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Hello, Scottie families!
Thank you to those who have been able to donate to our staff December Days of Cheer. We are grateful for the support of such a generous community.
Next week on Wednesday, December 10 we are looking forward to our winter band and chorus concerts. Daytime performances are for students and staff only, and the evening performances are at 6 PM (band in the gym) and 7 PM (chorus in the cafeteria).
Enjoy the weekend with your family!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Rose Stephens, Assistant Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
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December 8-December 12 - Inclusive Schools Week
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December 8-December 12 - Computer Science Education Week
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December 10 - 5th & 6th Grade Band & Chorus Concert, 6 PM (band in the gym) and 7 PM (chorus in the cafeteria)
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December 10 - Panera PTO Restaurant Night, 4-8 PM
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
It's always a good time to celebrate learning!
Our assistant principal, Mrs. Stephens, and some students enjoying a snowy bus duty..
Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
Holiday Support Program
Bonnie Brae would like to support families who have experienced hardship this year and bring some cheer through our Holiday Support Program. We know that unexpected challenges like job loss or illness can make it difficult to provide for your child’s needs. If your family needs assistance over the holidays with food, basic needs or other items, please reach out to our school social worker, Joslyn Waldron, at jnwaldron@fcps.edu or 703-321-3934 by December 10.
How Can We Support?
As the holidays approach, some of our school families are facing significant hardships. We have a unique opportunity to come together as a community and provide much-needed support and cheer during this time. We are organizing a Holiday Support Program to provide gift cards and essential items to families in need. Your voluntary contribution can make a significant impact and help brighten the season for our students and their families.
If you would like to donate a gift card to our Holiday Support Program, please purchase a gift card and include the amount on the gift card. There will be a gift card collection box in our front office. All gift cards should be turned in to the front office by December 15.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Bonnie Brae Outstanding Employees for 2025-2026
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Bonnie Brae Outstanding Employees!
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Outstanding Teacher: Ms. Kathleen Weaver
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Outstanding New Teacher: Ms. Meghan Teixeira
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Outstanding Professional Employee: Mrs. Cori Lonnett
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Outstanding Operational Employee: Mrs. Taylor Holdridge
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations this year! We appreciate your support and recognition of our incredible staff.
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15
Please note the Bonnie Brae/FCPS deadline for Full Time AAP Referrals and optional referral documents (Grades 2-6) is Monday, December 15, 2025 (earlier is preferred), unfortunately, no exceptions can be made to this timeline. To learn more about the referral process, please visit the Full Time Services link on the Advanced Academics Identification and Placement for Current FCPS Students webpage. Referral documents and follow up questions should be submitted to our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Larissa Sheehan, ltsheehan@fcps.edu. Thank you for your support!
Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Larissa Sheehan, ltsheehan@fcps.edu.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Holiday Lights Recycling
Our Bonnie Brae Get2Green program is excited to collect old and broken holiday lights so they can be recycled! Bring in your old lights and drop them off in the collection bins at doors 2 and 5. We are collecting holiday lights from December 1- January 9.
What is Portrait of a Graduate (POG)?
You might have heard your student talking about Portrait of a Graduate, or POG. What is POG? Very simply, POG is FCPS’ commitment to ensuring that all students have the skills to be successful today, tomorrow and in the future. POG is broken down into 5 important attributes: Communicator, Collaborator, Ethical & Global Citizen, Creative & Critical Thinker, and Goal-Directed & Resilient Individual. Consider how you, as an adult, use these skills to find success in your life!
Students use these skills in all school subjects, at home, in the community, with hobbies and interests, in future careers, passions, and relationships. We’re not focusing on these skills as an extra thing, students will use these skills to learn all content areas in a deeper, more meaningful way.
How will students focus on these skills?
- Learn about the skills, including what they look and sound like, and why they are important
- Apply the skills as they learn in their classes
- Reflect on HOW the skills helped them find success and WHAT they can do to grow
What POG attribute and skills are Bonnie Brae students focusing on this school year?
All Bonnie Brae students are focusing on being Creative & Critical Thinkers this school year. Students in each grade level are learning about and practicing specific skills chosen by teachers:
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Kindergarten, Second & Third Grade: I show that I am creative.
