School Board Braddock District | Fairfax County Public Schools

April 24, 2024 Updates from the FCPS Braddock District School Board Office

School Board Braddock District 2 weeks 1 day ago

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Hello Braddock residents!

Even as my inbox again starts to fill up with invitations to graduations and other year-end events, it’s hard to believe we already are about to close out another school year! I hope you are enjoying spring (despite the pollen!) and are anticipating the fun flurry of year-end activities.

It's always a beautiful day at Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts!

At this time and always, I want to thank you for your confidence in choosing me to represent the Braddock District on the Fairfax County School Board. I’ve lived in the Braddock District for 23 years and love this supportive, tight-knit community. It is my honor to represent it. Every time I visit a school, attend a meeting, watch a performance or sports event, or hear of another award, recognition or accomplishment, I am reminded of the importance of our public education system, those who work in it, and the students and greater community who benefit from it. Strong schools truly do lead to strong communities.

Still, our school system is not perfect, and not every student in our system is thriving. I am as committed as ever to pushing my fellow board members and the administration to address challenging issues directly, to develop creative and innovative solutions that are in service of the young people who depend on us, and to move FCPS forward so we can continue to be a premier school system that sets every child up for success.

As warmer weather brightens our days, I hope to see you at some of the unique and inspiring events taking place in our schools and throughout the community. I was fortunate to visit a number of our schools this week, including Annandale High School, Robinson Secondary School, and Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts. I also attended the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) meeting to which I am the board liaison as they finished reviewing their report. More about these visits later.

The primary way I learn about the issues you are facing as families is by hearing directly from you, so please reach out to me at [email protected] with questions, problems or concerns. It is my privilege and responsibility to represent you and your children. I value your thoughts and concerns so please don’t hesitate to share them!

All my best,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

Focus on Braddock Lake Braddock Secondary Earns School Counseling Distinction

Exciting news! Our own Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS) was one of two FCPS schools which the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recently recognized as having developed model school counseling programs.

LBSS and South County Middle School (SCMS), in the Mount Vernon District, both earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2024 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling programs benefit all students.

The RAMP designation, awarded to schools that align with the criteria set in the ASCA national model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Currently, 17 FCPS school counseling programs have active RAMP certifications.

Congratulations to all staff and students at LBES and SCMS who contributed to this important achievement, and thank you to all of our counselors across FCPS!

Neurodiversity News Special Education Enhancement Plan Update

At its April 16 work session, the School Board discussed the Special Education Enhancement Plan which was designed to address recommendations the American Institutes for Research (AIR) included in its Special Education Program Review Report. The plan also was designed to provide additional enhancements in programming outcomes for students with individualized education programs (IEP) and Section 504 Plans.

This presentation provided an update on the progress of the plan’s current work and actions as well as future plans to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The work is organized into four goal areas:

Instruction and Inclusive Practices,
Special Education Processes,
Communication, and
Staff Capacity.

I commend the FCPS staff who contributed to this report and have supported special education over many years to get FCPS to this point. However, as well-documented, on-going negative outcomes for adults with autism, ADHD and other disabilities continue to demonstrate - including higher dropout rates, struggles in college, joblessness, relationship issues, legal entanglements, financial problems, and others - we cannot simply declare that we are doing the best we can for all of our students who face an uncertain future without our support. This is an educational issue as well as one of equity. We can and must continue to innovate in programming, staffing, and service delivery in special education as well as remove barriers to access.

View the documents and watch the full meeting.

Online Special Education Resource Fair

As a part of the 2024 Family Summit, the FCPS Department of Special Services has launched an online Special Education Resource Fair.

This virtual event is a must for families, educators, and community members looking to build their skills in supporting children with disabilities.

Explore engaging, asynchronous videos, tailor-made to provide innovative support strategies.
Visit the online exhibit hall to discover resources from FCPS, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, all dedicated to championing students with disabilities.
Join us in celebrating the 2024 Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) First Class Award winners who embody excellence in their special education work, create a positive impact for students with and without disabilities and foster inclusivity for all students.

The link to the Special Education Resource Fair went live on Saturday, April 20, and can be found on the 2024 Family Summit webpage.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Please join me and the Fairfax County School Board in recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month in FCPS.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental difference that affects communication and social interaction, but also presents with unique strengths in such areas as focus, memory, visual perception, logical thinking, persistence, mathematics, music, creativity and more. One in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Early intervention, inclusive practices, acceptance, understanding, and access to appropriate support services are crucial to improve outcomes for and the success of students with ASD. By celebrating neurodiversity, making space for neurodivergent norms in the school culture, promoting understanding, and adapting the educational environment to support diverse ways of learning, we can create a more inclusive school community for all, including students with ASD.

