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The Dunne Dispatch (Calendar Edition) - 05/03/2024

The Dunne Dispatch alternates between a bi-weekly calendar of events and bi-weekly report on School Board updates, student accomplishments, and school celebrations. My goal is to connect the schools with the community, and vice versa. Even if you do not have children attending FCPS, I encourage you to attend public events at our schools.

If you have any school or related community events you would like me to include in my calendar email, please submit them here for consideration.

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Mount Vernon Pyramid 

• Mount Vernon HS PTSA Meeting, May 8, 6:30 p.m. Join the Mount Vernon PTSA for its next monthly member meeting on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30PM, Door 1, G100. They will serve pizza and hold a Google Home device giveaway! Acting Principal Boyd will discuss the "IB for All" program and answer your questions.
• Whitman MS Multicultural Family Night, May 16, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Whitman MS invites its students and families to Multicultural Family Night on May 16. Participants are needed for display, performances, and to volunteer. Sign up before May 9 if you would like to participate. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

• Fort Belvoir (Primary and Upper) ES Carnival, May 17, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Fort Belvoir ES Carnival will take place on the FBES Bus Loop and in the Upper School Cafeteria and Gym on Friday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Unlimited wristbands will be available for $10 (pre-sale discount available).
• Fort Belvoir ES Food Market, May 23, 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fort Belvoir ES and the Capital Area Food Bank invites all FBES families and Fort Belvoir Homeschoolers to participate in this monthly Food Market. No charge. For more information, contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

• Woodley Hills ES Family Science Night, May 30, 6:00 p.m. The Family Science Night will be held on Thursday, May 30 at Woodley Hills Elementary School beginning at 6:00 p.m. At least 18 volunteers are needed for the duration of the event. Volunteers are also needed to hep with set-up and breakdown from 5:15 - 7:45 p.m.  Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years old.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Dr. Khalid-Schieber at [email protected]

West Potomac Pyramid

• West Potomac Marketplace, May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The West Potomac Marketplace will take place on May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at West Potomac High School (6500 Quander Road, Alexandria, VA). Support local artisans. Explore handcrafted goods and hands-on crafts for kids. Shop for loved ones. For more information, visit the event's website or email [email protected].

• Fort Hunt PTA Spring Carnival & Silent Auction, Friday, May 17. Save the Date! Fort Hunt ES’s always popular Spring Carnival and Silent Auction will be on Friday, May 17th.The time to plan for our Spring Carnival and Silent Auction is now! The Fort Hunt PTA needs your help. Check out the Spring Carnival & Silent Auction website for more information for volunteering, donating baked goods, and more! The auction will include great deals for teacher donations, restaurants, wine tastings, Six Flags, Nationals tickets, and more! All proceeds support the Care & Share Program, future Family Events, Teacher Appreciation, Curriculum Support and more! 

Hayfield Pyramid

• Hayfield SS Rising Freshman Night, May 16, 6:00 p.m. Calling all current 8th graders! Don't miss Hayfield's Rising Freshman Night. Participants will:
  • Learn about Hayfield.
  • Meet counselors and staff.
  • Have questions answered by a community panel.
  • Tour your new school.

• Gunston ES Celebration of Diversity and Unity, May 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• Island Creek Read-A-Thon, May 22-31

South County Pyramid

• South County MS Bingo Night, May 10, 6:30 p.m. Join South County MS for Bingo Night on Friday May 10th. This is a family friendly event.  Doors open at 6pm and the fun begins at 6:30 pm. Refreshments and Pizza will be available for purchase. $7.00 tickets include bingo cards for each game and a bingo marker. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
• South County MS Thank Goodness It's Thursday (TGIT), May 16, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. The South County MS PTSO is hosting TGIT (Thank Goodness it's Thursday), an after school event for students on May 16th from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. There will be food, games, sports, a dunk tank, a gaming truck, a DJ, and an ice cream truck. Tickets are $7.00 and include food and one ice cream. Tickets must be purchased in advance.  They can be purchased at lunch the week of the event or online.
• South County Pyramid Art Show at Lorton Workhouse, May 25 – June 2. Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present the South County Pyramid Show, featuring the work of over 100 Kindergarten through 12th Grade students from six different schools in Fairfax, Virginia. The exhibit features student artwork created with a myriad of techniques and mediums. The exhibition will occur at McGuire Woods Gallery, W-16 2nd Floor9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA (map). It will open on May 25, 11:00 a.m. and end on June 2, 4:00 p.m. There is a reception on

• South County Summer Strings Camp, July 8-19, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!

Edison Pyramid

• Edison Pyramid Art Show, May 9, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

  The Edison Pyramid Art Show will take place at Edison HS on Thursday, May 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Night on Broadway will follow after the art show. There is no cost for either event. Hope to see you there.

• Twain MS Spirit Night at Olympians, May 14-15, all day. Order food from Olympians Family Restaurant at 6430 Landsdowne Centre on May 14 & 15 (all day) to support the Twain MS PTA. Dine in or carryout. Tell them you are supporting Twain PTA to ensure proceeds will be donated to the PTA.  When ordering online, write in the notes SUPPORTING TWAIN MS. Eat good food and help a good cause.
• Twain MS Community Night, May 16, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Join us for the annual Twain Community Night on Thursday, May 16 from 6-8 pm. This is a family-fun event open to the community. Invitations will be distributed to Twain’s feeder elementary schools. Twain organizers are hoping for a big crowd.  The PTA sell pizza, other concessions and spirit wear.  All Twain MS departments will be represented.  Don’t miss the Pick-A-Prize Raffle. Prizes include Washington Nationals Baseball Tickets, LEGO Discovery, Total Wine, Fairfax County Park Foundation, Natalie Dicks Photography, and more.
• Edison HS Jumpstart Program, August 7 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and August 9 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). Your student's transition to high school is very important! This year, Edison HS will offer an optional Jump Start program to its rising 9th grade students. Students can register to attend one of the two-day sessions: August 7 from 9:00AM - 1:00 PM or August 9 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Students will have an opportunity to meet staff members (administrators, counselors, and some teachers), tour the building, get a couple high school tips for success, hear about our many sports/club programs offered, and more. Lunch is included in the program. Transportation will be provided at limited locations. Registration will open on May 30th and a link will be located on the Edison website for those interested in our Jumpstart program. Please contact please email [email protected] for more information.

Lewis Pyramid

• Saratoga ES, Chalk the Walk: May 5, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

• Lewis HS Athletics Schedule, May 6-11

FCPS Events and Activities

• Bike & Roll to School Day, May 8. We are celebrating and encouraging students to include a safe route to school as part of a healthy and active lifestyle. If you ride your bike to school:
  • All students must wear a helmet. Fairfax County law requires any-one under 15 to wear a helmet.
  • Check their equipment: Air, Brakes and Chain
  • Obey all traffic laws, a bicycle is a vehicle
  • See and be seen
  • Go with the flow of traffic, ride on the right.
  • Be predictable, stay alert
  • If riding on a sidewalk, yield to pedestrians and walk your bike if the sidewalk is crowded with walkers
  • Beware of cars coming out of driveways if you ride on the sidewalk

• Community Forums on Middle School Start Times. FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. Register for an in-person or virtual forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
  
  • Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School
  • Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Virtual
  • Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School
  • Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School

• 🎤 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:

  • 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.

