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We are a family.
We are capable.
We are caring.
We all belong!
May 12 SOL Testing: Grade 3 Math SOL
May 13 Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.
May 14 SOL Testing: Grade 4 Math SOL
May 15 SOL Testing: Grade 5 Math SOL
May 20 SOL Testing Grade 5 Science SOL
May 20 Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation
May 25 NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day Holiday
May 26 NO SCHOOL: Teacher Workday
May 27 NO SCHOOL: Eid-Al-Adha Holiday
June 3 All Student Library Books Due
June 17 Last Day of School, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.
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Many thanks to the students, their families, and the AMAZING Bren Mar Park PTA for showing the staff love during this year'sTeacher Appreciation Week!
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Congratulations to our students and coaches who have been working hard in Science Olympiad learning all year. Last week, they traveled to Lake Braddock Secondary to compete in the Science Olympiad
- Gold (1st Place):
- Silver (2nd Place):
- Bronze (3rd Place):
Fraction Visuals that Build Understanding of Fraction Concepts
In math class, from kindergarten to 5th grade, our students are learning about fractions! In upper grade classes, students are exploring fractions using hands-on paper fraction models.
Paper fraction models can be a power tool. For example, make paper fraction models by using 4 squares of paper, all the same size but different colors. One square is a whole, fold and cut one into halves (½), one into fourths (¼), and one into eighths (⅛).
Using visual models helps students recognize equivalent fractions. By comparing fractions like ½ and 2/4 or ⅜ and 6/16, students begin to notice patterns and understand why fractions can be equal even when they look different.
As students grow more confident, we challenge their thinking by changing which piece represents the “whole.” This important concept helps students understand that the size of the whole can change depending on the situation. For example, if a green piece is considered one whole, students explore what fraction a purple or pink piece would represent.
These activities help children develop a deeper understanding of fractions by seeing, comparing, and building fractions in different ways. Our goal is for students to build a strong conceptual understanding of fractions that will support problem solving and real-life situations in everyday life.
Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home!
Grade 3 Math - Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Grade 4 Math - Thursday, May 14, 2026
Grade 5 Math - Friday, May 15, 2026
Grade 5 Science - Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Retakes will be scheduled throughout the window.
As we gear up for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, it’s natural for students (and parents!) to feel a few jitters. While we have been working hard in the classroom, your support at home can be the secret to helping your child feel confident and ready to shine.
Here are a few ways you can help your student prepare for success:
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Talk Through Any Anxious Feelings! Open up a conversation about how your child is feeling. If they seem nervous, let them know it is ok, and help them focus to the positive. Remind them that the SOL is just a way to show off everything they’ve learned this year. It’s about effort, not perfection. Start the day with a simple "I am capable," or "I can do hard things."
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Try Some Practice Items Side-by-Side! Since these tests are online, getting familiar with the platform can take the mystery out of the process. The VDOE provides practice items that mimic the SOL tests. Spend 15 minutes exploring together the "highlighter" and other tools to build confidence.
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Help Your Child with the Physical Part of Testing! Test-taking involves the brain, and a brain that is well-rested and well-fed can focus. Be sure that your child is well-rested by having a consistent "wind-down" routine 30 minutes before lights out. Avoid screens (tablets/phones) right before bed to ensure deep, restorative sleep. Help your child start the testing day right through a protein-rich breakfast helps prevent that mid-morning energy crash. Breakfast items will continue to be available at the school, too. And, try to keep the morning of the test as calm as possible. Avoid a rushed morning by getting up and leaving early to get to school and be settled before the test.
Your child has worked hard all year. Regardless of the score, we are proud of their growth and the resilience they show every day. Let’s encourage them to simply do their best!
We are thrilled to announce an exciting enhancement to our preschool programs! Starting next school year, Bren Mar Park Elementary is opening its doors to Community Peers, creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where children of all abilities grow together.
The Community Peer program brings together children with and without developmental delays in the same classroom. By learning side-by-side, all students benefit from a more stimulating environment that fosters empathy, resilience, and essential life skills. The program emphasizes social interaction and shared discovery.
We are looking for a few helping hands and friendly faces to join us! Children must be between 3.5 and 5 years old (must reach age 3.5 by September 30 of the current school year).
We look forward to seeing our youngest learners thrive together through this wonderful community partnership!
To express your interest in having your child considered, please complete THIS FORM and plan to attend one of our upcoming Community Peer Playdates.
Our graduating Bren Mar Park alumni are invited to the BMP Grad Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Our annual tradition involves lots of photos with former classmates and a walk around the school where graduates are celebrated by and inspire our current Mustangs in what education has to offer! The walk is concluded with a read aloud in our school library and end-of-day visits with former teachers.
Please arrive early and with your government-issued ID to check in! Families of graduates are welcome to attend and take photos from the school lobby at the beginning and conclusion of the Grad Walk.
Please RSVP if you are able to attend.
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 an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.
As we look toward a successful new school year, we are pleased to open the Class Assignment Consideration process for families. This is your opportunity to partner with us by sharing specific insights regarding your child’s learning needs, such as requests to keep certain students together or to separate them to foster a better academic environment. While we value your input and strive to create balanced classrooms that support every student, please keep in mind that specific teacher name requests are not accepted, and we are unable to provide any final guarantees. We appreciate your trust and collaboration as our staff works diligently to find the best possible placement for every child.
The form is available at https://forms.gle/WYUoonpe2HUYPnDY9
The form will be open to families throughout the month of May.
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