To learn more about ASD, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMS).

Music & Arts FCPS is One of the Best Communities for Music Education

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.

In its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that show exceptional dedication to providing access to music education to all students. Districts are evaluated on funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for music programs. Fairfax County has been honored with this recognition 11 times and is among 975 school districts acknowledged in 2024.

FCPS schools, ensembles, and instructors have gained national and international recognition for their many achievements. Ensembles perform at state and national conferences, and schools consistently receive national music accolades, such as the Sudler Flag of Honor, Sudler Cup, Honor Band, induction into the National Band Association, and Midwest Clinic participation.

Teachers frequently present on music education topics at national conferences, receive awards at the state, local, and national levels, and attain national board certifications.

Upcoming Theatre Performances “Footloose!” at Robinson Secondary School

Footloose tickets are now on sale! The Rambunctious Theater Co. at Robinson Secondary is getting ready to cut loose! Even if you don’t have a student in the show, it is sure to include some of your friends’ kids and others you may know from the neighborhood. Support the arts!

Final show dates are April 26 & 27. Tickets are available here.

“1776” at Woodson High School

It is 1776 and John Adams is desperately trying to create America. All he has to do is help defeat England -the world's greatest superpower, convince his fellow congressmen to vote for Independence, and find a way to Unite all the colonies under one set of ideals. Students play America's fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the people who will be determining its future—and the result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. A musical where people aren't just fighting to create America, but for its very soul.

Show dates are April 26 & 27 and May 3 & 4. Tickets are available here.

“Romeo & Juliet” at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Shakespeare's most famous love story, arguably, the most famous love story ever told, is the greatest cautionary tale for children and adults - be careful what actions you take, because the consequences are not always within your control.

AUDIENCE ADVISORY: If this production were rated by the Motion Picture Association of America, it would almost certainly be rated "R" for suggestive humor, violence, self-harm, and death. Audience member discretion is STRONGLY advised.

Show dates are May 2 & 3. Tickets are available here.

From the School Board Student Rights & Responsibilities Update

Also during its March 19 Work session, the School Board discussed important yearly revisions to the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook which all students and parents receive at the beginning of every school year. The SR&R is aligned with the Virginia Board of Education Model Guidance for Positive and Preventative Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension and is reviewed each year and approved by the School Board.

Watch the work session.

Upcoming Board Meetings

I encourage you to follow the School Board’s work and be a part of the public process. Agendas and other information are available on BoardDocs.

April 25

5-6:30 p.m. - Closed Meeting
7 p.m. - Regular Meeting - Regular Meeting: Strategic Plan Goal 2 Baseline Report, Special Education Enhancement Plan

April 30, 3-5 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
May 7, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Work Session - FY2024 Advertised Budget and Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
May 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting - Student Rights & Responsibilities
May 14, 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing - Budget
May 15, 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing - Budget (if needed)

Recent Archived Meeting Videos

April 11 Regular Session
April 16 Work Session

District News 10 Years of Portrait of a Graduate

Please join me in celebrating 10 years of the “Portrait of a Graduate” (POG) program at FCPS!

POG focuses on “future-ready” attributes of success for our students by building communication skills, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and being goal directed and resilient. These skills increase engagement, build confidence, and support academic success. In presenting a report on the status of this program at the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid promised to continue to build on our last decade of success with the strategies seen here.

Honoring Military Kids During the Month of the Military Child

In this video, Dr. Reid and Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Colonel Joseph Messina recognize and celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of military-connected children during the Month of the Military Child. FCPS is grateful to these remarkable young individuals who contribute so much to our community.

FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.

Visit our Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. If you have any questions, please email our Family and School Partnerships team.

Budget Corner Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction

Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education.

Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.

For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book.

Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback.

Out & About

This week, I again had the pleasure of spending some time with Annie Ray, the GRAMMY! Award-winning orchestra conductor at Annandale High School, to learn more about the innovative work she is doing and to start a conversation about how to scale Annandale’s program as a district-wide model. Music is motivational!

Annandale High School Orchestra Conductor Annie Ray and some of her students.

