This week, Justice High School AVID seniors visited our 3rd graders to lead in engaging conversations about bullying, hate speech, and the power of kindness.

Dear Bailey's Upper Families,

As we head into the final three weeks before Spring Break, I just want to pause and say thank you. Your continued support, encouragement at home, and partnership with our school make such a difference. We truly feel it every single day.

We are gearing up for a strong finish to the third quarter. There is a lot of important learning happening in classrooms right now, and our students are working hard. These next few weeks are a great time to help your child stay focused, complete assignments, and keep strong routines at home. Together, we can help them end the quarter feeling proud of their progress.

We are also beginning to plan for Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Our teachers and staff give so much of themselves to our students and community, and we would love to make the week extra special for them. If you know of any local restaurants that might be willing to sponsor a lunch, breakfast, or snack for our staff, please let us know. We are also open to any creative ideas you may have to help us show our appreciation in meaningful ways.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school family. We are grateful for you and excited to finish this quarter strong together.

With appreciation,

Bailey’s Upper Admin Team

💙Ms. Dowling

🧡Ms. Wayland 

🐯Ms. Wiley

Ms. Dove and Srta. Oliveras’ newly selected 3rd Grade Ambassadors and Alternates are all smiles after learning they’ll serve on this year’s Student Ambassadors Committee.

Student Ambassador Committee 2025-2026

We are incredibly proud of every student who applied to be a Student Ambassador this year. Your thoughtful, purposeful applications truly reflected your leadership and commitment to our school community, and we are grateful for the time and effort you put into them. Congratulations to the students listed below who have been selected to serve on this year’s Student Ambassador Committee. We look forward to the positive impact you will make!

3rd Grade Students

3rd Grade – Ms. Anderson
Ambassadors: Marym Abdulkadir Ali, Israel Pu Cor

3rd Grade – Sra. Aviles
Ambassadors: Sophia Sarwer, Margaret Walsh
Alternate: Max Isabel Monti

3rd Grade – Ms. Coles
Ambassadors: Fernanda Barrios Escobar, Maybeline Cortez Gomez
Alternate: Victoria Bonilla Lopez

3rd Grade – Ms. Dove
Ambassadors: Keziah Brown, William Harris
Alternate: Arya Sharma

3rd Grade – Mr. Gerber
Ambassadors: Ellie Anderly, Galilea Pacasi
Alternate: Eliana Gomez Stovie

3rd Grade – Ms. Morrissey
Ambassadors: Karla De Paz Mendez, Mohamed Chabekh
Alternate: Ibrahim Ahmed

3rd Grade – Srta. Oliveras
Ambassadors: Ana Lucia Perez, Shepard Whatley
Alternate: Anna Palermo

3rd Grade – Sra. Orellana
Ambassadors: Maple Lay, Astrid Flores Urquilla

3rd Grade – Ms. Rabil
Ambassadors: Elisabeth Gonzalez Perez, Belinda Romero Chavez

4th Grade Students

4th Grade – Ms. Abu
Ambassadors: Minatalla Elnour, MD Abdullah Khan
Alternate: Abdul Hadi

4th Grade – Ms. Bukovac
Ambassadors: Hunter Herron, Adriana Mamani

4th Grade – Srta. Davila
Ambassadors: Zamanda Mendez Lucas, Liam Penland
Alternate: Patricia England-Denbrook

4th Grade – Sra. Pons
Ambassadors: Lucy Juarez Mendez, Ashley Puac Cortez
Alternate: Sophia Mamani

4th Grade – Ms. Hammye
Ambassadors: Noah Kidwell, Meer Konday
Alternate: Gabriel Pu Cor

4th Grade – Ms. May
Ambassadors: Gael Pacasi, Esai Perez

4th Grade – Ms. Mahmood
Ambassadors: Hanchaoui Mohamed, Camilla Ruiz

4th Grade – Ms. Ortega
Ambassador: Genesis Servellon Flamenco

4th Grade – Ms. Rotello
Ambassadors: Genesis Catellon Perez, Christopher Duarte

4th Grade – Ms. Wagner
Ambassadors: Dylan Cortez Gomez, Dilan Monterroso Colop
Alternate: Wilmer Alvarado Castaneda

5th Grade Students

✨ Thursday Folders ✨

📂 This week’s Thursday Folder includes:

• Class Photo Order Forms

• PTA Virtual Tiger Tales Bedtime Stories (English and Spanish)

• ChildHelp-Speak Up Be Safe (English and Spanish)

• Youth Fastpitch Softball-VSRS Registration Forms (English and Spanish)

• Traveling Players 2026 Summer Camps and Performances Grades 1-12 Registration Information

• STEM Education-Former Baileys Spanish Immersion Student-Guest Speaker-4^th Grade Only

• Notification of Testing and Retest Permission Forms-State Assessments-Grades 3-8 (English and Spanish)-Teacher Specific

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!

