Beech Tree ES Family Message 5.22.26

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 05/22/2026 05:05 PM EDT

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May 22, 2026

Dear Beech Tree Families,

This week marked a big milestone at Beech Tree as students wrapped up our main SOL testing sessions. We could not be prouder of the effort they showed each day. Testing can be challenging and tiring, but our students approached it with a lot of heart. Watching them stay focused and encourage one another was a reminder of just how amazing our students are. Our teachers did a phenomenal job of teaching, testing, and encouraging all students to do and be their best each day.

Students will be off Monday through Wednesday next week and will return to school on Thursday, May 28. Once they return, we will wrap up a few end of the year assessments. We will also make time for fun, engaging learning experiences and celebrations as we close out the school year together.

As we head into the final weeks of school, daily attendance continues to matter. Every day gives students important opportunities to learn, connect with their classmates, and participate in end-of-year activities. Thank you for your continued support in helping students arrive at school ready to learn each day.

We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to finishing the year together strong.

With appreciation,

Principal Clarke & Assistant Principal Barry

Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

📸 Snapshot: Of Our Week in Pictures 📸

📝 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-Retakes	Science-Retakes
3rd Grade	—	Friday May 29	—
4th Grade	—	Friday May 29	—
5th Grade	—	Friday May 29	Tuesday, June 2

🌟 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:

💤 Catch Some Zzz’s: It is important that students get plenty of rest the night before the test.
🍳 Fuel Up: A nutritious breakfast provides the energy needed for focus and concentration.
⏰ Beat the Clock: Please ensure students arrive at school on time.
⏳ 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.
❤️ Positive Vibes: A little encouragement goes a long way! Remind them to simply breathe and do their very best.

📢Calendar Reminders:

📌May 25-Holiday Memorial Day-No School

📌May 26-Teacher Workday-There is No School for students. Beech Tree Office will be closed
📌May 27-Eid al-Adha (Holiday)-No School and schools and offices will be closed.

📌May 28-PTA Spring Fling Blacktop 6:30pm

📌 June 4-PTA Meeting in the School Cafeteria

📌 June 17-Last day of School

📣 Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony 9:30am
📣 Promotion Ceremony 10:30am
Beech Tree Student Dismissal 2:00pm

**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*

Library News from Ms. Britton

Our students have done some amazing reading this year! As we prepare for summer break, we need your help ensuring every book find its way back to our library.

Mark Your Calendars:

Friday, May 29th will be the last day for students to check out new books.
Wednesday, June 3rd all student books are due back to Beech Tree Libary.

After June 3rd, any remaining books will be marked overdue per county guidelines. Let’s work together to get our collection back together!

Register Today for Summer Camps and Enrichment Programs

Registration closes Friday, June 6, for summer camps and learning opportunities offered to all students by FCPS.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and Physical Education 9 (which fulfills a graduation requirement), music, and theater. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades two to five who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the third annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving during the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku, pictured at left. Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!

School Board Meeting This Thursday

The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. The agenda includes the board’s vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.

View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

Beech Tree Elementary's Spring Pictures are now online!

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

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.

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.

Parent Workshop: Understanding & Handling Anger & Stress

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

☎️ 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.

FCPS News

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

Graduation and Summer Resources
Check Your Lunch Balance
Mental Health Support

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

Stuff the Cruiser Backpack Drive

The Fairfax County Police Department's Mason District Station is hosting a "Stuff the Cruiser" event to help local students start the school year ready to learn. Community members are invited to join officers in collecting donations to support students in our community.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Target, 5115 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

Donation Guidelines

To ensure the drive meets the specific needs of local students, please note the following:

Items Needed: The station is collecting new backpacks only.
Goal: These donations will help students start the school year strong and prepared.

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