At Robinson Secondary School, I met with Principal Tracey Phillips to discuss issues specific to our secondary schools, where middle and high school students share facilities and sometimes programs. This presents a unique set of educational challenges and opportunities, and I’m confident the thousands of students at RSS are in good hands with Principal Phillips.

I also visited with my friend and colleague Andrea Cook, academy and arts administrator at the Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts. I enjoyed visiting the dance program as they prepared for their performance at Wolftrap, watching the students create upcycled clothing projects for the upcoming fashion show, and finally seeing the creativity of the music technology students as they produce their original recordings and even get to perform them in the in house open mics! They are a great resource for FCPS programs looking for sound and tech folks, as well as people in the community looking for people to run sound. This is always one of my favorite places to visit because the spirit and creativity are free-flowing and palpable!

Students at Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts.

Lastly, in non-FCPS news, I had the best time on Saturday, April 13, serving as a judge in the Middleridge Pet Parade along with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw. Those furry friends certainly are loved, integral parts of our family - even a hamster won an award this year! Judging certainly was harder than I thought but as much fun as I hoped for!

With Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw at the Middleridge Pet Parade.

Coming Up Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:

Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs.

Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

More Stuff Parents Should Know No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service.

School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey.

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

April 2, 2024 News - Neurodiversity Proclamation, Family Summit & more!

School Board Braddock District 1 month ago

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Braddock community, welcome back from a well-deserved Spring Break!

I hope you all had a chance to take a breath, be present with your loved ones, and enjoy some of the things we love to do outside our wonderful school campuses! All our students, teachers and other FCPS staff work so hard every day, and I love the learning I see going on in our school buildings. Sometimes, though, it is just as nice to take a break and build those core memories together. Those experiences we create inform who we are and help guide future choices. In my opinion, these moments are fleeting but vital to staying grounded to what is important. I hope your spring break was full of those fun, grounding moments.

What was your favorite moment of spring break? Mine was our “pajama jams” night, a tradition our family started during Covid where we hang out in our pajamas while my son plays a concert for us of his and our favorite tunes! It is amazing how much joy the arts bring into our lives.

And how fortunate are we to live in a community with so much to offer families? As we enter into the last leg of this school year, I encourage you to take every advantage of events and other opportunities to show up for your child at their school - it matters so much. Our teachers and staff, PTAs/PTOs, boosters, and other organizations provide such a rich tapestry of enrichment for our students that makes such a difference in their lives. I am grateful for the energy and passion our teachers and staff bring to their classes and buildings and the joy in learning that I see in my school visits is palpable. I am excited for spring sports and spring plays and musicals!

Take care of yourself and your families, and please let me know how I might be of service to you.

Rachna

In this issue:

Neurodiversity News
Music & the Arts
Budget Corner
More from the School Board
Focus on Braddock
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

School Board Proclaims March 18-24 Neurodiversity Affirmation Week

The School Board on March 21 unanimously approved its first-ever proclamation recognizing Neurodiversity Affirmation Week, which this year was from March 18-24!

This is as personal for me as it is for many of you whose lives and those of our loved ones are deeply impacted by this important educational, societal and civil rights issue which is ever-present in the classroom, throughout our local community and beyond.

FCPS staff leadership, School Board, students, educators and advocates celebrate approval of first Neurodiversity Affirmation Week proclamation.

The proclamation is the result of decades of work by FCPS educators, parents, students and community partners who recognized long ago that neurodiversity exists and presents educational challenges and opportunities as unique as the workings of each of our brains. It reads, in part:

“... every person on our planet is neurodiverse as we all think, behave, feel, perceive, and learn in different ways that are unique to each individual due to their identities and experiences, all of these different ways of being and functioning are value neutral, meaning that there is not one ‘better’ or ‘right’ way.

“Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring equitable access to a quality education for all students by universally designing instruction and educational environments, employing a Neurodiversity Specialist, the first in the nation for K-12 school divisions, lifting up neurodiverse staff members, recognizing that there are different ways of being in our schools and communities, affirming the abilities and unique strengths of every student and staff member, presuming competence, promoting positive self-concepts and identities, and ensuring spaces and school communities do not require students to “mask” their unique individual characteristics or assimilate to participate.”

Further, the resolution embraces “a strengths-based model that also recognizes that society’s current norms, beliefs, and structures can create barriers to access and affirmation for neurodivergent individuals.”

I am so proud of this moment, but there is much more to be done to support neurodiverse students within FCPS. Stay tuned for more, and read the full resolution here.

