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April 24, 2026

Dear Beech Tree Families,

It was one of those weeks that reminded me how special our school community is.

Here are a few highlights from the week:

• Monthly Schoolwide Closing Circle
• We gathered as a school community to pause, reflect, and celebrate.
• These moments matter. They give students a chance to feel seen, heard, and connected to something bigger than themselves.
• It is always powerful to watch our students listen to one another and share their voices.
• Partners in Education & Parent Workshop
• Thank you to the families who joined us for the session on Rewarding and Guiding Children’s Behavior.
• The conversation centered on consistency, positive reinforcement, and building strong relationships with children.
• When we are aligned between home and school, it truly makes a difference for our students.
• 5th Grade Staff vs. Students Basketball Game
• This was one of the most fun events of the week.
• There was lots of energy from students and staff!
• Our 5th graders showed teamwork and school spirit. 
• Wellness Rainbow Photo for National Mental Health Awareness Day
• Each grade level wore a different color, and together we created a beautiful rainbow.
• It was more than just a photo. It was a reminder that we all play a role in supporting one another’s well-being.
• We remain committed to helping students build the skills they need to take care of themselves and each other.
• Office Staff Appreciation 

         We celebrated the fabulous job our front office staff does in making our school run efficiently each day. Esther, Sheila, Sandra and Ivett we are so fortunate to have you at Beech Tree. You are our Fantastic Four!

A Thought to Carry Forward

This week reflected something we believe deeply at Beech Tree: learning is not just about academics. It is also about relationships, belonging, and helping students develop the skills to navigate the world with confidence and care.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community. Your partnership makes all the difference.

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable weekend,

Principal Clarke & Assistant Principal Barry

📸 Snapshot: Of Our Week in Pictures 📸

📌April 27-May 1- Staff Appreciation Week 

📌April 29 - Full Day of School, No Longer an Early Release Day
Last Day to Order Yearbooks

📌May 14-PTA Meeting Virtual 6:30pm

            Zoom Link will be sent out at 6:00pm 

📌May 20-Wednesday Early Dismissal 1:00pm-(Kindergarten-5th Gr. Only)

📌May 25-Holiday Memorial Day-No School

📌May 26-Teacher Workday-No School
📌May 27-Eid al-Adha-No School

📌May 28-PTA Spring Fling 6:30pm

**Please reference the 2025-2026 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.  Attendance counts and everyday matters! **

*To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly request that parents or guardians accompany their children to school events*

LET’S SUPPORT OUR BEAVERS IN GRADES 3-5 AS THEY PREPARE TO TAKE THEIR SOL TESTS

To help build excitement and confidence, we are hosting a Spirit Week from April 27 to May 1.

📝 Important SOL Testing Dates

Please mark your calendars! To help your student perform their best, please try to avoid scheduling appointments on these specific assessment days.

🌟 5 Tips for a Successful Test Day

We want our students to feel confident and ready to shine! Here is how you can help at home:

1. 💤 Catch Some Zzz’s: It is important that students get plenty of rest the night before the test.
2. 🍳 Fuel Up: A nutritious breakfast provides the energy needed for focus and concentration.
3. ⏰ Beat the Clock: Please ensure students arrive at school on time.
4. ⏳ No Need to Rush: Remind your child that these tests are not a race. They may take as much time as they need to finish.
5. ❤️ Positive Vibes: A little encouragement goes a long way! Remind them to simply breathe and do their very best.

📚 Uncovering History in Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 7 in Language Arts is about the past, present, and future. Students in K-5 will be learning about history, culture, and geography. Grade six students will learn about the achievements of ancient cultures.   Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home: Question: If you could visit any time in history, when and where would you go? Activity: Walk around or think about your neighborhood and talk about how the buildings or other features have changed over time. How might it look in the future? At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.

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 at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

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.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. 

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

📅Future Beech Tree ES Early Release Dates

The following Wednesdays are early release days, with a release time of 1:00 pm:

• May 20

Nominate Our Outstanding Beech Tree Staff

Take a moment to acknowledge and affirm a Beech Tree staff member when they go above and beyond in demonstrating care and dedication that ensures every one of our students is seen, heard, and valued. FCPS Cares. All FCPS Cares nominees are considered for an additional monthly award.

📸 Show Your School Pride! Order Your Yearbook NOW! 🌳

It's time to capture the memories of the school year! Don't let your student miss out on the Beech Tree Elementary School 2025-2026 Yearbook. It's the best way to remember friends, favorite teachers, and all the exciting events from this year!

☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Beech Day=Lunch Visits

Beech Days (Open Days in YELLOW):

These are the days you can come to school and have lunch with your student:

• April: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Lunch Schedule

Unavailable Days Due to Wednesday Early Release (in RED):

These are the dates where Beech Days are unavailable because of early release closures:

• April: 29

• There will be no Beaver Beech lunch days during the month of May due to SOL testing which may alter the daily lunch schedules. 

• Beech Days will return during the month of June.

We encourage family members to enjoy the same lunch as their child, whether it's a packed lunch or from the school cafeteria. To maintain the integrity of our meal program, we kindly request refraining from bringing fast food options.

On the day of your child's scheduled lunch, please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in at the office. Our staff will direct you to the cafeteria. As you depart, please remember to check out at the office. For those opting to purchase lunch from the cafeteria, adult pricing is $5.00 and non-FCPS students under the age of 18 price is $3.25, payable in cash. For more details on lunch options, please click here.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Student Awards and Recognitions
• Military Child of the Year Finalist
• Required Immunizations Reminder

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

Beech Tree School Information

Hours:  9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:05 a.m. for arrival)

Attendance Line:  703-531-2626

Attendance Email: BeechTreeElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

School Registrar: Sandra Merino (703) 531-2620

Family Liaison: Ivett Rivas Urbano (703) 531-2601

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3401 Beechtree Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Phone: 703.531.2600
Attendance: 703.531.2626 | Web | Twitter