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Inclusion Spirit Week Continues
Join Us Tomorrow For PTA Restaurant TONIGHT
Nando's Peri Peri Restaurant Night - December 7
The Bush Hill Elementary PTA is pleased to partner with Nando's Peri Peri for a Restaurant Night Fundraiser on Wednesday, December 7, from 4pm-9pm. Bush Hill will receive 40% of the profits from funds raised on this night so come on out and meet us at Nando's at Springfield Mall for a delicious dinner. Families may dine in or order online for pick up but should state upon arrival that they are there for the Bush Hill Elementary Fundraiser. We hope to see you there!
Cards For A Cause
Cards for a Cause - A Bush Hill PTA Fundraiser
The Bush Hill PTA is excited to launch a new fundraiser - Cards for a Cause, by Usborne Books. Cards for a Cause donates 40% ($13) of each box of cards sold to Bush Hill! There are five different types of card boxes available: Kids Birthday Card Box, Thanks and Blanks Card Box, All Occasions Box 1, All Occasions Box 2, and a Holiday Card Box. All card boxes have 30 cards inside - only $1 per card! Order for yourself or ask neighbors and friends to. Please note sales will close on December 16th and card boxes will be available for pick up at the school shortly after school resumes on January 2nd, 2023. Cards cannot be shipped to individuals. Please consider ordering Cards for our Cause - Bush Hill Elementary!
Please visit
https://bush-hill-elementary-card-fundraiser.square.site/
Technology Corner
Have you heard? FCPS is offering all students K-12 on-demand support & enrichment opportunities through the esteemed Tutor.com – a product from The Princeton Review. The best part? It’s 100%! Check out the flyer for more info.
Season Of Giving
Bush Hill has an exciting opportunity to join us in making food donations for the Koinonia Foundation (http://www.koinoniacares.org/holiday-baskets.html) as part of their Holiday Baskets program for ministering to the need in the community. Koinonia directly supports families who live in our area.
This year they are creating holiday baskets to support the community. Each basket includes all the items. We are asking if you would like to donate to this cause please donate a basket in its entirety either as a single family or partner with another student’s family. If you are unable to donate a completed basket, you are also welcome to contribute individual items on this list and we will provide to Koinonia so that they may compile baskets to distribute. We are thankful for the support and generosity you have shown towards our community in the past.
Below are the items to include in either a complete basket or as individual items. Donations are welcome December 5 until December 14 and may be dropped off outside of the Bush Hill Main Office.
2 Boxes of Stuffing
1 Can Cranberry Sauce
1 Bag of Rice (small)
2 Cans/Boxes/Packages of Turkey Gravy (No Glass)
2 Boxes of Potatoes
2 Cans of Peas
1 Can of Broth, 2 Cans of Green Beans
2 Cans of Corn
One Box of Dessert Mix (Brownies, Cake)
2 Cans of Fruit
$25 Grocery Store Gift Card to purchase choice of a protein or other items
We are sincerely thankful in advance for your generosity and support in this effort.
Winter Book Fair Begins Friday
Our Winter bookfair is almost here!
When: Our fair will take place from Friday, December 9th – Friday, December 16th. We will have 2 family nights this year on Tuesday, December 13th from dismissal – 6:30PM and again Thursday, December 15th. December 15th we will be open until 6:30 then closing for the winter concert. Families will have the option to shop the fair after the concert for an hour but we will only be accepting credit card sales during that hour.
Students will have the opportunity to shop during the day at their teachers discretion. In School shopping will be open Tuesday Morning – Friday Morning.
How: We encourage families to create eWallets for students. This acts like a gift card and keeps students from having to bring cash to school. You can sign up for an eWallet on our Fair Homepage. We will also accept cash, card, and checks made out to Bush Hill Elementary.
*Important Change This Year: Unfortunately Scholastic is being taxed differently this year and we are no longer able to offer tax free purchases. Please keep this in mind when students bring wish lists home. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Volunteers: Thank you SO much to all who have signed up to help with our fair! If you are interested in volunteering please sign up here any bit of time helps make this even a success!