In addition, this month, new dynamic posters - designed in-house by FCPS staff - were hung in each of our schools as a constant reminder of the uniqueness of human thought. A hi-res digital version is available here for your own use.

"Footloose" at Robinson Secondary School!

Footloose tickets are now on sale! The Rambunctious Theater Co. at Robinson Secondary is getting ready to cut loose! Even if you don’t have a student in the show, it is sure to include some of your friends’ kids and others you may know from the neighborhood. Support the arts! Show dates are April 19 (7 p.m.) & 20 (2 and 7 p.m.) and 26 & 27 (same times.)

Budget Corner

🏐 New Athletic Opportunities for Students

The FCPS budget is almost entirely focused on a 6% compensation increase for our teachers and staff, which is in alignment with our surrounding jurisdictions, and on the instructional needs of our students.

While most of our budget is compensation and instruction, we also propose to expand high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being.

FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details.

The state hasn’t finalized its budget, and so it is unclear what it plans to do to address the JLARC study that demonstrated Virginia underfunds public education by approximately $1,900 per student less than our surrounding states. In addition, FCPS is currently slated to receive 51.4% of the total county budget, down from the approximately 52.6% that has been our 20-year average share of the total county budget. This has resulted in a shortfall of nearly $90 million from our ask, and may lead to some tough decisions regarding compensation and programs. Stay tuned as we work through the budget process.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget.

March 19, 2024 - Music, Neurodiversity, Budget

School Board Braddock District 1 month 2 weeks ago

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Spring & the Sound of Music are in the Air in Braddock District!

Hello FCPS Braddock District Families -

This week I was fortunate to experience two of my favorite things - the onset of real spring weather and the sound of music in our schools!

School Board Members with the Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band, Band Director Anthony Loft and RSS Principal Tracey Phillips.

First, Springfield District School Board Member Sandy Anderson and I visited Robinson Secondary School on Wednesday to present Band Director Andrew Loft with the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) award for Selected Performing Ensemble Group. As part of the award, the Robinson Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the 2023 VMEA conference that was held in November 2023 in Richmond.

The students were unable to attend our last school board meeting to receive this honor, so we were delighted to deliver it to their classroom and enjoy a few moments of beautiful music! Music is a critical part of early childhood development, a beacon during formative adolescent and teen years, and an inspiration for a lifetime.

FCPS School Board Members Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Sandy Anderson present WMEA certificate to RSS Band Director Andrew Loft.

If you're looking for a fun evening out, go hear the RSS Symphonic Band the night before they leave for the prestigious Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis! The concert is at Robinson's Russell Theatre at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday March 19.

Part of what is so incredible about this accomplishment is that these students represent just a fraction of the tens of thousands of their peers studying music, arts and theater across FCPS' award-winning programs, not to mention the hundreds of brilliant educators who make it happen every day. Join me in wishing them all a Happy Music, Theatre & Arts Month for the remainder of March!

On Thursday, I had the treat of attending a rehearsal of the FCPS Parent Orchestra, conducted by Annandale High School Orchestra Director and recent GRAMMY winner Annie Ray! This was so much fun! I truly commend those who realize it's never too late to try something new, or to stretch those musical muscles that might not have been used in awhile. And I learned something: playing an upright bass can be a great workout!

I hope you have a wonderful, safe, and happy spring break!

Rachna

Rachna Sizemore Heizer playing upright bass at FCPS Parent Orchestra rehearsal.

Neurodiversity News: School Board to Consider Affirmation Week Proclamation on March 21

This Thursday, March 21, the School Board will consider adopting its first-ever proclamation recognizing March 18-24 as Neurodiversity Affirmation Week.

I am so pleased to be the sponsor of this important proclamation, which outlines certain principles regarding how the board and school system should embrace and affirm neurodiversity in public education. We are making progress in this area but there is so much more we can do to ensure that everyone has equal access to education and is able to participate without having to assimilate.

If you are touched by this issue in any way, I invite you to attend the board's regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 at Luther Jackson Middle School. This moment is about you.

Also, FCPS has a new resource to help constantly affirm neurodivergence and the diverse spectrum of human experience during Neurodiversity Affirmation Week and beyond. New, staff-designed posters were delivered to the main offices at every school and center starting March 7, and digital copies are available to students, staff, families, offices, and community partners. The poster is printable so you can prominently display it in any space to raise up neurodiversity within our schools and the larger community.

