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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

May 20            Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 25            NO SCHOOL:  Memorial Day Holiday

May 26            NO SCHOOL:  Teacher Workday

May 27            NO SCHOOL:  Eid-Al-Adha Holiday

June 3             All Student Library Books Due

June 17           Last Day of School, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, our very own principal, Elizabeth Williams, received the special honor of an accommodation from the house of delegates. Delegates Tran and Watt, along with School board members Dr. Anderson, Mr. McDaniel, and Mr. Moon joined us for the presentation.

SOL Testing Calendar

Grade 5 Science - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Retakes will be scheduled throughout the window.

Specialist Spotlight - Music

Hi Families! The Music Department has been busy, busy, busy! In April, our final Grade Level Performance of the Year showcased our 3rd grade students rocking out on Recorder- we are super proud of their musicianship and hard work. This month, all 3rd and 4th Grade students participated in BMP's annual Instrument Petting Zoo by trying out a Band or Strings Instrument- we heard some wonderful first sounds and are so excited for next year's Band, Strings, and Chorus Programs- be sure to sign your student up! It will be a great year. Our last concert of the year will be June 4th at 7:00PM. All Band, Strings, and Chorus students will be performing with special guests from Thomas A. Edison High School.

Community Peer Preschool Program

Community Peer Preschool Program at Fairfax County Public Schools is open to anyone who lives in FCPS.

This inclusive program invites children ages 3 – 4 and children who turn 5 on or after October 1, 2026, from the community to learn alongside preschool students with disabilities in a nurturing, high-quality, play-based environment led by certified teachers. The program focuses on building early learning skills as well as social-emotional development, including confidence and friendships.

The next Play Event at BMP is on May 20 from 2:30–3:30 PMfor interested families. This is a wonderful chance for families to visit and learn more about the program. Please click on https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/early-childhood-education to sign up for the event.

Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong. 

Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.

If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE . Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.

If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources . 

BMP Grad Walk, 2026

Our graduating Bren Mar Park alumni are invited to the BMP Grad Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Our annual tradition involves lots of photos with former classmates and a walk around the school where graduates are celebrated by and inspire our current Mustangs in what education has to offer!  The walk is concluded with a read aloud in our school library and end-of-day visits with former teachers.

Please arrive early and with your government-issued ID to check in!  Families of graduates are welcome to attend and take photos from the school lobby at the beginning and conclusion of the Grad Walk.  

Please RSVP if you are able to attend.

Class Assignment Consideration Requests, SY 26-27

As we look toward a successful new school year, we are pleased to open the Class Assignment Consideration process for families. This is your opportunity to partner with us by sharing specific insights regarding your child’s learning needs, such as requests to keep certain students together or to separate them to foster a better academic environment. While we value your input and strive to create balanced classrooms that support every student, please keep in mind that specific teacher name requests are not accepted, and we are unable to provide any final guarantees. We appreciate your trust and collaboration as our staff works diligently to find the best possible placement for every child.

The form is available at https://forms.gle/WYUoonpe2HUYPnDY9

The form will be open to families throughout the month of May.

FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Save the date for an opportunity to see an experience summer resources for the students in FCPS.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Woodson High School – Parking Lot

For more information visit the  Summer Extravaganza  webpage.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

May 12            SOL Testing: Grade 3 Math SOL

May 13            Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

May 14             SOL Testing: Grade 4 Math SOL

May 15             SOL Testing: Grade 5 Math SOL

May 20             SOL Testing Grade 5 Science SOL

May 20            Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 25            NO SCHOOL:  Memorial Day Holiday

May 26            NO SCHOOL:  Teacher Workday

May 27            NO SCHOOL:  Eid-Al-Adha Holiday

June 3             All Student Library Books Due

June 17           Last Day of School, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.

Many thanks to the students, their families, and the AMAZING Bren Mar Park PTA for showing the staff love during this year'sTeacher Appreciation Week!

Bren Mar Park Science Olympiad Award Winning Students

Congratulations to our students and coaches who have been working hard in Science Olympiad learning all year.  Last week, they traveled to Lake Braddock Secondary to compete in the Science Olympiad 

       - Gold (1st Place):  

       - Silver (2nd Place):      

       - Bronze (3rd Place):    

Specialist Spotlight - Math

Fraction Visuals that Build Understanding of Fraction Concepts

In math class, from kindergarten to 5th grade, our students are learning about fractions!   In upper grade classes, students are exploring fractions using hands-on paper fraction models. 

Paper fraction modelscan be a power tool. For example, make paper fraction models by using 4 squares of paper, all the same size but different colors.  One square is a whole, fold and cut one into halves (½), one into fourths (¼), and  one into eighths (⅛).  

Using visual models helps students recognize equivalent fractions. By comparing fractions like ½ and 2/4 or ⅜ and 6/16, students begin to notice patterns and understand why fractions can be equal even when they look different.

As students grow more confident, we challenge their thinking by changing which piece represents the “whole.” This important concept helps students understand that the size of the whole can change depending on the situation. For example, if a green piece is considered one whole, students explore what fraction a purple or pink piece would represent.

These activities help children develop a deeper understanding of fractions by seeing, comparing, and building fractions in different ways.  Our goal is for students to build a strong conceptual understanding of fractions that will support problem solving and real-life situations in everyday life.

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home!

SOL Testing Calendar

Grade 3 Math - Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Grade 4 Math - Thursday, May 14, 2026

Grade 5 Math - Friday, May 15, 2026

Grade 5 Science - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Retakes will be scheduled throughout the window.

Ways You Can Help Your Child at Home - SOL Test Preparation

As we gear up for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, it’s natural for students (and parents!) to feel a few jitters. While we have been working hard in the classroom, your support at home can be the secret to helping your child feel confident and ready to shine.

Here are a few ways you can help your student prepare for success:

• Talk Through Any Anxious Feelings! Open up a conversation about how your child is feeling. If they seem nervous, let them know it is ok, and help them focus to the positive.  Remind them that the SOL is just a way to show off everything they’ve learned this year. It’s about effort, not perfection.  Start the day with a simple "I am capable," or "I can do hard things."
• Try Some Practice Items Side-by-Side! Since these tests are online, getting familiar with the platform can take the mystery out of the process. The VDOE provides practice items that mimic the SOL tests.  Spend 15 minutes exploring together the "highlighter" and other tools to build confidence.
• Help Your Child with the Physical Part of Testing! Test-taking involves the brain, and a brain that is well-rested and well-fed can focus.  Be sure that your child is well-rested by having a consistent "wind-down" routine 30 minutes before lights out. Avoid screens (tablets/phones) right before bed to ensure deep, restorative sleep.  Help your child start the testing day right through a protein-rich breakfast helps prevent that mid-morning energy crash.  Breakfast items will continue to be available at the school, too.  And, try to keep the morning of the test as calm as possible. Avoid a rushed morning by getting up and leaving early to get to school and be settled before the test.

Your child has worked hard all year. Regardless of the score, we are proud of their growth and the resilience they show every day. Let’s encourage them to simply do their best!

Building Bridges! Inclusive Preschool Opportunities at BMP

We are thrilled to announce an exciting enhancement to our preschool programs! Starting next school year, Bren Mar Park Elementary is opening its doors to Community Peers, creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where children of all abilities grow together.

The Community Peer program brings together children with and without developmental delays in the same classroom. By learning side-by-side, all students benefit from a more stimulating environment that fosters empathy, resilience, and essential life skills.  The program emphasizes social interaction and shared discovery.

We are looking for a few helping hands and friendly faces to join us!  Children must be between 3.5 and 5 years old(must reach age 3.5 by September 30 of the current school year).

We look forward to seeing our youngest learners thrive together through this wonderful community partnership!

To express your interest in having your child considered, please complete  THIS FORM and plan to attend one of our upcoming Community Peer Playdates.

BMP Grad Walk, 2026

Our graduating Bren Mar Park alumni are invited to the BMP Grad Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Our annual tradition involves lots of photos with former classmates and a walk around the school where graduates are celebrated by and inspire our current Mustangs in what education has to offer!  The walk is concluded with a read aloud in our school library and end-of-day visits with former teachers.

Please arrive early and with your government-issued ID to check in!  Families of graduates are welcome to attend and take photos from the school lobby at the beginning and conclusion of the Grad Walk.  

Please RSVP if you are able to attend.

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes an online survey . Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence .

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

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, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones .

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) 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 call 571-423-4121 with questions.

Class Assignment Consideration Requests, SY 26-27

As we look toward a successful new school year, we are pleased to open the Class Assignment Consideration process for families. This is your opportunity to partner with us by sharing specific insights regarding your child’s learning needs, such as requests to keep certain students together or to separate them to foster a better academic environment. While we value your input and strive to create balanced classrooms that support every student, please keep in mind that specific teacher name requests are not accepted, and we are unable to provide any final guarantees. We appreciate your trust and collaboration as our staff works diligently to find the best possible placement for every child.

The form is available at https://forms.gle/WYUoonpe2HUYPnDY9

The form will be open to families throughout the month of May.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

May 5              SOL Testing: Grade 5 Reading SOL

May 6              SOL Testing: Grade 3 Reading SOL

May 6              Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 7              SOL Testing: Grade 4 Reading SOL

May 13            Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

May 20            Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 25            NO SCHOOL:  Memorial Day Holiday

May 26            NO SCHOOL:  Teacher Workday

May 27            NO SCHOOL:  Eid-Al-Adha Holiday

June 3             All Student Library Books Due

June 17           Last Day of School, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.

