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Hello, Scottie families!
We have had a great 2nd week of school, and are looking forward to our Back-to-School Night coming up in a couple of weeks on September 17. We hope that you enjoy your long weekend in celebration of Labor Day. A reminder there is no school on Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7. We look forward to welcoming students back into the building on Tuesday, September 8.
Enjoy the long weekend with your friends and family!
Morgan Birge, Principal
Raegan Hanson, Assistant Principal
Rose Stephens, Assistant Principal
Family. Relationships. Success.
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September 4-September 7 - Labor Day Break (no school)
A few amazing highlights that happened this week...
Our admins are rolling into a fabulous four-day weekend.
Fourth grade students picked up trash around Bonnie Brae to help keep our school clean.
Labor Day
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [main office number]. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January 2026 may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Raegan Hanson, School Testing Coordinator, at rnhanson@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend our AAP Family Information Parent Coffee Meeting led by Larissa Sheehan, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) and other Bonnie Brae teachers supporting Advanced Academics on October 2, 2026, from 8:30am-9:30am in the Bonnie Brae Library . Below are the topics to be discussed:
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AAP Continuum of Services: Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Larissa Sheehan, AART, at ltsheehan@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
FCPS Cares
Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR.
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.
Some of our fourth grade students helped beautify our Bonnie Brae grounds.
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 Our 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.
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.
Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our school nurse at Bonnie Brae Elementary is Gretchen O'Donnell. Contact them at godonnell@fcps.edu or at 703-321-3910 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
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: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
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.
Support Bonnie Brae – Join the PTO Today!
Parent involvement is at the heart of what makes Bonnie Brae Elementary so special! By joining the Bonnie Brae PTO, you help fund fun family events, support our teachers, and enhance programs for all our Scotties.
Membership is open to all families and staff. Signing up is quick and easy—click here to complete your 2026–2027 PTO Family Membership.
Don't miss a thing this school year! Be sure to subscribe to the PTO Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming events, spirit nights, and PTO meetings. Thank you for making a difference in our school community!
Tuesday Night = Pizza Night + Supporting Bonnie Brae!
Looking for an easy dinner plan this Tuesday? Let Pizza Boli's Fairfax Station do the cooking while you support our Bonnie Brae community!
Every Tuesday from 4:00–8:00 PM throughout the school year, simply order pickup, mention Bonnie Brae Elementary, and 20% of your purchase will be donated back to the Bonnie Brae PTO.
Whether you're heading home from the pool, wrapping up a busy day, or just looking for a family pizza night, this is a delicious way to give back to our school.
Eat Pizza. Support Schools. Build Community.
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September 17 - Back-to-School-Night (all grade levels), 6-7:30 PM
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September 21 - Yom Kippur (no school)
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September 24 - Fall Picture Day (individual photos only)
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September 25 - PTO Movie Night
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October 12 - School Planning Day (no school for students)
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October 16 - PTO Fall Festival
Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar
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