Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements | Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences

Bailey's ES News- March 28, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements14 hours 18 minutes ago

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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We hope everyone is doing well! This week, we had an exciting evening at the Justice Pyramid Art Show, where our students’ incredible creativity was on display. A huge thank you to our amazing art teachers, Ms. Barrett and Ms. Thomas, for their dedication and hard work in making this event possible. Shoutout to all of our talented artists who had their work featured—we are so proud of you! We also appreciate the families and community members who came out to support our students; your presence meant so much to them.

Looking ahead, there will be no school on Monday, March 31, in observance of Eid-al-Fitr, and no school on Tuesday, April 1, for a teacher workday. Classes will resume as usual on Wednesday, April 2..

Additionally, be on the lookout for a survey in your child’s Thursday folder to help us plan for our next Early Release Monday on April 21. It’s important that we receive updated dismissal plans each month to ensure a safe and smooth dismissal for every student. Thank you for your support in helping us plan ahead!

Wishing everyone a restful weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Top 10 Reasons Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences Is Extraordinary

At Bailey's Elementary School, we’re proud of our students, staff, and families and the ways they make our community special. Check out 10 reasons we’re proud to be a Tiger and why Bailey's is an amazing place to learn and grow!

Family Science Night

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, discovery and science learning! Try different hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math! The event will take place on April 3, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bailey's Primary!

Volunteers Needed!!!

Family Science Night is quickly approaching! We are in need of more volunteers for this event. Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years old and can stay for the entire duration of the event, including set-up and break-down, from 5:15 – 7:45 p.m. (No splitting shifts please!).

Calendar Reminders

This Friday, March 28th is the last day of the 3rd quarter, keep in mind that there is NO school on Monday, March 31st and Tuesday, April 1st.

Classes resume at regular time on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Have a great 4 day weekend!

April Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We encourage parents/caregivers to eat the same lunch as their child either packed or school lunch. We kindly ask that you do not bring fast food/outside lunch or candy. Also, parents please be advised that the bathrooms directly outside of the cafeteria are for student use only.

On the day of your child’s lunch, please arrive 5 minutes early so you can sign-in at the office and they will direct you to the cafeteria. Additionally, when you leave the school, please remember to check out in the office. If you choose to buy lunch from the cafeteria, adult pricing is $4.75 and may be paid in cash or by check. Click here for more information on purchasing lunch.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Join Our Team as a Cafeteria Hostess!

We're looking for a caring and dedicated cafeteria hostess to support our students during lunchtime—a key part of their school day! This is a wonderful opportunity to help maintain a calm, welcoming environment and assist students as they enjoy their meals. If you're interested in making a positive impact, please reach out to our principal, Ms. Dews, at [email protected].

A Note from Music

March is Music in our Schools Month!

(Excerpt taken from the National Association for Music Education)

We are excited to celebrate the 40th annual Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM). This March, music educators and music students are celebrating music education in their school communities demonstrating how the theme “United Through Music” resonates with them.

“This is a special year for Music In Our Schools Month® as we celebrate its ruby anniversary! That’s 40 years using this month to boldly remind the world that music in American schools is awesome and important,” stated NAfME President Deborah A. Confredo. “The 2025 MIOSM® theme, United Through Music, is simple and eloquent. It reminds us that, although each person—baby, child, youth, and adult—is a beautiful musical human, when we come together our song soars higher, louder, and stronger.

“Music unites and reminds us that we have things in common even when it might be hard to see those commonalities,” Confredo continued. “Music speaks to the very heart of what it means to be a caring human. It reaches our souls, it transforms us, it moves us. And when we unite through music, we experience laughter, joy, spontaneous expression, aha moments, and excitement . . . we become more human.

We encourage YOU to acknowledge and celebrate music education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey. We love teaching music here at Bailey’s and look forward to creating more beautiful music together this month and always!

Please feel free to send a message to your music teachers and share a music moment from your child, and/or tell us why music is important in your life too!

Your Bailey’s Music Teachers,

Miss Amy Spiess-Ki (Left) and Mrs. Rebecca Winner (Right)

⏰ Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey

Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.

🏫 Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten

We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.

☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS! Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Save the Date

March 31st - Eid-al-Fitr (No Classes)

April 1 - Teacher Workday (No Classes)

April 14-18 - Spring Break (No Classes)

April 21 - 3-hr Early Release

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- March 21, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 week ago

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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

Spring is officially here, and we’re looking forward to some exciting events in the coming weeks!

As Bailey’s Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences, we love celebrating creativity, exploration, and discovery. Next week, our students’ artistic talents will be on display at the Justice Pyramid Art Show on Thursday, March 27, from 6:00–8:00 PM. We’re so proud of their work and can’t wait to see it showcased!

Looking ahead, we also have Family Science Night on Thursday, April 3, at 6:00 PM—a fantastic opportunity for students and families to engage in hands-on science activities. We are still in need of volunteers, so if you’re able to support, please see the information below to sign up!

Thank you for being a part of our school community—we love seeing our students thrive in the arts and sciences!

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Volunteers Needed!!! Family Science Night April 3rd

Family Science Night

Join Our Team as a Cafeteria Hostess!

March Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

March is Music in our Schools Month

Happy 40th anniversary of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM)! In celebration of all of these moments, this year’s theme is “United Through Music,” representing how music has the power to bring individuals together. This event was founded by The National Association for Music Education, and 40 years later, music is still just as important in our lives. May it always be! MIOSM is a national event to celebrate and raise awareness around the importance of music education for all students—and to remind us all that school is where all students should have access to music. Music educators from across the country use this month to bring the attention of students, families, community members, and state and local elected officials in highlighting the benefits that music provides to students of all ages. So, join us this month (and every month) to acknowledge and celebrate music education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey!

Your Bailey’s Music Teachers: Miss Amy Spiess-Ki (Left) and Mrs. Rebecca Winner (Right):

Attendance Reporting

If your student will be absent from school due of an illness, please inform the school of what type of illness AND all the symptoms your student is experiencing (fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.). We are closely monitoring illness outbreaks in the classrooms and want to gather the most accurate information possible when it comes to what illnesses are going around. Thank you for your partnership!

Attendance – Before 9:15am, notify the school of absences and late arrivals using one of these methods:

Call 703-575-6845
Email [email protected]
Use online form: https://baileyses.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
ParentVue - enrolling parent account

For early dismissal call the main office at 706-575-6800

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County.

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

communication,
fine and/or gross motor skills,
self-help skills,
problem solving
attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Conflict Resolution Workshop

We invite our Bailey's families to a Conflict Resolution Workshop on Thursday, March 27th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to explore Kelso’s Choices, a simple strategy to help children manage conflicts. We will learn to:

✔️ Empower children to resolve small problems.

✔️ Help them seek support for bigger problems.

✔️ Gain tools to support conflict resolution.

📌 Zoom in English: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99752007358

📌 Zoom in Spanish: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99752007358

Save the Date

March 28th - End of 3rd Quarter (Dismissal at usual 3:45 pm)

March 31st - Eid-al-Fitr (No Classes)

April 1 - Teacher Workday (No Classes)

April 14-18 - Spring Break (No Classes)

April 21 - 3-hr Early Release

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- March 14, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements2 weeks ago

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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We had the pleasure of welcoming the FCPS Region 2 leadership team to our school this week. They visited many classrooms and were impressed by how engaged and excited our students were about their learning. They also noted the strong routines, procedures, and the welcoming environment in each classroom—something we are incredibly proud of!

We were also thrilled to enjoy some beautiful weather this week—our students loved spending time outside with their friends during recess.

A huge thank you to all the families who came out to support the Bailey's Basketball Tournament last Friday! We had a fantastic turnout and so much fun watching our staff and family members go head-to-head on the court. Special thanks to our amazing PTA for organizing this annual event and bringing our community together.

At our March staff meeting, we reflected on how we can help our students grow as communicators. Developing strong communication skills is essential, and we are thinking of ways to encourage students to reflect on how they can be strong communicators. We look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in this area!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Join Our Team as a Cafeteria Hostess!

March Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Attendance Reporting

Attendance – Before 9:15am, notify the school of absences and late arrivals using one of these methods:

Call 703-575-6845
Email [email protected]
Use online form: https://baileyses.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
ParentVue - enrolling parent account

For early dismissal call the main office at 706-575-6800

Family Science Night (April 3)

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, discovery and science learning! Try different hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math! The event will take place on April 3, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bailey's Primary!

Volunteer Opportunity for Science Night

Please review the available volunteer opportunities here and click on the button to sign up. Please remember that you must be a minimum of 16 years old and must stay for the entire duration of the event, including set-up and break-down, from 5:15 – 7:45 p.m. No splitting shifts! Thank you!

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

National Women’s History Month

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Save the Date

March 28th - End of 3rd Quarter (Dismissal at usual 3:45 pm)

March 31st - Eid-al-Fitr (No Classes)

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- March 7, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 weeks ago

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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We had a great start to March at Bailey’s! Our Read-a-Thon continues through the weekend, and we want to thank our students and families for their enthusiasm and dedication to reading. It has been wonderful to see our students immersed in books and building strong reading habits—let’s finish strong!

A reminder that next Monday is a three-hour early release. Thank you to all who responded to the dismissal survey—your input helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for our students.

Also, don’t forget to spring forward this Saturday night as we set our clocks ahead for daylight saving time!

Finally, we want to emphasize the importance of attendance—every day counts! Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, build routines, and maximize their learning. Let’s continue making school a priority every day!

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

3-hour Early Release on Monday, March 10th

Bailey’s Elementary will have a 3-hour early release on Monday, March 10th to allow for important teacher training. We understand that this schedule change may impact childcare arrangements for some families.

A paper survey was sent home in Thursday folders on February 27th to help us plan. Thank you for completing this form to let us know if your child will be dismissed at 12:45 pm or if you will need us to arrange childcare with a staff member until 3:45 pm. If you have not responded to the survey, please reach out to your child's teacher as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly. Thanks!

March Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Attendance Reporting

Attendance – Before 9:15am, notify the school of absences and late arrivals using one of these methods:

Call 703-575-6845
Email [email protected]
Use online form: https://baileyses.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
ParentVue - enrolling parent account

For early dismissal call the main office at 706-575-6800

Family Science Night (April 3)

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, discovery and science learning! Try different hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math! The event will take place on April 3, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bailey's Primary!

Volunteer Opportunity for Science Night

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

National Women’s History Month

🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Save the Date

March 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, dismissal begins at 12:45pm

March 28th - End of 3rd Quarter (Dismissal at usual 3:45 pm)

March 31st - Eid-al-Fitr (No Classes)

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- February 28th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We had a wonderful week at Bailey's! Our students and teachers continue to work hard, fostering a community of active learners and caring individuals. This week, we enjoyed five full days of school, giving students and teachers valuable time to connect, collaborate, and build on their learning.

Today was especially exciting as we celebrated our CETA (Changing Education Through the Arts) Arts in Action Day! We were thrilled to welcome families into classrooms to see arts integration in action. At Bailey’s, we believe students thrive when they have a strong team supporting them, and it was wonderful to share the creative strategies our teachers use to enhance learning through the arts. Thank you to all who joined us—we appreciate your partnership in your child’s education.

We are also excited to share that Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal, will be serving as an assistant principal substitute at Mason Crest Elementary while their assistant principal is on leave. This is a great opportunity for Ms. Bell to bring her leadership skills and talents to another school community in our region. In her absence, please reach out to Ms. Dews, Principal, or Assistant Principals Mr. Downing and Ms. Brown Rice with any questions or needs.

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

3-hour Early Release on Monday, March 10th

A paper survey was sent home in Thursday folders on February 27th to help us plan. Please complete and return the survey as soon as possible to let us know:

✅ If your child will be dismissed at 12:45 p.m. or needs to stay with a staff member until 3:45 p.m.

✅ How your child will get home—bus, kiss and ride, or walk.

Your prompt response will help us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students. Thank you for your cooperation!

March Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Read Across America Day (Observed Monday, March 3rd)

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Attendance Reporting

Attendance – Before 9:15am, notify the school of absences and late arrivals using one of these methods:

Call 703-575-6845
Email [email protected]
Use online form: https://baileyses.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
ParentVue - enrolling parent account

For early dismissal call the main office at 706-575-6800

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

📖 Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation.

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time.

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that emphasized the science of reading. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards.

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.

🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.

The latest Healthy Minds Blog offers practical strategies to improve communication and build strong, lasting relationships:

Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don't agree.
Ask "how" questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.

For more tips and techniques, read the full article on the Healthy Minds Blog, which shares information related to youth mental health and wellness.

For support on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl, discover how to Become Unskippable.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

National School Social Work Week

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Save the Date

March 7th - PTA Basketball Game at Justice HS 6:30 pm.

March 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, dismissal begins at 12:45pm

March 28th - End of 3rd Quarter (Dismissal at usual 3:45 pm)

March 31st - Eid-al-Fitr (No Classes)

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- February 21st, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

Thank you to all our students, families and staff who came out to participate in our Global Community Day last Saturday. It was truly wonderful to see so many of our talented students perform and share their culture with our school community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing PTA and Equity Committee for organizing such a wonderful event.

We are excited to come together once again to show how Bailey's is truly a special place to grow and learn on Friday, February 28th for our Arts in Action Day from 9:20-10:30am.This event has always been a favorite among our students, families and staff, and we look forward to you joining us. Please note that if you plan to attend this event, to enter our school through Door 8 by the cafeteria.

We hope you have a fun-filled weekend and that you stay warm. Thank you for your continued support of our school.

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Attendance Reporting

Attendance – Before 9:15am, notify the school of absences and late arrivals using one of these methods:

Call 703-575-6845
Email [email protected]
Use online form: https://baileyses.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form
ParentVue - enrolling parent account

For early dismissal call the main office at 706-575-6800

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget..

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Save the Date

February 28th- Arts in Action Day, 9:20am - 10:00am- Enter at Door 8

March 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, dismissal begins at 12:45pm

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-February 14th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We hope you are staying safe and warm during this winter season! This week was filled with spirit and exciting celebrations.

It was so great to see all our students and staff who participated in Kindness week. We saw many creative and fun outfits as we spread kindness to all. We were thrilled to celebrate the 100th day of school on Thursday, February 13th! This is a special milestone for our students, marking 100 days of learning, growth and fun. Our classrooms were filled with engaging activities centered around the number 100.

Please don't forget that tomorrow, Saturday, February 15th we are hosting our annual Global Community Festival from 12-4:00pm. Our students and staff are excited to share their traditions, culture and performances with the community. We look forward to seeing you!

Enjoy your 3 day weekend and we look forward to seeing students back in the building on Tuesday, February 18th.

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

Let's get your child to class when the bell rings. Every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. The life skills children need to get ready for school are the same life skills that will help them reach graduation and beyond!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

If you need support, reach out to your school counselor, family liaison, or school social worker for a helping hand. If your child is not feeling well, please view the Can My Child Go to School? webpage.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

Loving Solutions

We are thrilled to invite you to Loving Solutions, a free 10-week parenting course designed specifically for Bailey’s parents with children aged 5 to 10 years old. This empowering program offers a supportive environment where parents can connect, share experiences, and gain practical strategies to address their child’s behavioral challenges at home and how to strengthen the relationship between child and parent.

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Estamos emocionados de invitarte a Soluciones Amorosas, un curso gratuito de 10 semanas diseñado específicamente para los padres de Bailey's con niños entre 5 a 10 años de edad. Este programa poderoso ofrece un ambiente de apoyo donde los padres pueden conectarse, compartir experiencias y adquirir estrategias prácticas para abordar los desafíos de comportamiento de sus hijos en casa y cómo fortalecer la relación entre padres e hijos.

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

February 15th- Global Community Festival, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

February 17th- No School/ President's Day

February 28th- Arts in Action Day, 9:20am - 10:00am

March 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, dismissal begins at 12:45pm

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-February 7th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We had a great week of learning and fun at Bailey's. It was great to see our students and staff who participated in our Digital Citizen Sprit Day on yesterday! Our kindergarten students learned about the different ways you can go to school. They also started to learn about technology and what things will look like in the future. Our first grade students learned about how animals move and their coverings in science. In math they continued to learn how to count by 5's and 10's. Our second grade students have started learning about technology over time, and famous inventors and their inventions. In math they started learning different strategies for adding and subtracting double digits.