Many thanks to the many families who joined us for last night's Bren Mar Park Title 1 Family Game Night.

SOL Testing Calendar

Grade 3 Reading - Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Grade 3 Math - Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Grade 4 Reading - Thursday, May 7, 2026

Grade 4 Math - Thursday, May 14, 2026

Grade 5 Reading - Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Grade 5 Math - Friday, May 15, 2026

Grade 5 Science - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Retakes will be scheduled throughout the window.

BMP Boundary Proposal Updates

Fairfax County Public Schools’ recent  comprehensive boundary review was initiated by the Fairfax County School Board with their update to Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024.  At the end of the comprehensive boundary review, the superintendent identified sites for additional community engagement and input, with recommendations to be provided by January 2027. 

Bren Mar Park Elementary School boundaries are currently being reviewed, with proposals for students to possibly attend Key Middle School and then Lewis High School.  You can learn more on the FCPS Bren Mar Park Elementary Feeder Schools Boundary Study

Submit your feedback HERE .  Feedback is open through May 8, 2026.

Two Bren Mar Park PTA Members Honored at FCCPTA 2026

Congratulations to the following 2026 FCCPTA Shining Star Honorees for Bren Mar Park Elementary School:

• Bren Mar ES PTA,VA PTA Impactful PTA/PTSA
• Yolinda Qu, Bren Mar ES PTA,Elementary Volunteer of the Year
• Elizabeth Williams, Bren Mar ES PTA,VA PTA Power Partner Principal

Thank you for your amazing service to your students, schools, PTA/PTSA, and community!  

Ways You Can Help Your Child at Home - SOL Test Preparation

As we gear up for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, it’s natural for students (and parents!) to feel a few jitters. While we have been working hard in the classroom, your support at home can be the secret to helping your child feel confident and ready to shine.

Here are a few ways you can help your student prepare for success:

• Talk Through Any Anxious Feelings! Open up a conversation about how your child is feeling. If they seem nervous, let them know it is ok, and help them focus to the positive.  Remind them that the SOL is just a way to show off everything they’ve learned this year. It’s about effort, not perfection.  Start the day with a simple "I am capable," or "I can do hard things."
• Try Some Practice Items Side-by-Side! Since these tests are online, getting familiar with the platform can take the mystery out of the process. The VDOE provides practice items that mimic the SOL tests.  Spend 15 minutes exploring together the "highlighter" and other tools to build confidence.
• Help Your Child with the Physical Part of Testing! Test-taking involves the brain, and a brain that is well-rested and well-fed can focus.  Be sure that your child is well-rested by having a consistent "wind-down" routine 30 minutes before lights out. Avoid screens (tablets/phones) right before bed to ensure deep, restorative sleep.  Help your child start the testing day right through a protein-rich breakfast helps prevent that mid-morning energy crash.  Breakfast items will continue to be available at the school, too.  And, try to keep the morning of the test as calm as possible. Avoid a rushed morning by getting up and leaving early to get to school and be settled before the test.

Your child has worked hard all year. Regardless of the score, we are proud of their growth and the resilience they show every day. Let’s encourage them to simply do their best!

Building Bridges! Inclusive Preschool Opportunities at BMP

We are thrilled to announce an exciting enhancement to our preschool programs! Starting next school year, Bren Mar Park Elementary is opening its doors to Community Peers, creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where children of all abilities grow together.

The Community Peer program brings together children with and without developmental delays in the same classroom. By learning side-by-side, all students benefit from a more stimulating environment that fosters empathy, resilience, and essential life skills.  The program emphasizes social interaction and shared discovery.

We are looking for a few helping hands and friendly faces to join us!  Children must be between 3.5 and 5 years old(must reach age 3.5 by September 30 of the current school year).

We look forward to seeing our youngest learners thrive together through this wonderful community partnership!

To express your interest in having your child considered, please complete  THIS FORM and plan to attend one of our upcoming Community Peer Playdates.

Specialist Spotlight - Library

How Understanding the Past Shapes the Future

From kindergarten to 5th grade, our students are reading, writing, and talking about one powerful question: Why does the past matter? Each grade explores this question in a way that’s just right for their age — and together, they’re building a real understanding of the world around them.

Here’s a look at what your child is exploring this year in Benchmark and how you can keep the conversation going at home.

What are They Reading?

Our students are reading realistic fiction, personal diaries, and true stories written from real people’s points of view. These aren’t just stories — they’re windows into other people’s lives and experiences.

This kind of reading helps kids:

• See the world through someone else’s eyes
• Connect what they read to what’s happening around them today
• Have real, thoughtful conversations about big topics
• Build the kind of background knowledge that makes learning stick

What is my Child Learning?

Kindergarten: Topic: Holidays & celebrations. Why we celebrate people and events

The Big Question: Why do we celebrate certain people and special days?

1st Grade:   Topic: Past, Present & Future. Why is the past important?

The Big Question: How does what happened before change things today?

2nd Grade: Topic: Investigating the.Past. How does the past shape the future?

The Big Question: What can we learn by looking back in time?

3rd Grade: Topic: Communities Then & Now. What is a community?

The Big Question: How have communities changed – and stayed the same?

4th Grade: Topic: The Transcontinental Railroad. How do communities grow and change?

The Big Question: How did one big event connect and change a whole nation?

5th Grade: Topic: Conflicts That Shaped a Nation.  How do conflicts shape a society?

The Big Question: How does struggle and change lead to who we are today?

Building Vocabulary, Building Knowledge:

One of the most important things we do all year is build vocabulary. Not just memorizing word definitions but truly understanding words in context.

When students learn words like “community,” “tradition,” “conflict,” or “evolution,” they’re not just learning language, they’re building a foundation for understanding their school, their neighborhood, and the world.

Strong vocabulary helps students:

• Understand what they read more deeply
• Express their ideas more clearly when speaking and writing
• Make connections between what they learn in class and the real world

Try This at Home:

The best learning doesn’t stop when your child walks out of school. Here are a few easy ways to bring these ideas home:

Ask Open Questions: Ask your child: “What are you reading about right now?” or “Why do you think that happened?” You don’t need to know the answers – just listening and asking questions makes a big difference.

Visit the Library: Ask your local librarian for books connected to your child’s grade-level theme.  Reading at home – even for 15 minutes – adds up fast and builds vocabulary naturally.

Talk About Your Family: Share stories from your own past – family traditions, how things are different when you grew up, or things that matter to your community.  Your stories are some of the best teaching tools around.

Notice New Words: When your child uses a word they learned in school, celebrate it! Ask them to tell you what it means or use it in a sentence.  Hearing and using words outside of school makes them stick.

We’re so proud of our readers, writers, and thinkers at BMP. Thank you for being part of this learning journey.

BMP Grad Walk, 2026

Our graduating Bren Mar Park alumni are invited to the BMP Grad Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Our annual tradition involves lots of photos with former classmates and a walk around the school where graduates are celebrated by and inspire our current Mustangs in what education has to offer!  The walk is concluded with a read aloud in our school library and end-of-day visits with former teachers.

Please arrive early and with your government-issued ID to check in!  Families of graduates are welcome to attend and take photos from the school lobby at the beginning and conclusion of the Grad Walk.  

Please RSVP if you are able to attend.

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes an online survey . Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence .

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

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, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones .

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) 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 call 571-423-4121 with questions.

BMP Staff Appreciation Week, May 4-8

During Staff Appreciation Week, Bren Mar Park Elementary School is celebrating "The Magic of Learning" by honoring every single staff member who makes a positive difference in the lives of our students. This special week is a chance to show gratitude to all of our amazing classroom, special education, English, and specialist teachers, as well as the instructional assistants, custodians, and office staff who all contribute to creating a wonderful learning environment. We invite our entire community to participate in a variety of activities to show their appreciation.

• Monday- send in a heartfelt picture or kind message for the teachers.
• Tuesday- help your teacher stay energized with a healthy snack or beverage, like the classic apple for the teacher.
• Wednesday- create a collective act of gratitude, with families asked to bring in a single flower for each of their teachers.
• Thursday- kind words will be shared with the staff, and everyone who receives a compliment will be entered into a raffle for some wonderful awards.  Compliments can be shared via our online form at https://forms.gle/voXkUKUyQud2RLQY6 .
• Friday- we invite our families to share a taste of their culture by bringing in a dessert from their home country for our entire staff to experience and enjoy.  Please bring the dessert items to the front office, rather than sending them to your child's teacher.  

Class Assignment Consideration Requests, SY 26-27 Now Open

As we look toward a successful new school year, we are pleased to open the Class Assignment Consideration process for families. This is your opportunity to partner with us by sharing specific insights regarding your child’s learning needs, such as requests to keep certain students together or to separate them to foster a better academic environment. While we value your input and strive to create balanced classrooms that support every student, please keep in mind that specific teacher name requests are not accepted, and we are unable to provide any final guarantees. We appreciate your trust and collaboration as our staff works diligently to find the best possible placement for every child.

The form is available at https://forms.gle/WYUoonpe2HUYPnDY9

The form will be open to families throughout the month of May.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30

May 5              SOL Testing: Grade 5 Reading SOL

May 6              SOL Testing: Grade 3 Reading SOL

May 6              Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 7              SOL Testing: Grade 4 Reading SOL

May 13            Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

May 20            Community Peer Playdate Experience, by Reservation

May 25            NO SCHOOL:  Memorial Day Holiday

May 26            NO SCHOOL:  Teacher Workday

May 27            NO SCHOOL:  Eid-Al-Adha Holiday

June 3             All Student Library Books Due

June 17           Last Day of School, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.

