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Dear Bush Hill Families and Community,
What a wonderful week we’ve had at BHES! I’m excited to share a few highlights that truly showcase the spirit, determination, and togetherness of our school community.
BHES Receives National Recognition for Inclusion
We are incredibly proud to share that Bush Hill Elementary has been recognized nationally by ESPN and Special Olympics for our commitment to inclusion and Unified programming. This honor reflects the everyday actions of our students and staff who work to ensure that every child feels valued, included, and celebrated.
You can read more about this exciting recognition here.
Let Me Run Team Shines at Sunday’s 5K
On Sunday morning, I had the pleasure of attending and celebrating with our Let Me Run after-school team as they completed their culminating 5K race. It was a picture-perfect fall day—crisp air, bright sun, and lots of smiles—and our boys represented Bush Hill with pride and perseverance.
We are thrilled to share that several current BHES students placed in the race:
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Beckett McKinnon earned 2nd place overall in the men’s division with an impressive 22-minute 5K!
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Kiernan McCarthy placed 2nd in the 19 & under division, demonstrating strong effort and sportsmanship.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated coaches—Head Coach and BHES teacher Lauren McKinnon and Assistant Coach and BHES teacher Chris Poulson—for leading, encouraging, and training our runners each week. We also extend our appreciation to teacher Kristen Phillips and former BHES teacher Kristen Mendick for coming out to participate and cheer on our boys. Your support means so much to our students.
Looking Ahead: Thanksgiving Lunch & Turkey Trot – Thursday, November 20
One of our treasured Bush Hill traditions is just around the corner! On Thursday, November 20, we’ll be hosting our annual Thanksgiving Lunch & Turkey Trot.
This is always a well-attended and joy-filled event, and we anticipate a large turnout again this year. Please pack your patience, plan a little extra time for parking and transitions, and come ready to celebrate with us.
Our administrative team will be in the cafeteria, partnering with our amazing Food & Nutrition Services staff, to help serve a warm, festive meal. We can’t wait to greet you as we kick off the holiday season together.
Thank you, as always, for your support, your partnership, and your continued involvement in building a strong and positive school community. We are grateful for each of you.
Hello Bush Hill Parents and Guardians! We are looking forward to the Thanksgiving Luncheon and Turkey Trot On Thursday, November 20th
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We have a new check in system from the county that we are piloting. The process takes a little longer than the last system, so to help with the flow of traffic please pre-register everyone that is coming to the luncheon (grandparents, aunts, uncles). Anyone with an ID will need to do this. The luncheon is very popular, and we ask for your patience as we get everyone checked in. Below is the QR code or you can click here to register. |
Once you have registered for the luncheon, we will need you download the “Raptor Safe” app and fill out the info required with your ID and have your picture taken. This will cut your time from 1minute and 10 seconds (without the app) to 14 seconds (with the app). Once again, we appreciate your willingness to help us on a very busy day. Once you get your app set up you can link the event in the app, just make sure you use the same phone number.
The lunch price are Students $3.25 and Adults $5.00.
Please bring exact change, we are unable to take credit card.
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Turkey Trot & Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule
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Thursday, November 20, 2025
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Teacher
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Turkey Trot Time
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Lunch Time
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Lunch Location
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Williams - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:30 - 11:10
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Cafeteria
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Anderson - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:35 - 11:15
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Cafeteria
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Bourne - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:40 - 11:20
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Cafeteria
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Martin - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:45 - 11:25
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Cafeteria
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Pratt - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:50 - 11:30
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Cafeteria
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Schmidt - 6th Grade
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9:35 - 10:10
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10:55 - 11:35
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Cafeteria
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Johnson - 5th Grade
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10:15 - 10:50
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11:00 - 11:40
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GYM
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Polis - 5th Grade
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10:15 - 10:50
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11:05 - 11:45
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GYM
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Hamilton - 5th Grade
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10:15 - 10:50
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11:10 - 11:50
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GYM
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Fleshman - 5th Grade
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10:15 - 10:50
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11:15 - 11:55
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GYM
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AM ECCB (Richburg, Lansberry, Poulson)
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10:20-10:50 (Preschool playground)
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11:00 - 11:40
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Classroom
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Replenish
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11:20 - 11:40
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Squires - 4th Grade
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10:55 - 11:30
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11:40 - 12:20
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Cafeteria
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Manuel - 4th Grade
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10:55 - 11:30
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11:45 - 12:25
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Cafeteria
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Samuels - 4th Grade
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10:55 - 11:30
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11:50 - 12:30
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Cafeteria
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McCarthy - 4th Grade
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10:55 - 11:30
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11:55 - 12:35
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Cafeteria
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Fahey - 3rd Grade
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1:05 - 1:40
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12:00 - 12:40
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GYM
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Cifuentes - 3rd Grade
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1:05 - 1:40
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12:05 - 12:45
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GYM
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Kirchmier - 3rd Grade
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1:05 - 1:40
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12:10 - 12:50
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GYM
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Laha - 3rd Grade
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1:05 - 1:40
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12:15 - 12:55
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GYM
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PAC (Phillips, Wilson)
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11:40 - 12:10 (Preschool playground)
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12:20 - 1:00