• ☀️ Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza, June 1, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

  Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, story time, and student performances — all at no cost!

  Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.

Community Announcements and Activities

• SEPTA Awards Ceremony, May 11, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Save the date! The SEPTA Awards Ceremony will be on May 11 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in-person at a church in Fairfax. RSVPs are now open to the general public. Check SEPTA’s Facebook Page for more information.

• Supervisor Dan Storck Hosts Native Garden Tour, May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Looking to start your own native garden?🌼 Get started with a FREE native perennial! Stop by the Native Garden Tour and Open House this Saturday, May 4 anytime between 10 a.m. -2 p.m. to check out the native plantings here at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center. Get information about natural landscaping grant opportunities and the first 100 attendees will receive a free native perennial! The event is rain or shine.

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month; a perfect opportunity to learn how to celebrate the vibrant collection of AANHPI cultures in the United States!

There are 24 million people in the United States who identify as Asian, with 1.6 million identifying as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or a combination. According to Pew Research Center (2021), Asian American people are the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions to American culture and society.

The following are a few resources for your family to learn more about Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander heritage and celebrate the contributions made by the AANHPI community.

• Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Reading List
• 10 Ways to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Kids & Teens
• Asian American History Lessons for Educators and Parents

For more information, contact Family and School Partnerships at [email protected].

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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear Dranesville Families:

I hope you have had time to enjoy the May flowers and the warm weather. It is a busy time at all our schools with proms, graduation prep, and lots of standardized testing. A lot of high schools are still in need of AP proctors so please volunteer if possible. Speaking of testing, remember that Tutor.com’s tutors can help 24/7 with those last-minute questions or to prepare students for their tests. Please also make sure your students get a good night’s sleep prior to exams. If you have or will have a middle schooler and support later start times, please attend one of the upcoming Community Forums to learn more and share your thoughts.

I have been quite busy over the past few weeks doing school visits- from experiencing Herndon MS Robotics to an AI Symposium at TJ and McLean High School’s musical Anatasia, to seeing my first MS track and field meet at South Lakes HS and attending Herndon HS’s distracted drivers simulation. I also visited Longfellow MS and attended SEPTA’s event on Storytelling as an Advocacy Tool for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Community. I am continually impressed by the work happening in and out of our schools and the staff and school leaders who guide our students. I am bummed that I was not able to attend more spring musicals and hope to do so next year.

Yesterday, I visited Langley HS and attended their PTSA meeting. There were great questions: expanding MS sports, SR&R including vaping and cell phone usage, budget, and staffing. One parent asked what my top three priorities were, and I shared on the academic side literacy/numeracy and pre-K for all students. My third was to save money/address spending. One way forward on this is the holistic view of the county wide Boundary Policy which has not been altered in 38 years. By looking at the policy, we can look at capacity issues both over and under, long commutes, fewer buses, more sleep for students, and find ways to save taxpayers money. Based on the February Forum, the Governance Committee has been reviewing Policy 8130.  The latest draft  can be found here. The next Governance meeting is scheduled for May 20th and is open to the public. Once the policy has been approved by the Board, the next step is operationalizing this new policy.

Next week is teacher/staff appreciation week! It’s amazing to see all the ways our schools and PTA/PTSAs/PTOs are sharing the love and support for their teachers and school staff. I know how hard our staff work and can’t thank them enough for all that they do! I can’t believe graduations start in just over 4 weeks. I hope you find time to enjoy with your students and see you around Dranesville.

 

Robyn

 

In this newsletter,

• Updates
• School and Student News
• May is...
• Opportunities
• Events

My visit to McLean HS's Spring Musical, "Anastasia"

Updates FCPS Updates Calendar Reminders

May 3: School Lunch Heroes Day

May 3: Orthodox Good Friday- Student Holiday

May 5: Orthodox Easter

May 6-10: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

May 7: National Fentanyl Awareness Day

May 8: National School Nurse Day

May 8: Bike, Walk, Roll to School Day

May 27: Memorial Day Holiday- no school

Calendar for 2023-24 School Year 

Calendar for 2024-25 School Year

2024 Dranesville Students' Graduation Schedule School Date, Time Location Marshall HS     June 3, 2024, 10 a.m.        DAR Constitution Hall Langley HS June 3, 2024, 2:30 p.m. DAR Constitution Hall McLean HS June 4, 2024, 2:30 p.m. DAR Constitution Hall Westfield HS June 4, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena Herndon  HS June 5, 2024, 2 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena TJHSST June 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena School Board Updates School Board Meeting Highlights - April 25, 2024

The School Board approved proclamations honoring Autism Affirmation Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day. The School Board honored 2023-2024 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT), including 14 educators who achieved status as an NBCT and 21 educators who renewed status as an NBCT.

Key Votes

Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 2 Baseline Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered

The School Board voted to approve the Goal 2 Baseline Report as the Division's starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our Strategic Plan 2023-30.

2024-25 IDEA Special Education Annual Plan

The School Board voted to approve the 2024-25 Special Education Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application, Section 611, and Section 619 (Preschool), Part B, grant funding application, as detailed in the agenda item.

Advisory Committee Operating Manual

The School Board voted to send the Advisory Committee Operating Manual, the related sections of the Strategic Governance Manual, and Policy 1710 to the Public Engagement Committee (PEC) and direct the PEC to gather feedback from the Board’s advisory committee chairs and bring final recommendations to the board for a vote no later than June 27, 2024.

Watch the full meeting.

Dr. Reid's Academic Matters April 25, 2024 School Board Meeting 

Superintendent Dr. Reid presented on FCPS’ Get2Green initiative during the Academic Matters segment. View the presentation slides.

Get2Green is FCPS’ sustainability program, and supports green teams at schools with hands-on environmental projects to improve the sustainability of the school and community. Green teams are active at many schools with student-driven activities such as reducing waste, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, conserving energy, and tending edible gardens.

April 11, 2024 School Board Meeting 

During the Academic Matters, Superintendent Dr. Reid recognized 10 years of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) at FCPS. POG helps set students up for personal and academic success by building skills in communication, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and being goal-directed and resilient. 

Give Your Feedback on the Budget

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback: 

• Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS. 
• Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
  • Wednesday, May 15: Hold for second Budget Public Hearing
  • To speak at the Budget Public Hearing, click here.
• Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar

Megan Sawant new Student SB Representative

Megan Sawant, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Sawant will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Rida Karim, a junior at Woodson High School. She will be the 54th student representative to the School Board. Read more about her here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings 

• Tuesday, May 7, 11:30 am: Forum

• Tuesday, May 7, 1 pm: Work Session

• Thursday, May 9, 7 pm: Regular Meeting 

• Thursday, May 14, 6:30 pm: Public Hearing: Budget

• Thursday, May 15, 6:30 pm: Public Hearing: Budget (if needed)

All times and topics subject to change.

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

• Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99.

• Recordings of Meetings: Work Sessions and Regular Meetings are recorded and available here after the meeting. 

• To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

• For information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings, click here.

• Latest schedule of School Board Meetings

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

FCPS Updates and Resources 2024-25 FCPS PreK & Early Head Start Program

The FCPS PreK and Early Head Start program is accepting applications for SY 2024-25. FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying income-eligible children ages six weeks to four years living in Fairfax County. Watch this video to learn more (also available in Spanish). 