Please remember that this Monday, February 10th is a 3-hour Early Release Day. Also, don't forget that next Saturday, February 15th is our Global Community Day. Please see below about both events.

Thank you for your continued support of our school. We hope you have a great weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Important Reminder: We Need Your Help!

This is a reminder that Bailey’s Elementary School will have a three-hour early dismissal on Monday, February 10, at 12:35 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.

For families with unique childcare needs, FCPS is offering student supervision on this day. Students will be supervised by Bailey’s school-based staff. Please note that there will be no instruction during this time. Instead, students will engage in afterschool activities under the supervision of a Bailey’s staff member, not their teacher.

To ensure all students are dismissed safely, we need your support in planning. If you haven't already done so, please complete the paper survey asking whether your child will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. or if they will require supervision until the normal release time at 3:45 p.m.

We kindly ask that you complete and return this form to your child’s teacher on Monday, February 10th.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us plan for a smooth dismissal.

February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Kindness Week is coming 2/10- 2/14

What is Virginia Kindness Week?

The purpose of Kindness Week is to recognize that simple day-to-day acts of kindness enable our schools, communities, and state to be a kinder, safer, healthier and more inclusive place to live, work, learn and play.

This is a schoolwide and community celebration. At Bailey’s we will have a Spirit Week to celebrate kindness (paper copies were sent home in Thursday folders on 1/30) with each day having an action item to go along with the theme. Classrooms will have discussions on why kindness is important and how to show kindness to all (self, peers, adults, environment).

Lastly, as a family you can use the Kindness Idea Bank document to think about different ways to show kindness at home, school, and in the community.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

📍 Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites

Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:

lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

La inscripción estará disponible próximamente en la página web de Revisión Integral de Límites, donde también podrá informarse sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase también en nuestro boletín de Revisión de Límites Escolares.

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Estefania Castro, at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Magnet Schools

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

February 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:45pm

February 15th- Global Community Festival, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

February 17th- No School/ President's Day

February 28th- Arts in Action Day, 9:20am - 10:00am

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- UPDATED February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Updated: February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Please note we have updated the lunch visitation schedule due to the 3-Hour Early Release on Monday, February 10th.

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-January 31st, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

We hope this message finds you well as we embark on an exciting journey through the third quarter. As we settle into the rhythm of the new quarter, our students have worked hard this week to show what they know in reading and math! We are so proud of their love for learning and excitement about school. Please take a few minutes to ask your child what they learned this week and the connections they are making in their specials classes. As they share these things with you, we hope they are as excited to share their learning as they were when they engaged in these learning activities at school this week.

Thank you for your continued partnership in shaping the future of our students! We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Important Reminder

This is a reminder that Bailey’s Elementary School will have a three-hour early dismissal on Monday, February 10, at 12:35 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.

To ensure all students are dismissed safely, we need your support in planning. In your child’s Thursday folder, you should have received a paper survey asking whether your child will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. or if they will require supervision until the normal release time at 3:45 p.m.

We kindly ask that you complete and return this form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us plan for a smooth dismissal.

February Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Kindness Week is coming 2/10- 2/14

What is Virginia Kindness Week?

Lastly, as a family you can use the Kindness Idea Bank document to think about different ways to show kindness at home, school, and in the community.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

📍 Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites

Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:

lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

February 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:45pm

February 15th- Global Community Festival, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

February 17th- No School/ President's Day

February 28th- Arts in Action Day, 9:20am - 10:00am

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-January 24th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

It is hard to believe that we will be wrapping up the 2nd quarter and begin the 3rd quarter next week. We look forward to lots of new learning opportunities. Teachers are finishing up midyear assessments while preparing to introduce new units in reading and math. Although we’ve had lots of days off due to snow, frigid temperatures and the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, we are excited to return to coming to school every day. Please remember that school starts at 9:00 a.m. With so many missed days of school in January, it is important for students to be at school on time every day.