Last week, our Bren Mar Park Peer Buddy team competed in the annual “Feet Meet” at Annandale High School.

SOL Testing Calendar

Grade 3 Reading - Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Grade 3 Math - Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Grade 4 Reading - Thursday, May 7, 2026

Grade 4 Math - Thursday, May 14, 2026

Grade 5 Reading - Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Grade 5 Math - Friday, May 15, 2026

Grade 5 Science - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Retakes will be scheduled throughout the window.

Family Game Night - Aug. 30, 2026

You're invited to a fun-filled evening at our Family Game Night! Join us at Bren Mar Park for an evening of laughter, learning, and friendly competition. Bring your favorite board games from home or choose from the many we'll have available. Enjoy quality time with your family and neighbors while building literacy, math, and social skills like taking turns and good sportsmanship. 

Children must have an adult accompany them throughout the event.

Ways You Can Help Your Child at Home - SOL Test Preparation

As we gear up for the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, it’s natural for students (and parents!) to feel a few jitters. While we have been working hard in the classroom, your support at home can be the secret to helping your child feel confident and ready to shine.

Here are a few ways you can help your student prepare for success:

• Talk Through Any Anxious Feelings! Open up a conversation about how your child is feeling. If they seem nervous, let them know it is ok, and help them focus to the positive.  Remind them that the SOL is just a way to show off everything they’ve learned this year. It’s about effort, not perfection.  Start the day with a simple "I am capable," or "I can do hard things."
• Try Some Practice Items Side-by-Side! Since these tests are online, getting familiar with the platform can take the mystery out of the process. The VDOE provides practice items that mimic the SOL tests.  Spend 15 minutes exploring together the "highlighter" and other tools to build confidence.
• Help Your Child with the Physical Part of Testing! Test-taking involves the brain, and a brain that is well-rested and well-fed can focus.  Be sure that your child is well-rested by having a consistent "wind-down" routine 30 minutes before lights out. Avoid screens (tablets/phones) right before bed to ensure deep, restorative sleep.  Help your child start the testing day right through a protein-rich breakfast helps prevent that mid-morning energy crash.  Breakfast items will continue to be available at the school, too.  And, try to keep the morning of the test as calm as possible. Avoid a rushed morning by getting up and leaving early to get to school and be settled before the test.

Your child has worked hard all year. Regardless of the score, we are proud of their growth and the resilience they show every day. Let’s encourage them to simply do their best!

Building Bridges! Inclusive Preschool Opportunities at BMP

We are thrilled to announce an exciting enhancement to our preschool programs! Starting next school year, Bren Mar Park Elementary is opening its doors to Community Peers, creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where children of all abilities grow together.

The Community Peer program brings together children with and without developmental delays in the same classroom. By learning side-by-side, all students benefit from a more stimulating environment that fosters empathy, resilience, and essential life skills.  The program emphasizes social interaction and shared discovery.

We are looking for a few helping hands and friendly faces to join us!  Children must be between 3.5 and 5 years old(must reach age 3.5 by September 30 of the current school year).

We look forward to seeing our youngest learners thrive together through this wonderful community partnership!

To express your interest in having your child considered, please complete  THIS FORM and plan to attend one of our upcoming Community Peer Playdates.

BMP PTA's Ready-Tech-Go Event

Many thanks to our Bren Mar Park Parent Teacher Association (PTA) who coordinated 2 family information sessions last week called "Ready-Tech-Go."  This was funded through a AT&T grant.  Families came together to discuss early and elementary access to technology, ways to support families in having conversations around technology as well as ways to build resilience in children who may face technology-based challenges.

Strategies to Help Children Stay Safe Online

Technology connects us like never before, but it comes with risks. Learn how to help your family stay safe online. Navigating the Digital World Together, by the FCPS officer of Intervention and Prevention Services, is an interactive workshop that covers today’s most popular apps and social platforms, practical strategies for talking with children about digital safety, and key topics that support healthy online habits from childhood through adulthood.

Register to attend the workshop  on  Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m., at the  Mason District Government Center .

Specialist Spotlight - Library

Welcome to Quarter 4 in the Bren Mar Park Library! All of our students are becoming curious readers. I am so proud of them for trying new genres and types of reading. A quick reminder that all books are checked out to your student for one week. They should be returned the following “library day”. As we get closer to the end of the school year, reminders to return overdue books will be sent home with greater frequency. If your child has late books, you should expect to start getting emails in May.

Thank you, also, for continuing to talk with your children about the books they choose to read. Remember that a child does not have to be able to “decode” a book to borrow a book. Reading as a family is important in building strong readers.

April is National School Library Month and also National Poetry Month. Next week, all classes will participate in a grade-level appropriate version of a Poetry Slam. Students are invited to share their own original poetry or to read a poem by another poet. I cannot wait to see what they create!

After the Poetry events conclude, we will be returning to our inquiry units in grades 2 to 5. Second grade is wrapping up a garden design and planting unit focused on cooperation, local pollinators and plants, and math. Third grade is wading into the district’s resource NoodleTools as a framework for notetaking and citation. This resource will be available to them throughout their FCPS career and makes the research journey so much easier! Fourth grade is focused on a sea turtle unit that connects to their study of the oceans in Science. Fifth grade continues to study landforms, topographical mapping, and engineering principles. Their collaborative projects are coming together nicely!

Our younger learners, Kindergarten and first grade, are reading each of this year’s Virginia Reads picture books. They will vote on their preference in June!  Shruthi Rao’s Kadooboo seems to be an early favorite. Ask your child which one they have liked the best so far!

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families .  

BMP Grad Walk, 2026

Our graduating Bren Mar Park alumni are invited to the BMP Grad Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.  Our annual tradition involves lots of photos with former classmates and a walk around the school where graduates are celebrated by and inspire our current Mustangs in what education has to offer!  The walk is concluded with a read aloud in our school library and end-of-day visits with former teachers.

Please arrive early and with your government-issued ID to check in!  Families of graduates are welcome to attend and take photos from the school lobby at the beginning and conclusion of the Grad Walk.  

Please RSVP if you are able to attend.

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes an online survey . Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence .

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

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, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones .

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) 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 call 571-423-4121 with questions.

Coming Soon! BMP Staff Appreciation Week, May 4-8

During Staff Appreciation Week, Bren Mar Park Elementary School is celebrating "The Magic of Learning" by honoring every single staff member who makes a positive difference in the lives of our students. This special week is a chance to show gratitude to all of our amazing classroom, special education, English, and specialist teachers, as well as the instructional assistants, custodians, and office staff who all contribute to creating a wonderful learning environment. We invite our entire community to participate in a variety of activities to show their appreciation.

• Monday- send in a heartfelt picture or kind message for the teachers.
• Tuesday- help your teacher stay energized with a healthy snack or beverage, like the classic apple for the teacher.
• Wednesday- create a collective act of gratitude, with families asked to bring in a single flower for each of their teachers.
• Thursday- kind words will be shared with the staff, and everyone who receives a compliment will be entered into a raffle for some wonderful awards.  Compliments can be shared via our online form at https://forms.gle/voXkUKUyQud2RLQY6 .
• Friday- we invite our families to share a taste of their culture by bringing in a dessert from their home country for our entire staff to experience and enjoy.  Please bring the dessert items to the front office, rather than sending them to your child's teacher.  

Coming Soon! Class Assignment Consideration Requests, SY 26-27

As we look toward a successful new school year, we are pleased to open the Class Assignment Consideration process for families. This is your opportunity to partner with us by sharing specific insights regarding your child’s learning needs, such as requests to keep certain students together or to separate them to foster a better academic environment. While we value your input and strive to create balanced classrooms that support every student, please keep in mind that specific teacher name requests are not accepted, and we are unable to provide any final guarantees. We appreciate your trust and collaboration as our staff works diligently to find the best possible placement for every child.

The form will be open to families throughout the month of May.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Our rising artists showcased their work in this week’s Annandale Pyramid Art Show. 

Important Dates

April 21            No School:  Elections

April 22            Full Day of School:  Early Release Wednesday is cancelled

April 22            SY 2026-27 Kindergarten Orientation, 4:30 p.m.

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30 

Meals for Students on April 21, 2026

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools . The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage . 

Dr. Reid visited Bren Mar Park this week and engaged in conversations about area and perimeter in the 5th grade math class.

You're Invited! Rising Kindergarten Families for Orientation

The adventure starts here!  Get ready for a big milestone at the BMP Kindergarten Orientationon Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.! We are excited to welcome our newest students for an afternoon of discovery and new friendships. While children enjoy supervised playtime and explore their future classrooms, families will have the chance to meet our dedicated teachers and administration.

We will walk you through important safety protocols and daily procedures to ensure a smooth transition for your little learner. You’ll also be able to conveniently schedule your official registration appointment right on-site. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions and start the school year with confidence. We can't wait to see those smiling faces and kick off this journey together!

