 Students enjoying a game of soccer with Mr. Garcia at recess!
Dear Bailey's Upper Families,
As we look ahead to this week, we are anticipating a stretch of winter weather. To help ensure our students can stay connected and supported, we will be sending computers home with all children who have parent permission on file.
We ask that all chargers be returned to school along with the computers when students return. At this time, we do not have extra chargers available, and these are the same chargers students use daily in their classrooms. Chargers that are not returned will result in a replacement cost of $10, so please help your child keep their charger in a safe place at home.
We have also created a learning choice board with a variety of activities students can work on to keep their skills fresh and their curiosity growing. These activities are meant to be flexible, engaging, and supportive of continued learning at home.
If we do have snow days, Ms. Dowling will share a daily video with a few fun challenges for students. These will include grade-level activities as well as individualized options, so every child has something that fits just right. I will also be hosting virtual read alouds again just like last year, so we can continue to enjoy stories together even when we are apart.
We hope you are able to stay warm and cozy during this wintery stretch. Please know how much we miss seeing our students each day, and we truly hope to see them back very soon.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
(And if by some change the snow storm is a bust - we will see you Monday morning!!!)
Stay warm, and have a wonderful week ahead!
With appreciation,
Bailey’s Upper Admin Team
💙Ms. Dowling
🧡Ms. Wayland
🐯Ms. Wiley
 Reminder: 2 Hour Early Release on Wed. Jan. 28th
✨ Thursday Folders ✨
📂 This week’s Thursday Folder includes:
- No items were sent this past week.
Please take a few minutes to review these items with your student so you stay up-to-date with all the exciting things happening in our school community!
 Our 5th grade student preparing to go live on the Bailey's News Network!
|
Student Ambassador Opportunity!
We’re excited to invite students to apply to become a Bailey’s Upper Student Ambassador! Student Ambassadors are leaders who help others, share ideas, and work together to make our school a welcoming and positive place for everyone. Please note that students who are in Get2Green Club are not eligible to apply as they already hold a leadership position in our school.
📄 Applications were sent home in last week’s Thursday folders and are hard copy only.
👩🏫 Two students will be selected from each class.
📅 Selected students will meet once a month during school hours.
We encourage students to take their time and provide thoughtful responses to the application questions.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 28th
|
|
 |
 |
|
🌟 Family Engagement Workshop
Join us to learn how to understand your child’s Middle of the Year iReady (Literacy) and MAP (Math) results. We’ll review progress from the beginning to the middle of the year, highlight strengths, and identify areas for growth.
Please note that due to the weather we are expecting this weekend, we have moved our workshop to our scheduled snow date.
📅 **NEW DATE** Monday, February 9th
🏫 In-Person: Bailey’s Upper at 9:30–10:45AM
💻 Online via Zoom: 7:00–8:00PM
📊 Results will be shared at the workshop or sent home the same day.
🔗 English Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98226138523?from=addon
🔗 Spanish Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/95877144722
|
New WIDA Testing Schedule
Notification of WIDA letters went home in December
CHANGE TO WIDA DATES: All testing Dates that were previously listed will be changing due to the impending weather. I new updated list of testing dates will be shared next week
VALLSS Testing
VALLSS - Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - required for certain students based on other reading performance data
- Teachers will begin assessing individual students beginning January 8th and testing will continue through the month.
If you have any questions regarding past, current, or upcoming assessments, please contact Nicole Cassidy or Hugo Duran, our School Testing Coordinators at 703-503-2700
 Students engaged in learning about their next art project with Ms. Scollon!
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Bailey’s Upper ES
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-5, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. On January 15th in our Thursday Folder, you received a letter with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic
 Reminder: No School on Thurs. Jan. 29th and Fri. Jan. 30th
-
Wednesday, January 28th- Deadline for Student Ambassador Committee Applications
-
Wednesday, January 28th- Club Photo Day
-
Wednesday, January 28th- End of Quarter 2 & 2 hour Early Release (Dismissal at 1:25)
-
Thursday, January 29th- No School (Staff Development Day)
-
Friday, January 30th- No School (Teacher Work Day)
-
**NEW DATE** Monday, February 9th- Family Engagement Workshop: Understanding your Child’s iReady & MAP Results from Middle of the Year 9:30am In-Person at Bailey's Upper & 7:00pm via Zoom
-
Thursday, February 12th- Class Photo Day
-
Friday, February 13th- Valentine’s Family Luncheon
-
Monday, February, 16th- No School (Washington's Birthday & President's Day)
-
Tuesday, February, 17th- No School (Lunar New Year & Teacher Work Day)
-
Friday, February 20th- Rising 6th Grade Parent Workshop
-
Wednesday, February 25th- 3 Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 12:25pm)
 Updated Bailey's Upper January 2026
 One of our students happily keeping a steady beat in music class!
 Download the FCPS Mobil App from your iPhone or Android cell phones.
More News and Updates on-the-Go With the FCPS App
Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here’s how it makes life easier:
Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events.
-
No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly. There’s no password to remember, and no login is required.
-
Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates including weather announcements.
-
Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app or download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
 3rd grade students enjoying lunch with their friends!
 Please watch this video regarding weather closings within FCPS.
Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
 4th grade students focused and having fun making music in band class.
|
