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Dear Bush Hill Families,
We had a wonderful first week of school! Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping us start the 2026 to 2027 school year on such a positive note. Our students have been busy learning classroom and school routines, building relationships, and getting back into the rhythm of learning.
We kicked off our second week with the first episode of the Bush Hill News Show for the 2026 to 2027 school year. The News Show is a student led production that airs each morning right after the arrival bell. Our student News Crew shares important announcements, highlights happenings around Bush Hill, and keeps everyone informed about upcoming events. Students learn to operate the equipment and take on roles as producers and anchors. Students in grades 5 and 6 can apply to join the News Crew. It is a wonderful opportunity for our Panthers to build communication, leadership, and technology skills while contributing to our school community.
Last week, students also practiced our first fire drill of the year. Tomorrow, we will gather as a school community for our first All School Morning Meeting. During our meeting, we will celebrate our Panther Pact and reinforce what it means to be a member of the Bush Hill community.
Bus ID Cards Coming Home Today
We will be distributing student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services today.
ID cards should be worn or attached to your child’s backpack and brought to the bus each day. Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers are checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays. Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
There is a lot happening at Bush Hill, and it has been exciting to see our students settling in, taking on new responsibilities, and reconnecting as a school community. We are looking forward to another great week!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Mary E. Duffy, Principal
We look forward to welcoming you to Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 2, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
This year, Back to School Night will include three session times, giving parents and guardians flexibility to choose the sessions that are most helpful to them. Homeroom teachers will repeat their presentation during all three sessions, so you may attend your child's classroom during any session. During the other session times, you may visit another child's classroom or choose from one of our optional information sessions.
Session Times
Session 1: 5:30 to 5:55 p.m. Session 2: 6:00 to 6:25 p.m. Session 3: 6:30 to 6:55 p.m.
During each session, you may choose to attend:
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Grade Level Information:Your child's classroom • AAP Levels of Service: Library • Math: Room B15 • Literacy: Room A57
For example, a family might attend their child's homeroom during Session 1, the Math session during Session 2, and the AAP Levels of Service session during Session 3. Families with more than one child may use the three sessions to visit multiple homerooms.
In addition, our specialists, counselors, and Family Liaison will be available throughout the evening in the cafeteria. Families are welcome to stop by to meet staff, ask questions, and learn about resources available to students and families.
Adult Focus and Student Supervision
Back to School Night is designed for parents and guardians. We understand, however, that childcare may not always be available. If you need to bring your child with you, please plan for your child to remain with you and bring something they can do independently during the presentations.
We hope this format gives families the opportunity to connect with teachers while also learning more about instruction, programs, and resources at Bush Hill. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday evening!
Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your child’s bus.
If your child’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at (703) 446-2150 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
Take a look at the FCPS Calendar & ensure that any trips that you have planned for the school year are on weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. We will have student holidays on September 4th and 7th. School will be in session on Tuesday, September 8th.
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August 31st - Attendance Table: K-6
BHES's 2026-2027 Attendance Goal: 8% chronic absenteeism or less
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Percentage of students NOT currently chronically absent
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95.8%
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Percentage of students currently chronically absent (missed 10% or more of the school days so far this year)
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4.2 %
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Hello, Bush Hill families!
My name is Jenny Martínez, and I am so excited and honored to join the Bush Hill Elementary Community as your Family Liaison. This is my first year with FCPS and look forward to ensuring every family feels welcomed, supported, and connected. I am here to get families connect with resources and help strengthen the partnership between school and home. I look forward to knowing you and your children!
Please feel free to say hello when you see me around school. I can’t wait to meet you!
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Email; jcmartinez1@fcps.edu Phone: (703) 924-5600
Kind Regards,
Jenny C. Martínez, Family Liaison
All FCPS schools will be closed on Friday and Monday for the Labor Day holiday. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday, September 8.
Plan ahead - visit the FCPS Calendar https://www.fcps.edu/calendars
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Ice Cream Social
Friday, September 11 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
What does ice cream plus friends equal? Scoops of fun! Join us in the cafeteria for a sweet treat! Please volunteer to help make this event a success. Don't forget to buy your tickets!
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Virtual PTA Meeting
Tuesday, September 15 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm
We need your votes to confirm our new board members and budget for the school year. Join us online to hear about upcoming events, meet the incoming Board, hear from Assistant Principal Mrs. Gomes, ask questions, and have your voice heard! Keep an eye out for the Zoom link to come!
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Follow us on Facebook
Stay in the loop on all PTA events, updates, and volunteer opportunities!
Ideas, thoughts, questions – let us know!
Bush Hill families are invited to participate in the 18th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, September 20, in Fairfax. This fun community event is also a great opportunity to raise funds for Bush Hill. 100% of the registration proceeds connected to our school will be returned directly to Bush Hill, and we can earn additional funding based on the number of participants. With 25 registrations, we earn an additional $500; 50 registrations earns $1,000; 100 registrations earns $2,000; and 250 registrations earns $10,000! Registration is online.
Students, families, and staff are all encouraged to participate. When registering, be sure to select Bush Hill Elementary School so your registration counts toward our total. Use coupon code AJ4SCHOOLS to receive $10 off 5K registration. Whether you run, walk, or cheer on our Panthers, your participation helps support programs and resources for our students. Let’s see how big of a Bush Hill team we can bring to the starting line!
Everything You Need to Do in SIS ParentVUE
Are you working your way through back-to-school forms and checklists? Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find important forms and updates.
- Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in ParentVUE. To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
- Submit daylong absences by clicking “Report Absence.”
If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please contact our Registrar, Ms. DePalma. You will receive an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
Elizabeth DePalma efdepalma@fcps.edu or call (703) 924-5600.
Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources
Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Opt In or Out to Student Devices Being Sent Home for Grades 1-6
New this year, families can opt out of having student laptops sent home with their student.
- If you do not want your student to bring their FCPS-issued device home, please toggle the Opt Out button to a check mark and confirm by pressing Save Selection.
- If you would like your student to bring their FCPS device home, no toggle action is needed. Confirm by pressing Save Selection.
Students whose families opt out will continue to have access to an FCPS-issued device during the school day. Please reach out to your student’s teacher to understand expectations for homework and any learning activities that may require access to technology outside of the school day.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers
Quick Links
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