Specialist Spotlight - Counseling

Here’s a quick update on what students are learning in school counseling:

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade: Kimochis® CurriculumStudents are learning about emotions, friendships, and communication through the Kimochis® program. This curriculum uses plushies characters with different personalities to help children understand themselves and others:

• Huggtopus– is all smiles and hugs. She is affectionate and strong and sometimes gets carried away a little by her big friendly personality. She always means well but needs to learn about respecting other’s boundaries. Teach kids how to stay focused amidst all the silly and exciting distractions that can happen.
• Bug– is afraid of changes and is very cautious but dreams of flying. Teach kids how to be inclusive in play and use courage to do the right thing.
• Cat– loves to be in charge and can be a little bossy at times, she carries bandages with her in case she hurts some friends’ feelings. Teaching students develops patience, forgiveness and leadership skills.
• Cloud– can be a little moody. When he is happy, he spreads sunshine but sometimes he rains on his friend’s parade. He teaches students to learn to predict, plan and practice how to maintain a positive connection even when upset.
• Lovey Dove– is sweet and nurturing and always try to keep the peace.

At home:You can always use plushies that you have home to create different personalities and practice skills. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, relate to the characters, and practice kind communication.

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. 

3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: SOL PreparationAs SOL testing approaches, we are focusing on confidence and test-taking skills.

Helpful tips:

• Ensure good sleep and a healthy breakfast
• Encourage a positive mindset
• Practice strategies (read carefully, eliminate wrong answers, check work)
• Use simple stress-management techniques like deep breathing

Our goal is to help students feel calm, confident, and ready to do their best.

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families .  

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School . 

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

April 16            PTA Family Event:  Ready - Tech - Go, 5:30 p.m.

April 21            No School:  Elections

April 22            Full Day of School:  Early Release Wednesday is cancelled

April 22            SY 2026-27 Kindergarten Orientation, 4:30 p.m.

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30 

Specialist Spotlight - Advance Academics.

Advanced Academics What: Plus, Minus, Interesting.

The Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI) is a critical thinking strategy that encourages students to develop the habit of looking beyond the polarity of “yes or no,” “wrong or right,” or “my answer or your answer" to a more nuanced consideration.  The goal of PMI is to develop independent thinkers who consider a range of ideas and/or possibilities and see beyond the obvious. The “interesting” category can also include questions. 

PMI is an analysis tool that leads students to consider various aspects of ideas, events, or activities from their own or others’ perspective.  For example: a PMI can be used in a literature discussion to analyze a character’s choices or an author’s purpose. 

Example: 1:  a PMI can be used in a literature discussion to analyze a character’s choices or an author’s purpose. 

Example 2:  In Math a PMI can be used to discuss and analyze circumference and or analyze 3 D shapes and 2 D shapes or fractions

Example 3:  In Science we use PMI frequently when we use See, Think, Wonder and/or when we analyze and discuss Historical events or soil deposits.

At Home Connection: Try this at home:  1. Show your child an image from some text (book, magazine, newspaper), or a short video clip and/or a family photo. 2.  Try one of the examples I have shared with you.  Take a picture and please share  with me at [email protected]

Meals for Students on April 21, 2026

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools . The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage . 

Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families .  

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey .

Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence . 

Construction Updates - Roof Work

The new building's roofing project began last week and is expected to last three weeks as we work towards having a finished addition to our school building in August, 2026. To ensure the safety of students and neighbors, roofing activities are contained to construction areas and these zones are clearly marked.  While you may notice some smells, these odors are detectable at very low levels and do not indicate harmful exposure.  Actively reducing these odors uses molecular suppressants and shutting down or reducing mechanical air intake systems near the project areas.  Local residents can reduce odors by keeping windows closed during work hours.

Tech Adventure Camp & CTE Summer Academy

The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.  This is for students in grades K-5.

More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here,  and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here .

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School . 

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

You're Invited! Rising Kindergarten Families for Orientation

The adventure starts here!  Get ready for a big milestone at the BMP Kindergarten Orientationon Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.! We are excited to welcome our newest students for an afternoon of discovery and new friendships. While children enjoy supervised playtime and explore their future classrooms, families will have the chance to meet our dedicated teachers and administration.

We will walk you through important safety protocols and daily procedures to ensure a smooth transition for your little learner. You’ll also be able to conveniently schedule your official registration appointment right on-site. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions and start the school year with confidence. We can't wait to see those smiling faces and kick off this journey together!

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Our Get2Green gardens in the front of the building are in full Spring bloom!

Important Dates

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 8              Spring Pictures

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

April 16            PTA Family Event:  Ready - Tech - Go, 5:30 p.m.

April 21            No School:  Elections

April 22            Full Day of School:  Early Release Wednesday is cancelled

April 22            SY 2026-27 Kindergarten Orientation, 4:30 p.m.

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30 

No School Reminders - Monday, April 6 or Friday, April 10

A friendly reminder that there is no school on Monday, April 6, 2026 or Friday, April 10, 2026.  Monday is a Teacher Workday.  Friday is School Planning.  

We look forwarding to seeing your child at 9:00 a.m. when doors open on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Construction Updates - Roof Work

The new building's roofing project began this week and is expected to last three weeks as we work to work towards having a finished addition to our school building in August, 2026. To ensure the safety of students and neighbors, roofing activities are contained to construction areas and these zones are clearly marked.  While you may notice some smells, these odors are detectable at very low levels and do not indicate harmful exposure.  Actively reducing these odors uses molecular suppressants and shutting down or reducing mechanical air intake systems near the project areas.  Local residents can reduce odors by keeping windows closed during work hours.

Tech Adventure Camp & CTE Summer Academy

The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.  This is for students in grades K-5.

More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here,  and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here .

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School . 

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

You're Invited! Rising Kindergarten Families for Orientation

The adventure starts here!  Get ready for a big milestone at the BMP Kindergarten Orientationon Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.! We are excited to welcome our newest students for an afternoon of discovery and new friendships. While children enjoy supervised playtime and explore their future classrooms, families will have the chance to meet our dedicated teachers and administration.

We will walk you through important safety protocols and daily procedures to ensure a smooth transition for your little learner. You’ll also be able to conveniently schedule your official registration appointment right on-site. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your questions and start the school year with confidence. We can't wait to see those smiling faces and kick off this journey together!

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Literacy work begins early with use of letter sounds and magnetic letter tiles to spell out words.  Hearing and identifying the correct middle vowel sound (i.e. tap to top to tip) can be a challenging task!

Important Dates

March 30 - April 3      No School:  Spring Break

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 8              Spring Pictures

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

April 16            PTA Family Event:  Ready - Tech - Go, 5:30 p.m.

April 21            No School:  Elections

April 22            Full Day of School:  Early Release Wednesday is cancelled

April 30            Title 1 Family Engagement Night:  Family Game Night, 6:30 

BMP Front Office is Closed

During Spring Break week, the Bren Mar Park front office is closed to the public.  The front office opens again on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Tech Adventure Camp & CTE Summer Academy

The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.  This is for students in grades K-5.

More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here,  and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here .

Did you know that Bren Mar Park has a variety of ways for families to be involved and learn ways to help their child at home?  From whole-school events such as the Family Science Night, to grade level experiences such as this Kindergarten literacy event, we welcome you to partner with us in your child's learning.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School . 

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

March 27         2 Hour Early Release: School Ends at 2:00 p.m. (no childcare)

March 30 - April 3      No School:  Spring Break

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

Specialist Spotlight - Technology

In the last 30 days, our 3rd graders worked with Ozobots and learned Color Coding.  Super exciting time for them to see their little robots follow the color code mazes they completed and/or created for their little robots.  Students learned how to be patient with their bots after calibration, where the little robot resets itself and follows the newly created code.  Your student also became aware analyzing the issues and how to troubleshoot when the Ozobot would not follow the commands given.  Some of the 3rd grade classes eve had an opportunity to go on Blockly and code with Blocks and transfer that code to the Ozobot.  Fun times!

Our Kindergarten students were reminded of “who is the boss of A.I. (humans)” and they love seeing the technology teacher in the halls and saying Humans are the Boss of A.I.   Our Kinder students also received instruction on how to manage “Icky Feelings” when they see something on any computer screen (i.e. family phones, computers or television) and knowing who is considered a Trusted Adult who can help them understand what they saw and explain it if needed.  We took the time to validate feelings of what they saw and how to assign priority to that feeling.  Icky, Weird, OK, or Positive.  The main key words in the lesson for our Kinder students – Your feelings are important and to know who your Trusted Adultis at home, family, and fiends home as well as at school.

MIOSM Spirit Week

BMP music team got students energized celebrating Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM)!  Above picture shows teachers participating in "We Will Rock You Wednesday - Dress up like the rockstar you are!" 

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Monday, March 23 , at Ravensworth Elementary School .
• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Preschool Playdate

ECCB will be hosting a Preschool Playdate for families interested in participating in the Community Peers program (see flier) on 3/27 from 2:15-2:45 in the ECCB room. Families can fill out the google form in the QR code or email [email protected] with questions.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

March 1-15      PTA Read-a-Thon!

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

March 20         No School:  Holiday, Eid-al-Fitr

March 27         2 Hour Early Release: School Ends at 2:00 p.m. (no childcare)

March 30 - April 3      No School:  Spring Break

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

Specialist Spotlight - PE

Physical Education

Currently we are in our hand dribbling unit in which students are participating in a variety of dribbling drills and activities to help them improve their hand dribbling skills. While the focus of the unit is dribbling, the students are given some time to practice shooting at our basketball hoops. In addition to dribbling and shooting, our students in 3rd-5th will also be working on passing skills to prepare for the modified basketball games they will be participating in during the last week of the unit.

