Mustang Message - January 23, 2026

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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!

 

Guest Teachers Visit Mrs. Springfield, Art Teacher

Our very own Mrs. Springfield hosted a group of art teachers from around FCPS to observe, enjoy and learn from her art teaching skills and techniques.

 

Important Dates

No School on Thursday & Friday

January 28     End of Q2 - 2 Hour Early Release, School Ends at 2:00 p.m.

January 29     No School - Staff Development Day

January 30     No School - Teacher Workday

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.

 

There is no school on Thursday, January 29 or Friday, January 30, 2026 for professional development and workdays.  We look forward to welcoming your child back to school on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.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

 

Specialist Spotlight - Art

Mustang artists have been creating with all types of media this quarter.  Kindergarteners are thinking of their favorite seasons and creating a self-portrait painting.  First graders are creating an animal family collage. Second grade artists are creating a portrait with a friend and learning about how to draw with overlapping to create space on a paper.  Third graders are creating ceramic food sculptures.  Fourth graders have learned about gesture drawing and are using that technique to create a self-portrait in the future.  Fifth graders have just finished up their WONDERFUL clay bobble heads and are now learning contour drawing.  Multiage artists have just finished a winter landscape collage.  The kids are happily enjoying some end-of-quarter free art days before we finish up our hard work.

Do you have some extra yarn at home looking for a new home?  We could use any and all yarn donations before we start some fiber arts in the spring (weaving and stitchery).  If you have any to donate, please bring it to the office.  Thanks so much!

 

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 Monday, 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!

 

FCPS Immunization Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.

 

Health FairHealth Fair

The Mason District Health Fair is a free event for people of all ages. You can find many health services and resources in one place.  Services include, but are not limited to vaccine appointments, screenings for vision, hearing and child development, health information and breast cancer awareness, resources for substance abuse prevention, information on healthy eating and more. 

Registration is not required.

 

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

 

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.

 

Enhancing Safety & Security

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.

 

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.

 

student sleeping

Strategies for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family. 

 

BMP PTA Enrichment Program Application Open

Thanks to the great success from the Fall for Our Mustangs fundraiser, the BMP PTA is happy to bring you several before and after school enrichment programs for students. The programs are completely FREE for students.

  • Apply at : http://alturl.com/w3v2s
  • Program dates: 2/2-4/24, 2026.
  • Deadline to apply is 1/21 by 5:00p.m.
  • Space is limited, but guardians committed to volunteer to support lead teachers will be guaranteed a spot for their student(s).

Available Programs:

  1. Dance Club for K-5th Grades Tuesdays After School (4:30 - 5:15), led by Ms. Shampang
  2. Soccer for K-2nd Grades Wednesdays After School (4:30 - 5:15), led by Ms. Giusto
  3. Clay Creation for 1st-5th Grades Thursdays Before School (8:15 - 9:00), led by Ms. Springfield
  4. Pokemon Cards for 3-5th Grades Wednesdays Before School (8:15 - 9:00), led by Mr. Ruccio
  5. Yoga for K-5th Grades Thursdays Before School (8:15 - 9:00), led by Ms. Yetta Williams
  6. Genius Hour for 3-5th Grades Tuesdays After School (4:30 - 5:15), led by Ms. Jopeck

Please contact BMP.PTA@gmail.com with any questions. Do not contact the school as these programs are managed by the PTA.

 


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