• Pre-K prioritizes children who turn 4-years-old by September 30 and also accepts applications for 3-year-old children.

• Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools - Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood - and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and based on income and educational risk factors, not first come, first served. Apply online, by email [email protected], or in person at FCPS’ Leis Center (7423 Camp Alger Ave., Falls Church). For questions about your application or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Registration for 2024-2025 School Year Kindergarten

Registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. After determining which school your child will attend, parents/caregivers may prepare for registration by gathering documents, and completing forms. For details and language support, please visit the Kindergarten Registration page.

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and re-enrolling FCPS families. Apply today to help schools plan for the 2024-25 school year.

Note: Registration is not required for currently enrolled FCPS students. 

Resources for Families New to FCPS

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.

• Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.

• Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 

• Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

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:

• Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 pm, Hybla Valley Elementary School.
• Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 pm, Poe Middle School.
• Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 pm, 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. 

Community Forums on MS Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, May 6, 6-8 pm, Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 pm, virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 pm, Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 pm, Frost Middle School.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.  

May Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Upcoming events include:

• Friday, May 10, 10-11:30 a.m. – Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)
• Attached: Creating a Relationship With My Child Where They Feel Safe and Secure (Presented in Spanish) 
• Tuesday, May 14, 10-11 a.m. and Wednesday, May 15, 7-8 p.m. – COVID-19 Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors
• Friday, May 17, 10-11:30 a.m. – Meet the Author Series: “The Breakthrough Years” by Ellen Galinsky
• Friday, May 31, 10-11:30 a.m. – Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain

Click the linked titles above to register. 

FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get questions answered, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage where you may Submit a Question.

Online Special Education Resource Fair

A virtual fair with asynchronous training for families and community members who have students with disabilities.  Additionally, an online exhibit hall will highlight FCPS offices and programs, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 

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 webpagefor information on how to opt your child into this service.

FCPS Safety Tipline

• Tipline phone number is 571-423-2020.
• Text your concerns to 888-777; keyword TIP FCPS
• Online: Quick Tip Electronic Form (through SchoolMessenger)

Learn more on the FCPS Safety Tipline website.

Work for FCPS School Board Deputy Clerk

We seek a Deputy Clerk to help ensure our elected School Board meets its mission to provide an excellent education to our 182,000+ students and maintain its status as a top employer for our 45,000 educators and staff. This  job is fast-paced; includes working with policy and legal matters; requires strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills; and will require flexible hours that may include weeknights and occasional weekends. See the job listing here and please share with others.

Shift Gears Into a New Career at the FCPS Bus Driver Job Fair

The Office of Transportation Services will be hosting bus driver job fairs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

• Friday, May 17, at Lorton Center (8101 Lorton Rd, Lorton)

• Thursday, May 23, at Stonecroft Transportation Center (4641 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly)

Driving for FCPS is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and career switchers to earn income with benefits. No registration is needed. Apply today! Call 571-423-3000 or email [email protected] with questions.

Cook Up Your Next Career: FCPS Food and Nutrition Job Fair

Food and Nutrition Services will host a  job fair on Wednesday, May 15: 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (6840 Industrial Rd, Springfield). No registration is needed. For more information or general questions, call 703-813-4800 or email [email protected].

April Audit Buzz Newsletter

In this issue of the Audit Buzz, we provide an update on current engagements, discuss “The Vital Role of Hotlines in Combating Fraud, Waste, and Abuse” in the Knowledge Hive; and promote the upcoming Internal Audit Awareness Month. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on the Office of Auditor General's (OAG) website.

April events: SEPTA Storytelling author event; Herndon ON meeting; and SCC Appreciation Supper

Community Updates Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter

Please sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Dranesville Dispatch newsletter here to keep up-to-date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.

Six Lanes on Route 7 Now Open

Drivers along nearly seven miles of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) now have three travel lanes in each direction between Reston Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267).  Route 7 is now continuously at least six lanes for about 20 miles from Leesburg to Tysons.

The improvements from Reston Avenue to Jarrett Valley Drive included:

• Widening Route 7 from four to six lanes
• Improving access management at 19 intersections
• Adding shared-use paths along both sides of Route 7
• Replacing the bridge over Difficult Run
• Reconstructing the Lewinsville Road intersection with the displaced left-turn lane from eastbound Route 7 to Lewinsville Road
• Building a new pedestrian underpass at Colvin Run Mill Park 

Spring Hill Rec Center Gets a Solar Charge

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Spring Hill Rec Center is turning over a new leaf during Earth month 2024 with the activation of a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs as part of a multi-faceted project to enhance the energy efficiency of the popular rec center. The new solar array, the largest to date in the Park Authority, generates enough energy to power 33 homes annually, and is expected to reduce the center’s electricity needs by 13 percent.

Fairfax County 2024 Farmers Markets

The Fairfax County Park Authority is ready for the 2024 Farmers Market season! Find locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and prepared foods as well as family-friendly activities at all ten markets around the County. A full list of farmers markets is here. 

Farmers Market Opening Days in Dranesville

• Herndon Farmers Market (765 Lynn St., Herndon): May 2/ Thursdays 8am-12pm
• McLean Farmers Market (1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean): May 3/ Fridays 8am-12pm

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat

From Common Sense Media, while Snapchat is popular with teens for its disappearing messages and fun filters, families may worry about safety and hidden features. This Common Sense Media article offers a guide for families, explaining how Snapchat works, potential risks, and how to keep teens safe while using the app. 

School and Student News

My visit to Herndon HS's distracted driver simulator event

FCPS Students Take Top Honors at Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference

Twenty four Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won first place awards at the 2024 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held recently in Reston. More than 100 students placed in the top four in their event and qualified to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando in June. A complete list of winners is here.

Students Win Big at State Science Fair

Six students from three Fairfax County high schools won grand prize awards at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair. They have qualified to compete at the international level in May. These students were among nearly 80 students from FCPS who participated in the state fair. Read about their projects and the additional students awardees.

Here are the Dranesville student winners:

• Langley HS:
  • Shirya Jaddu- Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Translational Medicine
  • Ben Doan and Lang Xiong- Material Science
  • Shumvobi Mitra- MicrobiologyNeha 
• Thomas Jefferson HSST
  • Neha Chandran and Srimaye Peddiniti- Physics, Math, and Astronomy

Students Selected for 2024 All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus 

One hundred eighty-one FCPS students have been selected to perform at the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event which will take place April 18-20. Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions within these ensembles. Participants will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians during the event, which is free and open to the public. Congratulations to all! Read more here.

All-Virginia Band- Dranesville students:

• Langley HS: Clare Colligan; Henry Lin; Elliot Pomper; Glenn van Valkenburgh; Marianne Wang

• McLean HS: Luke Callanen; Tyler Jeong; Alex Kirby; Clara Marks; Fintan Murphy; Jaeger Schweikert; Goldie Woods; Muyang Zhang

• Thomas Jefferson HSST: Calvin Hodor

All-Virginia Orchestra- Dranesville students:

• Langley HS:  Finn Fitzgerald; Jayden Lee

• McLean HS: Kian Choi; Ryan Chun; Alexandra Glass; Livia Nhan; Rishi Vinod

• Thomas Jefferson HSST: Daniel Yeum

All-Virginia Chorus- Dranesville students: 

• Langley HS: Anna Cox; Audrey Headricks; Cleia Jones; Dominika Loisha; Maya Sachdev; Ashraya Suri

• Marshall HS: Jacob Lee

Congratulations to 6th Grade All County Chorus 

Thanks to the student singers and the elementary school music teachers for supporting our sixth graders in the All County Chorus concert last weekend. Well done! 