FY2024-25 Budget Status

I'd like to extend a sincere thank you to Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, who was gracious to host me on a special budget town hall aired live on March 11 on Fairfax County's Channel 16. County Executive Bryan Hill also was a featured guest as we discussed budget priorities and answered constituent questions on the air. The archived program can be viewed here.

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, me, and Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill at Channel 16 studios on March 11.

As you may be aware, the School Board in February passed Dr. Michelle Reid's request for approximately $3.8 billion for the FY25 budget and forwarded its spending plan to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration as part of the overall county budget. I remain hopeful that the Board of Supervisors will approve the schools budget as submitted, as it primarily consists of increased compensation, necessary to recruit and retain the best teachers. We cannot have excellent schools without excellent teachers, and compensation is critical in this era of national staffing shortages.

I encourage you to participate in the budget process.

More on the School Board's budget process is available here.

More on the Board of Supervisors' process is available here.

More from the School Board School Board Approves Elementary Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources

Children reading on a bright-colored carpet.

At its March 7 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve the purchase of Benchmark Advance as the basal instructional resource for elementary language arts. Basal materials are foundational materials used for instruction. These materials are aligned with the Science of Reading and will be implemented in all K-6 classrooms in school year 2024-25.

The resource will:

Ensure that all students in K-6 are instructed via the “science of reading” approach, which is proven to be the strongest approach to ensure literacy mastery.
Align literacy instruction across the entire school division, for teaching strategies and thematic content.
Provide content designed to build knowledge, vocabulary, and perspectives via thematic units across grade bands.
Meets the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act.
Allow adjustments to best instruct our students with disabilities and our English language learners.

I am proud to have been a long-time supporter of bringing basal resources to our schools, and am grateful to all who helped make this happen.

School Board Explores Middle School Start Times

At the Feb. 22 School Board meeting, Prismatic Services Inc. presented an analysis of middle school start times including background information and community engagement plans.

In September 2023, Prismatic was awarded a contract to explore adjusting middle school start times to 8 a.m. or later, beginning in the fall of 2025. The change must be budget-neutral and not affect other school start times. View the presentation slides.

Ways You Can Get Involved Take the Family Engagement Survey

FCPS families interacting in different educational settings.

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. All responses are confidential. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.

First-class Award Nominations

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.

Nominate someone who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS by Friday, March 22. Email [email protected] with questions.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

Marach 11, 2024 - Braddock District Budget Town Hall Tonight!

School Board Braddock District 1 month 4 weeks ago

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Braddock District Budget Town Hall Set for Tonight on Channel 16!

Do you have questions about the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget? Join me and Fairfax County’s Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw for a virtual Budget Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

Our FCPS teachers need your support if the Board of Supervisors is to approve the School Board’s FY25 advertised budget, which includes a 6% pay increase for all teachers and staff that is necessary to position FCPS to remain competitive with our surrounding school systems in Northern Virginia. We cannot keep losing our good teachers - and without good teachers we cannot maintain the excellent public school system for which FCPS is known. Our budget focuses almost exclusively on student instruction needs and compensation.

You can watch the town hall in three different ways:

Facebook Live
Stream on the County website
Tune to Channel 16 (Channel 16 on Verizon/Comcast or Cox Channel 1016)

Want to submit a question?

Email [email protected] (before 5pm)
Call (703) 324-1114 during the program
Use the Facebook Live chat during the program

Please visit FCPS’ website to stay up-to-date on the budget development process.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

Feb. 21, 2024 FCPS Braddock District News: Budget, Staff Aide and more!

School Board Braddock District 2 months 2 weeks ago

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Greetings from Your FCPS Braddock District School Board Member

Hello! I am honored to continue to serve on the Fairfax County School Board, but in a new capacity! I am so proud and privileged to represent the Braddock District on the board through 2027! For those who are new to me - hello, and I look forward to getting to know you! While serving at-large, representing the entire county, was gratifying, I am pleased to now represent the Braddock District where I have lived, worked and raised my children since 2001. My children are thriving in college and beyond because of the education they received in FCPS, and that is what I want for each and every child.

A little about me: Previously, I served as an at-large School Board member from 2020-23, including a term as Board Chair and a term as Board Vice Chair, among other roles.

In addition, I am a lawyer, college professor, and advocate whose passion lies in ensuring that our schools are safe and inclusive with an excellent education for each child. My journey began through supporting my child with a disability, but what I learned through his journey applies to everyone: that every child comes to FCPS with unique talents and needs. Our job is to foster those talents and meet those needs so every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.