As we enter this new quarter of the school year, we encourage you to maintain open communication with teachers, stay informed about your child's progress, and continue to be actively engaged in their educational journey.

We hope you have a wonderful and slightly warmer weekend! Go Commanders! 🏈😊

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Important Reminder

This is a reminder that Bailey’s Elementary School will have a three-hour early dismissal on Monday, February 10, at 12:35 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.

We kindly ask that you complete and return this form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us plan for a smooth dismissal.

January Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

📍 Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites

Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day

February 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:45pm

February 15th- Global Community Festival, 12:00 pm - 4:00pm

February 17th- No School/ President's Day

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-January 17th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

On Monday, January 20th, school will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Throughout this past week, our students have been learning about Dr. King’s work. We encourage families to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that honor his legacy.

We wanted to share with you that the date has changed for our Global Community Festival. It will now be on Saturday, February 15th instead. Please be on the look out for more information in the upcoming weeks about this exciting event.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our school! We hope you have a great long weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

Important Reminder

This is a reminder that Bailey’s Elementary School will have a three-hour early dismissal on Monday, February 10, at 12:35 p.m. to accommodate teacher training in the afternoon.

We kindly ask that you complete and return this form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us plan for a smooth dismissal.

January Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage

📍Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

January 20th- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day

February 10th- 3-Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:45pm

February 15th- Global Community Festival, 12:00 pm - 4:00pm

February 17th- No School/ President's Day

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-January 10th, 2025

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements2 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We were so excited to welcome our students and staff back to school today after the unexpected snow days this week.

We have many exciting things to look forward to this month. First, we have an assembly featuring Mr. Michael Green also known as “The Science Machine.” He will be presenting to all our classes on either Tuesday, January 21st or on Wednesday, January 22nd. You may recognize him from ABC’s Shark Tank and his “Yono Clip” invention, The Atlanta Braves halftime show, being featured on other networks (CBS and NBC) or even his standing shows at Six Flags Over Georgia. We know our students are in for a fun and engaging learning experience. We will also host our annual Global Community Festival on Saturday, January 25th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Please be on the look out for information from the PTA about this exciting event.

There is talk of a little more snow this weekend and we hope you all stay safe and warm. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our school. Have a wonderful weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

January Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

❄️ 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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

January 20th- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 25th- Global Community Festival, 12:00 pm - 4:00pm

January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- Winter Break Office Hours

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

❄️Winter Break Office Hours❄️

The school office will be closed from December 23rd - January 3rd. We will resume regular office hours starting on January 6th from 8:00 - 4:30pm. Thank you and enjoy your winter break!

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-December 20th, 2024

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

As we wrap up this part of the school year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, support, and dedication to our school community. Watching our students grow, learn, and thrive has been such a joy, and none of it would be possible without the incredible teamwork between our families, staff, and students.

During Winter Break, we hope you have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful time with your loved ones. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a quieter pace, we wish you a season filled with warmth, happiness, and good health.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year on January 6th, refreshed and ready for all the exciting learning opportunities ahead! Until then, have a safe and wonderful winter break.

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

News from the Bailey's ES Attendance Team

We are so thankful that you are helping to support your child’s attendance at school. Notifying the school via the attendance line (703-575-6845 or [email protected]) when your child will be sick, bringing your child to school late or picking up early for an appointment rather than missing a full day of school, and limiting trips to school breaks helps us work as a team to support your child’s success.

To continue inspiring all our students to want to come to school, learn, and have fun, we would love your help with a schoolwide bulletin board that will be placed in the cafeteria from February-June of 2025. Please use the attached activity over the winter break or when your child might need something to do (“I’m bored”) to help them reflect and create something about why they like to come to school or feel school is important. Completed work can be turned into your child’s teacher.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

❄️ 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.

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

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

The weeks surrounding winter break often include more empty seats in classrooms. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. Let’s nurture a rock-solid attendance habit.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.

If you or your child need support, please contact a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison.

If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our guidance on when to keep your child home.

