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Our STEAM class has been egg-stra exciting this week! Several baby chicks have hatched, and our students have shown such kindness and care while gently holding and observing our newest little learners. What a sweet hands-on experience!
Dear Bucknell Families,
It has been another fantastic week here at Bucknell! The hallways have been filled with positive energy and a shared sense of purpose. I want to take a moment to celebrate our Grades 3-6 students, who tackled their Reading SOLs this week.
It was truly inspiring to see our students arrive prepared, focused, and walking into their testing rooms with such confidence. Their hard work, and your support at home, is clearly paying off. They loved seeing all the stars with notes from families! Thank you!
The Final Push: Math SOLs
We are almost at the finish line! Our final state assessment, the Math SOL, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th. As we approach this last milestone, please continue to encourage your students. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a few words of affirmation go a long way in helping them stay sharp and calm. Let's finish strong!
Mark Your Calendars: End-of-Year Events
As the school year winds down, our calendar is filling up fast! We have many exciting end-of-year celebrations, performances, and ceremonies planned to honor our students' achievements. Please take a moment to read through the entire newsletter and mark your calendars with the dates listed below. We don’t want you to miss out on these special memories!
Final 3-Hour Early Release
Our final 3-hour early release of the school year will take place next Wednesday, May 20th.
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Logistics: We will assume that all K-6 students who typically remain at school during these early release windows will continue to stay for this final session.
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Changes: If your child’s dismissal plan for this specific day differs from their usual early-release routine, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
With gratitude,
Rashida Green, Principal
Gina Toler, Assistant Principal
Pauline Novak, Montessori Principal Coach
Follow Bucknell ES on Instagram: @bucknellelem
Estimadas familias de Bucknell,
¡Ha sido otra semana fantástica aquí en Bucknell! Los pasillos se han llenado de energía positiva y de un sentido compartido de propósito. Quiero tomarme un momento para celebrar a nuestros alumnos de 3º a 6º curso, que esta semana abordaron sus SOLs de Lectura.
Fue realmente inspirador ver a nuestros estudiantes llegar preparados, concentrados y entrar en sus aulas de examen con tanta confianza. Su esfuerzo y tu apoyo en casa claramente están dando frutos. ¡Les encantaba ver a todas las estrellas con notas de familias! ¡Gracias!
El empujón final: SOLs de matemáticas
¡Estamos casi en la meta! Nuestra evaluación estatal final, el Math SOL, está programada para el martes 19 de mayo. A medida que nos acercamos a este último hito, por favor, seguid animando a vuestros alumnos. Una buena noche de sueño, un desayuno saludable y unas pocas palabras de afirmación ayudan mucho a mantenerse alerta y tranquilo. ¡Terminemos con fuerza!
Marca tu calendario: eventos de fin de año
A medida que el curso escolar llega a su fin, ¡nuestro calendario se llena rápidamente! Tenemos muchas celebraciones, actuaciones y ceremonias emocionantes al final del año planeadas para honrar los logros de nuestros estudiantes. Por favor, tómate un momento para leer el boletín completo y marcar en tu calendario las fechas que se indican a continuación. ¡No queremos que te pierdas estos recuerdos tan especiales!
Lanzamiento final de 3 horas anticipado
Nuestra última liberación anticipada de 3 horas del curso escolar tendrá lugar el próximo miércoles 20 de mayo.
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Logística: Asumiremos que todos los estudiantes de K-6 que normalmente permanecen en la escuela durante estas ventanas de liberación anticipada seguirán permaneciendo en este último curso.
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Cambios: Si el plan de salida de su hijo para ese día difiere de su rutina habitual de salida anticipada, por favor notifique al profesor de su hijo lo antes posible.
Con gratitud,
Rashida Green, Principal
Gina Toler, Assistant Principal
Pauline Novak, Montessori Principal Coach
Follow Bucknell ES on Instagram: @bucknellelem
“The child has his own laws of growth, and if we want to help him grow, we must follow him instead of imposing ourselves on him.”- Maria Montessori
American Montessori Society Family Connection
The Montessori Program at Bucknell Elementary School is a member of The American Montessori Society (AMS). AMS strives to anticipate and respond to the needs of their 20,000+ members. Their many areas of involvement include advocating for the global Montessori community, driving research, influencing public policy for Montessori programs, and setting high standards for teacher education and school accreditation.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue articles including:
- The Prepared Adult: Following the Child Without Losing Yourself
- Practical Life in Montessori: From Independence to Contribution
Conexión Familiar de la American Montessori Society
El Programa Montessori de la Escuela Primaria Bucknell es miembro de la American Montessori Society (AMS). AMS se esfuerza por anticipar y responder a las necesidades de sus más de 20,000 miembros. Sus muchas áreas de participación incluyen abogar por la comunidad Montessori global, impulsar la investigación, influir en las políticas públicas para los programas Montessori y establecer altos estándares para la formación docente y la acreditación escolar.
