It's been another great week here at Bonnie Brae! The weather has been beautiful, and we have enjoyed seeing our Scotties engaged in joyful learning throughout the building and Scottland Yard. We had great participation in our Walk, Bike, & Roll to school day yesterday. Thanks to all who were able to take part on such a beautiful autumn day.
A reminder that Monday, October 13 is a Staff Development Day, and there is no school for students. Please see below for important information, to include our next three-hour early release Wednesday (October 15), and information on how to volunteer to support the PTO Fall Festival (October 24).
Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends.
Morgan Birge, Principal
Rose Stephens, Assistant Principal
Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
October 13 - Indigenous Peoples' Day/Staff Development Day (no school for students)
October 14 - AAP Family Information Meeting, 8:35-9:35 AM (Cafeteria)
October 15 - 3-Hour Early Release Closing, 12:15 PM
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
Ms. Shirey's 5th grade students participated in a Socratic Seminar addressing how food specifically shapes our culture.
Reading is a favorite pastime for many of our Scotties!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! Please check out and bookmark our Bonnie Brae AAP website to view the FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter highlighting important AAP information and updates. We hope you can join us for our AAP Family Information Session on Tuesday, October 14 at 8:35 AM in the cafeteria to learn more about the FCPS Advanced Academics Program and the referral process for AAP services. Please check in at the office through Door 2 when entering the building.
Full Time Service Referral Deadlines:
OCTOBER 15 - New to FCPS students as of January 1, 2025. (Students in Grades 3-6)
DECEMBER 15 - (Students in Grades 2-6)
Please contact our AART, Larissa Sheehan, ltsheehan@fcps.edu, with additional questions.
Early Release Wednesday - October 15
Our next 3-hour early release day is Wednesday, October 15. Students will follow their last early release plan.
All preschool classes will follow their normal schedule.
Fall Picture Make-Up Day - October 30
Picture Make-Up Day is Thursday, October 30 for students who were absent on our September picture day, are new to Bonnie Brae, and for students who need a retake. Please visit our Bonnie Brae Make-Up Picture Day webpage for more details.
Students wanting a retake need to bring their original order to the photographer on Thursday, October 30.
If a student is new to Bonnie Brae or was absent on our September picture day, they should also plan on having their picture taken on October 30.
There will also be an opportunity to order pictures once the picture proofs are available online. If you have any questions, please email underclass@vosphoto.com.
All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
No Cost Meals Available for Students on October 13 at Select Schools
FCPS will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13, at participating schools. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on October 13.
Here’s what you need to know:
Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope that many of our families will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
When Cell Phones Are Down, Learning and Engagement Are Up: Help Keep Our Schools Phone-Free
Cell phones can significantly impact academic performance — research has shown that it takes students 10 minutes or more to shift their focus back to learning after being interrupted by a single cell phone notification! You can help keep our schools phone-free (and your child focused on learning) by:
Fairfax County Public Schools is hosting a special Red Ribbon Awareness Open House. Families will learn about the tools and information they need to talk to their kids about drugs and substance use.
When and Where?
Date: Tuesday, October 24
Time: Noon–2 PM
Location: The Family Resource Center, Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Library (2334 Gallows Road, Room 100, Dunn Loring, VA 22027)
What Information And Tools Will Be Shared?
Practical communication strategiesso families can talk openly and confidently with children about drugs.
Up-to-date, age-appropriate information on common substances of abuse.
NARCAN training will also be offered.
No registration is needed!
October Community Boundary Review Meetings
FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our area will be covered at the meeting on Monday, October 13, 6:30 to 8 PM, at Robinson Secondary School, (Centreville and Robinson Pyramids) in person or virtual . Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.
At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the Centreville Pyramid. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24th from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Bonnie Brae Elementary School Kiss and Ride parking lot!
Enjoy an evening of fun with pizza, drinks, candy, games, prizes, glow sticks, swag sales, a special DJ, Monster Mash, and a costume contest!
Important Details:
There is no charge to attend — bring your family, friends, and chairs for a great night under the stars!
Please dress warmly as the event will be held outdoors due to construction.
This is not a drop-off event — children must be accompanied by an adult.
Playground and ball fields are off limits during the event.
The event is shine only — there is no makeup date if weather cancels the event.
Volunteers Needed! This special event can only happen with your help. Please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit our volunteer sign-up link to lend a hand. Your support makes a huge difference!
Let’s make this a fun and memorable evening for all our Scotties!
Charleston Wrap - Register and Win a Prize!
Charleston Wrap is here. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift wrap or unique holiday goodies, we've got you covered. Plus, every purchase helps our school community shine brighter!
The first 50 people to register will receive a rainbow bendy pencil prize!
Join the Fun:
Register Now: Head over to www.registercw.comand enter code 16200 to start your wrapping adventure.
Share the Love: Spread the word to friends and family using the links in your participant dashboard—let's make this our best fundraiser yet!
Prefer to give directly? You can also support our school community with a direct donation here! Share with friends and family!
Let’s make this a wrap-tastic success—thank you for your support and enthusiasm!
October 20 - Diwali Holiday (no school for students and staff)
October 24 - PTO Fall Festival/Dance, 6-8 PM
October 30 - Fall Picture Make-Up Day
October 31 - SCA Spirit Day: Costume Day!
October 31 - 1st Quarter Ends, Two-Hour Early Release at 1:15 PM
November 3 - School Planning Day (no school for students)
November 4 - Teacher Workday (no school for students)
November 7 - Veterans' Day Breakfast, 8:30-9:30 AM (Cafeteria)
November 11- Veterans' Day Holiday (no school for students and staff)
