 Ms. Suma and our 3rd graders having fun with reading!
Dear Bailey's Upper Families,
What a joy it was to be together for five full days!
Thank you so much to the many families who joined us for our recent family engagement events. Your willingness to come, learn, ask questions, and partner with us in supporting your children means more than you know. When families and schools work together, our students thrive.
It was also wonderful to see so many of you come in to have lunch with your children. Those shared moments mean a lot to them and help strengthen our school community.
We are so grateful for your continued partnership and support. Thank you for being such an important part of our community.
With appreciation,
Bailey’s Upper Admin Team
💙Ms. Dowling
🧡Ms. Wayland
🐯Ms. Wiley
✨ Thursday Folders ✨
📂 This week’s Thursday Folder includes:
- Rising 6th Grade Workshop for 5th Grade Only (English and Spanish)
- Health Education Presentation-Led by Team CleanLungs- Opt Out Forms for 5th Grade Only (English and Spanish)
- 2nd Quarter Report Cards (English Only)
✨ Friday ✨
- iReady/MAP Middle of the Year Family Score Report Letter went home in your child's backpack. (English and Spanish)
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!
 Found the lovely smiles of Ms. Meneces De Torrico and one of our tigers as we walked through the building!
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Just a reminder that there will be no school tomorrow Monday, February 16th in observance of Washington’s Birthday & President’s Day, and no school on Tuesday, February 17th for Lunar New Year & Teacher Work Day.
📅 Students will return to school on Wednesday, February 18th.
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We are excited to invite parents and guardians of current 5th grade students to our Rising 6th Grade Workshop on Friday, February 20th. This workshop is designed to help families prepare for the transition to middle school and learn what to expect in 6th grade.
Families may attend In-Person at Bailey’s Primary from 9:15–10:30am or join us virtually via Zoom from 7:00–8:00pm.
During the workshop, you will:
- Learn about 6th grade core courses
- Explore available elective options
- Receive information about the AVID program and Application Process
- Sign-up for the Glasgow NYC
🔗 Zoom Links:
English Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91335486388
Spanish Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/97249843386
We hope you can join us for this important and informative event as we support our students in their next big step! 💙📚
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We are excited to share an opportunity to celebrate the incredible educators in our school community!
Rack Room Shoes is now accepting nominations for the 2026 “Gives Teacher of the Year” Contest. This contest highlights outstanding teachers by inviting families to share how a teacher has inspired their child to succeed and why their influence is so meaningful.
To nominate a teacher, simply upload a photo along with a short story (500 characters or less) about that teacher. Nominations can be submitted here: https://2026rrsteacherofyear.cmpgn.page/c01sVl
Prizes for the Top 5 Teachers:
- $10,000 Innovation Grant for their school
- $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card for each winning teacher
Important Dates:
- Nominations: February 11 – February 26
- Voting: March 9 – March 27
- Winners Notified: Week of April 5
For additional details, please visit rackroomshoes.com
We encourage you to consider nominating a teacher who has made a meaningful impact on your child’s education. Let’s help recognize the amazing work happening in our classrooms every day!
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We warmly invite all Bailey’s Primary & Upper families who observe Ramadan to join us for an evening of celebration on Monday, March 2nd at Bailey's Primary Cafeteria.
A prayer space will be available before the meal, and families are encouraged to bring a halal dish to share. Let’s enjoy a delicious and diverse feast together!
No registration is required, but letting us know you’ll attend is greatly appreciated to help us plan a wonderful evening for everyone.
https://forms.gle/mVi7R9cP9VPo2USq9
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Meal Kits Information for Fasting Students
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The second deadline is Monday, February 16, for the week of February 23. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
 Our 3rd Graders were dressed to impress!
New WIDA Testing Schedule
WIDA Testing
All students identified as multilingual learners (MLs) are assessed annually to monitor their progress and proficiency in English as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA ACCESS for this purpose. The WIDA ACCESS is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development standards and assesses English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
CHANGE TO WIDA DATES: All testing Dates that were previously listed have changed due to the snow days. The new testing dates (weather permitting) are below.
WIDA Listening
- 5th grade -Tuesday, February 6th (even with the 2hr delay)
- 4th grade - Monday, February 9th
- 3rd grade - Tuesday, February 10th
WIDA Reading
- 5th grade -Friday, February 13th
- 4th grade - Thursday, February 19th
- 3rd grade - Friday, February 20th
WIDA Writing
- 5th grade -Monday, February 23rd
- 4th grade - Tuesday, February 24th
- 3rd grade - Thursday, February 26th
WIDA Speaking - will begin after the other 3 testing domains are complete and will be in small groups settings by our ESOL teachers beginning February 26th and continuing over the next several weeks.
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
Pop, pop, hooray! Mrs. Wiley prepares a big batch of popcorn to honor our Snow Day Challenge winners.
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
Justice High School's PTSA marquee fundraiser, Wolves at the Lodge will be on Sat. February 28th 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.
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Each week we highlight anywhere from 1-4 staff members for our Staff Star of the Week Program. With this recognition, our staff is featured in our weekly staff newsletter and receives either a $5 Starbucks gift card, $5 Target gift card, or $5 Amazon gift card.
If you are interested in donating $5 Starbucks gift cards, $5 Target gift cards, or $5 Amazon gift cards to our school to help us continue our Staff Star of the Week Program, please drop them off in the main office.
 The sweet faces of Sra. Oliveras’ class on picture day.
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Monday, February, 16th- No School (Washington's Birthday & President's Day)
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Tuesday, February, 17th- No School (Lunar New Year & Teacher Work Day)
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Friday, February 20th- Rising 6th Grade Parent Workshop
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Saturday, February 21st- Odyssey of the Mind Competition
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Monday, February 23rd- PTA Read-A-Thon Story Extravaganza at Primary
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Wednesday, February 25th- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7:00pm via Zoom
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Wednesday, February 25th- 3 Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 12:25pm)
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Friday, February 27th- PTA Reflections Arts Program Award Ceremony 6:00pm at Primary's Cafeteria
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Monday, March 2nd- Iftar: Taste of Ramadan for families observing Ramadan at Primary
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Tuesday, March 3rd- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7pm via Zoom
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Thursday, March 5th- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7pm via Zoom
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Friday, March 6th- PTA Basketball Tournament at Justice High School
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**NEW DATE** Friday, March 27th- Club Photo Day
 Bailey's Upper February 2026 Calendar
 One of our students exploring the beautiful sounds of the guitar with Ms. Freeman.
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
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Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6:00pm, at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
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Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs
Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.
The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30pm, at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.
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 Ms. Cassidy, Ms. Crowley and Ms. Barber showing off their favorite sports teams during Kindness Week!
Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students
On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)
Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:
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Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
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Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
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Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.
The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
 Our 5th Grade BUAE Blue Cast ready to shine before rehearsal!
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