Snowy dismissal brought big smiles for our students. One of our 3rd graders trying to catch some snowflakes!

PTA Read-A-Thon: Ends March 16th

📚✨ Final Week of the Read-A-Thon! ✨📚 This is the last week to get those reading minutes up! Let’s finish strong and see which classes and students come out on top. Keep encouraging your child to read a little extra each day—it all adds up!  🏆 Prizes will be awarded to the class with the most minutes read and to the top reader in each grade level, so now is the time to log those final minutes! Join us for our final week of Virtual Story Time, featuring some of our amazing staff from both Upper and Primary. These special read alouds count toward logged minutes so don’t miss out! 📅 Monday, March 9th @ 7:00 PM via Zoom 📅 Wednesday, March 11th @ 7:00 PM via Zoom 📅 Friday, March 13th @ 7:00 PM via Zoom 💻Zoom Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/95254398217 🎉 Don’t forget to join us on March 16th at 6:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) at Primary for our Read A Thon Extravaganza celebration! Let’s keep turning pages and make this final week our best yet! 📚✨

Family Literacy Fair

Join families on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079 for a day dedicated to literacy and fun. Books are available on a first come, first served basis, so please arrive early. Parents and guardians may choose up to 10 free books per child to build home libraries, with a maximum of 30 books per family. Educators and school staff may select up to 50 free books for their classrooms. Families can also enjoy fun activities including a live DJ and free arts and crafts 🎨🎶 Hundreds of LEGO brick boxes will be available while supplies last. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your home library and celebrate the joy of reading together. For more information, please contact Jack Delaney at jdelaney@fcft.org.

Student Fasting Meal Kits

Meal Kits Information for Fasting Students

Please use the link below to complete the meal request forms. A separate form must be completed for each student:

https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students 

Submit the fasting student meal kit request form by the date listed below.

Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026 — Meals for the week of March 16, 2026

Bailey's Upper students who participated in the PTA Reflections Arts Program being recognized in last week's awards ceremony.

Current and Upcoming Assessments

WIDA Testing 

WIDA Speaking - Testing will continue until Friday, March 13th 

Standards of Learning SOLS

Fifth grade students will be taking the Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) Standards of  Learning (SOL) on Wednesday, March 18th. All other SOLs for all grades are scheduled for May. 

• In preparation for the upcoming 5th grade IRW and the SOLs in May we sent home an SOL Notification of Testing letter to all families on Thursday, March 6th. The letter shares information on the SOL’s your child will take this year. It explains that students will also have an opportunity to retake an SOL if needed. A parent retake permission form is included on the letter. If you would like your child to have the opportunity to retake an SOL, please plan to complete the bottom half of the letter and ask your child to return the form to their teacher.

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

5th Graders: Strings Pyramid Concert

🎻 Play at the Justice HS Pyramid Concert! 🎶 We are excited to invite our 5th Grade string students to perform IMPULSE alongside the Justice HS Orchestra on their stage at the Justice HS Pyramid Concert on Tuesday, April 14th! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience performing at the high school level, connect with fellow musicians, and be part of something special. ✨ 🎁 Students will receive a free goodie bag filled with a pencil, candy, instrumental supplies, and fun swag! 👩‍🏫 Students will also have the chance to meet the music teachers: Ms. Haynes (Justice HS), Ms. Mossey (Justice HS), and Mr. Nguyen (Glasgow MS). 🎼 Participating schools include: Bailey’s Upper, Beech Tree, Belvedere, Glen Forest, Mason Crest, Parklawn, and Sleepy Hollow. Ms. Herrera, our Strings Teacher is sending sign-up forms home soon. We hope to see many of our talented musicians there! 🎶✨

VIP Summer Camp for Rising 6th Graders

Attention 5th Grade Families! Do you have a rising 6th, 7th, or 8th grader? Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and enriching way for them to spend the summer? We’re excited to announce that VIP Camp (Value in Prevention) will be hosted at Glasgow Middle School this summer! 📅 Dates: July 1, 2026 – July 30, 2026 🕗 Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday–Friday 🚌 Transportation provided 🍳 Breakfast and lunch provided 💵Cost: $100 for entire month Registration will open Tuesday, March 17th at 6:00pm. If you need a reduced fee or full scholarship, please let your Family Liaisions, Marian Perez and Jocelyn Sarwar know. VIP Camp offers a safe and supportive environment filled with fun activities, learning experiences, and opportunities to build friendships.

