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Dear Bailey’s Upper Community,
As we step into the final stretch of the school year, we are gearing up for several exciting and important weeks ahead!
Next week, our talented students will take the stage for our much-anticipated ANNIE the Musical! We are so proud of all the hard work and creativity they have put into preparing for this special performance. We cannot wait to celebrate their talents with you -keep an eye out on Facebook for the live stream video.
The following week, we will begin our iReady and SOL testing. These assessments are important opportunities for our students to show all the growth and learning they have accomplished this year. We appreciate your support in helping students come to school well-rested and ready to shine! If you have questions, please join us at our Virtual SOL Parent night on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:30 p.m. (link will be shared in Talking Points)
That same week is also Teacher Appreciation Week — a time to honor and thank our amazing educators who pour so much heart, time, and creativity into supporting every child at Bailey’s Upper. One simple but meaningful way your child can participate is by bringing a drawing or a handwritten card to their teacher during the week. These small acts of appreciation mean the world and truly brighten our teachers’ days!
Thank you for being such a wonderful, supportive community. We are grateful to partner with you as we celebrate all the hard work, growth, and joy that this season brings!
With appreciation,
Bailey’s Upper Administrative Team
🐯 Holly Dowling
🧡 Tricia Wayland
💙 Christie Fuller
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April 29th: 5th Grade BUAE Performance - Blue Cast
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May 1st: AAP Informational Night
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May 1st: 5th Grade BUAE Performance - Orange Cast
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May 5th-9th: Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 12th: 3-Hour Early Release (Dismissal starting at 12:25)
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May 26th: Student Holiday
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June 3rd: Bailey’s Fun Fitness Day
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June 10th: 5th Grade Promotion
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June 11th: Last Day of School (2 hour early dismissal starting at 1:25)
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.
This is a reminder that Bailey’s Upper will have our last three-hour early dismissal on Monday, May 12th at 12:25 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.
You will receive a message from Bailey’s Upper reminding you that your child is scheduled to either go home at 12:25 p.m. or stay due to childcare difficulties or BUAE.
Please contact the office by May 9th to update your child’s status.
We invite all parents to join us for our SOL Testing Informational on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:30 PM — held online via Zoom. Presentations will be done in both English and Spanish, see appropriate zoom links below.
Come learn:
- What SOL tests are and why they matter
- When testing will happen and how long it takes
- How scores are used and shared with families
Zoom Link - English: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92051593529?pwd=8Dt890hwEj67M7h1RRXsALOOaawNON.1&from=addon
Zoom Link - Spanish: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/96485816859
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
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March. The screener provides information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how much their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. Families who do not have an active ParentVUE account will receive their results via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Protect Your Child from Measles: What You Need to Know
Measles cases continue to rise in the US. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:
- High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.
The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.
✅ Share Feedback With County Health Department on School Health ServicesThe Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.
School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff provide care for students who become sick or injured during the school day, who require medications during the school day, and/or who have a chronic health condition that requires management during the school day.
Additionally, the school health room staff:
- Provide health education, communicable disease prevention, and health screenings.
- Work with schools to help address the root causes of population health disparities so that all students have equitable access to educational and health opportunities.
- Ensure that students have care for minor injuries and illnesses, and chronic health conditions, thus helping to minimize health barriers to learning.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of school health room services as well as inform future planning for schools.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage to access the nomination information form.
Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.
With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for.
Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity.
Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage.
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.
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
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.
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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