Mustang Message - May 16, 2025

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

 

Important Dates

May 26                   NO SCHOOL:  Memorial Day

June 4                    Last Day of School for PreK and ECCB Students

June 10                  Last Day of School for PAC Students

June 11                  Last Day of School for K-5 Students

 

Learning

Even outside of school hours, students engage in programs, such as Lexia and STMath to continue their learning.

 

BMP Senior Grad Walk on Friday, June 6

Know a senior graduating from high school who attended BMP?  Please help us spread the word!  The BMP Grad Walk is Friday, June 6 at 3:15 p.m.

RSVP to let us know that you are coming on this Google Form.

 

Did You Know? School Boundary Proposals May Impact BMP

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is undergoing a comprehensive boundary review. This review will assess the boundaries across our district to support student population growth, changes in school capacity, student health and wellness, and evolving community needs. Committees have been formed and community feedback sessions have been held.

The latest school boundary proposal may impact Bren Mar Park ES.  The proposal in the April 11, 2025 Superintendent Boundary Review Advisory Committee presents an option in which students who live across the 395 may be considered for another school.  And, Bren Mar Park would welcome a new community of students to our school.  

Learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/april-11-2025-superintendents-boundary-review-advisory-committee-meeting 

 

Considerations for Student Placement

Bren Mar Park is glad to partner with families in creating the best possible learning environment for your child in the upcoming school year! As we begin the process of planning for next year's classroom communities, we welcome your insights and requests for consideration regarding your child's placement. This might include a request to be placed with or separated from a particular peer, as well as preferred traits you feel would best support your child's learning style in a classroom teacher. Please know that while we will thoughtfully consider all requests, the ultimate decision for class placement rests with the school, and we cannot guarantee specific placements. Your input is valuable to us, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective.

Submit your consideration request HERE.  

All submissions must be received no later than Friday, May 30, 2025 for consideration.

 

Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment Schedule

Virginia SOL assessments are standardized tests designed to measure student achievement in reading, math and science and are given to students in grades 3, 4 and 5. They are used to determine if students are meeting the state's established expectations for learning.  SOL online practice items are available at https://download.pearsonaccessnext.com/virginia/va-practicetest.html?links=1 - no sign in is required.  The audio option is for students who are learning English as a second language or for students who qualify for this option.  Paper pencil practice items can be found at https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/student-assessment/sol-practice-items-all-subjects

The Bren Mar Park SOL testing schedule is as follows:

            Tuesday, May 20             Grade 5 - Science

Make up sessions for emergency absences continue through Friday, May 23.

 

Specialist Spotlight - Counseling

As we gear up for the end of the year, we also have end of year exams. We discuss coping skills and test preparation with our students, especially with grades 3rd and older who will be taking the SOLs. With younger grades, we focus more on identifying how we are feeling, and choosing a coping skill to help us. We also worked on activities that prompted students to think about what they want to do when they grow up, and what they need to do to achieve their dream job when they are older (study, try their best, the power of Yet). The older kids took the Career Interest Inventory to learn about what they like to do and what job matches with their interests.

The VA SOL (Standards of Learning) Exams and re-take SOLs may sometimes cause feelings of stress and anxiety, which is normal. Some strategies we recommend before a test include: practicing positive self-talk, getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy breakfast, exercise, and dressing comfortably for a test with layers. Students should take their time during the test by not rushing to finish, and taking breaks as needed.

We want to remind all that attendance is important until the last day of school. Learning will continue happening until the last day of school. Attendance Matters! We have lots of fun events to encourage attendance and celebrate our success from the school year as we reflect on all the hard work our students have put in!

 

 

Kindergarten Registration Now Open for Next School Year

Kindergarten Registration Open!

Students who turn 5 on or before September 30 are eligible to be registered for kindergarten for next school year.  Learn more about the registration process at https://www.fcps.edu/registration/general-registration-requirements  

Interested in learning more about kindergarten readiness?  Families are encouraged to help their children develop in the following areas to prepare for the kindergarten classroom to develop skills in:

  • Oral language (in any language) by talking about what you  are doing and what your child is doing.
  • Reading by reading together, letting your child hold the book, and pointing to words and talk about what they mean.
  • Writing by encouraging your child to draw or write notes (even if they use only a few individual letters).
  • Math by sorting objects such as clothing and touching and counting.
  • Science by talking about what you see outside and collecting leaves, sticks or flowers and talking about their size and shape.
  • Social studies by helping your child tell family stories and talk about why it is important to share with or take care of others.
  • Emotional by helping your child understand that mistakes are a part of learning and developing independence in putting on clothes, using the bathroom and washing hands.
  • Social by taking turns and focusing for increasing amounts of time.
  • Physical Development by catching and visiting the playground.

Learn more at School Readiness at  https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/early-childhood-education/school-readiness-and-transition-kindergarten

 

Renovation

Renovations include filling in the downward slope of the back hill to eventually create additional parking.

Construction updates.  Learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/bren-mar-park-elementary-capital-project 

 

Rise Up! Construction Updates

With the exciting progress on our two-story addition, please be aware that our Kiss & Ride procedures will need to adapt for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. We will be utilizing the new loop in front of the school, which will eventually serve our school buses. However, during this initial phase, the buses will not be able to use the loop without significantly impacting the existing building.

To help us navigate these temporary traffic changes, we are kindly requesting our community's support. If possible, we ask that you consider having your children walk or take the bus to school during the 2025-26 school year instead of driving them. Your cooperation in minimizing car traffic will greatly assist us as we manage the construction and ensure a smooth start to the new school year.

 

At Home Content Learning

Your child can continue to learn and practice academic skills throughout the summer with a variety of tools offered through Fairfax County Public Schools.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/services/technology/digital-resources-grade-level to learn more about digital resources that your child can access now and into the summer months.

 

Getting to Know Your BMP Staff

Amna Al Jaad, 2nd Grade Teacher

Al Jaad

I'm excited to be joining BMP for my first year here and my second year as a teacher! I previously worked with FCPS as a substitute teacher, and before that, I taught at a private school in Texas. As a military spouse, I've learned to adapt and embrace new experiences, which I bring into my teaching. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Elementary Education. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and cooking delicious meals.

 


This email was sent to NPkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Fairfax County Public Schools · 8115 Gatehouse Road · Falls Church, VA  22042 GovDelivery logo