Sneaker Reminder

In order for students to safely participate in all our PE activities and to perform to the best of their abilities, we need them to wear sneakers to PE class. Please have your child wear sneakers to school on their PE days or have them bring a pair of sneakers in their backpacks to change into for PE class. Please reach out to us if you need to know which days your child has PE.

Family Dance Night

We hope everyone who came out to this year’s Family Dance Night had a great time. We look forward to doing it again next year in our NEW gym. A special thank you to Mr. Perez for loaning us his sound system and to the PTA for helping make it the best dance yet.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Tuesday, March 17 , from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School .
• Monday, March 23 , at Ravensworth Elementary School .
• Monday, April 13 , at Belle View Elementary School .
• Monday, April 20 , at Westgate Elementary School .
• Wednesday, April 22 , at Crestwood Elementary School .

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

Yearbooks are on sale through March 20, 2026.  Students can buy online at www.barksdalephoto.com Access code: 0036558YB,or bring cash (exact change) to the front office between 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. any school day. 

Preschool Playdate

ECCB will be hosting a Preschool Playdate for families interested in participating in the Community Peers program (see flier) on 3/27 from 2:15-2:45 in the ECCB room. Families can fill out the google form in the QR code or email [email protected] with questions.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

2026 Read-A-Thon is Live!

It's not too late to join our 2026 Read-A-Thon! Students are tracking reading minutes completed outside of school hoursand can earn exciting prizes along the way. Whether your child loves curling up with a book, reading with family, or listening to an audiobook, every minute counts towards our school-wide goal of 100,000 minutesfor extra recess!

How to Participate:

• Register your reader at app.99pledges.com/fund/brenmarpark
• Look for an email with two links - one for you to track reading minutes, and one to share with friends for optional fundraising
• Track reading minutes from March 1-15 (limit of 900 minutes)
• Submit reading logs (if using the paper version) by Tuesday, March 17th

Let’s build strong reading habits and show our Mustang spirit — happy reading!   Please contact  [email protected]  with any questions. Do not contact the school as the Read-a-Thon is managed by the PTA.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits through  Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

New Advanced Academic Center Proposal - Feedback Welcomed

Conversations continue around proposed changes for placements of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) centers for full-time services.  Bren Mar Park students who qualify for full-time services may stay at Bren Mar Park as part of our local level program or attend a center school, which is currently Belvedere Elementary School in Region 2.  

A public hearing is scheduled for March 19 and the final Board vote is scheduled for March 26.  Any changes would apply to rising grade 3 students.

Special Ed. Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools has been rescheduled from March 21 to April 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at George C. Marshall High School , 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. 

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference is a no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of community partners.  Keynote speaker is renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore.  Families will also have the opportunity to connect with resources and participate in afternoon sessions. 

Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage.

Register HERE .

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Science Olympiad has ‘blasted off,’  with 2 teams of students in grades 4 and 5 preparing to represent Bren Mar Park at the upcoming Science Olympiad competition.

Important Dates

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 1-15      PTA Read-a-Thon!

March 4           Middle School Transition Fair, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

March 9           FCPS Family Engagement Survey Opens

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

March 20         No School:  Holiday, Eid-al-Fitr

March 27         2 Hour Early Release: School Ends at 2:00 p.m. (no childcare)

March 30 - April 3      No School:  Spring Break

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

Specialist Spotlight - Music

"Happy Music in Our Schools Month! The Music Team has been hard at work with all of the wonderful Music Makers we have at BMP. Our Kindergarteners and 3rd graders are exploring new instruments this quarter. Kindergarten has been rocking out on Xylophones for the first time, while 3rd grade has been working hard to learn how to play the Recorder. Our 2nd grade students have begun rehearsals for their upcoming Musical "The Note Who Faced the Music" which will feature songs written by our very own mustangs. 1st grade students have been experimenting with "improvisation" and letting their musical creativity soar! 4th and 5th Grade have been exploring a new unit "Music Tells a Story", playing in multi-instrument ensembles with Ms. Kinsella and creating Sound Stories with Ms. Walker.

We hope you will join is Music Spirit Week (3/9-3/13) to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month. Please see the attached flyer for details." 

Here are the theme days:

Music Matters Monday:Wear your favorite Music/Musician Themed Clothing

Turn Back Time Tuesday:Dress Up in something that represents your favorite decade of music

We Will Rock You Wednesday:Dress up like the ROCKSTAR you are!

Toot Your Own Horn Thursday:Dress like or accessorize with your favorite instruments

Finale Friday:Every musician deserves rest- wear your favorite post-concert pjs!

Yearbooks are on sale through March 20, 2026.  Students can buy online at www.barksdalephoto.com Access code: 0036558YB,or bring cash (exact change) to the front office between 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. any school day. 

Preschool Playdate

ECCB will be hosting a Preschool Playdate for families interested in participating in the Community Peers program (see flier) on 3/27 from 2:15-2:45 in the ECCB room. Families can fill out the google form in the QR code or email [email protected] with questions.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions - March 17

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

2026 Read-A-Thon is Live!

It's not too late to join our 2026 Read-A-Thon! Students are tracking reading minutes completed outside of school hoursand can earn exciting prizes along the way. Whether your child loves curling up with a book, reading with family, or listening to an audiobook, every minute counts towards our school-wide goal of 100,000 minutesfor extra recess!

How to Participate:

• Register your reader at app.99pledges.com/fund/brenmarpark
• Look for an email with two links - one for you to track reading minutes, and one to share with friends for optional fundraising
• Track reading minutes from March 1-15 (limit of 900 minutes)
• Submit reading logs (if using the paper version) by Tuesday, March 17th

Let’s build strong reading habits and show our Mustang spirit — happy reading!   Please contact  [email protected]  with any questions. Do not contact the school as the Read-a-Thon is managed by the PTA.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits through  Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

New Advanced Academic Center Proposal - Feedback Welcomed

Conversations continue around proposed changes for placements of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) centers for full-time services.  Bren Mar Park students who qualify for full-time services may stay at Bren Mar Park as part of our local level program or attend a center school, which is currently Belvedere Elementary School in Region 2.  

A public hearing is scheduled for March 19 and the final Board vote is scheduled for March 26.  Any changes would apply to rising grade 3 students.

Special Ed. Family Conference

Yearbooks are on sale through March 20, 2026.  Students can buy online or bring cash (exact change) to the front office between 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. any school day. 

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools has been rescheduled from March 21 to April 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at George C. Marshall High School , 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. 

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference is a no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of community partners.  Keynote speaker is renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore.  Families will also have the opportunity to connect with resources and participate in afternoon sessions. 

Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage.

Register HERE .

BMP Renovation Updates

If you haven't been to Bren Mar Park in a while, the 2-story addition is really coming along.  The snow did not stop our construction crew from continuing their work.  In fact, Scheibel Construction paused just long enough to help our amazing custodial crew clean up snow and ice during the snow storm!

The colors are also official!  Are you interested in seeing samples of the various floor and wall tiles which highlight the color selection?  The color boards are now at Bren Mar Park for family and community viewing.  They are available near the front office for viewing next week.

The new addition is expected to be open for students at the beginning of next school year.

You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/bren-mar-park-elementary-capital-project

Support Your Child with Schoology

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology . 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Learning doesn’t just happen in desks.  Students engage in partner and small group  comprehension conversations about Benchmark reading texts.

Important Dates

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 1-15      PTA Read-a-Thon!

March 4           Middle School Transition Fair, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

March 9           FCPS Family Engagement Survey Opens

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

March 20         No School:  Holiday, Eid-al-Fitr

March 27         2 Hour Early Release: School Ends at 2:00 p.m. (no childcare)

March 30 - April 3      No School:  Spring Break

April 6              No School:  Teacher Workday

April 10            No School:  School Planning Day

Family Dance Night is TONIGHT!

Join us on Friday, February 27th for our annual Family Dance Night. A glow-in-the-dark jam for the whole fam. Admission is free.

Dinner will be provided to attendees free of charge in the cafeteria from 5:30-6:15, while supplies last. Snacks, drinks, and glow items will be available for purchase starting at 5:30pm in the cafeteria. Dancing will begin in the gym at 6:30pm.

Families are encouraged to wear white and/or neon colors and comfortable shoes as our P.E. teachers will be leading party dances as well as Zumba-style dances. 

National School Breakfast Week

From  March 2 to March 6, 2026, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is celebrating National School Breakfast Week (NSBW). NSBW is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role that school breakfast plays in nourishing students nationwide. The theme this year is “The Quest for School Breakfast” to transform breakfast from a daily routine into a shared adventure.

By celebrating NSBW, we emphasize the benefits of a balanced breakfast in creating a strong foundation for the day ahead.

School Meals Lead to Student Success 

• Balanced nutrition fuels learning and focus.
• Eating a whole breakfast improves students’ alertness, focus, and memory.
• Every school breakfast includes choices of a whole-grain and/or protein-focused entrée and at least ½ cup of whole fruit or 100% fruit juice. 

Building Healthy Trays

• Students aren’t required to take milk.
• FNS videos teach elementary students how to “ build their tray their way ” and use menu cards to choose healthy foods they enjoy.

Student-Driven Menus

• New menu items come from student feedback at the FNS 2025 Food Show .
• Developed by our executive chef and dietitian team for flavor, health, and sustainability.

