Bonnie Brae ES: Family Newsletter (Jan. 23)

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Principal's Message

Hello, Scottie families!  

It’s cold outside, but we are looking forward to warming up inside tonight for PTO Bingo Night, starting at 6 PM!  See the PTO section below for more information on this fun PTO community event and 6th grade fundraiser.  

Please be sure to save the dates for two fun community events coming up later this year.  Thursday, March 26 for our staff basketball game at Robinson SS, and Thursday, April 23 for our This is Us! cultural celebration here at Bonnie Brae.  More details to follow in the coming weeks and months, but we wanted to ensure everyone had these dates on their calendars now.

With the impending winter weather coming this weekend, as shared by Dr. Reid, students will be bringing home devices and chargers in backpacks today.  While FCPS is not planning for remote learning, students will have access to web based resources and activities.

No matter the weather, the last day of the 2nd quarter is Wednesday, January 28 (2-hour early dismissal), and there is no school on Thursday and Friday next week due to a Staff Development Day (Thursday) and Teacher Workday (Friday). 

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snow this weekend! 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Rose Stephens, Assistant Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal


Family.  Relationships.  Success.


Week at a Glance

  • January 23 - PTO Bingo Night, 6-8 PM (cafeteria)
  • January 27 - Strings Winter Concert, 6:30-7:30 PM (Oak View ES)
  • January 28 - Two-Hour Early Release, 1:15 PM (end of Second Quarter)
  • January 29 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
  • January 30 - Teacher Workday (no school for students)

Scottie Feature

A few amazing highlights that happened this week...


5th grade students in cafeteria

Some fifth grade Scotties smiling for the camera!


Students working on laptops

Second grade students focused on creating their favorite scene from a read-aloud.


Updates

FCPS Devices Coming Home Today

Per Dr. Reid’s email, students will be bringing home their FCPS device, a power cord, and login card.  This device and power cord should be used for learning and only by the student.  Students should continue to treat the FCPS device and power cord with respect and care while using it at home.

The FCPS device and power cord need to be returned to Bonnie Brae on the first day back to school after the snowstorm. 

Families can find information about using FCPS devices at home on our Using FCPS Devices at Home webpage.


calendar reminder graphic

Early Release Day & Student Holidays

Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Students will be dismissed at 1:15 PM on Wednesday, January 28.

Schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 29, for a staff development day, and Friday, January 30, for a teacher workday.

See the complete school year calendar.


Upcoming Events (This is Us & Staff Basketball Game)

We have some exciting and much loved community events coming soon!  Mark your calendars and join us for:

  • Thursday, March 26 - Staff Basketball Game at Robinson (6-8 PM)
  • Thursday, April 23 - This is Us! A Community Cultural Celebration Event at Bonnie Brae (5:30-7 PM)

More information to come about both events!  Make sure to save the dates and join us!  


smiling student in the front office

Rear Sidewalk Closed Temporarily for Renovation Work

The rear sidewalk that leads to and from the trailer classrooms is closed temporarily to allow roofing work to be completed on the section of the building that is currently under renovation.  FCPS Office of Design and Construction shared with Bonnie Brae that this work will take a few weeks, and once roofing renovations are complete, the rear sidewalk will re-open.  During this time, all kiss & ride students will enter and exit the building through Door 5.  Be sure to check out the Bonnie Brae capital project website here for more information about our renovation.


Order Yearbook

Order Our 2025-2026 Bonnie Brae Yearbook!

Bonnie Brae yearbooks are officially on sale!  All orders (online only) are due by April 17, 2026The prices detailed below are for all yearbooks purchased by April 17, 2026.

  • Soft cover yearbooks are $18
  • Hard cover yearbooks are $24
  • Option to add a foil name stamp for an additional $4  

To order a Bonnie Brae ES Yearbook via credit card online, visit https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/bty/findmyschool and use School ID Number 732269

We will have a limited number of yearbooks for sale on-site in June at a cost of $20 per soft cover yearbook (no hard cover yearbooks or foil name stamps will be sold on-site).

Yearbooks are expected to arrive late-May/early June. 

Visit the Bonnie Brae Yearbook webpage for details.


Kindergarten Registration

Welcome Future Bonnie Brae Kindergarteners!

Bonnie Brae is excited to welcome families registering children for Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year!  Visit the FCPS Online Registration page to start the registration process for your rising kindergartner using our online application.

Here’s what families need to know:

  • Who’s registering: Incoming kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year

  • What to bring (required documents):

    • Original birth certificate

    • Photo ID of the enrolling parent or guardian

    • Proof of residency (one of the following):

      • Lease agreement

      • Deed

      • Mortgage statement

    • If renting: Lease and three (3) current bills showing your address

    • Health records, including:

      • Physical exam

      • Immunization records

  • Important reminder:

    • All documents must be current and accurate

    • Registration cannot be completed without all required paperwork

  • Questions or need support?

  • Save the date!

    • Kindergarten Orientation: Friday, April 10

Bonnie Brae Elementary looks forward to partnering with families and helping students begin an exciting learning journey.


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.


Weather video

Prepare for Winter Weather

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

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

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

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.


Screenshots of FCPS Mobile App

More News and Updates — on the go — With the FCPS 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.  


Bonnie Brae ES PTO

Ice Skating

Bonnie Brae Ice Skating Fundraiser – Plan Ahead!

Start planning now for a fun winter outing with family and friends!

Join the Bonnie Brae community for public ice skating at Fairfax Ice Arena and support our school at the same time.

When: Sunday, February 1 (12 -3:45 PM)

Where: 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031

$2 from every paid admission will be donated to the Bonnie Brae PTO.

Important: To ensure Bonnie Brae receives credit, please bring the Ice Skating Fundraiser flyer/coupon and present it at the cashier when you arrive.

Skate with friends, enjoy a winter afternoon, and help support PTO programs and activities for our students. We hope to see lots of Scottie families on the ice!


Upcoming Events

  • February 3 - Second Quarter Report Cards Go Home
  • February 3 - (SNOW DATE) Strings Winter Concert, 6:30-7:30 PM (Oak View ES)
  • February 6 - Club and Candid Photos Day
  • February 11 - PTO Meeting (in-person), 6-7 PM
  • February 13 - Valentine's Day Family Lunch (cafeteria)
  • February 16 - Presidents Day Holiday (no school for students and staff)
  • February 17 - Teacher Wo