Science Olympiad- 2024 Virginia Team Results

Congratulations to all our hard-working teams at States. You can find the full results on Duosmium. Good luck to the teams moving on to Nationals - Longfellow MS, Cooper MS, TJHSST, and Langley HS!

Division B team standings:

1. Longfellow MS
2. Cooper MS
3. Haycock ES

Division C team standings:

1. Thomas Jefferson HSST
2. Langley HS
3. Fairfax HS

2024 Macdonald Scholarship Competition

First-Place Winners Melina Turnage (Dance), Lea Kung (Instrumental Music), Samantha Carey (Theater) and Alex Valencic (Vocal Music). Photo by Oxley Photography

Twelve young local artists were awarded the 2024 James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship by the McLean Community Center. The James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition encourages artistic achievement and promotes study in the arts by high school students who reside or attend school in the McLean district (Small Tax District 1A, Dranesville). Read more here.

Clearview ES

Clearview 5K, Fun Run, and Walk- A celebrated community tradition, the Clearview 5K and Fun Run takes place Saturday, May 11, at 8 a.m. (rain or shine) and open to participants with all modes of mobility. Walkers are encouraged to join us, and wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Remember to invite a neighbor or other community member to run, walk, or roll with you. Advanced registration is available here, or sign up the day of the race.

Colvin Run ES

Congratulations to Callie H. (5th grade) for being selected as 1 of 15 student artists across DC, Maryland, and Virginia to have their artwork featured on a DMV Metrobus beginning on April 22 in celebration of 2024 Earth Day for her artwork, Dream-hicle! Read about the bus wraps here.

Haycock ES

Congratulations to our Odyssey of the Mind Team-Penelope Y, Madelyn C, Devan S, Madeline Y, Yuna C, and Noa H represented Haycock this weekend at the Odyssey of the Mind State tournament and received 3rd place.

State National History Day Competition- Congratulations to our 6th grade students who participated in the Virginia NHD Competition in Richmond. They represented Haycock incredibly well, and we are so proud of all of them.

My visit to Herndon MS Robotics Scrimmage

Herndon MS

Josue Benavidez, a Herndon MS 8th grader, received the Distinguished Teen Volunteer Award at the 38th Annual Mayor's Volunteer Appreciation Reception. He was nominated by Cornerstones and Opportunity Neighborhoods. Josue's proactive approach to volunteering, evident in his involvement with the ON Herndon Team and Leadership Team Meetings, showcases his commitment to enhancing the community and advocating for issues relevant to his school and peers.

Langley HS

2023-24 State Debate Championships- Congratulations to the Langley Debate Team for being the Class 6 State Champion! See all the winners here. Langley also won 2 individual awards:

• Class 6 Public Forum: 2nd place- Ahaan Shah and Sahil Gubbi
• Class 6 Lincoln- Douglas: 1st place- Vishwa Rakasi

McLean HS

U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition- Ms. Smith and the MHSO are extremely proud of violinist Ryan Chun, who recently won 1st place in the Strings Division of the 2024 U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition. In addition to Ryan's success, we are also proud of MHS student, Goldie Woods! She received an honorable mention for her harp playing. 

TJHSST

TJHSST's MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge team (Rishabh Chhabra, Om Gole, Rishabh Prabhu, Laura Zhang (Dranesville), Victoria Zhang (Dranesville)) has made it to the finals. They compete against 5 other HS teams. Learn more about the challenge here.

My visit to the Get2Green Symposium

May is... Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. While most people will struggle with a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, there are still some reluctant to seek help because of stigmas associated with mental health.  May 9th is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.

School Lunch Heroes Make Lunch Awesome

Friday, May 3, is School Lunch Hero Day. Between preparing healthy meals for America’s students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals, like Mijin Lee, food services kitchen manager at Oakton Elementary School, are true heroes. Read more here.

Orthodox Good Friday (Teacher Work Day) - 5/3

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. 

Orthodox Easter - 5/5

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids. 

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week- 5/6- 5/10

Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.

Fentanyl Awareness Day- May 7

Watch this video to learn more about counterfeit pills, and share the information with teens and young adults in your life. Visit the Fentanyl Awareness Day website for more resources on what you can do to help raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl including a conversation guide, fast facts, and social media posts you can share.

Walk and Bike to School Day- May 8

The official Bike Month has been celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Fairfax County has an extensive network of both paved and natural surface bike trails. You can access a map to all the trails in Fairfax county online.

National School Nurse Day- May 8

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8. FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. 

Memorial Day Holiday 5/27

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day.

Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Not Too Late to Apply for College Financial Aid

Nationwide, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to recent news reports. Many schools rely upon the FAFSA form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent technical issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax; email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.

Sports Physicals Fundraisers- May and June

Did you know? FCPS only provides the athletic training personnel, not the supplies HSs need to help your kids. The money earned through these physicals ($50) is used to purchase the supplies to help our student-athletes stay healthy and play to their highest potential. Additional donations or ‘sponsorships’ for student-athletes who may not be able to afford this opportunity are welcome. The physicals currently on file expire on June 30th, a new physical performed after May 1 is needed for next school year. Register at any HS through the 2024 Athletic Physical Registration.

Apply for 2024-25 EQAC Student Member 

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC)is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6.

Girls Fire and Rescue Academy

The FC Fire and Rescue Department is excited to announce the 2024 Girls Fire and Rescue Summer Camp. The academy is open to rising 7th through 12th grade female students for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Participants should be Fairfax County residents.

During the academy, campers will experience physical training, fire/EMS simulations, and more fun-filled experiences. The program is completely free of charge. Uniforms and safety gear will be provided. To apply, visit  this webpage. Applications due by Friday, May 17.

FCPS Summer Learning and Fun Career and Technical Education

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register. 

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register. 

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.

Additional Summer Learning Opportunities

Please go to the following website Summer Learning information page to learn about these summer opportunities:

• Credit Recovery Academy/ Extended Learning
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

FC Parks Summer Camp Registration

Summer Camp Registration is open! Spots fill up fast! See the full listing of camps, as well as multiple ways to search and tools to use that will make enrolling easier. Learn more about the camps and how to register here.

Herndon Summer Camp Registration Open

Registration for our summer camps is open for Town of Herndon residents and  non-residents. Don't let this opportunity slip away! Your child will have unforgettable memories and make new friends. Learn more here.

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarship and award opportunities are available in Naviance throughout the year. Opportunities are updated on a regular basis and self-nomination opportunities are posted in Schoology in addition to being listed in Naviance. Students and parent/guardians can access Naviance by using this link: https://www.fcps.edu/naviance.

FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings

The University of Maryland, College Park is offering FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings for parents of youth between the ages of 9-20! Sign up here.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training will allow parents to:

• gain the expertise needed to support youth mental well-being,
• acquire skills to help you recognize and address common signs of mental health issues in young people,
• enhance your understanding of mental health challenges prevalent among diverse youth in your community, and
• effectively interact with adolescents in crisis and connect them with appropriate resources.

