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Hello, Scottie families!
What a night last night! Our annual This is Us! community celebration was an incredible evening of sharing, performances, and delicious food. Thank you to: our Bonnie Brae staff for organizing This is Us!, to all who were able to present and perform, and to those who made it out to soak up and be a part of all that makes the Bonnie Brae family so special.
Today all our students enjoyed a popsicle during recess as an incentive earned from our PTO Read-a-Thon last month. Thank you to the PTO and all the volunteers today who distributed a delicious, well-earned treat!
Next week on Tuesday we encourage everyone to wear blue in recognition of Autism Acceptance month. We also begin our Standards of Learning (SOL) testing next week, with the grade 5 reading assessment taking place on Thursday, April 30. Grades 4-6 will begin their SOL testing the following week (May 4-8). Please be sure your 3rd-6th grade student comes to school having eaten a healthy breakfast (or purchase one at school) and has had a good night sleep prior to their SOL tests. Good luck to our 3rd-6th grade students on these state required assessments.
Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Rose Stephens, Assistant Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
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April 28 - Autism Acceptance Recognition Day - Wear Blue
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April 30 - 5th Grade Reading SOL
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
Our Bonnie Brae community came together to celebrate during our This Is Us! event! Thank you to all our families who shared about their culture and traditions!
During our This Is Us! event, students were excited to teach others about where their family was from.
Spring Photos Are Ready to View Online
Spring Portraits are available to view and order online! All orders placed online will include free shipping until the end of the day, Friday, April 24.
To view spring portraits:
Parent questions/concerns regarding portraits can be directed to underclass@vosphoto.com.
Parent Input for Next Year's Class Placement
We are getting ready to discuss class placement for the 2026-2027 school year and would appreciate parent/guardian input for consideration during these discussions. If you would like to provide input, please complete this form by May 8, 2026. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with you and your children to best support their learning needs.
Standards of Learning Tests (Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6)
Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests occur in reading, mathematics, and science. See below for the schedule of the grade level SOLs.
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April 30: 5th Grade Reading SOL
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May 6: 3rd and 4th Grade Reading SOL
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May 8: 5th Grade Math SOL and 6th Grade Reading SOL
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May 13: 6th Grade Math SOL
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May 14: 3rd and 4th Grade Math SOL
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May 19: 5th Grade Science SOL
The Grade Level Tests webpage provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s teacher or Natalie Vershaw, school test coordinator.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders
The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students 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 get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
Spring Into Healthy Habits
Spring is the perfect time to reset routines and encourage students to stay active, refreshed, and focused. Here are a few simple and effective practices families can follow together:
Stay Active Outdoors
- Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily
- Take advantage of the warmer weather—walking, biking, or playing sports
- Explore local parks, trails, or simply enjoy time outside as a family
Tip for Parents: Join your child in outdoor activities—it boosts motivation and creates meaningful bonding time.
Reduce Screen Time
- Set daily limits on recreational screen use
- Encourage alternative activities like reading, drawing, or outdoor play
- Create “screen-free” family time, especially during meals and before bedtime
Stay Hydrated
- Remind students to drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Pack a reusable water bottle for school
- Limit sugary drinks and encourage healthier choices
Fuel with Nutritious Meals
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast
- Encourage balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Take advantage of school meal programs designed to support student wellness
Family Involvement Matters
Students are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they see their families participating. Whether it’s cooking together, going for a walk, or setting shared wellness goals, your involvement makes a big difference.
Let’s Finish the School Year Strong!
Together, we can help students return from spring break feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond. Wishing you a healthy and active spring season!
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week: May 4–8
Bonnie Brae families, it’s time to celebrate the incredible teachers and staff who support our students every day! Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is May 4 - May 8, and the PTO has planned a full week of special events to show our gratitude — but we need your help to make it a success!
Sign up to volunteer or donate. (Note: The SignUpGenius may appear as two pages on some browsers — please be sure to check both pages for all opportunities.)
Week at a Glance
Monday, May 4 – Breakfast Kickoff
- Help us start the week strong! Families are invited to donate breakfast foods and drinks.
- Drop-off: By 7:30 AM at school (hot or cold items welcome)
Tuesday, May 5 – Popcorn Bar We’re treating staff to a fun popcorn bar!
- Donate toppings/supplies or contribute via Venmo
- Volunteers needed for setup/cleanup starting at 10:30 AM
Wednesday, May 6 – Dessert Bar A sweet treat for our amazing staff!
- Donate cookies, brownies, or desserts (homemade or store-bought)
- Volunteers needed for setup/cleanup starting at 10:30 AM
Friday, May 8 – Staff Lunch (Café Rio) Help support setup and cleanup for a special staff lunch.
All Week - Gift Cards for staff
Donation Drop-Off Details
- Non-perishable items: April 29 – May 4 (front office)
- OR bring items to the Chalk Decorating Event on Sunday, May 3 between 4–6 PM
Venmo Contributions
- Send to: @chris-argyros (verification #2607)
Questions? Contact PTO Secretary Kelly Argyros: secretary@bonniebraepto.org
Calling All Grown-Ups: Bunco Night is Coming!
Take a break, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun evening with fellow Bonnie Brae parents and guardians!
Join us for Bunco Night—a fast-paced, easy-to-learn dice game that’s perfect for everyone, whether you’ve played before or not. It’s a great opportunity to relax, laugh, and connect with other members of our school community while learning more about how the PTO supports our students and staff.
When: Friday, May 1, 6 PM
Where: Bonnie Brae Cafeteria
How: Learn more and RSVP
Bring a friend or come solo—you’ll quickly feel part of the fun!
We hope to see you there for a night of games, laughter, and community spirit!
End April with Fun at Chuck E. Cheese!
Wrap up the month with a night of food, games, and FUN—while supporting Bonnie Brae!
Join us for our Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser Night and help turn fun into funds for our school community.
When: Thursday, April 30, 3 PM – 9 PM
Where: 9404 Main Street, Fairfax, VA
How it works: Just mention Bonnie Brae Elementary when ordering, and 20% of all food and gameplay purchases will be donated back to our school—including dine-in AND carryout orders!
Special Perks & Promotions:
- Pizza and game deals available during the event
- Fun gameplay promotions for families
- Carryout orders count toward our fundraiser
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Teachers receive a free personal meal as a thank-you for all they do!
Bring the whole family, invite friends, and enjoy a great night out while giving back to Bonnie Brae. Every game played and slice enjoyed helps support our students and staff!
See below for special coupons that can only be used during the Bonnie Brae event at Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday, April.
- Buy 1, Get 1 Free - Adventure Zone Admission
- 120 Play Points for $30
- 1 Large, 1-Topping Pizza and 4 Regular Fountain Drinks for $29.99
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May 6 - 3rd & 4th Grade Reading SOL
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May 8 - 5th Grade Math & 6th Grade Reading SOL
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May 12 - Interims Go Home
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May 13 - 6th Grade Math SOL
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May 13 - Virtual PTO Meeting, 6-7:30 PM
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May 14 - 3rd & 4th Grade Math SOL
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May 15 - PTO Spring Carnival, 6-8 PM
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May 19 - 5th Grade Science SOL
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May 20 - 3-Hour Early Release Closing, 12:15 PM
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May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday
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