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First Grade: I use my imagination to think about new ideas.
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Fourth Grade: I can create unique solutions.
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Fifth Grade & Sixth Grade: I can revise and refine my thinking.
Throughout the year, you’ll see and hear how your child is learning to discuss their growth in these important skills. We’re excited to see them developing skills that will help them throughout life!
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Halfway Through Learning about Government and Citizenship in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts! Students have explored how the government works, why it's important, and how laws change.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s one rule at home or school you wish you could change and why?
- Activity: Play a short game (like musical chairs or Simon Says) but change one rule. Discuss how rules help things run smoothly.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success of the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
Winter Club Registration Opens December 9 at 7 P.M.
This winter, the PTO is excited to offer a variety of after-school clubs, including musical theater, balloon animals, dance, comic book art, K-Pop music, cooking, sports and more! Information was recently sent home in your Tuesday folders, and more details are available on the PTO website.
Registration for our teacher-led clubs will open Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. and close Friday, January 2 at 5 p.m. If we have any low-enrolled clubs, we may have to cancel them prior to the January 2 deadline in order to give those families time to select another club, so please sign up as early as you can! Registration for our company-led clubs – chess, musical theater and Zumba dance – is already open on their individual websites. Clubs will begin the week of January 12.
Questions? Check out our FAQ section on the PTO website or contact us at afterschool@bonniebraepto.org. We look forward to a wonderful session of clubs!
Panera PTO Night – December 10!
Enjoy dinner at Panera Bread! 25% of net sales come back to the PTO!
When: December 10, 4-8 PM
Where: Panera Bread at 10702 Fairfax Blvd
How: Use code FUND4U when ordering online, in the app, or at the kiosk.
Now Recruiting: 2026–2027 PTO President-Elect & VP of Programs
Do you love Bonnie Brae and want to help shape a great year for our Scotties? We’re starting early to recruit for two key PTO leadership roles for the 2026–2027 school year!
President-Elect (2026–2027)
Why This is Great: You’ll be mentored by the current PTO President throughout the spring so you’re fully ready to lead next year.
What You Will Do:
- Shadow this year (Jan–June 2026) to learn operations — events, fundraising, volunteers, budget, and communications.
- Lead the PTO the following year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
Time Commitment: ~5–8 hrs/month while shadowing; ~8–12 hrs/month as President (peaks around major events).
Skills: Organizing people and projects, clear communication, and a team mindset. No prior PTO leadership required!
Vice President of Programs (2026–2027)
Focus: Plan and oversee our big community events (Fall Festival and Spring Festival), plus support other school-wide programs.
What You Will Do:
- Build and support event committees (logistics, volunteers, vendors, communications).
- Coordinate with school administration and the PTO board; manage timelines and budgets.
Time Commitment: ~6–10 hrs/month (peaks 4–6 weeks before major events) Skills: Event planning, teamwork, and problem-solving. Great role for project-oriented doers!
Key Dates
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Nominations Open: November 2025
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Onboarding/Mentoring Begins: Winter – Spring 2026
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Term of Service: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
How to Put Your Name In (or Nominate Someone)
- Email the Board at: president@bonniebraepto.org
- Prefer to chat first? Reach out, and we’ll connect you with a current board member for a brief Q&A.
Bonnie Brae thrives when many voices help lead. Military-connected families, grandparents/guardians, and first-time volunteers are warmly encouraged to apply — training and support provided!
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December 15 - AAP Referrals Due
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December 16 - Interims Go Home in Tuesday Folders
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December 17 - 3-Hour Early Release Closing, 12:15 PM
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December 19 - SCA Spirit Day: Pajamas & Plushies
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December 22-January 2 - Winter Break (no school for students and staff)
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January 5 - Back to School After the Winter Break!
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January 13 - Robinson Area Band Concert (Robinson), 7-9 PM
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January 14 - PTO Meeting (virtual), 6-7:30 PM
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January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Holiday (no school for students and staff)
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January 23 - SCA Spirit Day: Sports Fans
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January 23 - PTO Bingo Night, 6-8 PM
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
Printable FCPS 2025-26 School Calendar (PDF)
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