2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award

Nominate an Athlete, Coach, or Parent for the 2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award.  The awards program, founded in 2001, honors county youth, coaches and parents in each magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship and community service. Nominations for this year's awards are due by August 1, 2024. To nominate an athlete, coach or parent, visit Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards.

Events

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Spring HS Musicals

• Westfield HS- Freaky Friday: May 2-4
• South Lakes HS- Big Fish: May 2-4
• Marshall HS- Legally Blonde: May 3-4
• Herndon HS- Fiddler on the Roof: May 3-5
  • Promo: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qCRmMgiUNLM
• Longfellow MS- Annie Jr: May 9-11

Herndon Big Truck Day- May 3

On May 3: 9am- 7pm, Big Truck Day at Town of Herndon Public Works/ Maintenance Complex (1479 Sterling Rd., Herndon) is  an opportunity for children their parents to see the town’s big trucks and heavy equipment on display. The event is free; however, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for communities in need. For more information visit the town’s website,  call 703-435-6860; or email [email protected].

Celebration of Acceptance- May 3

NCS is hosting a mental health awareness and inclusion event tailored for teenagers aged 13-19. Join us on Friday, May 3rd from 12 to 3pm at James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church)! Click here to find out more!

Celebrating 135 years of Schoolhouse in Great Falls

On Saturday, May 4: 10 am – 2 pm, there will be fun, educational, and interactive programs for children and adults alike at the Forestville Schoolhouse next door to the Grange (9818 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls). The programs will celebrate the 135th year of the opening of the schoolhouse. It is be part of other events at historic one-room schoolhouses in northern Virginia, sponsored by the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia Association.  Forestville school programs are free and open to all; no reservations needed.

Spring Farm Day- May 4

Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon) Saturday, May 4: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. (2-Adult) Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. See cow and goat milking demos and hands-on farm activities. Register here.

First Herndon Friday Night Live Concert- 5/4

Even in our 30th season, we still get really excited to be back on the Green with all our Herndon friends, listening to great, live music.  Where is the event held? Herndon Town Green (rear of the Herndon Municipal Building 777 Lynn St., Herndon) This week we kick things off with the Friday Night Live! debut of Three Sheets to the Wind 6:30-10pm. Learn more here.

(the) Unruly Theatre Project Events

(the) Unruly Improv is The Alden’s professional teen improv company dedicated to bringing comedic performances to the community. UTP won 1st place at Improvicon of Northern Virginia in both 2022 and 2023—and were the only teen group competing.

• Improvicon: Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m. This event is a real deal competition of multiple improv groups throughout Northern Virginia. The show features audience participation and the hottest NOVA improv comedy groups! Learn more here.
• (the) Unruly Theatre Project: Friday, May 10, 7-8 p.m. Come enjoy a night of laughs on us! The Old Firehouse (1440 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean)

Great Falls Grange Student Volunteer Opportunities

We are inviting student volunteers to work at the Great Falls Grange, planting and maintaining our Oak Tree Grove (a demonstration garden with emphasis on growing native plants). These hours would support student community service  needs. Once volunteers sign up, our Grange coordinator will send more details in advance on what we will be doing, what you should bring with them, weather forecast, etc.  Sign up for your desired dates:

• Saturday, May 11, 9- 11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, June 9, 9- 11:30 a.m.

TJ Techstravaganza- 5/18

Put the annual STEM activity, Saturday, May 18, 10am- 4pm, for students of all ages event at TJ on your calendar.  Register here.

McLean Day Festival- May 18

May 18: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. (1659 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA) Come to McLean’s biggest annual festival! Great music, gourmet food trucks, games, petting zoo, amusements, large and small carnival rides and much more. Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A  can vote for their favorite MCC Governing Board candidates- adults and youth. The festival will be held rain or shine.

Rise Up Concert- May 18 

May 18 will mark Herndon UMC’s third annual Rise Up! concert (701 Bennett Street, Herndon), and we are dreaming big this year–partnering with the Fairfax County Community Services Board and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to host a “Day of Hope” for our community that will include free resilience education classes and a resilience fair where people can connect with local mental health and wellness resources. Learn more here.

• 5- 7 pm FREE Classes & Resilience Fair
• 7 pm Rise Up Concert

FCPS' Summer Extravaganza-  June 1

Don't miss a day of family fun and learning at FCPS' Summer Extravaganza! Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. There will be learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, story time, and student performances — all at no cost! Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.

"Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now!"- June 8, 7 p.m.

Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony nominees Kerry Butler ("Xanadu," "Mean Girls") and Laura Bell Bundy ("Legally Blonde") reunite onstage for the first time in two decades for a funny and fabulous evening of the best of Broadway. Learn more here.

FCPS Cares Program Recognizing employees who go above and beyond

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. Please submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS.

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.

© 2024 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Robyn Lady  |  Phone: 571-423-1087

Staff Aide: Wendy Biliter | Phone: 571-423-1068

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English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia, 

Every day, I meet extraordinary students, educators, staff, and parents who share their rich experiences as part of the FCPS community. I am honored to serve as your voice.

As we head into the season of graduations and other student transitions, I wanted to make sure you are aware of an important transition FCPS is undertaking to roll out a new K-6 language arts program across the district.

Starting in the fall of 2024, FCSP will be teaching the Benchmark Advance core literacy curriculum. Learn more about the comprehensive selection process. The FCPS School Board approved purchase of this basal instructional resource this spring. This is a meaningful advancement to standardize our language arts education for our earliest learners.

I applaud the teachers, staff, and community members who participated in the selection process and look forward to the students' benefit.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

Go See a Musical This Weekend! Edison HS Theatre The Addams Family - School Edition

Don't miss this heartwarming, blood-tickling romp with everyone's favorite gothic family. Join Edison HS Theatre as the Addams Family navigates their children growing up and learning to find their place in a bright, beautiful world. How revolting!

Showtimes.

Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Hayfield Dramahawks Les Miserables - School Edition

Join the theatre actors and performers from Hayfield SS for another classic Broadway experience. 

Showtimes

Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 11, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online.

Lewis HS Lancer Theatre The Wedding Singer

Based on the 1998 film, this romantic comedy is set in the 1980's. It is a musical with a fun and energetic pulse, and off-beat humor. Note: Mature language and themes. 

Showtimes

 Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 5, 2:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

West Potomac HS Theatre Kinky Boots

Beyond the Page Theater company is thrilled to announce its spring musical production of Kinky Boots in collaboration with FCPS Pride! This 2013 Tony award-winning musical is a sensational show that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and the power of self-expression.

Note: This musical contains strong language and mature content.

Showtimes 

Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 1:00 p.m. (Drag Brunch before show at 12:00 p.m.)

Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m. 

Purchase tickets online.

Academic Matters 💡Apply for Early Learning for Children Six Weeks to Four Years Old 

The FCPS PreK and Early Head Start program is accepting applications for SY 2024-25. FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying income-eligible children ages six weeks to four years living in Fairfax County. Watch this video to learn more (also available in Spanish). 

• Pre-K prioritizes children who turn 4-years-old by September 30 and also accepts applications for 3-year-old children.
• Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools - Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood - and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and based on income and educational risk factors, not first come, first served. Applications are accepted online, by email ([email protected]), or in person at FCPS’ Leis Center location in Falls Church. For questions about your application or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

 

⏰It's Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

 

🗭 Middle School Start Times - Virtual Date Added!

Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• 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.

