Beech Tree ES Family Message 5.8.26

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May 8, 2026

Admin Team

Dear Beech Tree Families,

As we move through the month of May, our students and staff continue to work hard during SOL testing for students in grades 3–5. We have been proud to see students approach each testing day with focus, perseverance, and a positive mindset. We know this time of year can be demanding, and we appreciate the continued support from families in helping students arrive each day rested, prepared, and ready to do their best. Students who need additional support after testing will receive targeted instruction and opportunities for reassessment in the weeks ahead.

With the end of the school year approaching, there is a great deal of excitement building throughout the school. We ask for your continued partnership in reminding students that our expectations for behavior, respect, and responsibility remain important every day and in every setting. Whether in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, recess, or while working with substitute teachers, we encourage students to continue making positive choices and contributing to a safe and supportive school environment.

There is still so much meaningful learning and celebration ahead for our students. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to ending the school year together on a strong and positive note.

 

With appreciation,

Principal Clarke & Assistant Principal Barry

Purple star

MAY 8

📢 3 Hour Early Release - May 20th

Beech Tree Dismissal 1:00pm
(Kindergarten-5th Gr. Only)


📝 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.

Grade Level

Reading

Math

Science

3rd Grade

Thursday, May 7

Thursday, May 14

4th Grade

Wednesday, May 6

Wednesday, May 13

5th Grade

Tuesday, May 5

Tuesday, May 12

Tuesday, May 19

 

🌟 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.

Important Dates

📌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*


Stuff the cruiser

Beech Tree Elementary's Spring Pictures are now online!

Victor

 Hello Beech Tree Elementary Families!

Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at our school and pictures are now online. All orders will include free shipping until May 12th. Please use the link below to view your student's Spring photos.

https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001356031

Please remember, the online code is the Student ID Number. 

For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com


FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students


Summer

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


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.


Nominate Our Outstanding Beech Tree Staff

FCPS CARES

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.


Family Liasion
Ivette

Fairfax County Summer Camps & Programs (FCPS Breaks)Fairfax County offers a variety of engaging, healthy, and affordable programs for students during school breaks. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, STEM, service projects, field trips, and more. Free meals and snacks are provided. Click links for more information

 

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 

If you have any additional questions please email iarivasurban@fcps.edu


Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.


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:

 

Lunch Schedule

11:30-12:00

Kindergarten

11:40-12:10

Second Grade

12:00-12:30

Multi-Age

12:15-12:45

First Grade

12:30-1:00

Fifth Grade

12:45-1:15

Fourth Grade

1:05-1:35

Third Grade

 

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

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

  • 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.

Beech Days

FCPS News

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

  • FCPS Caters to Food Allergies
  • Immunizations Needed Before 7th and 12th Grade
  • Thank you Teachers and Staff! 

 

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 EmailBeechTreeElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

School Registrar: Sandra Merino (703) 531-2620

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


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