Why School Meals Matter

• Students who eat school breakfast show improved attendance and academic performance. 

Middle School Transition Fair - March 4

You are invited to FCPS' Middle School Transition Fair, an evening for families of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services to learn about planning for the future.

At this event, families can meet Career and Transition Services (CTS) representatives and other support staff, learn about postsecondary education, employment, and community supports, and hear from a student and parent panel sharing real transition experiences.

The fair will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. Language support will be available.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect with resources, and feel more confident about your child’s next steps. We hope to see you there!

Event registration link

Music Spirit Week - March 9-13

Looking ahead to my favorite month of the year (Music in Our Schools Month!!), I am hoping you will join the music team for Spirit Week from March 9-13 to help celebrate the musical opportunities and achievements our students have. 

Here are the theme days:

Music Matters Monday:Wear your favorite Music/Musician Themed Clothing

Turn Back Time Tuesday:Dress Up in something that represents your favorite decade of music

We Will Rock You Wednesday:Dress up like the ROCKSTAR you are!

Toot Your Own Horn Thursday:Dress like or accessorize with your favorite instruments

Finale Friday:Every musician deserves rest- wear your favorite post-concert pjs!

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions - March 17

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits through  Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

New Advanced Academic Center Proposal - Feedback Welcomed

Conversations continue around proposed changes for placements of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) centers for full-time services.  Bren Mar Park students who qualify for full-time services may stay at Bren Mar Park as part of our local level program or attend a center school, which is currently Belvedere Elementary School in Region 2.  

A public hearing is scheduled for March 19 and the final Board vote is scheduled for March 26.  Any changes would apply to rising grade 3 students.

Yearbooks are on sale through March 20, 2026.  Students can buy online or bring cash (exact change) to the front office between 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. any school day. 

Specialist Spotlight - Math

ST Math Madness at BMP!

March is almost here, and that means BMP March Mathnesswill be tipping off similar to the college basketball tournament!   Students will participate in ST Math Madness solving puzzles, building problem-solving skills, and making math engaging.  It’s a great way to practice grade-level math concepts in a friendly and fun way.  

Each week two classes will play against each other to see who can complete the most ST Math puzzles.   Classes who played the most puzzles advance to next week's round.  

There will be a few ways to recognize student participation:

• At the end of ST Math Madness, two classes will advance for the Championship Round
• Each week, one classroom per grade level with the most puzzles will be highlighted
• The class with the most puzzles not in the bracket

More details will be provided about the specific weeks of the competition.

Special Ed. Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools has been rescheduled from March 21 to April 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at George C. Marshall High School , 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. 

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference is a no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of community partners.  Keynote speaker is renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore.  Families will also have the opportunity to connect with resources and participate in afternoon sessions. 

Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage.

Register HERE .

BMP Renovation Updates

If you haven't been to Bren Mar Park in a while, the 2-story addition is really coming along.  The snow did not stop our construction crew from continuing their work.  In fact, Scheibel Construction paused just long enough to help our amazing custodial crew clean up snow and ice during the snow storm!

The colors are also official!  Are you interested in seeing samples of the various floor and wall tiles which highlight the color selection?  The color boards are now at Bren Mar Park for family and community viewing.  They are available near the front office for viewing next week.

The new addition is expected to be open for students at the beginning of next school year.

You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/bren-mar-park-elementary-capital-project

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

Support Your Child with Schoology

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology . 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

On the Tuesday Teacher Workday, the BMP Student Council Association completed a Day of Service project, collecting food and gently used clothing donations for ECHO, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing, housewares and financial assistance to individuals and families in need in the Burke/Springfield community.

Important Dates

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 1-15      PTA Read-a-Thon!

March 9-13      Music in Our Schools Spirit Week

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

March 19         Family Information Night:  SOL Testing

March 19         Last day for Pre-Order Yearbook Sales

March 20         No School:  Eid al-Fitr

March 30 - April 3          No School:  Spring Break      

April 6             No School:  Teacher Workday

April 30           Family Game Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunity: FCPS Vision Group Representative for BMP

We need a representative for Bren Mar Park to attend sessions and experience the work first-hand, to see if you might like to continue serving in the role for SY 2026-27.  This is an opportunity for increasing family voice and student engagement.  

You can learn more about the group's work at https://www.fcps.edu/fcps-family-vision-group

If you are interested, please email Principal Williams at [email protected] .  

Student Experience Survey

Bren Mar Park students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to take a Student Experience Survey to help staff better understand how students view and experience school. The goal of the survey is to elevate student voice in identifying strategic improvement opportunities for FCPS. The survey should take about 30 minutes for students to complete, although individual students will likely complete the survey more quickly.  Families may choose to Opt Out of this survey for their child.

You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/leadership/district-performance-transparency/policies-regulations-notices/student

Roof Work Over Door 5 on Monday

Roof work is a part of the Bren Mar Park construction and renovation project and is necessary to properly maintain our facilities. Unfortunately, roofing odors are often generated during roofing projects due to the materials used.  Roofing work does not occur directly over occupied areas.  Barriers and signage will be posted.  In addition, during asphalt application, contractors use an odor suppressant to reduce the smell.

Product information, such as specific materials used and their safety data sheets (SDSs), are available upon request.

If you have questions, please email Principal Williams at [email protected]

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from  Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

Family Dance Night, Feb. 27

Family Dance Night is coming!  Join us on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Thanks to a partnership with FCPS Food & Nutrition Services and with the support of Educate Fairfax, a free meal will be made available for every child and adult between 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.  Family Dance Night begins at 6:30 p.m.

Music in Our Schools Spirit Week

Looking ahead to my favorite month of the year (Music in Our Schools Month!!), I am hoping you will join the music team for Spirit Week from March 9-13 to help celebrate the musical opportunities and achievements our students have. 

Here are the theme days:

Music Matters Monday:Wear your favorite Music/Musician Themed Clothing

Turn Back Time Tuesday:Dress Up in something that represents your favorite decade of music

We Will Rock You Wednesday:Dress up like the ROCKSTAR you are!

Toot Your Own Horn Thursday:Dress like or accessorize with your favorite instruments

Finale Friday:Every musician deserves rest- wear your favorite post-concert pjs!

Lunch during the month of Ramadan

As we enter the month of Ramadan, we kindly ask that families do not join their students for lunch during this time.

We have several students who will be fasting, and we want to be mindful and respectful of their experience. Additionally, we are working to limit the number of extra visitors in the office and cafeteria to help maintain a calm and supportive environment for all students.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

Thank you for your support.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

Order your BMP Yearbook. Yearbooks are on sale through March 20, 2026.  Cash sales are accepted between 9:00 - 9:30 am.

Specialist Spotlight - Literacy

In Language Arts, students in Grades K–5are beginning Benchmark Unit 5, which explores technology, innovation, and perspectivethrough reading, discussion, and writing. Students will read stories, biographies, and informational texts that encourage them to think critically about how technology shapes our lives and how different viewpoints influence understanding. Below is an overview of what each grade level will focus on, along with conversation starters you can use at home

Kindergarten – Why Do We Use Technology?

• Learning what technology is and how people use it every day
• Exploring how technology changes the way we work, learn, travel, and live
• Discussing how technology helps people interact with others in new ways
• Talking about tools that make tasks easier or faster

Talk with your child about:

• “What kinds of technology do we use at home or school?”
• “How does technology help people do things differently?”
• “How does technology help us talk or connect with others?”

Grade 1 – Technology at Work

• Reading about how technology is used in different jobs
• Learning how tools help people work efficiently and quickly
• Understanding how technology helps solve problems
• Exploring how technology improves the way people live and work

Talk with your child about:

• “What job did you read about today?”
• “How does technology help people do their work better?”
• “What problems does technology help solve?”

Grade 2 – Where Do Ideas for Inventions Come From?

• Reading about inventors and how inventions begin with ideas
• Learning that inventions can be inspired by nature
• Understanding that anyone can be an inventor
• Exploring how inventions are created to solve problems

Talk with your child about:

• “What inspired the invention you read about?”
• “What problems do inventions try to solve?”
• “What would you invent to help people?”

Grade 3 – What Is the Value of Innovation?

• Reading biographies of inventors and learning about technical innovations
• Understanding that inventors often build on the work of other inventors
• Exploring how technology helps connect people and cultures
• Discussing why innovation is important to society

Talk with your child about:

• “How did this invention change people’s lives?”
• “How did this inventor build on someone else’s ideas?”
• “How does technology help people connect with others?”

Grade 4 – Understanding Different Points of View

• Exploring what we learn when we look at the world through the lens of others
• Reading realistic fiction, with characters and events that could happen in the real world
• Learning that every story is told from a distinctive literary point of view
• Understanding how people’s unique perspectives influence how we understand others

Talk with your child about:

• “Whose point of view is this story told from?”
• “How might the story change if another character told it?”
• “How do different perspectives help us understand the world better?”

Grade 5 – Making Decisions About New Technology

• Reading about how technology can be controversial, with both positive and negative impacts on society
• Learning how people design and develop technologies, such as robots that do work efficiently
• Exploring how automation continues to change how we live and work
• Understanding how societies rely on innovation to drive the development of new technology

Talk with your child about:

• “How can technology help society?”
• “What problems can new technology create?”
• “How should people decide whether to develop or use new technology?”

This unit helps students strengthen reading and writing skills while encouraging them to think deeply about technology, innovation, and perspective. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning by asking questions and encouraging thoughtful conversations at home.