Find more attendance resources.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 p.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Loving Solutions

Highlights of the program include:

A built-in parent support group to provide emotional encouragement.
A structured space to learn from other parents and build a sense of community.
Practical, actionable advice tailored to real-life challenges.

Important Details:

Language: The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Schedule: February 3rd to April 28th
Time: Dinner at 6:00pm & Class 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Bailey’s Primary – Family Center
Childcare will be available at no cost.
Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your parenting skills and build meaningful connections with other families.

Register now using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Aspectos destacados del programa:

Un grupo de apoyo para padres integrado que brinda ánimo emocional.
Un espacio estructurado para aprender de otros padres y construir un sentido de comunidad.
Consejos prácticos y aplicables a los desafíos cotidianos.

Detalles importantes:

Idioma: El curso se impartirá en español.
Horario: Lunes por la tarde, del 3 de febrero al 28 de abril.
Lugar: Centro Familiar de Bailey’s Primary.
Costo: ¡Gratis!

No pierdas esta oportunidad de fortalecer tus habilidades como padre y construir conexiones significativas con otras familias.

Regístrate ahora utilizando el siguiente enlace: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8wv1NCB2M81iFmD9eeukCSCQ7y0sDh2LHYoUmMSWr1glqNA/viewform

Save the Date

December 23rd - January 5th- Winter Break

January 20th- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- IMPORTANT: Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs Information

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

❄️Important Information❄️ Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs

We are looking forward to families joining us for our Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs this Wednesday and Thursday! The following information is for families who are attending the 2nd session, 2:30-3:15pm on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: Jemison, Desrosiers, Ishfaq, Holmes, Glovier, Cabrera, Flintoft, Alayza, Tracey

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: E. Molina Homeroom, Simons, Mukumbuta, Rabinovitz, Brown, Meeker, Speicher, Lopez, Grant

If you plan on changing your child's dismissal procedure, instead of their normal dismissal route (school bus, boys and girls club, martial arts, kiss & ride etc.), please let your child’s teacher know in advance. Also, please meet your child’s teacher out on the soccer field at their designated cone number at 3:45pm to receive your child. Please see the attached picture of the soccer field to see where your child’s class will be lined up.

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- DATE CORRECTION: Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs Information

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 1 week ago

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

❄️Important Information❄️ Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: Jemison, Desrosiers, Ishfaq, Holmes, Glovier, Cabrera, Flintoft, Alayza, Tracey

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: E. Molina Homeroom, Simons, Mukumbuta, Rabinovitz, Brown, Meeker, Speicher, Lopez, Grant

If you plan on taking your child home after the performance, instead of their normal dismissal (school bus or boys and girls club, etc.), please let your child’s teacher know in advance. Also, please meet your child’s teacher out on the soccer field at their designated cone number at 3:45pm to receive your child. Please see the attached picture of the soccer field to see where your child’s class will be lined up.

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News- Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs Information

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

❄️Important Information❄️ Snowy Songs and Sing Alongs

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: Jemison, Desrosiers, Ishfaq, Holmes, Glovier, Cabrera, Flintoft, Alayza, Tracey

Thursday, December 20th, 2024

2:30 - 3:15: E. Molina Homeroom, Simons, Mukumbuta, Rabinovitz, Brown, Meeker, Speicher, Lopez, Grant

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Bailey's ES News-December 13th, 2024

Bailey's Elementary (preK-2) News and Announcements3 months 2 weeks ago

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Dear Bailey’s ES Families,

As we approach the final week before winter break, we want to thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm this season. Our students have had so much fun participating in Spirit Week, and it’s been wonderful to see their excitement and creativity shine through.

We’re also thrilled to invite you to our Snowy Songs and Sing-Along event on December 18th and 19th. These special performances are a cherished tradition that bring our school community together to celebrate the season. We hope you’ll join us to enjoy the joyful music and warm camaraderie.

Let’s make this last week before break a positive and memorable one for our students. Thank you for being such an integral part of the Bailey’s ES family!

Have a great weekend!