- Esperamos que disfruten los artículos de la edición de este mes, incluyendo:
- El adulto preparado: Seguir al niño sin perderse a sí mismo
La vida práctica en Montessori: De la independencia a la contribución
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As we head into the final weeks of the school year, Bucknell has many exciting events planned for students and families! From concerts and celebrations to Field Day and Bucky’s Big Night Out, we hope everyone can join us as we celebrate an amazing year together. Be sure to save the dates and help us finish the year strong! More details about each event will be coming soon!
A medida que nos acercamos a las últimas semanas del año escolar, ¡Bucknell tiene muchos eventos emocionantes planificados para los estudiantes y las familias! Desde conciertos y celebraciones hasta el Día de Campo y Bucky’s Big Night Out, esperamos que todos puedan acompañarnos mientras celebramos juntos un año increíble. ¡Asegúrense de guardar las fechas y ayúdennos a terminar el año con fuerza! ¡Pronto compartiremos más detalles sobre cada evento!
Grades 3–6 will take their Math SOL on Tuesday, May 19. Families of students who are not testing on that day will receive an individual message.
To help students feel prepared and successful, please make sure they bring a fully charged laptop to school, eat a healthy breakfast, and get a good night’s rest. Please also check in with your child’s homeroom teacher to learn how you can support their preparation at home.
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Join us for the 3–6 Grade Track Meet today at 4:30 PM at West Potomac High School! Families are invited to come cheer on our athletes as they run, jump, throw, and have fun. We hope to see lots of Bucknell spirit in the stands as we support our students at this exciting event!
¡Acompáñenos en la Competencia de Atletismo de 3.º a 6.º grado el hoy a las 4:30 p. m. en West Potomac High School! Invitamos a las familias a venir a animar a nuestros atletas mientras corren, saltan, lanzan y se divierten. ¡Esperamos ver mucho espíritu de Bucknell en las gradas mientras apoyamos a nuestros estudiantes en este emocionante evento!
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Join us for Bucknell’s Free Fresh Food Market on Wednesday, May 13, beginning at 10:30 AM until food is gone. Families are invited to pick up fresh produce and pantry items to support healthy meals at home. Please remember to bring your own bags. We hope to see you there!
Acompáñenos en el Mercado Gratuito de Alimentos Frescos de Bucknell el miércoles 13 de mayo, a partir de las 10:30 a. m. hasta que se acaben los alimentos. Invitamos a las familias a recoger productos frescos y artículos de despensa para apoyar comidas saludables en casa. Por favor, recuerde traer sus propias bolsas. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!
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Our next 3-hour early release is on Wednesday, May 20. Most students will be dismissed at 12:55 PM. Early Release Wednesdays apply to students in grades K–6 and the Montessori 5-year-old group who opted in. They do not apply to Pre-K or Montessori programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. SACC will also be open.
Nuestra próxima salida 3 horas antes será el miércoles 20 de mayo. La mayoría de los estudiantes saldrán a las 12:55 p. m. Los miércoles de salida temprana aplican a los estudiantes de K–6 y al grupo Montessori de 5 años que optó por participar. No aplican a Pre-K ni a los programas Montessori para niños de 3 y 4 años. SACC también estará abierto.
Our annual Bucknell Talent Show tradition is back! The Talent Show will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (the last day of school) and is open to Bucknell students, families, and staff. From singing and dancing to comedy, instruments, magic tricks, and more, we can’t wait to see our Bulldogs shine!
Auditions will be held on Friday, May 22. Permission forms were sent home in Thursday folders and must be returned by Wednesday, May 20 in order to audition. Families of selected performers will be notified after auditions. Please contact Ms. Ashley Parham at arparham@fcps.edu with any questions.
As we begin celebrating the Bucknell Class of 2026, we are excited to share the date for our 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Monday, June 15! Families are invited to join us as we recognize our students’ hard work, growth, leadership, and accomplishments throughout their elementary school years. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together as a Bucknell community. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Help us support summer reading and the Bucknell PTA by donating gently used children’s books for our first Books for Bulldogs Used Book Sale! Families are invited to donate books their children have outgrown, including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and middle grade fiction. Spanish-language books are welcome, too!
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Bucknell PTA is hosting a Loose Change May Challenge Fundraiser! Families are invited to send in any loose change during the month of May to help support end-of-year activities and future PTA events. The class that collects the most change will win a popsicle party! Thank you for supporting our Bucknell students and community.
