDS FORM Due: Sunday, March 2nd 

EARLY RELEASE: Monday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m.


Career pic 1Career day Pic2Save the Date

Connect FCPS Calendars to Your Personal Calendar

You can subscribe to FCPS calendars so updates and new events will automatically be added to your Outlook or Google calendars. Subscribe to “All Calendars” or specific types of events, including holidays, featured FCPS events, School Board meetings, fine and performing arts events, or religious and cultural observances.


Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the 24-25 School Year. The next Lexia Parent Night will be held on March 18, 2025. Information regarding the Lexia Parent Nights can be found on Family Academy Site.


Kindergarten Orientation

Kindergarten

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings


🧸 Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).


Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

Budget Banner

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.


Standards of Learning Assessments

Students in Grades 3-5 will begin SOL Testing on May 6th. Students in Third Grade will take the Grade 3 Reading and Math SOL Tests. Fourth Grade students will take the Grade 4 Reading and Math Tests. Our Fifth Grade Students will take the Grade 5 Reading, Math, and Science Tests. Our students and teachers have been working very hard, and we know they are going to do well!

SOL SCHEDULE

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.


Early Release

🥰 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!


Parent Liaison

Camp Fairfax

PTA

Dear Beech Tree Families,

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Chipotle Restaurant Night on Tuesday! Your support helps fund teacher mini-grants, providing valuable classroom resources for our students.

Save the Date: PTA Meeting

Mark your calendars! Our next PTA meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 PM. A Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting.

Countdown to the Beech Tree Fun Fair!

Get ready for a day filled with excitement, community spirit and fun! Join us for Beech Tree’s biggest event and largest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, March 22, from 10 AM – 2 PM. The Fun Fair is a wonderful opportunity for families, students and community members to come together and enjoy carnival-style games, delicious food, a silent auction and fantastic raffles, all while supporting our school.

How You Can Get Involved:

🎟 Spread the Word – Invite friends, neighbors and family to join the fun!

🤝 Volunteer Your Time: We need many volunteers to help run game booths, sell tickets, assist with raffle tables and more. 8th-grade and high school students can earn service hours! Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/GmEfsja.

🎁 Donate to the Raffle: Help us create amazing grade-level raffle baskets by contributing an item or purchasing from our Amazon Wishlist. Donations are due by March 16. Grade-level basket themes include: Cuddle Up & Read (Pre-K), Fidgets (Enhanced Autism), Drawing/Coloring/Painting (Kindergarten), Baking (1st), Arts & Crafts (2nd), Board Games/Game Night (3rd), Pokemon (4th), Movie Night (5th).

🏆 Business & Talent Donations – Do you own a business or have a special skill? Consider donating a product, service or experience for our raffle. Contact us at PTABeechTree@gmail.com for details.

🎂 Cake Walk Donations – We need 60 small cakes or baked goods for our popular Cake Walk game! Homemade or inexpensive, store-bought cakes are welcome.

📚 Gently Used Books & Toys – Declutter and donate gently used books and toys to be used at the Fun Fair shop. Drop them off in the school office between March 17-20.

We truly appreciate your support and can’t wait to celebrate with you. Let’s make this year’s Fun Fair the best one yet!

For any questions, feel free to reach out at PTABeechTree@gmail.com.

See you there!

Warmly, Beech Tree PTA

Join PTA

Beech Days Calendar Lunch Visitation Schedule

Beech Days Lunch

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