Bonnie Brae ES: Family Newsletter

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Hello, Scottie families!

We had a great full week of school, capped off by an informative parent coffee this morning, led by Diane Leipzig, former FCPS principal and now Principal-in-Residence of the Instructional Services Literacy Team. Today we also enjoyed our November SCA Spirit Day - Hat Day! What a treat to see our Scottie students and staff showing their spirit, with fun hats and Bonnie Brae colors of blue and white.

As we learn about the Positivity Project character strength of gratitude this week, we hope you take a moment to show your gratitude for your child's teacher. We have an incredibly talented and dedicated staff at Bonnie Brae, and we appreciate all they do to ensure each and every one of our Scotties (and Scottie families) achieve success.

A reminder that next week schools are closed Wednesday-Friday for Thanksgiving Break. We hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the time off with your family and friends.

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal

Family. Relationships. Success.

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break (no school for students and staff)

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus: Gratitude

Character Strengths: You are aware of and thankful for good things
that happen.

Quote of the Week: “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of
appreciation for goodness.”

-DALAI LAMA

Positivity Project for Families

Families can find resources to help continue the discussion of character strengths at home by visiting the Positivity Project for Families webpage.

A few amazing highlights that happened this week...

An incredible rainbow was seen over Bonnie Brae during dismissal!

And then we had our first snowflakes of the school year on Friday!

Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

Arrival & Dismissal Safety-No Double Parking on Sideburn Road

The safety of our students, parents, and staff continues to be our top priority. Please see below for reminders of important safety procedures implemented here at Bonnie Brae during arrival and dismissal.

When departing the Kiss & Ride loop, please only turn right onto Sideburn Road
Only utilize parking along Sideburn Road that is designated for parking. “Double parking” is not permitted by Fairfax County and is a safety hazard to arriving/departing students and families.
U-Turns on Sideburn Road are prohibited by Fairfax County

Make-up/Retake Picture Day Images Viewable Online

Makeup/Retake Day images are now viewable online.

Visit: https://vando.imagequix.com/Y98FA93.
Use your child's student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com.

6th Grade Promotion Fundraiser - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!

Who doesn't love a warm and tasty doughnut? Support our 6th grade promotion by pre-purchasing Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! Pre-order by December 3 for local pickup. Use the QR Code above or visit our preorder website.

Pickup Time: Saturday, December 7, 9-10 AM

Pickup Location: Bonnie Brae Elementary School

***Any orders not picked up will be donated to first responders.***

FCPS Cell Phone & Smart Watch Policy

As a reminder, FCPS usage policies for cell phones and smart watches are included below. If your child brings a cell phone or wears a smart watch to school, please be sure to review the information below with them.

Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.

Hat Day was a success!

Importance of Handwashing

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it's important to remind children about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.

Some Important Reminders:

Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not readily available, provide access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly in a wastebasket and wash their hands.
Avoid Touching Face: Discourage children from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Check out these videos that help emphasize the importance of handwashing:

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Hat Day!

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.older text.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Hat Day!

December 9 - Three-Hour Early Release Monday,12:15 PM
December 11 - Band Concert, 6-7 PM (Gym)
December 11- Chorus Concert, 7-8 PM (Cafeteria)
December 17 - Interims Sent Home
December 23-January 3 - Winter Break (no school for students and staff)
January 6 - First School Day of 2025

December 9 - Three-Hour Early Release Monday,12:15 PM
December 11 - Band Concert, 6-7 PM (Gym)
December 11- Chorus Concert, 7-8 PM (Cafeteria)
December 17 - Interims Sent Home
December 23-January 3 - Winter Break (no school for students and staff)
January 6 - First School Day of 2025

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FCPS Standard School Year Calendar

Printable FCPS 2024-25 School Calendar (PDF)