Bushy Bear Tales

Edition 3 - September 18, 2019

Bushy Park Elementary School

Bushy Park Elementary School

BPES Community,


Last week, I had the pleasure of attending One Glenelg Day, a full day team and community building field trip for the entire freshman class at Glenelg High School. Throughout the day, students engaged in conversations to build trust, learn about one another, and develop a sense of belonging. They took risks as they shared stories and experiences about inclusion. I left feeling inspired by their candor, openness to sharing personal experiences, and enthusiasm. Later that evening at our PTA meeting, we began by engaging in a community circle ourselves. Each of us in attendance shared a fond memory or story from our childhood neighborhoods. For me, these experiences contribute to my own sense of belonging at Bushy Park.


But, what do we mean when we talk about belonging? The Condition of Belonging is based on a belief that every participant in the educational experience is a valued member of the school community, while still maintaining their uniqueness as an individual. Students and teachers alike feel like they belong if they are accepted, safe, and respected. This is dependent on every student and teacher actively participating as responsible, contributing citizens of the school community. (Quaglia, 2018, School Voice Report)


Through our daily classroom Community Circles and our emphasis on connection and community building at our PTA events this year, it is my sincere hope that we will improve the sense of belonging for every student and family in our community. If there is anything that I can personally do to support your child in feeling included in our school, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or telephone.


Fondly,


Julia Bialeski, Principal



Upcoming Dates to Note:


September

  • 23-27 PTA Fall Book Fair
  • 24 Room parent orientation, 9:30am
  • 24 PTA Fall Book Fair (Raffle Night)
  • 25 RECC Back to School Night, 6:30-7:30pm
  • 30 Schools and Offices Closed


October


  • 7 PTA Family Fun Night - Art Night, 6:30pm (pre-registration required - see below)
  • 9 Schools and Offices Closed
14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood, MD, USA julia_bialeski@hcpss.org 410-313-5500 bpes.hcpss.org

RECC Back to School Night

Wednesday, Sep. 25th, 6:30-7:30pm

14601 Carrs Mill Road

Glenwood, MD

All Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) parents are invited to an informative evening at RECC Back to School Night. If you have questions in advance of the event or are unable to attend but would like to receive additional information, please contact your child's teacher.
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Upcoming School Closures

Please mark your calendars for Monday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 9. On both of these dates, HCPSS schools and offices are closed. For the full HCPSS calendar, please click on the button below. Now is a great time to update your family's calendar with the early dismissal and full day closure dates for the year to ensure you have arrangements for your children.

Thank you for supporting the PTA Spirit Night!

Our first PTA Spirit Night at Chick Fil A was a rousing success! Our staff, families and community came out in droves last week and as a result, the PTA raised $419.34!


Students loved seeing Buddy the Bear and the Chick Fil A cow at dismissal and enjoyed speculating about who may have been hiding inside the costumes!

PTA Family Fun Night

Monday, Oct. 7th, 6:30-8:30pm

14601 Carrs Mill Road

Glenwood, MD

Please bring your family to our first PTA Family Fun Night, Family Art Night with the Creative Can! This will be the only Family Fun Night with a cost associated, due to the materials fee for our art projects. The cost is $20 per family. Pre-registration is required so that we have materials for everyone. Click below to register!
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Volunteer Training Resources

Are you interested in volunteering at BPES this year?

Earlier this month, we held two in-person training opportunities for interested parent volunteers. If you were unable to attend, you can access the presentation on our website, which is also linked below. You will need to review the slides, print and sign slides 30 and 31, and return the signed forms to our front office to be included in our database of trained volunteers.


All parents, guardians, and community members who want to volunteer in any capacity this year must be trained. This includes those who are interested in serving as field trip chaperones.

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Community Conversation on Restorative Justice

Monday, Oct. 7th, 6-9pm

5460 Trumpeter Road

Columbia, MD

The HCPSS Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in sponsorship with the Howard County Education Association and the Restorative Justice Partnership, will be hosting a community conversation on restorative justice. The event will take place October 7 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm in the Rouse Theater. Refreshments will be served from 6-6:30 pm.


To RSVP, click here.
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