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. 

 

📋How to Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA

According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free. 

School Board Meetings

Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to attend or tune in to watch on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), on the FCPS website, or on FCPS on YouTube

Upcoming

• 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 Regular Meetings

April 25, 2024

April 11, 2024

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning |  Phone: 571-423-1081

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

May Webinars are open for Registration Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)

Como ayudar a mi hijo a sentirse seguro en la relación que tiene con nosotros como padres.

Cuatro de los retos más comunes que puede presentar mi hijo durante su desarrollo emocional.

Estrategias para responder a estos retos sin afectar el desarrollo de un apego seguro.

• Fecha: Viernes, 10 de mayo de 2024 Agregue a su calendario

• Hora: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Regístrate para este evento Link fixed

May 14 and 15 - Covid-19 (C19) Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors

Join us for an information session about a new partnership between Fairfax County Schools (FCPS) and Varsity Tutors. This partnership will provide students with disabilities an additional opportunity to receive compensatory education as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with their IEP.

• Date: 
  • Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10-11 a.m.  Add to Your Calendar OR
  • Wednesday, May 15, 2024 7-8 p.m. Add to Your Calendar
    (choose one session)
• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years
by Ellen Galinsky

Child development expert Ellen Galinsky challenges widely held assumptions about adolescents and offers new ways for parents and others to better understand and interact with them in a way that helps them thrive.

Galinsky’s Shared Solutions Framework and Possibilities Mindset show you how to:

• turn daily conflicts into opportunities for problem-solving where both teens and parents feel listened to and respected

• encourage positive risk-taking in your child like standing up for themselves, making new friends, and helping their communities

• promote five essential executive function-based skills that can help them succeed now and in the future.

Join best-selling author, Ellen Galinksy, as she shares her latest research on raising thriving teens.

• Date: Friday, May 17, 2024 Add to Your Calendar

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families:
Taming the Teenaged Brain

Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.

• Date: Friday, May 31, 2024 Add to Your Calendar

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

FCPS Family Resource Center
Web | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 703-204-3941

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May Webinars are open for Registration Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)

Como ayudar a mi hijo a sentirse seguro en la relación que tiene con nosotros como padres.

Cuatro de los retos más comunes que puede presentar mi hijo durante su desarrollo emocional.

Estrategias para responder a estos retos sin afectar el desarrollo de un apego seguro.

• Fecha: Viernes, 10 de mayo de 2024 Agregue a su calendario

• Hora: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Regístrate para este evento

May 14 and 15 - Covid-19 (C19) Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors

Join us for an information session about a new partnership between Fairfax County Schools (FCPS) and Varsity Tutors. This partnership will provide students with disabilities an additional opportunity to receive compensatory education as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with their IEP.

• Date: 
  • Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10-11 a.m.  Add to Your Calendar OR
  • Wednesday, May 15, 2024 7-8 p.m. Add to Your Calendar
    (choose one session)
• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years
by Ellen Galinsky

Child development expert Ellen Galinsky challenges widely held assumptions about adolescents and offers new ways for parents and others to better understand and interact with them in a way that helps them thrive.

Galinsky’s Shared Solutions Framework and Possibilities Mindset show you how to:

• turn daily conflicts into opportunities for problem-solving where both teens and parents feel listened to and respected

• encourage positive risk-taking in your child like standing up for themselves, making new friends, and helping their communities

• promote five essential executive function-based skills that can help them succeed now and in the future.

Join best-selling author, Ellen Galinksy, as she shares her latest research on raising thriving teens.

• Date: Friday, May 17, 2024 Add to Your Calendar

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families:
Taming the Teenaged Brain

Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.

• Date: Friday, May 31, 2024 Add to Your Calendar

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

FCPS Family Resource Center
Web | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 703-204-3941

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Groundskeepers at Annandale Terrace Elementary School prepare to plant trees at the school in celebration of Arbor Day.

🗳️ Collective Bargaining Update

Collective bargaining is currently in the campaign stage. Organizations are now pursuing support to become the exclusive representative of our bargaining units. Currently, the Laborer’s Local 571 (LiUNA) is seeking to represent operational employees, and Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) is seeking to represent licensed instructional and operational employees.

Labor organizations are expected to coordinate all visits in advance with the school principal or program manage. They must follow the established guidelines published on the Collective Bargaining page, including FCPS Regulation 1361– Visitor Conduct on School Grounds. 

Visit the Collective Bargaining Resources page on the Employee Hub for more information.

🏥 Cigna Representative Available for Complex Questions or Claim Issues

FCPS and Cigna have partnered to expand virtual appointments for employees who need to discuss complex questions or claims issues. Employees and covered dependents can make an appointment with the FCPS representative to discuss claims or coverage concerns from noon to 4 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 

Please use the Cigna Pick-A-Time Online Scheduler to schedule your virtual appointment (maximum 30 minutes per appointment). Appointments will be available through the summer. 

For immediate help, we encourage members to call Cigna’s FCPS-dedicated service team at any time at 877-501-7992.

🥪 Thank You, Lunchtime Legends!

 

Get ready to cheer for our lunchtime legends on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 3. This will be a great opportunity to extend our gratitude to all the School Lunch Heroes who go above and beyond for our students every day.

At Oakton Elementary School, Mijin Lee is the dynamic force behind a sensational lunch program. Read about what led to her being recognized as Oakton High School Pyramid winner for the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee category at FCPS Honors.

Register for the 2024 Summer Equity Symposium 

This year’s FCPS Summer Equity Symposium — Creating Connections, Cultivating Capacity — will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Join the Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team for an event that will enlighten minds and enrich our spirits! Keynote speaker Nicole Tucker-Smith, CEO of Lessoncast, will explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equity. The event will also feature a conversation with author, musician, and entrepreneur Marcus Johnson. 

For more information, including how to register, please visit the 2024 Equity Symposium website.

Acknowledging potential scheduling conflicts this date may cause, the Chief Equity Office is committed to leveraging ESSER funding and ensuring this optional learning experience is both meaningful and transformative. 

🏆 Last Call for Nominations for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award recognizes staff, students, 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. Nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details are available on the equity award webpage.

New Chief Human Resources Officer to Start in June

Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid has named William Solomon — who currently serves as executive director of Talent Acquisition in Houston Independent School District (ISD) — chief human resources officer, effective June 3.

William comes to FCPS with a track record of transformative leadership in Houston, one of the largest school divisions in the country. He spearheaded projects that had a positive impact on teacher recruitment, such as improving the accuracy of vacancy projections, decreasing the time to hire, expanding the use of visa programs, and increasing the volume of role-qualified applicants. Read his bio.

Adapted PE Teacher Scores National Title

Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, has been named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Read about Cadi and this award.

📞 FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get questions answered, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds staff members are available to help mediate matters involving peers in the workplace. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

🌱 Green Teams Connect Schools With the Environment

During last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented on FCPS’ Get2Green initiative during the Academic Matters segment. Get2Green is FCPS’ sustainability program and supports green teams at schools with hands-on environmental projects to improve the sustainability of the school and community. 

Green teams are active at many schools with student-driven activities such as reducing waste, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, conserving energy, and tending edible gardens.

View the presentation slides. 

⏰ Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about the ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions. 

All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend. 

Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

🗳️ Support Services Employees’ Advisory Council (SSEAC) Election

Elected representatives of the SSEAC serve a two-year term, working as a liaison between management and employees, representing one of the following community-of-interest groups:

• Group 3 – Food and Nutrition Services 
• Group 4 – Custodial and Plant Operations
• Group 5 – Trades/Maintenance/Security                
• Group 7 – Management and Administration
• Group 8 – Educational Support
• Group 9 – School-Based Clerical  

The SSEAC is one of eight Superintendent’s Advisory Councils. Interested employees must submit materials to the Office of Employee Relations by Friday, May 3. The SSEAC Election Petition outlines the election process. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or [email protected] with questions.

Save a Life, Donate Blood 

Inova will be visiting the Sideburn Support Center on Wednesday, May 8, 6-10 a.m., for an employee blood drive. All donors will receive a free breakfast. Reserve your spot today. Contact Jackie Roseman at [email protected] or 703-764-2405 with questions.

😅 Strength in Numbers: Wellbeats Friends and Family Feature

Enjoy healthy activities with your spouse, co-worker, friend, or family member with the Wellbeats friends and family feature! With this feature, you can:

• Encourage your friends, share uplifting messages, and celebrate each other's achievements.
• Challenge others to workout sessions and chat in real-time to stay motivated and focused.
• Virtually cook alongside friends with entertaining cooking demonstrations and nutritious recipes.

To get started, go to your Wellbeats account. Navigate to your profile and switch to sub-accounts to invite others. Each account can accommodate up to five additional members. Wellbeats is free for all benefit-eligible FCPS employees.

🌺 Treat Mom and Save Money With Savings for Staff

Treat the amazing mother figure in your life to something special this Mother's Day! Savings for Staff, FCPS’ discount program, has incredible deals to make anyone feel cherished. Find the perfect gift from unforgettable experiences and beautiful flowers to personalized keepsakes and subscriptions. Shop Savings for Staff and show Mom just how much you care, all while saving big!

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Workday

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher workday. Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar and the employee calendar.

Staff Staples

• Calendars
• Classifieds
• Employee Wellness Program
• FCPS CARES
• Human Resources
• Job Openings
• People on the Move
• Savings for Staff
• Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Mason District Community,

Currently, the School Board is engaged in some of our most important work. The 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation is scheduled for a Board vote on May 9, 2024. Please be sure to review the document and share any questions and concerns you may have with me. Additionally, the Board has taken on the crucial work of developing a school boundary policy. You are also invited to review the work to date and provide your feedback.

Please be reminded that the Middle School Start Time Community Forum is scheduled to occur at Glasgow MS this evening, Monday, April 29th, 6-8 p.m. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. I realize the importance of this matter to families in the Mason District for students in our three middle schools spend three years at Glasgow, Poe and Holmes and all other 6th graders in Fairfax County are in elementary schools. 

The Mason District schools have been busy with preparations for their spring musicals and plays, but took time to perform at the School Board’s Regular Business Meeting. The Annandale High School Singers performed the National Anthem at the School Board Meeting on April 11, 2024. Take a moment to listen to the beautiful voices of our students. 

Click on the image to hear the Annandale Singers perform the National Anthem.

Recently, Annandale High School’s principal, Shawn DeRose, shared the document below exposing errors and inconsistent information gathering that outside organizations are using to “rate” our schools. These ratings are often used by individuals looking to relocate to the area which elevates the need to report true and accurate information. We appreciate Mr. DeRose’s leadership in offering the corrections to the families and real estate personnel in our community.

Lastly, in a few weeks, we will begin again with the graduation ceremonies and the schedule is added below for your convenience.

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Included in this issue:

Mason Moments: FCPS News: •State Forensics Champions •Food and Nutrition •All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus •Math and Science Olympiad •National Science Teaching Award •Assistance with FAFSA Mason News: •Last Day of School Dismissal •New Principal at Bailey's Upper •Substance Abuse Prevention Program •Holmes MS Title I Info Session •No-Cost Talk Therapy •Winko-Matics in Mason District Opportunities: •Mason District Theatre •Middle School Start Time Meetings •2024 Graduation Schedule •Culmore Community Day School Board Work Updates: •Rising 9th Graders in FCHS Pyramid •Boundary Work •Wolfpack Theatre Pyramid Day •Student Rights & Responsibilities •Equity Award Nominations •ERFC Plan Changes •Upcoming School Board Meetings •FY 2025 Budget       Mason Moments State Forensics Champions

Two Justice High School students earned FIRST PLACE awards at the 2024 VHSL State Forensics Meet:

Elias Kassa, Serious Dramatic Interpretation category

Valeria Peterson, Storytelling category

The Justice team earned third place overall in the state competition. Congratulations, Wolves!

2024 All-State Band, Orchestra, and Chorus

One hundred eighty-one FCPS students were selected to perform at the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event. Students from throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for a spot in the band, chorus, or orchestra. 

These groups had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with other premier musicians from across the Commonwealth, under the direction of nationally recognized conductors at the Richmond Convention Center last weekend.

Congratulations to the selected Mason District students!

Falls Church High School: Chorus - Colt Armstrong

Justice High School: Band - Diego Cruz-Coca and Sabrina Ehmann-Jones | Chorus - Sofi Hemmens, Elijah Kassa, Rahel Kassa, Valeria Peterson, and Saron Walelign

TJHSST: Orchestra - Serenna Semonsen

Teacher Receives Award From National Science Teaching Association

Kirsten Salonga, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) environmental science and biology teacher at Justice High School, has been named one of six winners of the National Science Teaching Association’s 2023 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award. Read about Ms. Salonga and this award.

Mason News New Principal at Bailey's Upper

Ms. Holly Dowling has been named the new principal of Bailey’s Upper Elementary, effective May 13, 2024.

Ms. Dowling joins Bailey’s Upper after serving five years as assistant principal at Braddock Elementary School. Prior to joining FCPS, Ms. Dowling held teaching and leadership positions in Alexandria Public Schools and District of Columbia Public Schools.

Welcome to the Mason District, Ms. Dowling!

Title I Info Session at Holmes Middle School Winko-Matics in Mason District

The following school zones in the Mason District currently have Winko-Matic flashing lights installed. The Winko-Matics are just one of several enhanced transportation safety measures FCSP has adopted in partnership with the Fairfax County Police Department. 

Other initiatives include bus arm camera systems on school buses and speed enforcement cameras in school zones. The Winko-Matics for three of these schools have been included in a list for consideration for the next 40 camera installations: Belvedere, Edison, and Weyanoke.

*Braddock Road E/B and Braddock Road W/B cameras are shared **Speed Camera installed

Mason District Theatre

Annandale Theatre Company presents

Mean Girls

May 3-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Woodson High School Drama presents

1776: America’s Award Winning Musical

May 3-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Edison Theatre Company presents

The Addams Family

May 1-3 & 4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

FCHS Spotlight Theatre Company presents

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

May 2, 4, & 5, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

The Wolfpack Theatre at Justice High School presents

The Internet is Distract - OH LOOK A KITTEN!

May 2-4, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

Luther Jackson Middle School Drama presents

Matilda Jr.

May 16 - 18, 2024

Tickets on sale now!

