BMP Friday Mustang Message - 9/18/2026

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Student checking out library books

Student checking out library books

Upcoming Events

September 19     2Twenty Walkathon for Weekend Food Packs, Burke Lake                                  Park Shelter A, 8:30 a.m.

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 23     Bren Mar Park Boundary Meeting at Edison HS, 6:00 p.m.

September 30     3 Hour Early Release, School Ends at 1:00 p.m.

October 12         No School - School Planning Day

October 15         AAP Referral Window for New BMP Students Closes

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)

 

No School on Monday, Sept. 21

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.

 

Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.

 

BMP Specialist Spotlight - Library

Valerie Jopeck,  Librarian

Greetings from the Bren Mar Park Library! The first few weeks of school have flown by in the library. So far this year, students have been working on library routines, finding books they like in different parts of the library, and becoming stronger analyzers of primary sources and maps, along with analytical reading. In the library we hope to build on our students’ strengths as critical thinkers, risk takers, communicators, and collaborators – all important aspects of the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate.

The borrowing policy remains the same as last year. I want students to get the books they will read each week and to be curious about new topics and styles of writing. To that end, students in grades 2 through 5 do not have a set number of books they must or can get. The books just have to be different from one another. Students in preschool through 1st grade are still getting one new book each week as they are learning how to safely get their books from the library to home and back again. Students who return all of their books get more also get a weekly bookmark to keep as an extra reward. Thank you for talking with your child about the books they pick each week and for helping them keep track of them! Remember that a child does not have to be able to read a book to borrow a book. Reading as a family is important in building strong readers. Our picture books, the ones with an E on the spine (for Everybody), are made for shared reading. 

 

Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS

For more information, please contact Monica Holmes at mcholmes@fcps.edu .

 

Annual Title 1 Meeting

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

 

Back to School Curriculum Night

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.  

 

Bren Mar Park ES Boundary Meeting on September 23

As a reminder, Fairfax County Public Schools is moving into the second phase of the Bren Mar Park Elementary Feeder Schools Boundary Study.  

Families are invited to attend a community meeting to learn about the revised draft scenarios which community feedback helped to develop. The meeting will be held.on Wednesday, September 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Edison High School. You may register to attend by clicking in person or virtual, based on your preference. 

Please visit FCPS’ website for information about the Bren Mar Park Elementary Feeder Schools Boundary Study

 

Boundary Study Community Meeting on September 28

Fairfax County Public Schools is moving into the second phase of the boundary study for Greenway Downs, Jefferson Village, City Park Homes, Kingsley Commons, plus Glasgow Middle School.

Families are invited to attend a community meeting to learn about the revised draft scenarios on Monday, September 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Falls Church High School. You may register to attend by clicking in person or virtual, based on your preference.

Visit the FCPS website for more information about the Greenway Downs, Jefferson Village, City Park Homes, and Kingsley Commons, Plus Glasgow Middle School Boundary Study.

 

Early Release Wed., Sept. 30

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

 

Full-Time AAP Referral Window for New Students Closes on October 15

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.

 

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional 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. 

 

Construction continues

BMP architectural drawings coming to life!

 

Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready

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.

 

Safety Drills During the School Year

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.  

 

Your Child’s Presence at School Matters

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.

 

Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference

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.

 

Permission Forms for Resources

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.