I have learned from my own experiences as a parent that advocating for your own child in public schools is a complex and often overwhelming undertaking, and I bring that perspective to my daily work as a school board member.

Being a representative of a geographic district means I’m shifting my focus from the entire county to you - my Braddock constituents and the 22 schools that lie within the Braddock boundaries. I would like to ask you to partner with me in this effort by letting me know what is important to you, as well as sharing the specific successes and challenges that your children and families face as part of this vibrant community. Invite me to your events and share with me your thoughts so I can better serve you!

I have a new staff aide, Bill Farrar, who is a Braddock district resident and FCPS parent, and he and I have many plans for outreach to the Braddock community - so stay tuned for opportunities to be heard and get involved. In the meantime, below is more information about Bill. Bill’s email is [email protected] and you can always reach me at [email protected].

In the meantime, I thank you for all you do to support our children, teachers and schools. I take this job and my obligation to you seriously. And I feel strongly that I want to serve the school system and community that set my own children on their paths to success.

Please see below for more information on school board and FCPS news:

As always, I am here to serve you! Please feel free to reach out to Bill or me anytime!

All my best,
Rachna

February is Black History Month

It’s often said that Black history is American history. The story of our country, and that of Fairfax County, is inextricably entwined with the stories of Black people – not only the endless accomplishments and contributions, but the systematic marginalization and disenfranchisement which sadly continues today.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

During Black History Month and always, it is critical that even as we as a school system embrace steps forward – such as the recent renaming of a school building once dedicated to the memory of a segregationist to instead honor the father of Black history, Carter G. Woodson – that we not only invoke Mr. Woodson’s name but live up to his legacy.

I challenge everyone in the FCPS community to commit with me to celebrate diversity, support the Black community’s histories, tradition and culture, understand the on-going struggle for human rights, and commit to ending racism and discrimination in our community and beyond.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month. Read the School Board’s Black History Month proclamation.

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Focuses on Recruiting and Retaining Quality Educators

We are in the midst of budget season! We will vote on our advertised budget at our regular business meeting on Thursday, Feb. 22 - you can come to the meeting, watch the live stream, or watch later on YouTube. More information here: https://www.fcps.edu/school-board/school-board-meetings

Budget Documents:

Here is a link to the budget documents: Budget Documents | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)

Here is my synopsis of the budget and process, in case this is helpful to you.

What is the Budget Process?

Dr. Reid presented her FY25 advertised budget at the Board meeting on Feb. 9. This is our “ask”, since our funders haven’t yet passed their budgets, so our total revenue is unknown at this point. Our budget timeline follows the federal government, which means our fiscal year starts on July 1 each year.
The Board of Supervisors will pass its budget in May, which includes the amount of money they plan to transfer to the schools.
The state then will pass its budget, finalizing our funding amount from the state.
Once we know the funding amount we will receive from our funding sources - the School Board will pass our FY25 budget later in May.
We will allocate year end funds in July. Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities the Superintendent has recommended to be addressed at year end.
Depending on when the state passes its budget, we may have to address additional state initiatives at a later date.

Who Funds FCPS?

FCPS does not have the authority to raise our own revenue, so we rely on our county, state, and federal partners to fund our schools.
Approximately 19% of our funding comes from the state, which has underfunded public education according to the bipartisan JLARC study. See Rpt575-3.pdf (virginia.gov)

A few findings from the JLARC study - Virginia school divisions receive less K-12 state funding per student than the 50-state average and the regional average, which equates to a loss of approximately $1,900 per student. Many neighboring states spend more per pupil, including West Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. The current state funding formula - the SOQs - dramatically underestimates the actual costs of public education, as evidenced by the fact that the SOQ formula provided $6.6 billion less than what was spent by local school divisions in FY 2021.

Approximately 70% of our funding comes from Fairfax County. Due to state funding formulas that result in significant local funding requirements to Fairfax County, we thank our local taxpayers and the County Board for their strong support for our schools! We know strong schools drive a strong economy - often people and businesses move here for the schools and great county services. Traditionally, schools have received 52.6% of the county budget, similar to other school systems. Last year, FCPS received closer to 51.5% of the overall county budget and this year, according to the Washington Post, County Executive Bryan Hill’s proposed budget gives 49% of the total proposed budget to the schools. See - https://wapo.st/48j1OKE
About 10% of our budget comes from the federal government, mostly through grants, contracts with the City of Fairfax, and a few other funding sources.

