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A Note from the Bailey's Administration Team
Dear Bailey’s Families,
We hope everyone in the Bailey’s community has stayed warm and safe over the last week. We know the aftermath of the winter storm has been challenging, and we miss our Tigers and can’t wait to welcome them back to school. We also want to extend our gratitude to our custodial team, who have been working tirelessly to clear sidewalks, parking areas, and prepare our building so it is safe and ready to welcome students and staff back. We truly appreciate their hard work and dedication. Please continue to monitor the FCPS website, social media, app, and local news for any operating status updates.
Right before the storm, our PTA hosted our annual Global Community Festival. Thank you to everyone who came out to join us—we are so proud of our diverse community, and it is the families, students, teachers and staff who make Bailey’s such a special place.
This past week, our staff came together for virtual learning during our staff development day, centered on inclusive practices and how inclusion benefits all students. At Bailey’s, we are committed to creating an enriching environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of every child.
Have a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to connecting again soon.
Satonya Dews, Principal
Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal
Keith Downing, Assistant Principal
Christie Fuller, Assistant Principal
National School Counseling Week: February 2-6
National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
Calendar Reminders
End-of-Quarter
Due to the recent loss of instructional days, the final day of the second quarter has been moved to Tuesday, February 3.
Teachers may continue second-quarter assessments through February 3 and will share any specific changes with students and families through Schoology. Students in semester courses will continue attending first-semester classes through February 3. See Dr. Reid’s letter to the community about the end-of-quarter adjustments.
Presidents Day
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents Day holiday
Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown)
Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students.
Ash Wednesday/First Full Day of Ramadan
Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday and the first full day of Ramadan. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
3-Hour Early Release
Elementary school students in the Justice pyramid will have a 3-hour early release on Wednesday, February 25th to allow for teacher planning and training.
See the complete school year calendar.
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Kindness Week is coming 2/09- 2/13
What is Virginia Kindness Week?
The purpose of Kindness Week is to recognize that simple day-to-day acts of kindness enable our schools, communities, and state to be a kinder, safer, healthier and more inclusive place to live, work, learn and play.
This is a schoolwide and community celebration. At Bailey’s we will have a Spirit Week to celebrate kindness (paper copies will be sent home in Thursday folders on 2/5) with each day having an action item to go along with the theme. Classrooms will have discussions on why kindness is important and how to show kindness to all (self, peers, adults, environment).
Lastly, as a family you can use the Kindness Idea Bank document to think about different ways to show kindness at home, school, and in the community.
 
❄️ 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.
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!
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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
🧸 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:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- 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:
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All visitors must enter through Door 1, present a valid photo ID, and sign in at the main office before heading to the cafeteria.
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Please arrive about 5 minutes before your child’s lunch to allow time for check-in.
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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.
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Please do not bring fast food, outside lunches, or candy.
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The bathrooms outside the cafeteria are for student use only.
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Please limit visits to one caregiver at a time, and no strollers, please.
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If younger siblings are present, they must remain seated with you at the table.
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After lunch, please exit through the main office and check out before leaving the building.
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Teachers on lunch duty are supervising students—if you need to contact your child’s teacher, please send a message through TalkingPoints.
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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!
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.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
📱 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.
Save the Date
February 3 - End of 2nd Quarter
February 16 - Presidents' Day (No School)
February 17 - Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
February 25 - 3 Hour Early Release
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