Volunteer Reminders

Our schools are the heart of our community, and we’d love for you to be a part of them. By volunteering with FCPS, you’re not just helping out—you’re investing in our students' success. Whether you're interested in assisting in the classroom or helping behind the scenes at events, your time makes a world of difference.

Those who are interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application through FCPS.  For student-based events, such as field trips, volunteers with completed level 3 applications will get first priority.  Next, we will select those who have applied for level 3 and finally those families with level 1 or 2 completed applications.  

You can apply and learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/get-involved/volunteer-fcps

2026 Read-A-Thon is Here! 

We’re excited to kick off our 2026 Read-A-Thon — a fun way to celebrate reading while supporting our school community! Students will track reading minutes completed outside of school hoursand can earn exciting prizes along the way. Whether your child loves curling up with a book, reading with family, or listening to an audiobook, every minute counts towards our school-wide goal of 100,000 minutesfor extra recess!

How to Participate:

• Registeryour reader at app.99pledges.com/fund/brenmarpark
• Share your fundraising link with family and friends
• Track reading minutes from March 1-15(limit of 900 minutes)
• Submit reading logs (if using the paper version) by Tuesday, March 17th

Let’s build strong reading habits and show our Mustang spirit — happy reading!  Please contact  [email protected]  with any questions. Do not contact the school as the Read-a-Thon is managed by the PTA.

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten :

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process . For more information, call our student information assistant at (703) 914-7203. 

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process . When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. 

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Something Sweet with Someone You Love is a special Bren Mar Park event!

Important Dates

February 16    No School - Presidents' Day Holiday

February 17    No School - Teacher Workday

February 17    FCPS Title 1 Family Information Event @ Centeridge ES

February 18    Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 1-15      PTA Read-a-Thon!

March 4            Middle School Transition Fair, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

No School Monday or Tuesday

There is no school on Monday, February 16 in honor of Presidents' Day.  The front office will also be closed to the public.

There is no school on Tuesday, February 17 for Teacher Workday.  The front office will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing your child back at school on Wednesday, February 18.  Doors open to students at 9:00 a.m.

SCA Kits of Kindness Donations

Our Student Council Association (SCA) is launching "Kits of Kindness," a dedicated drive to support members of our community experiencing homelessness. This student-led initiative is a powerful example of our learners acting as ethical and global citizens to make a tangible difference close to home. Each classroom will have a box for donated items.

Although schools are closed for students on Tuesday, February 17, the BMP Lobby will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.to receive your contributions.

We are collecting:

Warmth:Gently used clothing, Jackets, blankets, and gloves

Pantry Items:Canned goods, rice, mac & cheese, fruit cups, crackers, and water

Essentials:Soap, sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, and toilet paper

Comfort:Toys

Thank you for helping our students support our community!

Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

School ends at 1:00 p.m. for our Early Release Wednesday.  Emails with the school's most updated information on release plans for students were sent home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  Please notify your child's teacher and/or the BMP front office as soon as possible should the dismissal plan for your child change.

We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. 

We offer student supervision at no-cost to families for those who have childcare hardship. Students will be supervised by staff and may be placed in mixed-aged groups. Buses are available for those students who stay.

You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-wednesdays

Middle School Transition Fair

You are invited to FCPS' Middle School Transition Fair, an evening for families of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services to learn about planning for the future.

At this event, families can meet Career and Transition Services (CTS) representatives and other support staff, learn about postsecondary education, employment, and community supports, and hear from a student and parent panel sharing real transition experiences.

The fair will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. Language support will be available.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect with resources, and feel more confident about your child’s next steps. We hope to see you there!

Event registration link

Special Ed. Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools has been rescheduled from March 21 to April 18, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at George C. Marshall High School , 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. 

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference is a no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of community partners.  Keynote speaker is renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore.  Families will also have the opportunity to connect with resources and participate in afternoon sessions. 

Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage.

Register HERE .

Picture 1: New cafeteria (left); New intermediate classrooms (right)

Picture 2:  New intermediate classrooms (left); 2 new art rooms (right)

BMP Renovation Updates

If you haven't been to Bren Mar Park in a while, the 2-story addition is really coming along.  The snows did not stop our construction crew from continuing their work.  In fact, Scheibel Construction paused just long enough to help our amazing custodial crew clean up snow and ice during the snow storm!

The colors are also official!  Are you interested in seeing samples of the various floor and wall tiles which highlight the color selection?  The color boards are now at Bren Mar Park for family and community viewing.  They are available near the front office for viewing next week.

The new addition is expected to be open for students at the beginning of next school year.

You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/bren-mar-park-elementary-capital-project

Volunteering Reminders

Our schools are the heart of our community, and we’d love for you to be a part of them. By volunteering with FCPS, you’re not just helping out—you’re investing in our students' success. Whether you're interested in assisting in the classroom or helping behind the scenes at events, your time makes a world of difference.

Those who are interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application through FCPS.  For student-based events, such as field trips, volunteers with completed level 3 applications will get first priority.  Next, we will select those who have applied for level 3 and finally those families with level 1 or 2 completed applications.  

You can apply and learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/get-involved/volunteer-fcps

Specialist Spotlight - Library

Welcome to Quarter 3 in the Bren Mar Park Library! All of our students are becoming curious readers. I am so proud of them for trying new genres and types of reading. For the most part they are doing a great job returning their borrowed books on time so that others may enjoy those titles.

Thank you for continuing to talk with your children about the books they are choosing to read. Remember that a child does not have to be able to read a book to borrow a book. Reading as a family is important in building strong readers. Our picture books, the ones with an E on the spine (for Everybody), are made for shared reading. 

During library class time, we are focusing intently on critical thinking skills and inquiry/research skills for learning. Kindergarteners are writing and illustrating their own books – The Story of Me! You may be asked some questions at home about things they did and liked when they were little. Be prepared! When they are done, their books will be bound and kept in the Library!  First grade is wrapping up their animal research projects. They are working very hard to turn their notes about their topic into a proper paragraph. Our second graders have just begun a unit on pollinators. They will research native plants and pollinators to prepare for a garden design project using key math skills. As part of this unit, they will plant seeds for plants, with the hope that their seedlings can be added to a garden at home or here at Bren Mar Park!

Our 3rd and 4th graders are deep into their individual research projects connected to Ancient Egypt and Colonial America, respectively. We have already worked through questioning strategies and examined reliable resources. Soon they will apply their background knowledge to new information to create a demonstration of learning. Fifth grade is (finally) in the model building stage of their landforms/kinetic energy project. They have patiently worked with design challenges, creating rapport with their project partners, and navigating our many weather delays and absences from school. Their projects, when done, will be on display in the library.

Our book fair for this year will be March 19-27. Be on the lookout for our call for volunteers to support student browsing and purchasing in a couple of weeks. Thank you in advance for your support!

Board of Supervisor for the Mason District, Andres Jimenez, joined Principal Williams and the BMP staff to learn more about the great work we are doing and ways in which he can help us coordinate support.

Music Spirit Week

Looking ahead to my favorite month of the year (Music in Our Schools Month!!), I am hoping you will join the music team for Spirit Week from March 9-13 to help celebrate the musical opportunities and achievements our students have. 

Here are the theme days:

Music Matters Monday:Wear your favorite Music/Musician Themed Clothing

Turn Back Time Tuesday:Dress Up in something that represents your favorite decade of music

We Will Rock You Wednesday:Dress up like the ROCKSTAR you are!

Toot Your Own Horn Thursday:Dress like or accessorize with your favorite instruments

Finale Friday:Every musician deserves rest- wear your favorite post-concert pjs!

Family Dance Night

Join us on Friday, February 27th for our annual Family Dance Night. A glow-in-the-dark jam for the whole fam. Admission is free.

Dinner will be provided to attendees free of charge in the cafeteria from 5:30-6:15, while supplies last. Snacks, drinks, and glow items will be available for purchase starting at 5:30pm in the cafeteria. Dancing will begin in the gym at 6:30pm.

Families are encouraged to wear white and/or neon colors and comfortable shoes as our P.E. teachers will be leading party dances as well as Zumba-style dances. 

Order your BMP Yearbook. Yearbooks are on sale February 9 through March 20th.

Students can buy online at http://www.barksdalephoto.com  (Access Code: 0036558YB) or bring cash (exact change) to the front office. The office will be collecting yearbook money from 9am-9:30am in the front office. 

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from  Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Centre Ridge Elementary School

       - Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Providence Elementary School

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

FCPS Mobile App

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:

• Customized for Your Family:Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
• No Sign-In Required:Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
• Real-Time Notifications:Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
• Everything in One Place:From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app , or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten :

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process . For more information, call our student information assistant at (703) 914-7203. 

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process . When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. 

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.

Support Your Child with Schoology

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology . 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Important Dates

February 12    Visit by Board of Supervisor Mason District Rep, Mr. Jimenez

February 12    Family Market & Free Meals, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

February 16    No School - Presidents' Day Holiday

February 17    No School - Teacher Workday

February 18    Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

Feedback Welcomed! Advanced Academics Center Proposal for North Springfield ES

Last week, FCPS held a community meeting to discuss opening a new elementary Full-Time Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Center program at North Springfield Elementary School.  With this proposal, Bren Mar Park full-time AAP students who select services at a center would no longer go to Belvedere Elementary.  They would go to North Springfield Elementary School.

