There is no school on Monday, September 7 for the Labor Day holiday. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

🎒 Students return to school on Tuesday, September 8.

We hope our students and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and wonderful Labor Day weekend together! 💙🧡

Families are invited to join us for a Parent Coffee focused on Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R). Learn about the expectations and supports that help create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students. 💙

🌟 What You’ll Learn

• Understand the rights and responsibilities of FCPS students and families
• Learn about school expectations, behavior guidelines, and available supports
• Learn how to ask questions, share concerns, and advocate for your child

📅 Parent Coffee Information

🗓️ Thursday, September 10

• ☕ Morning Session
• ⏰ 9:15–10:15 AM
• 📍 Bailey’s Primary Cafeteria
• 💻 Evening Session
• ⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM | Via Zoom
• 🔗 English: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/95847364234
• 🔗 Spanish: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94115295304

☕💙 Join us for a cup of coffee, bring your questions, and learn more about how we can work together to support a successful school year for your child!

Looking for a creative challenge for your child? Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a PTA-led after-school opportunity where students can build creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and performance skills while working together on exciting challenges!

🧠 Important Information

• 🎟️ Students are selected through a lottery
• 👥 The number of available spots depends on volunteer coaches
• 🙋 Parent Head Coaches are guaranteed spot for their child(ren)
• 📅 Meeting schedules are determined by each team
• 💙 Financial Aid is available
• Application Forms are due Friday, September 11th. 

Parent Informational Meeting

Watch this video to learn more about OM:

https://youtu.be/JgNzpdygKjM

Unable to attend? No problem! A recording will be shared afterward.

🔗 Bilingual Presentation:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877833287?pwd=gHxaleQNBMV6lpf9QLE1G0DGED9n67.1

Questions? Email Suzanne Lay at 📧 odyssey@baileyspta.org

Bailey’s families are invited to join our upcoming PTA Meeting! Come connect with other families, hear important school updates, learn about upcoming events and programs, and share your ideas and feedback. Your voice is an important part of our school community!

📅 Meeting Information

• 🗓️ September 14, 2026
• 🚪 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
• ⏰ Meeting Begins: 6:30 PM
• 📍 Bailey’s Primary 6111 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041

🌟 Meeting Agenda

• 👋 Welcome & Introductions
• 🏫 Principal’s Update
• 📅 School Events & Upcoming Programs
• 💬 Parent Feedback & Open Discussion

🧸 Child Care Available

Child care will be provided! Families using child care are encouraged to arrive early to allow time to sign in their child(ren).

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and partnership! 🐯💙🧡

Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their new student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.

For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.

Other Advanced Academic Services 

At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. 

For more information, please contact Reilly McDonald, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at rcmcdonald@fcps.edu rcmcdonald@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

• Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
• Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

FCPS is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?

Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits. 

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:

• Personal laptops and tablets.
• Smartphones and smartwatches.
• Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [main office number]. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.

The  Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.

Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.

Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.