Mustang Message - April 10, 2026


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We are a community of learners... thriving in a diverse world!

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

 

Important Dates

April 16            PTA Family Event:  Ready - Tech - Go, 5:30 p.m.

April 21            No School:  Elections

April 22            Full Day of School:  Early Release Wednesday is cancelled

April 22            SY 2026-27 Kindergarten Orientation, 4:30 p.m.

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30 

 

Specialist Spotlight - Advance Academics.

Advanced Academics What: Plus, Minus, Interesting.

The Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI) is a critical thinking strategy that encourages students to develop the habit of looking beyond the polarity of “yes or no,” “wrong or right,” or “my answer or your answer" to a more nuanced consideration.  The goal of PMI is to develop independent thinkers who consider a range of ideas and/or possibilities and see beyond the obvious. The “interesting” category can also include questions. 

PMI is an analysis tool that leads students to consider various aspects of ideas, events, or activities from their own or others’ perspective.  For example: a PMI can be used in a literature discussion to analyze a character’s choices or an author’s purpose. 

Example: 1:  a PMI can be used in a literature discussion to analyze a character’s choices or an author’s purpose. 

Example 2:  In Math a PMI can be used to discuss and analyze circumference and or analyze 3 D shapes and 2 D shapes or fractions

Example 3:  In Science we use PMI frequently when we use See, Think, Wonder and/or when we analyze and discuss Historical events or soil deposits.

At Home Connection: Try this at home:  1. Show your child an image from some text (book, magazine, newspaper), or a short video clip and/or a family photo. 2.  Try one of the examples I have shared with you.  Take a picture and please share  with me at yfwilliams@fcps.edu

Meals for Students on April 21, 2026

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage

 

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.  

 

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.

Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence

 

Construction Updates - Roof Work

The new building's roofing project began last week and is expected to last three weeks as we work towards having a finished addition to our school building in August, 2026. To ensure the safety of students and neighbors, roofing activities are contained to construction areas and these zones are clearly marked.  While you may notice some smells, these odors are detectable at very low levels and do not indicate harmful exposure.  Actively reducing these odors uses molecular suppressants and shutting down or reducing mechanical air intake systems near the project areas.  Local residents can reduce odors by keeping windows closed during work hours.

 

Tech Adventure Camp & CTE Summer Academy

The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.  This is for students in grades K-5.

More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here, and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here.

 

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: 

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.

 

FCPS Special Education Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

 

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates!  Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

 

You're Invited! Rising Kindergarten Families for Orientation

The adventure starts here!  Get ready for a big milestone at the BMP Kindergarten Orientation on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.! We are excited to welcome our newest students for an afternoon of discovery and new friendships. While children enjoy supervised playtime and explore their future classrooms, families will have the chance to meet our dedicated teachers and administration.

We will walk you through important safety protocols and daily procedures to ensure a smooth transition for your little learner. You’ll also be able to conveniently schedule your official registration appointment right on-site. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions and start the school year with confidence. We can't wait to see those smiling faces and kick off this journey together!