Satonya Dews, Principal

Jillian Bell, Assistant Principal

Tracey Brown Rice, Assistant Principal

Keith Downing, Assistant Principal

10 Days of Tiger Cheer! Join us for some holiday fun as we count down the days to Winter Break!

Week 2

Monday, 12/16: Subtle Snow Day - Wear white to welcome winter weather.
Tuesday, 12/17: Plaid Day - Channel your inner holiday lumberjack and wear plaid.
Wednesday, 12/18: Festive Traditions Day - Wear something from your family’s holiday traditions.
Thursday, 12/19: Mistle Toes - Wear your festive socks and show them off.
Friday, 12/20: Pajama Day - Wrap up the 10 days of cheer in your favorite pajamas.

Also pictured below:

December Lunch Visitation Schedule

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for lunch at school on an assigned day. This is a great opportunity for parents/caregivers to come in for lunch with their child.

We ask that you please limit visitors to 1 caregiver, and no strollers please. We also ask that family members do not follow their child's class back to the classroom or outside for recess.

Please see below for the scheduled lunches by teacher:

Advanced Academics Program Information

Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Reilly McDonald, AART ([email protected]) no later than December 15, 2024.

Step by step instructions are on the Bailey’s AAP Website.

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Reilly McDonald, AART ([email protected]).

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall.

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

❄️Snowy Songs and Sing Along❄️

We want to wish you a Happy Holiday and invite you to ring in this season with us. All students are learning many Holiday songs from around the world (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Con Mi Burrito Sabanero, Asalam Aleykum, Dreidel, etc.) Please sing with your children at home, and come join us for “Snowy Songs and Sing Along” on your child's classroom day and time listed below:

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

9:30 - 10:15: Bittenbender Homeroom, Kerns, Morgan, M. Rodriguez, Snyder, Sansing, Salazar, Hale

2:30 - 3:15: Jemison, Desrosiers, Ishfaq, Holmes, Glovier, Cabrera, Flintoft, Alayza, Tracey

Thursday, December 20th, 2024

9:30 - 10:15: Hoffmann, Carroll, Giacomo, Paredes, Viera, Getachew, Huddleston, Salleh

2:30 - 3:15: E. Molina Homeroom, Simons, Mukumbuta, Rabinovitz, Brown, Meeker, Speicher, Lopez, Grant

Queremos desearles felices fiestas y invitarlos a que suenen junto a nosotros esta temporada. Todos los estudiantes están aprendiendo muchos cantos navideños de todo el mundo. (We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Feliz Navidad, Con Mi Burrito Sabanero, etcétera.) Por favor cante con su hijo en la casa, y acompáñenos para “Snowy Songs and Sing Along” en el día y horario de clase de su hijo que se detallan a continuación:

Miércoles 18 de diciembre de 2024

9:30 - 10:15: Bittenbender Homeroom, Kerns, Morgan, M. Rodriguez, Snyder, Sansing, Salazar, Hale

2:30 - 3:15: Jemison, Desrosiers, Ishfaq, Holmes, Glovier, Cabrera, Flintoft, Alayza, Tracey

Jueves 20 de diciembre de 2024

9:30 - 10:15: Hoffmann, Carroll, Giacomo, Paredes, Viera, Getachew, Huddleston, Salleh

2:30 - 3:15: E. Molina Homeroom, Simons, Mukumbuta, Rabinovitz, Brown, Meeker, Speicher, Lopez, Grant

Counselor's Corner

Formed Families Forward is pleased to offer a new training for parents and caregivers to boost family safety and wellness as you prepare for all of the excitement and disruptions of your children’s break from school and their expectations for winter holiday celebrations. Join us for an interactive workshop and get new strategies for managing the winter break and for starting the new year strong!

December 16, 2024

11:45 am-1:00 pm (with a light lunch provided) OR

6:45 - 8:00 pm (with a light dinner provided)

Location: Charles Houston Recreation Center

Address: 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Simultaneous SPANISH interpretation is available upon request. Register Here.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

❄️ 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.

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

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.

If you or your child need support, please contact a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison.

If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our guidance on when to keep your child home.

Find more attendance resources.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Save the Date

December 23rd - January 5th- Winter Break

January 20th- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29th- No School/ Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

6111 Knollwood Drive Falls Church, VA 22041 | Main Office: 703-575-6800

Attendance: 703-575-6845 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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