Our tiger students working together to build reading fluency through timed reading and partner work.

Culmore Library at Culmore Chuch

📚 Culmore Library at Culmore Church – March Weekly Events 🎉 Join the Culmore Library outreach team this March for free weekly programs for children and adults! All events take place at Culmore United Methodist Church (3400 Charles Street, Falls Church). Doors close when room capacity is reached. Wednesdays & Thursdays 👶 Preschool Playdate | 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Drop in for stories, songs, and playtime while little ones make new friends. For babies through age 5 with a caregiver. 🧪 Be Curious – Afterschool | 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Play, learn, and explore with friends through fun STEM challenges and maker activities. For grades K–5. Wednesdays 💬 English Conversation Class | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Practice and improve your English in a welcoming group. No registration required. Adults. Thursdays 📖 Toddler/Preschool Storytime | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Enjoy stories, songs, movement, and fun activities. For children 18 months–5 years with an adult. Siblings welcome. 📅 See the full calendar: bit.ly/FCPL_CulmoreOutreach All programs are free and open to the community—come learn, play, and connect! 🌟

FCPS Fine Arts & Performing Arts Summer Camp Opportunities

Registration for FCPS’s Fine Arts and Performing Arts Camps (IFTA, E-IFTA, and Production Camp) is OPEN NOW through June 5, and classes are already filling up! Program Overview Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) Grades K–5 Four one-week sessions: July 6–31 Students rotate daily through art, music, theatre, and dance in a joyful, age-appropriate environment led by FCPS arts teachers. Website: bit.ly/FCPS_EIFTA Institute for the Arts (IFTA) Grades 6–11 Two sessions: July 6–17 and July 20–31 Students select four courses in visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and design. Sessions culminate in a showcase/exhibition. We also offer Online Health & PE 9 for rising sophomores – a popular option for students interested in freeing up an elective slot in their schedule! Website: bit.ly/FCPS_IFTA Production Camp Grades 6–11 July 6–31 (Evening performances July 30 & 31) Students collaborate to produce a full theatrical production, with tracks in performance and technical theatre. This year, we are excited to produce High School Musical 2! Website: bit.ly/FCPS_PC Camp Details 📍 Location: Robinson Secondary School 🕣 Camp Day: 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Early drop-off: 7:30 a.m. Aftercare available until 5:00 p.m. 🚌 Bus transportation available at no extra cost Tuition assistance is available for FCPS students eligible for Free and Reduced Meals. We are committed to access and welcome FCPS, private, homeschooled, and out-of-county students.

Important Dates

• Monday, March 9th- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7:00pm via Zoom 
• Wednesday, March 11th- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7:00pm via Zoom 
• Friday, March 13th- PTA Read-A-Thon Virtual Story Time 7:00pm via Zoom 
• ** NEW DATE** Monday, March 16th**- PTA Read-A-Thon: Story Extravaganza at Primary Doors Open 6:00pm & Program Begins 6:30pm
• Wednesday, March 18th- 5th Graders take Integrated Ready & Writing SOL Test
• Tuesday, March 24th- Bailey’s Upper Career Day
• Wednesday, March 25th- 3 Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 12:25pm)
• Thursday, March 26th- Justice Pyramid Art Show (3:00-7:00pm at Justice High School)
• Friday, March 27th- Club Photo Day
• Friday, March 27th- 2 Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 1:25pm)
• Monday, March 30th-Friday April 3rd- Spring Break - No School
• Monday, April 6th- No School - Teacher Work Day
• Friday, April 10th- No School -  School Planning Day

Bailey's Upper March 2026 Calendar

Ms. Herrera leads her 4th graders through a fun string instrument session.

Family Engagement Survey

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9 FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.  Survey topics include: Welcoming environment. Communication. Student success. Advocacy. Family and school partnerships. Community partnerships. The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.  Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.

Measles

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.

Sleep Awareness Week

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.

Ms. Zara González Hoang, author and illustrator visited during our Town Halls and 3rd Graders were all gifted her book, Mi Casa is My Home, that she illustrated.

Community Conversations

Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:  Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School. Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School. Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School. Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School. Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School. Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Special Education Family Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Black History Month Celebration

Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration

The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.

Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered a spirited keynote speech. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute.

Read more about the Black history event.

Use the link to watch a video about the FCPS Black History Month Celebration.

Summer Learning Opportunities

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

National Women's History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

6245 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22044

Main Office: 703-503-2700 | Attendance: 703-503-2727

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