Bailey's Upper ES News You Choose


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Bailey’s Upper Families,

This week we had the joy of celebrating Assistant Principals Week, and we couldn’t let it pass without taking a moment to recognize two of the very best—Ms. Wayland and Ms. Fuller.

Each and every day, they lead with heart, dedication, and an unwavering focus on what’s best for our students. Whether it’s supporting staff, solving problems behind the scenes, or simply showing up with kindness and care, their presence is felt in every corner of our school. Their ability to see the bigger picture, while never losing sight of the individual child, is what makes them such powerful and compassionate leaders.

At Bailey’s Upper, we often say that nothing would get done without our assistant principals—and it’s true. Their organization, steadiness, and ability to bring people together keeps our school running smoothly and our community connected.

We are so grateful for their leadership—not just this week, but all year long.

Please join us in showing our appreciation for Ms. Wayland and Ms. Fuller. We’re lucky to have them, and even luckier to work alongside them in service of our amazing students.

With gratitude, 🐯 Holly Dowling

P.S. Next week is Spring Break! We hope you enjoy the rest and relaxation with your family. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 21st—please note, it’s a 3-hour early release day.


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Important things to Remember

  • April 14-18th: Spring Break
  • April 21st: 3-Hour Early Release (Dismissal starting at 12:25)
  • April 24th: 4th Grade Field Trip - Kennedy Center
  • April 29th: 5th Grade BUAE Performance - Blue Cast
  • May 1st: AAP Informational Night
  • May 1st: 5th Grade BUAE Performance - Orange Cast 
  • May 5th-9th: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 12th: 3-Hour Early Release (Dismissal starting at 12:25)
  • May 26th: Student Holiday
  • June 3rd: Bailey’s Fun Fitness Day
  • June 10th: 5th Grade Promotion 

Attendance Line: Phone: 703-503-2727

or email: baileysupperelem@fcps.edu 

Kiss and Ride Drop Off/Pick Up Schedule For Upper

8:25-8:35 a.m. and 3:25-3:35 p.m.


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Spring Break Hours

The Bailey’s Upper front office will be open Monday 4.14, Tuesday 4.15, and Wednesday 4.16 from 9:00-1:00 p.m. The office will be closed on Thursday 4.17 and Friday 4.18. We hope everyone enjoys their spring break!


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Reminder: 3-Hour Early Release Day – April 21st

This is a reminder that Bailey’s Upper will have a three-hour early dismissal on Monday, April 21st at 12:25 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.

You will receive a message from Bailey’s Upper on Monday reminding you that your child is scheduled to either go home at 12:25 p.m. or stay due to childcare difficulties or BUAE practice.

All changes needed to be made by today, April 11th.

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Earth Week at Bailey’s Upper- April 21-25

Spring has arrived and Earth Day is just around the corner. Earth Day is April 22, but we will celebrate the whole week! Beginning on Monday April 21st,  each day will have an environment-related theme.

Monday: wear blue 💙 for Watershed Day

Tuesday: wear green 💚 to celebrate Earth Day

Wednesday: pack a zero-waste lunch and wear white for Zero Waste Day

Thursday: wear red ❤️for Climate Day

Friday: wear a nature print for Wildlife Day 🏞️

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Current and Upcoming Assessment at Bailey's Upper

iReady and SOL assessments for all grades for Reading and Math are still a few weeks away but to help with planning purposes the dates for testing are below. Please note that all 5th grade students have an additional SOL for Science.

Spring iReady Assessment Dates:

Reading iReady Dates

  • 3rd grade – Thursday, May 1st
  • 4th grade – Wednesday, April 30th
  • 5th Grade – Friday, May 2nd

Math iReady Dates:

  • 3rd grade – Tuesday, May 20th
  • 4th grade – Wednesday, May 28th
  • 5th Grade – Thursday, May 22nd

Spring Non-Writing SOL Assessment Dates:

SOL parent notification letters for testing were sent in last week’s Thursday folder for grades 3 and 4. The notification for all 5th grade SOLs was sent a few weeks ago prior to their IRW SOL.

Reading SOL Dates:

  • 3rd grade – Tuesday, May 5th
  • 4th grade – Wednesday, May 7th
  • 5th Grade – Thursday, May 8th

Math SOL Dates:

  • 3rd grade – Thursday, May 15th
  • 4th grade – Wednesday, May 14th
  • 5th Grade – Tuesday, May 13th

5th Grade Only Science SOL Date:

  • 5th Grade – Friday May 16th

If you have any questions regarding past, current, or upcoming assessments, please contact Nicole Cassidy or Mary Iannicola our School Testing Coordinators at 703-503-2700


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Staff Star of the Week Program Donations

Each week we highlight a staff member for our Staff Star of the Week Program. With this recognition, our staff  is featured in our weekly staff newsletter and receives a $5 Starbucks gift card. 

If you are interested in donating $5 Starbucks gift cards to our school to help us continue our Staff Star of the Week Program, please drop them off in the main office. 


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⏰ Share Your Thoughts on School Start Times

FCPS would like to hear from all families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. Please check your email for a survey link from Fairfax County Public Schools. It was also sent to staff as well as to students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open through Saturday, April 12.


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🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.


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Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
  • FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed. 

Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach out to our wonderful family liaison, Marian Perez, at mperez3@fcps.edu (spanish speaking) and Hiba Abdulwahhab at haabdulwahha@fcps.edu


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Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.


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🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Justice High School boys' volleyball team is hosting a volleyball clinic for 3rd-5th grade students at Justice High School on April 1st, 2nd and 3rd from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. The clinic will focus on teaching fundamental volleyball skills in a supportive and engaging environment, led by their boys volleyball team members and staff.

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS. Click on one of the dates below to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid

Employee Conversations

Community Conversations

Interpreter services will be provided for all events.

Feel free to submit questions anytime on the Superintendent’s webpage or by emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.


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☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County! 

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


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