What is Our Budget Ask? See FY-2025-Proposed-Budget-Presentation.pdf (fcps.edu) and FY-2025-Proposed-Budget.pdf (fcps.edu)

Our focus this year is on educating our students, compensating our teachers and continuing the work of providing a world class education experience, with strong academics, meeting each child’s needs, expanded access to athletics and support for the arts, and ensuring we continue the multi-year initiatives in which we have already invested time and resources.

Approximately 86% of our current budget is allocated to instructional programs and instruction remains our focus in the FY25 Advertised Budget.
Given the significant teacher shortage crisis, our primary focus is providing competitive compensation. The budget includes a 6% compensation increase, which is in alignment with our surrounding jurisdictions. We have to remain competitive, or we will keep losing teachers and staff to our surrounding areas, especially since it is often less costly to live in nearby counties.
The second largest focus of the budget is student educational needs - maintaining class sizes and addressing the growing enrollment and growing percentage of students who have higher support needs. Students with higher support needs are a significant portion of our increase in enrollment and a larger percentage of our overall student population in comparison to previous years.
This is a needs-based budget, as required by state law. It is also a bare bones budget required to recruit and retain our best teachers and provide students with the education they need in this era of increased costs, higher expectations on school systems, and greater student needs. We cannot continue to provide a world class education without world class teachers. Currently, we rank 4th in compensation in comparison to our surrounding jurisdictions.
FCPS is not proposing major new initiatives this year to respect the increased pressure on real estate taxes and in deference to the county’s fiscal forecast and revenue projections. We are also committed to continue to look for efficiencies and are committed to fiscal responsibility. If we want Fairfax County to remain a premier school system, in the future we must consider initiatives to support that such as expanding STEAM programs, greater access to CTE and advanced academics, enhanced security measures, increasing counseling support, and preparing students for the jobs of the future, even more important in an AI world. There is much work to be done and together we can keep our excellent schools strong and our county a place for all to live, work, and play comfortably.
Capital Improvement Projects (renovations) are funded separately through bond funding (see CIP below)

Want to have a say?

I welcome your thoughts and feedback as we move through this process. Please email me at [email protected].

Since the majority of our funding comes from the county and the state, if you would also like to participate in those budget processes, here are some options:

Fairfax County’s Budget Process:

Provide your input in one of several ways:

Online, email, voicemail: https://bit.ly/42LRjye
Text feedback: FY25Budget to 73224
Attend district budget town halls in March
In person, phone, recorded video at April 16-18 public hearings

Virginia's Budget Process Information:

More information on the state’s budget process: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaStateBudget.php?secid=22&activesec=4#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=0&content=0,includes/contentTemplate.php%3Ftid%3D56%26ctype%3Db%26cid%3D108
Link to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee page if you would like to follow along: https://sfac.virginia.gov/index.shtml
Link to the House Appropriations Committee Page if you would like to follow along: https://hac.virginia.gov/welcome.htm

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Thomas Jefferson HS Admissions Policy to Stand

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday let stand an appeals court decision upholding the admissions policy for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), ending a three-year legal challenge by a group that claimed the policy was unfair.

The Fairfax County School Board adopted the plan in late 2020 to address the shortcomings in an admissions system that persistently drew students from just a handful of the County’s middle schools and resulted in classes that lacked the socioeconomic and geographic diversity seen in the other schools. The plan raised the minimum GPA and class size, guaranteed every middle school a certain number of seats, and eliminated the standardized tests and application fee that had long been part of the admission process.

Read FCPS' full statement on this matter.

Introducing Our New Braddock District Staff Aide

I am pleased to introduce my new Braddock District School Board Staff Aide Bill Farrar (he/him/his). As my right hand, Bill will be responsible for constituent relations, community outreach, research, coordinating my calendar, serving as liaison with the administration and schools, and other duties.

Bill has a long background in strategic communications, local government, non-profit advocacy and higher education. He lives in the Braddock District with his wife and son who attends an FCPS elementary school in the Braddock District. He also has two adult sons who live in Richmond and Asheville, N.C., and a new grandson. Please feel free to reach out to Bill at [email protected] with district concerns, or just to welcome him to my office!

Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Bravo for FCPS' Performing Arts Programs

From left, School Board Members Ryan McElveen (at-large), Marcia St. John-Cunning (Franconia), Ilryong Moon (at-large), Karl Frisch (chair, Providence), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock).

