Mustang Message - January 30, 2026

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We are a community of learners... thriving in a diverse world!

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

 

Cultural

Thank you to the many families who joined us for Celebrating Cultural Stories night. We had 17 stories read aloud in different languages and from a variety of cultures around the world, read by families and staff to the children of our school community.

Important Dates

February 2-6   National School Counseling Week

February 2      Gr 5 Field Trip to George Mason University, AVID Experience

February 12    Visit by Board of Supervisor Mason District Rep, Mr. Jimenez

February 13    "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Family Event

February 16    No School - Presidents' Day Holiday

February 17    No School - Teacher Workday

February 18    Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

 

Advanced Academic Proposals

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proposing to open a new full-time Advanced Academic Program Center at North Springfield Elementary School beginning in grade 3 for the 2026-27 school year. 

We will hold two meeting opportunities for interested families to learn more about possible scenarios for which feeder schools could be included, understand the potential impact of each, and provide your feedback:

  • Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at North Springfield Elementary School and will have a virtual option if you cannot join in person. 

Please let us know which meeting you plan to attend and if interpretation services are required by filling out this RSVP form

 

You're Invited... Something Sweet Family Event

Join us for the "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Title 1 family event on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Children have access to their free school breakfast.  Adults, please bring your own breakfast to enjoy alongside your child and Bren Mar Park staff.

 

Something Sweet with Someone You LoveSomething Sweet in Spanish

SCA Kits of Kindness Donation

Our Student Council Association (SCA) is launching "Kits of Kindness," a dedicated drive to support members of our community experiencing homelessness. This student-led initiative is a powerful example of our learners acting as ethical and global citizens to make a tangible difference close to home. Each classroom will have a box for donated items.

Although schools are closed for students on Tuesday, February 17, the BMP Lobby will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to receive your contributions.

We are collecting:

Warmth: Gently used clothing, Jackets, blankets, and gloves

Pantry Items: Canned goods, rice, mac & cheese, fruit cups, crackers, and water

Essentials: Soap, sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, and toilet paper

Comfort: Toys

Thank you for helping our students support our community!

 

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students for more information.

 

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates!  Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Centre Ridge Elementary School

       - Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Providence Elementary School

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

 

Screenshots of FCPS Mobile App

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:

  • Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
  • No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
  • Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app, or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

 

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, call our student information assistant/registrar at (703) 914-7203. 

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. 

 

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

 

Specialist Spotlight - Advanced Academics

Visualization (Critical and Creative Thinking)
Visualization can be a powerful strategy for helping students set goals, picture the steps that need to be taken, consider alternatives, and visualize a plan to achieve their goals. It can take students to places not yet seen in order to see from another’s point of view, rehearse steps in goal setting and decision making, and reflect on past situations.


Visualization in reading can deepen comprehension and empathy. Visualization in writing and classroom structures can improve communication, decision making, and executive function.


Example: 1: Using your 3 of your five senses as you look at this image can you name:
a. One thing you see
b. One thing you feel
c. One thing you hear that is an “a ha” that another person is saying


Example 2: Color, Image, Symbol (As you look at this image)
a. What color can you use to describe the image
b. What symbol would you use to describe this image
c. What alternative image would you use to describe this image


Example 3: See, Think, Wonder
a. What do you see as you look at this image?
b. What do you think this image means or is about?
c. What do you wonder about this image?


At Home Connection: Try this at home: 1. Show your child an image from some text (book, magazine, newspaper), or a short video clip and/or a family photo. 2. Try one of the examples I have shared with you. Take a picture and please share with me at yfwilliams@fcps.edu

 

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home. 

 

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.

 

Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

 

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

 


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