Bren Mar Park will continue to offer AAP full- and part-time services through our local-level program, now in grades 3, 4 and 5! 

The slide deck can be accessed via this link . 

FCPS welcomes your feedback through this feedback form .  

The form will be open through Saturday, February 14, 2026.

A summary of the feedback will be included in the Board Docs for the February 26 School Board meeting on this topic. A full timeline of the process is included in the feedback form and in the community meeting materials. 

You're Invited... Something Sweet Title 1 Family Event

Join us for the "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Title 1 family event on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Children have access to their free school breakfast.  Adults, please bring your own breakfast to enjoy alongside your child and Bren Mar Park staff.

Order your BMP Yearbook. Yearbooks are on sale February 9 - March 20.  

Family Market & Free Meals

Through our partnerships with FCPS Food & Nutrition Servicesand Educate Fairfax, we are pleased to offer free meals for both children and adults during our monthly Family Market. Please note that these meals must be enjoyed on-site.

The Family Market is made possible by the Capital Area Food Bankand our local Springfield Trader Joe’s, providing an opportunity for families in our community to access essential groceries right here at school.

Our next Family Market & Free Mealsis on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Volunteers Needed!  Please contact Family Liaison, Gaby Fuentes, at [email protected] , if you are able to help set up, clean up or serve for this special event.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

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

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Thank you to the many families who joined us for Celebrating Cultural Stories night. We had 17 stories read aloud in different languages and from a variety of cultures around the world, read by families and staff to the children of our school community.

Important Dates

February 2-6   National School Counseling Week

February 12    Visit by Board of Supervisor Mason District Rep, Mr. Jimenez

February 16    No School - Presidents' Day Holiday

February 17    No School - Teacher Workday

February 18    Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

The snow didn’t keep every child at home!  One BMP family visited the school grounds amidst snow days and created a mustang snow sculpture to welcome us all back to the building!

Snow doesn’t stop us!!!  We are Bren Mar Park community strong! 

Specialist Spotlight - Counseling

Growing Stronger Together!

Recently, with our Mustangs, we are revisiting counseling lessons on goal setting, self-confidence, self-love, emotional awareness, and self-regulation. Students learned (or re-learned) how to make plans to solve problems, identify and appreciate what they like about themselves, and explore the Zones of Regulation. They reviewed the four feeling colors through books and hands-on activities.

Through role play and real-life scenarios, students practiced setting goals, identifying what they need to complete a task, and managing their time to meet goals and solve problems. During discussions and worksheet activities, students shared their ideas about self-love and confidence and explored their personal strengths.

We will continue to highlight helpful thinking by using the phrase, “I can’t do it Yet, but I will be able to.” Students are reminded that all feelings are okay, and that it is important to use strategies to return to the green zone—a place of calm focus—using healthy, school-appropriate behaviors. Strategies we practiced include Lazy 8 breathing, taking a short break to read, draw, or color, listening to calming music, and working on puzzles.

Order your BMP Yearbook. Yearbooks are on sale February 9 through March 20th. 

Advanced Academic Proposals

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proposing to open a new full-time Advanced Academic Program Center at North Springfield Elementary School beginning in grade 3 for the 2026-27 school year. 

We will hold meeting opportunities for interested families to learn more about possible scenarios for which feeder schools could be included, understand the potential impact of each, and provide your feedback:

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at North Springfield Elementary School and will have a virtual option if you cannot join in person. 

Please let us know which meeting you plan to attend and if interpretation services are required by filling out this RSVP form . 

You're Invited... Something Sweet Title 1 Family Event

Join us for the "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Title 1 family event on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Children have access to their free school breakfast.  Adults, please bring your own breakfast to enjoy alongside your child and Bren Mar Park staff.

SCA Kits of Kindness Donation Drive

Our Student Council Association (SCA) is launching "Kits of Kindness," a dedicated drive to support members of our community experiencing homelessness. This student-led initiative is a powerful example of our learners acting as ethical and global citizens to make a tangible difference close to home. Each classroom will have a box for donated items.

Although schools are closed for students on Tuesday, February 17, the BMP Lobby will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.to receive your contributions.

We are collecting:

Warmth:Gently used clothing, Jackets, blankets, and gloves

Pantry Items:Canned goods, rice, mac & cheese, fruit cups, crackers, and water

Essentials:Soap, sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, and toilet paper

Comfort:Toys

Thank you for helping our students support our community!

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from  Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Centre Ridge Elementary School

       - Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Providence Elementary School

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:

• Customized for Your Family:Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
• No Sign-In Required:Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
• Real-Time Notifications:Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
• Everything in One Place:From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app , or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten :

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process . For more information, call our student information assistant/registrar at (703) 914-7203. 

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process . When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. 

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home. 

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.

Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology . 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter

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

We are a family.

We are capable.

We are caring.

We all belong!

Thank you to the many families who joined us for Celebrating Cultural Stories night. We had 17 stories read aloud in different languages and from a variety of cultures around the world, read by families and staff to the children of our school community.

Important Dates

February 2-6   National School Counseling Week

February 2      Gr 5 Field Trip to George Mason University, AVID Experience

February 12    Visit by Board of Supervisor Mason District Rep, Mr. Jimenez

February 13    "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Family Event

February 16    No School - Presidents' Day Holiday

February 17    No School - Teacher Workday

February 18    Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

February 25    Student Experience Survey, Grades 3 and 5

February 27    Student Experience Survey, Grades 4 and ID/IDS

February 27     Family Dance Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

March 18         Early Release Wednesday, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

Advanced Academic Proposals

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proposing to open a new full-time Advanced Academic Program Center at North Springfield Elementary School beginning in grade 3 for the 2026-27 school year. 

We will hold two meeting opportunities for interested families to learn more about possible scenarios for which feeder schools could be included, understand the potential impact of each, and provide your feedback:

• Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at North Springfield Elementary School and will have a virtual option if you cannot join in person. 

Please let us know which meeting you plan to attend and if interpretation services are required by filling out this RSVP form . 

You're Invited... Something Sweet Family Event

Join us for the "Something Sweet with Someone You Love" Title 1 family event on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Children have access to their free school breakfast.  Adults, please bring your own breakfast to enjoy alongside your child and Bren Mar Park staff.

SCA Kits of Kindness Donation

Our Student Council Association (SCA) is launching "Kits of Kindness," a dedicated drive to support members of our community experiencing homelessness. This student-led initiative is a powerful example of our learners acting as ethical and global citizens to make a tangible difference close to home. Each classroom will have a box for donated items.

Although schools are closed for students on Tuesday, February 17, the BMP Lobby will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.to receive your contributions.

We are collecting:

Warmth:Gently used clothing, Jackets, blankets, and gloves

Pantry Items:Canned goods, rice, mac & cheese, fruit cups, crackers, and water

Essentials:Soap, sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, and toilet paper

Comfort:Toys

Thank you for helping our students support our community!

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from  Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.

Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.

Families must sign up by deadlines in order to take advantage of this opportunity.  Visit https://www.fcps.edu/meal-kits-fasting-students  for more information.

FCPS Title 1 Family Sessions

FCPS Title 1 offers opportunities for families to learn more about Title 1 services and to build connections with other Title 1 communities.  Bren Mar Park families are invited.  You can attend in-person or participate online.

Save the Dates! Mark your calendars for 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on:

       - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Centre Ridge Elementary School

       - Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Providence Elementary School

       - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Holmes Middle School

       - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Justice High School

Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:

• Customized for Your Family:Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
• No Sign-In Required:Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required.
• Real-Time Notifications:Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather announcements! — ensuring you never miss an important announcement from the district or your school.
• Everything in One Place:From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.

To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app , or download it today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store .

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten :

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process . For more information, call our student information assistant/registrar at (703) 914-7203. 

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process . When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. 

Voluntary Student Insurance

K & K Insurance Group offers student accident insurance coverage that parents may purchase. For families without other medical insurance, this plan may be a helpful resource. Additionally, for families who already have coverage, this plan may help offset costs such as deductibles and co-pays. Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year.

More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/school-health-services/voluntary-student-insurance

Specialist Spotlight - Advanced Academics

Visualization (Critical and Creative Thinking)Visualization can be a powerful strategy for helping students set goals, picture the steps that need to be taken, consider alternatives, and visualize a plan to achieve their goals. It can take students to places not yet seen in order to see from another’s point of view, rehearse steps in goal setting and decision making, and reflect on past situations.

Visualization in reading can deepen comprehension and empathy. Visualization in writing and classroom structures can improve communication, decision making, and executive function.

Example: 1: Using your 3 of your five senses as you look at this image can you name:
a. One thing you see
b. One thing you feel
c. One thing you hear that is an “a ha” that another person is saying

Example 2: Color, Image, Symbol (As you look at this image)
a. What color can you use to describe the image
b. What symbol would you use to describe this image
c. What alternative image would you use to describe this image

Example 3: See, Think, Wonder
a. What do you see as you look at this image?
b. What do you think this image means or is about?
c. What do you wonder about this image?

At Home Connection: Try this at home: 1. Show your child an image from some text (book, magazine, newspaper), or a short video clip and/or a family photo. 2. Try one of the examples I have shared with you. Take a picture and please share with me at [email protected]

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home. 

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.

Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology . 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.

FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email [email protected] , or visit the ombuds webpage , where you may submit a question . Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312   | Main Office:  703-914-7200
Attendance:  703-914-7272  |  Web | Twitter