¡La PTA de Bucknell está organizando el Desafío de Recaudación de Fondos Loose Change May! Invitamos a las familias a enviar cualquier cambio suelto durante el mes de mayo para ayudar a apoyar las actividades de fin de año y futuros eventos de la PTA. ¡La clase que recolecte más cambio ganará una fiesta de paletas! Gracias por apoyar a nuestros estudiantes y a la comunidad de Bucknell.
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The FCPS PreK programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 4 and 3 years old by September 30 who live in Fairfax County. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; students who are 4 years old and those with multiple risk factors are prioritized.
Applications are accepted online, by email, or by mail or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you a have question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) or by email at fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu.
May is the last month to check out books at the Bucknell Library. If your reader has an overdue book, they will not be able to check out until they have returned that book or helped in the library to make up for the loss. There are no fines for late or lost books. All library books are due back on Wednesday, June 3rd. Please email Ms Kalletta, jakalletta@fcps.edu, if you have any questions.
Mayo es el último mes para sacar libros de la Biblioteca de Bucknell. Si su lector tiene un libro vencido, no podrá sacar otro libro hasta que haya devuelto ese libro o haya ayudado en la biblioteca para compensar la pérdida. No hay multas por libros atrasados o perdidos. Todos los libros de la biblioteca deben devolverse antes del miércoles 3 de junio. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a Ms. Kalletta a jakalletta@fcps.edu.
Bucknell Elementary is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule
✔ Make a difference in your local community
✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the West Potomac pyramid posting.
Bucknell Elementary está buscando personas que puedan brindar continuidad a la enseñanza como maestro/a sustituto/a y/o asistente de instrucción. La persona debe poder inspirar, capacitar y empoderar a los estudiantes para que alcancen altos estándares académicos. El puesto ofrece:
✔ Horario flexible
✔ La oportunidad de marcar la diferencia en su comunidad local
✔ Ideal para personas con pasión por enseñar y apoyar a los estudiantes
¡Únase a nuestro equipo y apoye el aprendizaje de los estudiantes!
¡Solicite hoy! Para más detalles, visite el sitio web de Empleo para Sustitutos de FCPS. Al presentar su solicitud, busque “Substitute” y seleccione la publicación de la pirámide de West Potomac.
Yearbooks are $15 through June 1 and $20 after. Please send cash/check to school OR K–6 MySchoolBucks Link: https://tinyurl.com/BucknellMySchoolBucks
PreK MySchoolBucks Link: https://tinyurl.com/BucknellYearbookPreK26
Parents may begin viewing SOL scores via ParentVUE every Wednesday and Friday.
Los padres pueden comenzar a ver los resultados de los SOL en ParentVUE todos los miércoles y viernes.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Support Military Children
- National Merit Finalists
- School Board to Present Budget to Board of Supervisors
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Noticias de FCPS
En caso de que no lo haya visto en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas:
- Apoyo a los niños de familias militares
- Finalistas del Mérito Nacional
- La Junta Escolar presentará el presupuesto a la Junta de Supervisores
Lea FCPS This Week para obtener más información sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, inscríbase hoy mismo.
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Las personas con raíces ancestrales en Asia y las islas del Pacífico han sido parte integrante de la historia de los Estados Unidos. En 1992, el mes de mayo fue designado como el Mes de la Herencia Asiática y de las Islas del Pacífico para celebrar la herencia y contribuciones de estas personas. Aprenda más sobre los meses de herencia, celebraciones y tradiciones que se celebran en FCPS.
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
El Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental es más que solo concienciación. Se trata de estar presentes unos para otros. Brinda la oportunidad de unirse a su comunidad y demostrar que nadie enfrenta sus dificultades en soledad. Todos están invitados a alzar la voz contra el estigma de la salud mental. Obtenga más información sobre el Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental en el sitio web de la Alianza Nacional sobre Enfermedades Mentales (NAMI).
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Mayo es el mes en que reconocemos nacionalmente la historia y contribuciones de la comunidad judía a la cultura de nuestro país, y celebramos sus muchos aportes a nuestra nación. Aprenda más sobre los meses de herencia, celebraciones y tradiciones celebradas en FCPS.
Let’s remember the difference between “Memorial Day” and “Veterans Day”: These two observances are often confused and can be easily misunderstood. Both are patriotic dates that honor the military community; however, these two federal observances could not be more different. Take a moment to understand the differences and why we observe “Memorial Day”:
“Memorial Day,” which is celebrated on the last Monday of May, honors military members who have died while serving the nation. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” when citizens were invited to decorate the graves of the fallen with flags and flowers, Congress later passed the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act” in 1968, establishing “Memorial Day” on the last Monday of May.
“Veterans Day,” which is celebrated on November 11, was established to honor those who have served in the nation’s Armed Forces.
