Spring Break will take place from March 30th – April 3rd. During this time, there will be no school and school offices will be closed.

We hope our students and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and wonderful Spring Break filled with rest and fun.☀️😎

Monday, April 6 is a Teacher Work Day, so students will not report to school that day.

We look forward to welcoming our students back when classes resume on Tuesday, April 7!

Bailey’s Family Field Trips Are Back This Spring!

We’re excited to invite our Bailey’s Primary & Upper families to join us for a special spring field trip experience! These trips are designed for families to attend together and enjoy hands-on learning and fun.

Important Details:
• Only one form per family is needed
• Forms must be returned to your student’s teacher by Wednesday, April 8
• Families who attended the fall field trip are not eligible for a spring trip
• Families will be selected through a lottery system and notified via TalkingPoints
• You may choose one trip option only

Trip Options:

🚀 Option 1: Air & Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center)
📍 Chantilly, VA
📅 Saturday, April 16 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🚗 $15 parking fee if using your own transportation

💡 Option 2: Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson High School
📍 Alexandria, VA
📅 Saturday, May 16 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🚗 Free parking if using your own transportation

🚌 Bus transportation is available for both trips, or families may choose to drive themselves.

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/Dk89duzbufQ6tNow7

We look forward to exploring and learning together—don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! ✨

We’re excited to invite our Bailey's Primary & Upper families to a free fun-filled evening of exploration and discovery at our upcoming Family Science Night! Come spark curiosity and enjoy hands-on learning together. 🧪🚀

🧠 Students and families will have the chance to explore a variety of interactive activities connected to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 16th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: Bailey’s Primary Gym

We can’t wait to see you there for an evening of learning, laughter, and discovery! 🌟

Volunteers Needed for Family Science Night! 

Volunteers are still needed to help 5:15pm–7:45pm with set-up, support hands-on science activity stations alongside a partner, and assist with clean-up at the end of the night. 

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to stay for the entire event.

Please consider signing up to help make this a successful event!🌟🔬

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP!

Join Ms. Herrera for a special peek into your child’s learning during strings class! 🎻 You’ll see how students are exploring music, playing together as a group, and building their skills as young violinists.

Important Information:
• Please arrive 10 minutes early, as class will begin promptly.
• After signing in at the main office, proceed to Room 306.
• We look forward to celebrating all that your students have accomplished!

Schedule:

Monday, April 13
• Dove: 9:40–10:10 a.m.
• Oliveras: 10:15–10:45 a.m.

Tuesday, April 14
• Aviles: 9:40–10:10 a.m.
• Morrissey: 10:15–10:45 a.m.

Wednesday, April 15

• Gerber: 9:40–10:10 a.m.
• Orellana: 10:15–10:45 a.m.

Thursday, April 16
• Rotello: 9:40–10:10 a.m.
• Coles: 10:15–10:45 a.m.

Friday, April 17
• Anderson: 9:40–10:10 a.m.
• Rabil: 10:15–10:45 a.m.

We’re excited to invite families to our Spring Band Concert on Monday, April 20th! 🌷✨ Come hear our amazing 4th & 5th grade musicians shine!

🎺 4th Grade Band:

• Call Time: 5:30 PM at Bailey’s Upper
• Concert: 6:00 PM

🎷 5th Grade Band:

• Call Time: 7:00 PM at Bailey’s Upper
• Concert: 7:30 PM

🚗 Please use the link below to let us know if your student will be able to get to their call time, or reach out to our friendly Family Liaisons: Marian Perez & Jocelyn Sarwar.

https://forms.gle/y6VUH44S89zDt6wv8

Let’s celebrate our young musicians together! 🌟🎵

Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support Fairfax County Public Schools students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest during March. FCPS students in grades K–12 are invited to design a 2” x 7” bookmark celebrating the power of learning and creativity under the theme “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.”

Artwork must be original, flat (no glitter or pop-ups), and include the student’s name, grade, and school on the back. Entries will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme, and overall effort. Four winners (K–2, 3–6, middle, and high) will each receive a $25 gift card, and winning designs will be printed and shared in schools and the community. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement.

Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, or sent via pony by the April 17th deadline. By submitting, students confirm FCPS enrollment and grant permission for printing and promotion (first name and grade only; parent/guardian signature required for winners).

For more information visit EducateFairfax.org

Celebrate Earth Week with us! 🌎💚

From April 20th–24th, we’re encouraging our school community to “Get Green” by participating in a full week of fun, themed activities that help us care for our planet:

• Monday – Wildlife Day: Wear Animal Print Learn about and appreciate animals and their habitats.
• Tuesday – Zero Waste Day: Wear White Practice reducing, reusing, and recycling to cut down on waste. (No School Day)
• Wednesday – Earth Day: Wear Green Celebrate our planet and explore ways to protect it.
• Thursday – Climate Change Day: Wear Read Build awareness about climate change and how we can make a difference.
• Friday – Watershed Day: Wear Blue Discover the importance of clean water and protecting our local environment.

♻️🌱 #FCPSEarthWeek

As winter winds down, do you find yourself dreading the approach of allergy season? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

“Seasonal allergies are very common for this time of year, and it is important to know the symptoms, the steps to reduce allergy symptoms, and when to seek urgent care for allergies,” says Dr. Mark Paster, a staff physician with Patient First.

Here are some helpful tips and information on allergies and how to prevent them.

 What are allergies?

Allergic reactions occur when your body comes into contact with an allergen. Your body identifies this substance as harmful, even when it is not. Then, when you come into contact with that allergen again, it reacts to it, causing allergy symptoms. Springtime allergies are most often due to tree pollen and in areas with more humid climates, outdoor mold. Grass pollen is a big cause of summer allergies, while weed pollen can bring on fall allergies.

What are the symptoms?

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the particular allergy. Some common symptoms include itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; runny nose; and congestion. If your seasonal allergies are generally mild, nasal sprays and oral antihistamines can help manage the symptoms. If over-the-counter treatments do not reduce your symptoms, talk with a physician about a prescription or other treatment.

What steps can be taken to reduce allergy symptoms?

• Start taking over-the-counter antihistamines when high pollen counts are forecast, even before your symptoms start.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Keep windows and doors closed – Restricting the amount of outside air that comes into your home may help those with airborne allergen sensitivities.
• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling, and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
• After spending time outside, take a shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair and put on clean clothes.
• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores
• Use air conditioning in your house and car.
• Use high-efficiency air filters and change them frequently.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.

Finally, do a deep cleaning of your home every spring. We hope these tips help make your spring the best it can be. Physician and Physician Extenders at Patient First treat many illnesses and injuries at our urgent care centers, including allergies.

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).

You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak. 

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

• New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
• Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
• Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
• Vegetarian options, like the meatless Philly melt, which are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.

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. on: 

• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
• Thursday, April 16, at Ravensworth Elementary School (note date change).
• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.