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Special Olympics & ESPN

Bush Hill Elementary School will be presented with the Unified Champion School Banner by Special Olympics and ESPN in recognition of our commitment to social inclusion.

To help make this event a success, we are seeking volunteers to assist on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Please use this link  to sign up for a shift that works best with your schedule.

Thank you for your support.

Family Liaison Corner

Family and School Partnerships

Partnering with Your Child’s Middle School (Virtual Presentation)(This week, April 28, 2026) Supports families of rising middle school students with understanding family engagement in secondary education.

Register via the Family Academy Catalog or with the registration link. 

Flyers available in English and Spanish

Family Café- The Connected Family: Navigating the Digital World Together (This week, April 29, 2026) 

An in-person offering for families on navigating technology use together, held from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale).

Register via the Family Academy catalog or with the registration link, 

Flyers available in (English)(Spanish)(Arabic)(Korean)(Chinese)(Vietnamese) 

Fairfax County Park Authority- SNAP at Farmers Markets (April–November, varies by location) -Families can use SNAP/EBT benefits at select county farmers markets and receive up to $40 in free fruits and vegetables, with tokens that can be used like cash at participating markets; for information, locations, and directions visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/snap or call 571-340-3322; to apply for SNAP call 1-833-522-5582 

The Virginia Department of Education has created a  statewide online tool that helps Virginia families search for and compare child care and early learning programs, including information on program options, quality, and availability. https://families.vareadytofindchildcare.com/welcome 

Community Health Initiative

Parent & Child Connect Workshop (Upcoming, April 26–June 7, 2026) – A free 6-week virtual workshop designed specifically for Asian American families of PreK–12 students focused on strengthening parent-child relationships, improving communication, and building skills to support student success and well-being

Registration link  

Available Flyer

Inova Cares Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs  (Upcoming, Summer 2026) Free physicals and immunizations for children (ages 5+, Medicaid or uninsured only). June 27 – Inova Cares Manassas July 25 – Inova Cares Falls Church Call 703-698-2550 (appointments required; no walk-ins) Available Flyer 

Eligia Santana- Eli

Family Liaison

FCPS- Bush Hill Elementary School

Cell: 571-460-8099

Office: 703-924-5600 EXT: 5649

Hablo español

My hours are Monday- Friday 8:45am-4:15pm

Family Science Night is May 19th

Children’s Science Center Lab

Family Science Night

About the Children’s Science Center Lab

The Children’s Science Center Lab’s mission is to inspire a love or learning STEM by providing unique opportunities to explore and create. The Children’s Science Center Lab is located at Fair Oaks Mall and is Northern Virginia’s first interactive museum where children, families, and school groups can explore STEM concepts through fun, engaging, hands-on exhibits, activities, and programs. In addition to the Lab and community programs, the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is working to create a world class interactive science center that ignites the curiosity in all of us. The Children’s Science Center Lab is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Learn more at www.childsci.org.

Menu of Activities

The Children’s Science Center Lab’s Family Science Night program offers engaging STEM activities for local schools. In 2007, the Children’s Science Center Lab created this community program to engage children ages 5 – 12 in hands-on activities that demonstrate a variety of scientific principles and make STEM learning fun, accessible, and more appealing to today’s students. Our Education Team works closely with educators and schools to develop engaging activities.

Volunteers are needed in order to make  Family Science Night a big success.  Please consider donating your time today!

Order Your Field Day Gear Today

It’s almost that time of year Field Day 2026 – June 4th (Rain date June 5th) Look for information for volunteers soon! Order your Field Day Gear Today To order and pay online go to:  OR USE THE QR CODE HTTPS://BUSHHILL26.ITEMORDER.COM ORDERS DUE FRIDAY MAY 1, 2026 Absolutely NO orders will be Accepted After the Deadline The T-Shirt this year is Lime Green The Shorts are Royal Blue The Dry-Fit Style is  Gray with Royal Blue accents

Field Day Volunteers Wanted

Volunteers for Field Day

Field Day is fast approaching, and we cannot do it without you!

Field Day is Thursday June 4th  (Rain date is Friday June 5th).

Please use the link below if you have time to help.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DABAD2BAAFBC61-56665250-bush

PLEASE NOTE IN ORDER TO VOLUNTEER YOU MUST HAVE THE FCPS VOLUNTEER CLEARNACE LEVEL 1

We will have you help instruct students at one of the activity stations. You will remain at that station for the duration of the Field Day.

The classroom teacher will bring the students to your station.

Grades K-3 – 9:15 – 12:20

Grade 4-6 12:45 – 3:45

We are also looking for someone to organize/help get the popsicles ready ahead of time ( all items will be provided).

Please send an email to Ms. Mulcahy if you can help with this: mmmulcahy@fcps.edu

Mark Your Calendars: SOL Dates

All students in grades 3-6 will complete spring SOL testing following the schedule below:

• Tuesday May 5^th: 5^th Grade Reading
• Tuesday May 12^th: Grades 3-4, 6 Reading & 5^th Science
• Tuesday May 19^st: Grades 3-6 Math

Please do your best to ensure that your student attends school on these days to participate in these assessments. If you know in advance that your student will be absent, please notify your child’s teacher. Do your best to ensure that your student gets a good night’s rest and eats a healthy, filling breakfast in the morning on these dates! Thank you for your support! Questions? Reach out ro Alison Garner (abgarner@fcps.edu), our School Testing Coordinator.

