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Dear Beech Tree Families,
This week our students began MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. MAP is not a traditional graded test. It is an adaptive assessment that provides insight into each student’s current math learning and growth over time. This test adjusts to student responses. It helps us identify both areas of strength and areas where additional support may be needed. Teachers use this data to inform instruction and ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and supported in their learning journey. Students in Grades 3–5 also participate in i-Ready Reading testing. This is a computer-based reading assessment that we use to see how well a student is reading, what skills they have mastered, and what skills they may need to work on.
In honor of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, Beech Tree students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate attributes and social and emotional learning skills.
Additionally, our PTA held their first meeting. We have the best PTA! They have great things planned for our school and community. Thank you to everyone who attended! Our Title I annual meeting was presented, as well. We are proud of the strong academic growth we are making. Your engagement and support are what make our school community so strong.
There are a few upcoming events we want to share with you:
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Tuesday, September 15: International Dot Day - This day is inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot. It is a global event that encourages creativity, courage, and collaboration. Have your student wear anything featuring dots! Polka dots, dotted patterns, or even fun dot-themed accessories are all welcome. ⚫🟢🔵
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Tuesday, September 15: Later that evening, join us for Back to School Night at 6:00 PM. You will learn about curriculum and instruction within your child's grade level. This event is geared towards adults. We love our Beavers, but they may find this event quite boring.
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Friday, September 18: Get ready to Celebrate National AVID Day
Students and staff are encouraged to show their college and career spirit by wearing: Your favorite college gear or clothing representing your dream career! 💙
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Monday, September 21: Student Holiday– No School
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Tuesday, September 22: Bat Day- Wear your Batman Gear
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Tuesday, September 29: AAP Continuum of Services at 6:00 p.m. Beech Tree library
Thank you for another great week here at The Beech! Have a wonderful weekend.
With appreciation,
Principal Clarke & Assistant Principal Barry
Superintendent Community Conversations
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
 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):
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.
📸 Snapshot: Of Our Week in Pictures 📸
This Wednesday, our 3rd grade Beavers had the best time at the Science Center! We got to explore energy, make magnetic slime, and take on several fun building challenges. 🧲🏗️
So many smiles, discoveries, and hands-on learning made for an extremely fun field trip! 💙🦫
  ⚡ Power Outage Learning
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
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.
Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Cathleen Barry, School Testing Coordinator, at cmbarry@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Nadya Abu-Rish, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services: Tuesday, September 29th at 6pm in the Beech Tree library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Tuesday, October 27th at 6pm in the Beech Tree library. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Nadya Abu-Rish, AART, at nkaburish@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects, like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app, are still in development. Families should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Dates for Early Release Wednesdays
Early Release Wednesdays Beech Tree will have a total of four early release days throughout the school year. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m.
Early release Wednesdays for Beech Tree ES are:
- October 21
- December 2
- February 10
- May 5
👉 Afterschool Form for the 2026–2027 School Year
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
 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.
Call for Presenters: Share Your Expertise!
Do you have strategies, resources, or expertise that our FCPS families could benefit from? FCPS staff members are invited to lead breakout sessions on topics that inform, support, and empower families. MyPDE credit will be awarded to presenters.
Submit a session proposal by Friday, September 18.
Call for Exhibitors: Showcase Your Program or Resources!
FCPS programs and community partners are invited to host a table in the exhibitor hall and connect our families with valuable services, programs, and resources.
Register to be an exhibitor by Friday, October 30.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Review and Sign the SR&R
- Your Child Belongs at School
- What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App
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: Milkis Flores (703) 531-2601
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