Thank you so much to those who have already contributed toward Teacher Appreciation Week—we truly appreciate your support! 💛

A few people asked about an easier way to help, so we’ve created an Amazon Wish List to make donating simple and convenient.

There is absolutely no expectation to contribute, but if you are able, it would mean so much and help us create a special and memorable week for our entire staff.

Thank you again for your kindness and support! 

Standards of Learning Tests (SOLs)

In preparation for the SOLs in May, we sent home a SOL Notification of Testing letter to all families in our Thursday, March 6th folders. We resent this letter this week on Thursday, April 16th. The letter shared 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. Retakes will be administered for those that qualify 2-4 days after the initial test date listed below.

Plan ahead! SOL Testing Dates by Grade are below:

3rd Grade
📖 Reading SOL: Monday, May 4
➗ Math SOL: Wednesday, May 13

4th Grade
📖 Reading SOL: Tuesday, May 5
➗ Math SOL: Tuesday, May 12

5th Grade
📖 Reading SOL: Friday, May 1
➗ Math SOL: Friday, May 8 (includes Advanced Math – 6th Grade SOL)
🔬 Science SOL: Friday, May 15

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

From hands-on activities to mind-blowing demonstrations, Techstravaganza is an exciting STEM event that sparks curiosity and inspires students to explore their passions! 🧪🤖 Past exhibitors have included NASA, Robotics for Youth, and the American Society for Naval Engineers—so you know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience!

This self-paced event lets students explore at their own speed, visiting the booths that interest them most. Along the way, they can enjoy raffles, cool merchandise, and fun goodie bags! 🎁

📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💰 COST: FREE 🎉
📍 Location: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA

🚌 Transportation Options:
Families may choose to ride the school-provided bus or drive separately in their own car.

• To allow more families to participate, students who attended the fall or spring field trip are not eligible for the bus.
• To sign-up fill out our google form or reach out to our Family Liaisons, Marian Perez & Jocelyn Sarwar. 

🔗 Learn More:
https://techstrav.org/index.html

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day of discovery, innovation, and inspiration!🌟

🎒🌲 4th Grade Pass – Explore America’s Great Outdoors! 🌎✨

The Free 4th Grade Pass covers entrance or day-use fees at federal recreation sites, giving students and their families a chance to discover nature, history, and adventure all year long! 

This pass can be used at a wide variety of sites, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, conservation areas, and recreation areas across the United States. From mountains and forests to lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, there are hundreds of places waiting to be explored 

Please note: the pass does not cover camping fees, special tours, or privately operated facilities on federal lands. Families are encouraged to contact specific sites directly for details on what is included.

No matter where you live, you are likely within two hours of a federal recreation site—making it easy to plan a fun and meaningful trip close to home or far away 🚗✨

📍 Learn more and get your free pass at: everykidoutdoors.gov
#EveryKidOutdoors 

⚽️ FREE Youth Soccer Camp (Ages 6–16) ⚽️

Join Culmore Soccer camp so you can build skills, stay active, and make new friends all summer long! 

📅 DATES: June 22 – August 14, 2026

Closed: July 3

🕐 TIME: Monday – Friday | 1:00pm-4:00pm

📍 LOCATION: Bailey’s Elementary School

💰 COST: FREE 🎉

📝 REGISTER TODAY! Advance registration is recommended, but on-site registration will also be available during camp hours.

📄 Registration forms are available at the Minnie H. Peyton at Bailey’s Community Center or online at:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/culmore-soccer

Don’t miss this amazing chance for your child to learn, play, and grow through soccer this summer 🌟

💐 Mother’s Day Jewelry Shop – Help Us Make It Special!

Bailey's PTA is collecting costume jewelry donations to help make this special event possible! Every student will have the chance to choose a free gift for someone special in their life in honor of Mother’s Day. 💖

1. Donate Jewelry by Monday April 27th
We’re collecting gently used/new costume jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, pins/brooches — no watches).
📍 Drop off donations at either school’s front office

2. Amazon Wish List
Support the shop by donating supplies online:
🔗 https://share.google/ie4SlKIbjflgIhsqn

3. Volunteer
📅 Help clean and sort jewelry on on Monday, April 27th and/or set up, assist students as they shop, and clean up on Thursday, May 7th at Upper & Friday, May 8th at Primary.
🔗 Volunteer Sign-Up: https://signup.com/go/whoyMhT

Thank you for helping make this a special experience for every student! 💕 

📩 If you have questions please email outreach@baileyspta.org

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.  

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. 

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.