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We are a family.
We are capable.
We are caring.
We all belong!
 Our rising artists showcased their work in this week’s Annandale Pyramid Art Show.
April 21 No School: Elections
April 22 Full Day of School: Early Release Wednesday is cancelled
April 22 SY 2026-27 Kindergarten Orientation, 4:30 p.m.
April 30 Title 1 Family Engagement Night: Family Game Night, 6:30
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
 Dr. Reid visited Bren Mar Park this week and engaged in conversations about area and perimeter in the 5th grade math class.
The adventure starts here! Get ready for a big milestone at the BMP Kindergarten Orientation on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.! We are excited to welcome our newest students for an afternoon of discovery and new friendships. While children enjoy supervised playtime and explore their future classrooms, families will have the chance to meet our dedicated teachers and administration.
We will walk you through important safety protocols and daily procedures to ensure a smooth transition for your little learner. You’ll also be able to conveniently schedule your official registration appointment right on-site. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions and start the school year with confidence. We can't wait to see those smiling faces and kick off this journey together!
Here’s a quick update on what students are learning in school counseling:
Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade: Kimochis® Curriculum Students are learning about emotions, friendships, and communication through the Kimochis® program. This curriculum uses plushies characters with different personalities to help children understand themselves and others:
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Huggtopus – is all smiles and hugs. She is affectionate and strong and sometimes gets carried away a little by her big friendly personality. She always means well but needs to learn about respecting other’s boundaries. Teach kids how to stay focused amidst all the silly and exciting distractions that can happen.
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Bug – is afraid of changes and is very cautious but dreams of flying. Teach kids how to be inclusive in play and use courage to do the right thing.
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Cat – loves to be in charge and can be a little bossy at times, she carries bandages with her in case she hurts some friends’ feelings. Teaching students develops patience, forgiveness and leadership skills.
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Cloud – can be a little moody. When he is happy, he spreads sunshine but sometimes he rains on his friend’s parade. He teaches students to learn to predict, plan and practice how to maintain a positive connection even when upset.
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Lovey Dove – is sweet and nurturing and always try to keep the peace.
At home: You can always use plushies that you have home to create different personalities and practice skills. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, relate to the characters, and practice kind communication.
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: SOL Preparation As SOL testing approaches, we are focusing on confidence and test-taking skills.
Helpful tips:
- Ensure good sleep and a healthy breakfast
- Encourage a positive mindset
- Practice strategies (read carefully, eliminate wrong answers, check work)
- Use simple stress-management techniques like deep breathing
Our goal is to help students feel calm, confident, and ready to do their best.
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
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