If you are seeking quality performing arts in Fairfax County, look no further than our own high schools and secondary schools for the finest talent anywhere!

I had a fantastic time at Fairfax Academy's opening night production of "Cry Baby the Musical!" with my fellow board members (above), as well as at recent performances of “Something Rotten” at Lake Braddock Secondary School and Matilda The Musical Jr. at Robinson Secondary School.

The dancing and singing were phenomenal, the comedic timing impeccable, the acting, costumes and sets first-rate, and the energy infectious. I felt like I was on Broadway - these shows were that good! Congratulations to all performers, faculty and the countless others who had a hand in these amazing productions.

School Board Approves FY2025-29 Capital Improvement Program

Link to CIP: Proposed-FCPS-FY-2025-29-CIP.pdf

What are Capital Projects?

Capital projects include new school construction and/or repurposing of existing buildings, capacity enhancements, facility renovations, and site acquisitions.
The FCPS Capital Improvement Program (CIP) annually reviews current student membership analysis and facilities data to identify future capacity needs and capital requirements. Capital projects include new school construction and/or repurposing of existing buildings, capacity enhancements, facility renovations, and site acquisitions.
The proposed FY2025-29 CIP outlines plans for:

New school construction at Dunn Loring Elementary School.
Renovations and capacity enhancements at schools across the division.

Other projects and long-range planning include new construction and repurposing projects such as an early childhood center, as well as a western high school, renovations, and site acquisition.
Project design and planning reflect current research and best practices regarding safe and effective learning spaces for students, and serve as a reflection of FCPS’ desire to continue to serve all students.

Funding

Estimated funding shown in the CIP assumes general obligation bond sales of $205 Million (M) in FY24. Beginning in FY25, the general obligation bond sales will increase an additional $25M to $230M. This funding was increased through the Joint CIP Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the School Board.
The FY2024-28 five-year capital requirement totals approximately $1.4 billion. Funds approved in the 2021 School Bond Referendum and previous referenda will address approximately $470M of the five-year requirement leaving a balance of approximately $935M unfunded and awaiting future bonds.
Our funding for renovations comes on taxpayer-approved bond referendums to fund its Capital Improvement Program. We thank Fairfax County voters for approving the 2023 School Bond Referendum.

Renovation Queue

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a ranked renovation queue of schools. FCPS has experienced atypically high construction costs over the past two years as a result of inflation and supply chain issues. The School Board’s policy has a goal to renovate school buildings every 20-to-25 years. The renovation projects are funded from a finite amount of money available by the County’s sale of general obligation bonds after voter approval of school bond referendums. The current renovation cycle is 42 years.

The current approved CIP renovation queue is expected to have projects funded for either planning and design or construction by 2031. The new renovation queue is in the initial stages of development. A professional consultant is engaging stakeholder groups for help with establishing the criteria by which facilities will be evaluated and prioritized. This will include a facility condition assessment and an evaluation of the buildings. Once completed, future CIPs will include the new proposed renovation queue for School Board approval.

Financial and Environmental Sustainability

The Asset Management Program and Environmental Sustainability are also highlighted in the CIP:

The Asset Management Program is responsible for conducting and capturing asset inventory of facilities-related equipment at schools and offices to identify the division's infrastructure backlog and future funding requirements.
Environmental Sustainability includes FCPS initiatives to proactively address climate change and environmental sustainability.
These programs are aligned with the Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) goals to demonstrate how the division is aligning its policies and procedures to achieve carbon reduction.

Congratulations to FCPS' Own GRAMMY Winner Annie Ray!

Kudos to Annandale High School Orchestra Director Annie Ray, who was selected as this year's recipient of the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award!

Ray, who was named FCPS' Outstanding Secondary School Teacher in 2023, attended the star-studded awards event in Los Angeles on Feb. 4 to receive the honor and rub shoulders with some of the music industry's top artists and producers.

“Most of all I want to thank my students to whom this award actually belongs,” she said. The love of making music has been our unity and community. Thank you all for allowing me to guide you in this, I am humbled to accept this award for you all.”

FCCPTA Leading Community Engagement

Thanks so much to the wonderful Parent Teacher Association representatives from the Braddock District and others who were so gracious to meet with me this month at the Fairfax County Council PTA School Board Meet & Greet. I always gain so much from these conversations and am amazed at the talent and passion of our volunteer leaders!

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

23 minutes 5 seconds ago

Braddock District Member - Rachna Sizemore Heizer - Recent Updates

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