Specialist News
M U S I C
This month all grade levels will be studying The Nutcracker ballet. We will learn about how a professional ballet is produced and what it takes to be a professional ballet dancer. We will also be using various songs from the ballet to learn about musical form and structure. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of musical form by using scarves, cups, drum sticks, bouncy balls, parachutes, and other materials throughout the unit.
Throughout the unit, each grade level will be watching a different version of the ballet.
K, 1st- New York City Ballet (Narrated version)
2nd grade- New York City Ballet
3rd grade- Swedish National Ballet
4th Grade- San Francisco Ballet
5th Grade- Philippine Ballet Theatre
6th Grade- New Jersey Performing Arts Center: The Hip Hop Nutcracker
A R T
This month our K-3rd grade artists are exploring collage units. We will be practicing our cutting and gluing skills as we experiment with different collage techniques.
Kindergarten - Mary Blair Architecture
1st Grade - Family Helpers
2nd Grade - Community Workers Mural
3rd Grade - Abstract Celebrations
Our 4th-6th artists are exploring painting units. During these units we explore and experiment with different painting tools and techniques while following proper painting procedures. *Please remind your artists to wear appropriate clothing during art special days. Painting smocks are worn during class.
4th Grade - Virginia Region Landscapes
5th Grade - Transformed Landscapes
6th Grade - Memory Paintings
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This month, all grade levels are playing games revolving around cooperation, teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity. Each week we are focusing on these traits and sharing ways in our game and outside of PE that we can demonstrate them. The first week of December, all students are playing “Battleship,” with modified rules for different grade levels. During the second week, students will be playing “Chicken Noodle Soup,” and “Catapult.” During the last week before winter break, students will be playing winter themed games, such as “Decorate a Snowman,” and “Winter Frenzy.” A friendly reminder as the cold months are approaching and students are wearing boots, please be sure students wear tennis shoes on PE days, or bring a pair to change into. Thank you! Happy Holidays from Ms. Mulcahy & Ms. Nolan!!
S T E A M
In STEAM, students will continue applying their knowledge to the Engineering Design Process. This may be through maker challenges or through computational thinking lessons. Students will also be engaged in creativity challenges. Mathematicians, engineers, scientists, and computer programmers need to be able to brainstorm solutions to a problem. K-2 students will develop sketches and physical models to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a problem. Students in grades 3-6 are working on Rube Goldberg contraptions. Students will be working to compare multiple solutions to a problem. We will have a lot of creative fun this month!
L I B R A R Y
This month K, 1, and 4th we will be learning about holidays around the world as well as sharing traditions we have in our families. 4th graders will be doing additional research to learn more about how people celebrate holidays around the world. 3rd and 5th grade will be working on identifying credible sources in order to find reliable information for research projects. 2nd grade will be working on their weather research project. Don’t forget our book fair takes place from December 12th - December 16th. Family Nights will be held Tuesday and Thursday until 6:30. We are encouraging families to create ewallets for students to shop the fair cash free!
AAP Reminder
Window for AAP Full-Time (level IV) Referrals Ends December 15, 2022
Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs (level IV AAP services) may submit the AAP Level IV Referral Form to Jen Spollen ([email protected]) no later than December 15.
The window to submit an AAP Level IV Referral Form is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Level IV services can be accepted.
Submitting a referral form for AAP Level IV will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of professionals from various schools review materials to determine eligibility for level IV placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Jen Spollen ([email protected]).
Referrals for AAP Levels II-III (part-time services) are screened at the local school.
For more information, there are parent presentations available on the FCPS AAP website (under “Presentations”) that contain information similar to our fall parent information meetings at Bush Hill Elementary School.
Holiday Resource & Donor Opportunities
HOLDIAY RESOURCES
Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, 913-680-7968
Holiday Toy Giveaway
Register by calling and providing your child’s information by December 15.
Pick up gifts at 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 2022.
Northern Virginia Family Service 10455 White Granite Drive, Suite 100, Oakton, Virginia 22124. Telephone number is (571)748-2500 Both Thanksgiving and Christmas programs are administered by the charity / non-profit organization. They are involved in collecting food, toys, clothing, vouchers and more from the region. Those items are then passed out to qualified low-income families, with a focus on children and the elderly. The toys are free to those that qualify.
Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) Location is 3959 Pender Dr #200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Main phone number is (703)537-0643 A referral is needed in order to get assistance to their holiday programs. The Fairfax County Public School or the government can provide this if needed. The Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas programs they administer are a last resort. Applicants can’t be participating in any other services from another local church or charity. More information on Britepaths programs.
Annandale Christian Community For Action, or ACCA Inc. Main address is 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. Call the non-profit at (703)222-0880 for information Free gift baskets, food, Turkeys, and meals are offered at both Thanksgiving and Christmas time. There may be free books, clothes, Christmas stocking stuffers, matchbox or hot wheels cars, sporting goods and other presents for kids at Christmas.
Angel Tree and Adopt a Family from Salvation Army Fairfax Corps Businesses and others from the community donate toys, clothing, games, shoes and other items. There are multiple Salvation Army centers in northern VA, as noted below. The goods are then provided for free to those that are less fortunate. The national non-profit matches low-income children, infants, and families with donors to assist them in receiving free holiday assistance, such as toys clothing, gift certificates, and food vouchers. They operate Angel Tree and give out free Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food baskets from a pantry.
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Another Salvation Army center is in Alexandria. The corps office is at 1804 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301. For applications, dial (703)836-2427
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The main holiday services are at the center address is 4915 Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Main phone number is (703)385-8700
- There are other resources too. More on assistance from Fairfax County VA Salvation Army.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others-ECHO Main location is 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Call the agency at (703)569-9160 This organization, supported by local faith congregations, distributes new games, clothing, toys and other goods at Christmas for client families with young children. ECHO, on its own or through local individuals or congregations, provides the groceries for families to make a festive holiday meal at Thanksgiving or Christmas. ECHO serves a specific geographic area but does not discriminate on any basis except for residency within the service area.
Toys for Tots Fairfax County There are several places to donate, or to apply to pick up, free Christmas toys. They will be unwrapped. Games, books, electronics, Legos, sporting goods, clothes, tablets, and other presents are offered. This is a US Marine Corp assistance programs that helps the low income, immigrants, and military families/veterans among others. To learn more, or apply, try this. https://quantico-va.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200&nRedirectInd=3.
Toys for Tots Locations:
The Koinonia Foundation 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Telephone: (703)971-1991 The non-profit organization may have free Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas gifts, meals, small gifts and food.
United Community Ministries
7511 Fordson Rd.
Alexandra, Virginia, 22306
Call (703) 768-7106
The Living Word, Inc.
7406 Alban Station Ct.
Springfield, Virginia, 22153
Call 703-866-4140
Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Dia - Alexandria Spanish Seventh Day Adventist
2812 Franklin Street
Alexandria, Virginia, 22306
Dial 703-314-9188 or (571) 305-2085
Casa de Alabanza
7406 Alban Station Ct.
Springfield, Virginia, 22153
Main number is 571-502-0006 or (703) 866-4140
DONOR OPPORTUNITIES
Salvation Army
1804 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301. For applications, dial (703)836-2427
Fairfax County Adopt a Family
[email protected]
Send an email and include your name, organization/company name, email, phone number and mailing address. Indicate the number of children you would like to support in your adopt-a-family (plan to purchase about four to five gifts per child in addition to winter clothing). You can also buy something for parent(s)/caregiver(s) (a gift card to a big box store is recommended).
Ecumenical Community Helping Others-ECHO Main location is 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Call the agency at (703)569-9160.
The Koinonia Foundation 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. Telephone: (703)971-1991
***You can contact individual resources listed above and inquire to their ability to accept donations.
National Family Engagement Month
Multicultural and Language Resources for Families
During National Family Engagement Month, the Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the resources available to them:
- Bilingual community liaisons support student registrars by providing families with information about school and community services offered in Fairfax County. Liaisons are available to help families speaking Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. Once registered at a school, families can contact their family liaison for assistance.
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Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.
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Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English.
- A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
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ESOL services are available in Fairfax County for students as well as adults. Information on spring classes will be posted in March 2023.
Additional resources are available on the Family Engagement webpage.
5927 Westchester St, Alexandria, VA 22310 | Main Office: 703-924-5600
Attendance: 703-924-5656 | Web | Twitter