As we observe “Memorial Day,” let us honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Read more about USO: https://bit.ly/3Mxh5i9
Recordamos cuál es la diferencia entre “Memorial Day” y “Veterans Day”: Estas dos conmemoraciones son frecuentemente confundidas y pueden ser fácilmente malentendidas. Ambas son fechas patrióticas que honran a la comunidad militar, sin embargo, estas dos conmemoraciones federales no podrían ser más diferentes. Tómese un momento para entender las diferencias y el por qué celebramos “Memorial Day”:
“Memorial Day”, el cual se celebra el último lunes de mayo, honra a los militares que han muerto sirviendo a la nación. Originalmente conocido como “Decoration Day”, cuando se invitaba a la ciudadanía a decorar con banderas y flores las tumbas de los caídos, finalmente el Congreso promulgó la Ley “Uniform Monday Holiday Act” en 1968, estableciendo “Memorial Day” el último lunes de mayo.
“Veterans Day”, el cual se celebra el 11 de noviembre, fue promulgado para honrar a aquellos que hayan servido en las Fuerzas Armadas nacionales.
En la celebración de“Memorial Day”, honremos a quienes han hecho el más alto de los sacrificios.
Lea más sobre USO: https://bit.ly/3Mxh5i9
Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
El martes 26 de mayo es un día de trabajo para los maestros. No hay clases para los estudiantes. Consulte el calendario completo del año escolar.
Eid Mubarak to all who observe! Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is the second of two main holidays celebrated in Islam. Muslims believe that Eid al-Adha signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as ordered by Allah. It focuses on sacrifice, the pilgrimage to Mecca and giving to those less fortunate. #OurFCPS
¡Eid Mubarak a quienes lo celebran! Eid al-Adha, o la "Fiesta del Sacrificio", es una de las dos principales celebraciones del Islán. Para los Musulmanes, Eid al-Adha representa la voluntad expresada del profeta Ibrahim, conocido con el nombre de Abraham en el cristianismo y el judaísmo, de sacrificar a su hijo Ismail, como se le había ordenado Alá. Esta celebración se centra en el sacrificio, la peregrinación hacia La Meca y en la donación a quienes son menos afortunados. #SomosFCPS
Wednesday, May 13: Fresh Food Market 10:30 AM
Friday, May 15: Grades 3-6 Track Meet at West Potomac 4:30 PM
Tuesday, May 19: PTA Meeting 6 PM
Wednesday, May 20: 3-Hour Early Release 12:55 PM
Monday, May 25: No School I Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26: No School I Teacher Workday
Wednesday, May 27: No School I Eid Al-Adha
Wednesday, June 3: Spring Concert I 2 PM & 6 PM
Friday, June 5: Grades 3-6 Party I 5-7 PM
Tuesday, June 9: Public School Librarian Visit I 9:30-12
Wednesday, June 10: Fresh Food Market 10:30 AM
Thursday, June 11: PreK Promotion 9:30-11 AM & Kinder Promotion 2-3 PM
Friday, June 12: K-6 Field Day I 9:30 AM-1 PM
Friday, June 12: Staff vs. Student Kickball Game 2:30 PM
Monday, June 15: 6th Grade Promotion I 2 PM
Tuesday, June 16: Bucky's Big Night Out I 5-7 PM
Wednesday, June 17: Talent Show I 9:30-11 AM
Wednesday, June 17: Last Day of School!
Miércoles, 13 de mayo: Mercado de Alimentos Frescos, 10:30 AM
Viernes, 15 de mayo: Encuentro de Atletismo (Grados 3-6) en West Potomac, 4:30 PM
Martes, 19 de mayo: Reunión de la PTA, 6 PM
Miércoles, 20 de mayo: Salida anticipada de 3 horas, 12:55 PM
Lunes, 25 de mayo: No hay clases | Día de los Caídos (Memorial Day)
Martes, 26 de mayo: No hay clases | Día de trabajo para maestros
Miércoles, 27 de mayo: No hay clases | Eid al-Adha
Miércoles, 3 de junio: Concierto de Primavera | 2 PM y 6 PM
Viernes, 5 de junio: Fiesta para los grados 3.º a 6.º | 5-7 PM
Martes, 9 de junio: Visita del Bibliotecario de Escuelas Públicas | 9:30 AM–12 PM
Miércoles, 10 de junio: Mercado de Alimentos Frescos, 10:30 AM
Jueves, 11 de junio: Promoción de PreK 9:30–11 AM y Promoción de Kindergarten 2–3 PM
Viernes 12 de junio: Día de Campo para K-6 | 9:30 AM-1 PM
Viernes 12 de junio: Partido de kickball entre el personal y los estudiantes | 2:30 PM
Click here to access the 2025-2026 FCPS calendar!
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