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 Parents attending this morning's BMP Family Coffee meeting.
September 21 No School - Yom Kippur
September 22 Title 1 Annual Meeting, 5:15 p.m.
September 22 Back to School Curriculum Night, 6:00 p.m.
September 30 3 Hour Early Release, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.
October 12 No School for School Planning Day
October 23 Book Character Dress Up Day
October 23 PTA Sponsored BINGOween, 6:00 p.m.
October 30 2 Hour Early Release, Schools Ends at 2:00 p.m. (no after-school care is available)
There is no school on Monday, September 21, 2026 in honor of Yom Kippur. The front office will also be closed.
We look forward to seeing your child again on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Attendance is important. Please arrive on time.
Join us at our Annual Title 1 Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Learn about what it means to be a part of a Title 1 school community, how federal funds are used to support our students, and ways in which the school hopes to work with families for their children's learning.
You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/leadership/district-performance-transparency/title-i-program
Join us at our Back to School Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. There will be 2 sessions:
Session 1 6:00 - 6:40 p.m.
Session 2 6:50 - 7:30 p.m.
You will learn about your child's classroom, what topics your child will study this year, assessments your child will take, and get answers to questions that you may have.
Additional information including welcome back videos from FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Reid along with School Board members can be found below for families to preview.
Click the photo below for a message from Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent.
 Welcome Back video from Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent
Ricardy Anderson- for Mason District Schools
Click the photo below for a message from Ricardy Anderson, FCPS Board Member.
 Welcome back video from Ricardy Anderson, FCPS Board Member
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 is the first of four Early Release Wednesdays this school year. The purpose of this time is to provide elementary school staff dedicated time to prepare for high-quality, personalized instruction in math, reading, writing, social studies, and science while staying current with research-based best instructional practices.
On these days, school ends at 1:00 p.m. All families need to ensure that the school is aware of the Early Release Dismissal plan for your child. For the safety of your child, no changes will be accepted the day of the Early Release.
You can learn more at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-wednesdays
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Yetta Williams, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at yfwilliams@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please contact Yetta Williams, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at yfwilliams@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
 BMP architectural drawings coming to life!
Bus Loop: Please remember that the bus loop should not be entered by cars during arrival and dismissal time. Visitor parking spaces are accessible when no busses are in the bus loop
Behind-the-Scenes: Did you know that the BMP building supervisor, Mr. Aquino, administrative assistant, Ms. Van Pool, and principal, Principal Williams, meets with the FCPS construction leadership team every other week to problem-solve issues, get updates, and make sure the school is ready for special events?
Michelle Kramer, M.S. Counselor
We are very happy to welcome our students back for a wonderful new school year! During our first counseling lessons, students learned about the important role of a school counselor. We discussed how counselors meet with students to talk about their feelings, friendships, kindness, problem-solving, and other concerns that may affect their success at school.
Students also learned how we can recognize how people may be feeling by observing their body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and actions. We talked about how everyone shows feelings differently and why it is important to be kind, patient, and respectful when someone may be having a difficult day.
Another focus was academic goal setting. Students wrote a goal they would like to work toward this school year and discussed the difference between a wish and a goal. A wish is something we hope for, while a goal includes a plan and specific steps to help make that wish come true. Students were encouraged to think about what they can do, who can support them, and how they will know they are making progress.
Families can continue these conversations at home by asking:
- “How are you feeling today? What made you feel that way?”
- “What clues helped you notice how someone else was feeling?”
- “What helps you calm down or feel better when you are upset?”
- “What is one academic or personal goal you have for this year?”
- “What steps can you take to work toward your goal?”
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s emotional wellness, friendships, and academic growth!
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
Know the Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Opt In or Out to Student Devices Being Sent Home for Grades 1-6
New this year, families can opt out of having student laptops sent home with their student.
- If you do not want your student to bring their FCPS-issued device home, please toggle the Opt Out button to a check mark and confirm by pressing Save Selection.
- If you would like your student to bring their FCPS device home, no toggle action is needed. Confirm by pressing Save Selection.
Students whose families opt out will continue to have access to an FCPS-issued device during the school day. Please reach out to your student’s teacher to understand expectations for homework and any learning activities that may require access to technology outside of the school day.
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
Bren Mar Park has a handbook available for families to understand important procedures and practices. It is on our Bren Mar Park website at https://brenmarparkes.fcps.edu/family-resources , such as
No edible birthday treats are allowed due to allergies. We encourage families who wish to celebrate their child's birthday to do so in other ways, such as providing non-edible treats. It is important to communicate with your child's teacher to ensure anything sent in would not create a disruption to the classroom.
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