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Classroom
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Replenish
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12:20 - 12:30
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ID/IDS (Peters/Whelden)
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11:35 - 12:20 (Blacktop)
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12:30 - 1:10
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Cafeteria
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Ghosh- 2nd Grade
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11:35 - 12:20
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12:35 - 1:15
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Cafeteria
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Huffman - 2nd Grade
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11:35 - 12:20
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12:40 - 1:20
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Cafeteria
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Rose - 2nd Grade
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11:35 - 12:20
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12:45 - 1:25
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Cafeteria
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Gross - 1st Grade
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1:45 - 2:20
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12:50 - 1:30
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GYM
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Hall - 1st Grade
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1:45 - 2:20
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12:55 - 1:35
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GYM
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Thomas - 1st Grade
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1:45 - 2:20
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1:00 - 1:40
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GYM
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Replenish
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1:00 - 1:10
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Becker - Kindergarten
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12:25 - 1:00
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1:10 - 1:50
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Cafeteria
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Gallego - Kindergarten
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12:25 - 1:00
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1:15 - 1:55
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Cafeteria
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Steventon - Kindergarten
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12:25 - 1:00
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1:20 - 2:00
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Cafeteria
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PM ECCB (Bouma, McKinnon, Sable)
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12:45 - 1:15 (Preschool playground)
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1:25 - 2:05
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Classroom
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Edison Pyramid Family Preview Night
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Bush Hill ES Cafeteria
www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary/family-life-education
The elementary FLE program is taught by the regular classroom teacher. The early elementary program emphasizes the importance of families, distinction between good and bad touch, sources of help, and the importance of friendships. Human sexuality is first introduced in grade four. In the Human Growth and Development unit, students learn about the male and female reproductive systems. Students view age-appropriate videos and learn the maturational process, changes which occur during puberty, and prenatal development. Students study the effects of peer pressure and begin to examine the influence of media on behavior and attitudes. Students begin an understanding of sexually transmitted infections in grade 5. The emotional and social health unit includes abuse prevention from good touch/bad touch in primary grades to types of abuse in upper elementary grades. Instruction for abuse prevention includes resources for help.
Parents and guardians have the right to review the family life education program offered by FCPS, including written and audio-visual educational materials used in the program. Parents and guardians also have the right to excuse their child from all or part of family life education instruction.
November is Family Engagement Month!
This month, we invite every family member to strengthen their connection with our school community. Bush Hill Elementary is committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to participate. Together we can help create positive learning environments at school and at home.
Please take a moment this week to explore the featured tutoring resources below. These resources are available to support your child’s learning and academic success.
*Featured Resources*
Varsity Tutors - Offers free tutoring services, including live group sessions and on-demand chat tutoring. To access Varsity Tutors, please login to the Clever dashboard and select “Varsity Tutors” to explore the different types of tutoring services available.
Family Resource Center Tutoring List - One-on-one tutoring services are available. To access this year’s Family Resource Center tutoring list, please submit this interest form to connect with one-on-one vetted tutors.
Upcoming Bush Hill Events
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Thanksgiving Luncheon & Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 20th 9:30 am –2:20 pm. Please pre-register using this link. Please note once registered, you can download the “Raptor Safe” app, fill out the required information, and upload your ID for a smoother, quicker check-in process. Thank you in advance for your time and attention!
FCPS Programming
The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together
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Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Chantilly High School. Please click here to register.
Loving Solutions Parenting Workshop in Arabic
- This free 10-week parenting workshop will be offered in Arabic via Zoom with one in-person meeting. To see dates and times and register, please click here.
Upcoming FCPS Webinars
To learn more and register, please visit the registration website.
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The Power of Restorative Justice Practices to Support Students and Families in Schools and at Home: Part 1: November 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
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Improving Routines: Morning, Evening, and In Between: November 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
Community Resources
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
- Please find food resources in your area, using the emergency food access map found here.
Koinonia Foundation
- Provides food, clothing, emergency assistance, and holiday assistance programs in the Alexandria-Springfield area. To learn more, please visit their website or call (703) 971-1991.
School Age Child Care (SACC) Program
- Provides before and after care as well as care during school breaks. To learn more please visit their website.
Bush Hill Tools and Resources
To learn more, please click on each resource below.
Have questions or need support on any of the information above? Please contact Bush Hill’s Family Liaison, Kate Formeller (Ms. Kate), for further assistance. Thank you!
Phone: (571) 595-5135
Email: Kformeller@fcps.edu
Talking Points: Kate Formeller
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Please check our Lost & Found when you come for Thanksgiving Luncheon! We have so many coats, sweaters, water bottles, lunch boxes, glasses, books, etc. in our Lost & Found. Please swing by and claim YOUR missing items. Everything will be donated over the Winter Break. |
✅ Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.
Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child’s education at FCPS.
🔬 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Judges Needed
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held Saturday, March 14, at Robinson Secondary School. Each year, more than 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in a wide variety of categories ranging from plant science to engineering technology.
Volunteers serving as judges should hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic and/or professional experience in their selected judging category. However, all interested individuals are encouraged to apply.
Please note that parents and caregivers, teachers, and family friends are not permitted to judge in categories in which their child, student, or family friend’s child is competing.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders
🦃 Thanksgiving
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Classes will resume on Monday, December 1. See the complete school year calendar.
Quick Links
SIS ParentVUE
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