Bailey's ES News - January 23, 2026

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math class

Students in Ms. Paredes’ class practice their math skills while working collaboratively with classmates.


A Note from the Bailey's Administration Team

Dear Bailey’s Families,

We are approaching the halfway point of the school year, and our Tigers are growing in so many ways. Students are completing their midyear literacy assessments through VALLSS, and our first and second graders are wrapping up their MAP math growth assessments. We are so proud of the progress they have made so far this year and excited about all the learning still ahead.

As a reminder, the end of the quarter is on Wednesday, January 28, and all students will be dismissed at 1:45 p.m. There will be no school for students on Thursday and Friday, January 29–30, to allow time for staff development and a teacher workday.

With winter weather in the forecast this weekend, please be sure to watch for communication from FCPS regarding any potential school delays or closures next week. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and get to enjoy any snow that may come our way. 

Satonya Dews, Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Christie Fuller, Assistant Principal


calendar reminder graphic

Calendar Reminders

Quarter End 

Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter and a 2-hour early release for all students.  There is no school for students on Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30 to allow for staff development and a teacher workday. 

See the complete school year calendar.


❄️ 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.


Bailey’s ES Featured in Education Week!

Bailey’s Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences was recently highlighted in Education Week for our work teaching students healthy, responsible digital habits—starting in kindergarten. The article recognizes how our teachers intentionally build digital citizenship skills early, helping students learn to use technology safely, thoughtfully, and kindly.

Our school-based technology specialist, Ms. Nicole Sandrowicz, and STEAM teacher Ms. Jodie Safer shared how Bailey’s integrates digital citizenship throughout the year using Common Sense Media resources. From understanding healthy screen time and online safety to learning how to be kind and thoughtful digital citizens, our youngest learners are developing skills they will carry with them as technology continues to evolve.

We are proud of our staff’s leadership in this important work and grateful to Education Week for spotlighting Bailey’s commitment to preparing students to navigate the digital world responsibly.

Read the entire article here


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration party from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated!


Important Update for 2nd Grade Families Regarding Student Devices

We have an important update regarding our 2nd-grade laptops: all 2nd-grade students will now be required to bring their school-issued laptops home every evening and return them to school each morning. To ensure we are ready for this daily transition, every family must complete the mandatory laptop agreement form. This required form ensures that both the school and home are prepared for the daily transport of these devices. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide your child with consistent, daily access to their learning tools!

https://forms.gle/ZpXwSc8RbEqvdcw9A 


Food Truck Distribution Update

We are so grateful for our partnership with SevaTruck, who have been providing free meals for students staying after school or to take home. Beginning in January, meals will no longer be provided to students who ride the bus, as food boxes are not permitted on buses. Students who ride the bus should go directly to their bus at dismissal. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.


🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, contact our student information assistant/registrar, Sofia Arias (searias@fcps.edu

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.


Join Our Team as a Cafeteria Hostess!

We're looking for a caring and dedicated cafeteria hostess to support our students during lunchtime—a key part of their school day! This is a wonderful opportunity to help maintain a calm, welcoming environment and assist students as they enjoy their meals. If you're interested in making a positive impact, please reach out to our principal, Ms. Dews, at sldews@fcps.edu.


Family Lunch Visits

Beginning in the month of November, parents and caregivers are invited to join their child for lunch at school on any day of the month that works best for them. We’re excited to welcome families to share this special time together and see a bit of our school day in action.

To help maintain a safe and positive lunch experience for all students, please follow these guidelines:

  • All visitors must enter through Door 1, present a valid photo ID, and sign in at the main office before heading to the cafeteria.

  • Please arrive about 5 minutes before your child’s lunch to allow time for check-in.

  • We encourage families to eat the same lunch as their child, either packed or school lunch. Adult meals are $5 and can be paid by cash or check.

  • Please do not bring fast food, outside lunches, or candy.

  • The bathrooms outside the cafeteria are for student use only.

  • Please limit visits to one caregiver at a time, and no strollers, please.

  • If younger siblings are present, they must remain seated with you at the table.

  • After lunch, please exit through the main office and check out before leaving the building.

  • Teachers on lunch duty are supervising students—if you need to contact your child’s teacher, please send a message through TalkingPoints.

  • Families should not follow classes back to the classroom or out to recess.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us keep our students safe and our cafeteria routines running smoothly. We hope you enjoy your lunch visit!


Mason District Health Fair

Mason District Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, from 10am-12pm at the James Lee Community Center. They are partnering with a variety of community groups, organizations, and county departments to provide valuable health-related information, services, and resources for our community.

Services will include, but are not limited to:

  • Vaccine appointment registration and information
  • Medicaid enrollment assistance
  • Hearing and vision screenings
  • Substance abuse prevention training and resources
  • Child development screenings and information
  • Breast cancer awareness information
  • HIV screening and prevention information
  • Information on the importance of healthy eating
  • And more!

The fair is for all ages and is free entry for all!

health fair english

Health fair spanish

Wolves at the Lodge – Saturday, February 28

Justice High School's PTSA marquee fundraiser, Wolves at the Lodge will be on February 28 from 7:00-11:00 PM. Tickets for teachers and administrators are only $10!!!

Enjoy a night out with neighbors. Reunite with old friends. Meet some new ones. The casino games will be rolling. There will be fabulous prizes, raffles, and silent auction items… including themed baskets this year!  Great food, dancing, music, cocktails— everything you want AND it’s a great cause— our kids and teachers.  Let’s make this year’s event the biggest and best yet. 


📱 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 is how it makes life easier:

  •     Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
  •     No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
  •     Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
  •     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 in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store 


Calendar

Save the Date

 

 

January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No School)

January 28 - End of Quarter (2 Hour Early Release)

January 29 - Staff Development (No School for Students)

January 30 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

February 16 - Presidents' Day (No School)

February 17 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

February 25 - 3 Hour Early Release


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