Resources From The SOL Coffee

Thank you to those who attended our SOL parent coffee! Here are the slides from our presentation, which includes links to the Virginia Practice Items, Test Blueprints, and VDOE Released Tests. If you have any questions about the SOL’s or any assessments, please reach out to our testing coordinator Alison Garner (abgarner@fcps.edu).

Walk & Bike To School Day - May 6th

Bush Hill will be participating in National Walk & Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6th.

Panthers get your walking shoes, bikes & helmets ready!

We will be having a “Bike Train” meeting at New Life Church that morning so we can have a group ride together!

If you plan to participate, please be at the church between 8:30-8:40.

The address is: 5502 Trin St Alexandria 22310

There will be a Fairfax County Police Officer escorting the Bike riders to the blacktop that morning.

Let’s all come out and celebrate! Hope to see you there!!

Panther PTA

Upcoming Events

• • Saturday April 25: Bush Hill Community Clean Up, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
  • Thursday April 30: ESPN at Bush Hill 
  • May 4 - 8: Staff Appreciation Week
  • Wednesday May 6: Walk/Bike to School Day
  • Friday May 8: UNO Pizzeria & Grill Restaurant Night
  • Saturday May 16: Kids Business Fair @ Bush Hill, 1:00 PM - 3:00PM
  • Tuesday May 19: Science Night @ Bush Hill, 5:00 - 7:30PM

Lights, Camera, Appreciation!

May 4 - 8 we’re rolling out the red carpet for our amazing Bush Hill staff! To celebrate their incredible work, the PTA has planned a star‑studded, Hollywood‑inspired week of appreciation. We need your help to make it a true blockbuster.

Whether you’re able to volunteer your time, donate food or drinks, or make a monetary contribution, every bit of support helps us show our staff just how valued they are.

Volunteers needed to:

• Setting the Stage: Help with daily setup and décor
• Catering the Stars: Assist with meals and refreshments
• The Wrap Party: Help with cleanup throughout the week

Use the Signup Genius link below to see the available opportunities and sign up to join our "production crew."

Staff Appreciation Week Volunteer & Donation Sign Up

Not able to volunteer or donate items? We completely understand—families are busy! You can still support Staff Appreciation Week by making a donation through our Givebacks site using the link below.

Donations for Staff Appreciation Week

Help Shape Our PTA Leadership

PTA elections will be held before the end of this school year to form our new PTA Board for the 2026–2027 school year. 

We are looking for nominations of parents and caregivers who are willing to step into leadership roles and help support our Bush Hill community. The more hands we have, the lighter the lift for everyone. Many hands really do make less work!

Interested but not sure what’s involved? No problem! Reach out to the PTA and we’re happy to walk you through the roles, time commitment, and expectations.

📧 Email us: ptabushhillelementary@gmail.com

Our current PTA Board would like to thank you for your support:

• President: Rebecca Rodrigues
• VP of Fundraising: Nikki Todoroff
• Treasurer: Kimberley Driggins
• Secretary: Jessica Timberlake

This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact, meet other families, and help shape the school experience for our students. Don’t wait; nominations are needed now!

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook: 

Want to stay in the loop on all PTA events, updates, and volunteer opportunities?

Be sure to follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/BushHillES/

Ideas, thoughts, questions – let us know!

Attendance Matters

According to a recent student of elementary and middle schools, there’s a 5.8% difference between April and June attendance rates. In struggling schools, the attendance drop is nearly twice that. Let's work together to end the school year with success.

Hana El-Baba

School Counselor, M.Ed.

Bush Hill Elementary School

Grades: 2, 4, 6

Office: 703-924-5600

FCPS Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services

Edison Art Show

Congratulations to our Bush Hill artists who participated in the Edison Pyramid Show on April 17th. Their beautiful work was on display for one night and their work was admired by many community members and families from other schools in our pyramid. Excellent work artists!

Mark Twain MS Theater Presents

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

By Anne Coulter Martins

Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing

April 30-May 2 at 7PM

May 2 at 2PM

May 2 at 12PM- MAD HATTER TEA PARTY

For Pre-K-4^th grades

Online before 4/29

$5 (kids under 12)

$8 (adults + teens)

Starting on 4/30

$7 (kids under 12)

$10 (adults + teens)

Ticket info:  

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15615/

or by going to twaintheatre.org

MAD HATTER TEA PARTY

Sat, May 2

Tea from Noon-1:30 Show at 2PM

Tea Party: $5/student K thru 4.

(one adult included)

Show tickets SOLD SEPARATELY

Students in grades K-4 join us for a wacky and whimsical tea party!

• Enjoy, tea, juice, sandwiches, snacks and desserts
• Meet the Cast
• Face Painting
• Fairy Hair
• Games
• Crafts
• Find your own White Rabbit to take home

Thank you to Crumbl-Kingstowne for sponsoring a portion of this event.

This is not a drop off event.  All students must be supervised. Tea party does not include admission to the show.  All show tickets must be purchased separately.

From FCPS

FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students

Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available to students in FCPS. 

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m., and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and participation in career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers. 

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12, or as early as 9 years old. 
•  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student to not receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade should have received two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th-grade requirement, one of those doses must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the typical summer vaccination rush. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

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 Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

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 on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website.

Provide Fairfax County With Feedback on Its Budget

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. Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn how community members can share their feedback and provide input on the county’s FY 2027 Budget.

Quick Links

• Educate Fairfax 
• Family Academy
• FCPS CARES
• FCPS News
• Job Openings
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• School Year Calendar
• SIS ParentVUE

5927 Westchester St, Alexandria, VA 22310  | Main Office: 703-924-5600
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