2024 Graduation Schedule School Date/Time Location

Annandale HS

June 3, 9:30 a.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Edison HS

June 5, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Falls Church HS

June 7, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Thomas Jefferson HSST

June 8, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Justice HS

June 6, 7:30 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Woodson HS

June 6, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

 

School Board Work Updates Boundary Work

The Board discussed the larger boundary/capacity issues facing FCPS in a Forum on February 13th. The Governance Committee has been working to update Policy 8130.  A copy of the draft policy can be found here. I invite you to review this information and share your feedback with me to inform my decisions as your representative.

Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)

The Board discussed Regulation 2601, Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R), at work sessions on March 19 and April 2. Please review the proposed updated SR&R and share your feedback with me to inform my decisions as your representative.

Notable changes in the proposed SY25 SR&R include the following:

• Language on neurodiversity
• VDOE guidelines around self defense
• VDOE guidelines around possessing, using, and being under the influence of controlled substances
• Definitions of digital citizenship, generative artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, scholastic dishonesty and self defense 

The Board is scheduled to take action on the proposed updated SR&R on May 9, 2024.

ERFC Plan Changes

On March 21, 2024, the Board approved the following changes to the ERFC Plan:  

1. DROP for Legacy: Changes to the Legacy ERFC plan design to address the disconnect between ERFC and VRS service and age requirements for a full, unreduced pension from both. This plan, available to Legacy employees eligible for full retirement: 55+ years with 25+ years of service, will provide employees with the option to work up to 5 years past ERFC Legacy retirement age. The cost to implement this program is $6.5 million. A follow-on motion was approved by the Board to prioritize funding the DROP program at year end if funds do not remain in the budget.
2. Sick Leave Credit: The Legacy ERFC program allows unused sick leave balances to be credited as retirement service. The ERFC 2001 Plan (Tier I & Tier 2) does not. A comparable provision is proposed for ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) service credit. Providing Sick Leave Credit to ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) members aims to incentivize employees to preserve sick leave, thereby enhancing their retirement benefits. This change also will potentially reduce the number of sick leave days employees use, which will reduce the number of substitute teachers needed.
3. Working after Retirement: The plan design changes proposed will align ERFC with VRS’ work after retirement plan allowing eligible retirees to continue to receive their ERFC retirement benefits. Implementing the Work after Retirement (WAR) plan will support teacher retirement and retention efforts with an emphasis on critical shortage positions. After the required 6-month break, employees could be rehired into one-year-only positions, which must be renewed annually. 

More details about each of these approved changes can be found in the March 21 meeting information on BoardDocs. 

FY 2025 Budget

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt their budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS on May 7th. The School Board is scheduled to adopt the FY 2025 Budget at the May 23rd meeting. Prior to that vote, community members have the opportunity to share their comments regarding the budget during the public hearing scheduled for May 14th. Register to speak.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.

FCPS News Food and Nutrition

What did your child eat for lunch today? FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has been rolling out improvements to their menu this year to better reflect the diversity of FCPS and focus on fresh, healthy food. The division aims to illustrate farm-to-table eating in schools and bring scratch-cooking to all schools.

A total of 25 new menu offerings have been introduced this school year:

BREAKFAST

•Turkey Ham & American Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (English Muffin) •Egg & Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (English Muffin) •Turkey Sausage & Mozzarella Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (MS/HS) (English Muffin) •Egg & Cheddar Cheese Croissant Breakfast Sandwich •Egg & Turkey Sausage Croissant •Turkey Sausage & Mozzarella Croissant •Assorted Parfaits (Berry, Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, Peach)

 

LUNCH

•Black Bean Burger •Fresh Garden Vegetable Flatbread •Chicken Parmesan Sandwich •BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich •Chicken Fajitas •Turkey Ham & Cheese Croissant •Scratch-Made Grilled Cheese •Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wings •Black Bean Taco •Chicken Dumplings •Cheese Quesadilla •Korean BBQ Chicken Wings •Chicken Quesadilla •BBQ Chicken Bowl •Vegijita Wrapadilla •BBQ Chicken Flatbread •Meatball Marinara Sub •Build Your Own Burrito Math and Science Olympiad

FCPS has set aside central Title I funding for the 2024-2025 school year to ensure that every Title I elementary school will have registered Science and Math Olympiad teams. Be sure to watch for information from your child’s school early in the year to learn how your child can participate.

Assistance with FAFSA

According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free. 

Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 12, 2024.  All Secondary and High Schools will have a 2-hour day with dismissal at 10:00 a.m./10:10 a.m. on the last day of school. All other levels will be dismissed 2 hours early on this day. Watch for specific details from your student’s school.

Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP) Program

Any FCPS student who violates the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) regulation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) is required to participate in the SAP Program. 

Once referred to the program, students meet with a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) during the school day who assesses a student’s level of substance use and provides an appropriate level of intervention, which can include: substance abuse prevention education, individual or group intervention, or referral to a community behavioral health provider.

Students are exposed to various tools and strategies including refusal skills and cessation techniques. Staff members and parents can refer a student to the SAP program. Students can also refer themselves and may participate in the SAP program regardless of whether there has been a violation of the ATOD regulation.

For more information regarding the SAP program, visit the Substance Abuse Prevention Program website.

No-Cost Talk Therapy for High School Students

Is your high school student 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. Virtual mental health services are available at no cost through an FCPS partnership with therapists who are licensed and trained in teen-specific challenges. Forty percent of Hazel providers are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. Therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect them with longer-term mental health services in the community. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service. 

Opportunities Middle School Start Times - Virtual Meeting Added!

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• 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. 

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Register for the virtual forum.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.  

Culmore Community Day Attention! Rising 9th Graders in FCHS Pyramid

Falls Church High School, in partnership with Luther Jackson Middle School, invites families of 8th graders to attend “Getting to Know Falls Church High School.”

Learn more about the difference between middle school and high school: academics, schedules, clubs, sports, staff, and support.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Luther Jackson Middle School Cafeteria

Spanish language interpretation and snacks available. Contact Carolina Dotel with any questions: [email protected] or 703-207-4074.

Wolfpack Theatre Pyramid Day 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 Dr. Bussey’s legacy as a founding member of the MSAOC and longtime advocate for students and families. 

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.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
• May 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• May 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
• May 21, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Public Hearings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• May 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (Budget)
• May 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. (Budget, if necessary)

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

@masonfcps

@MasonDistrictSB

@masondistrictsb

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Hello Community Members!

This is an exciting time! So many year-end events are happening now or being planned to occur in the weeks ahead!

I challenge you to “rethink your entertainment”. Never mind the Kennedy Center this season - get to one of dozens of high school or middle school musicals happening right now! No need to battle traffic to get to Nats Stadium – our athletes are on fields many days of the week! Looking for some international cuisine? Cultural heritage events are happening, like the Japanese Matsuri at Fox Mill Elementary. And if you have a graduate this year, well, those ceremonies are their own special events and certainly a highlight of my year.

In the weeks ahead, I am eager to see a selection of spring musicals and attend my first middle school track meet (a new sport this year at all middle schools!). I’m scheduled to attend several graduations, as well as celebration ceremonies at FCPS’ incredible alternative education programs.

There are also two FCPS public input meetings that happen to be located in Hunter Mill – the Superintendent’s community conversation, and a public meeting about potential changes to the middle school start time. Details are below. Please show up and speak up! I hope to see you in our schools soon.

In this newsletter:

• School Board Updates and Recent Work
• Academic Matters
• April Is...
• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• Accessing Board Meetings
• Hunter Mill Happenings
• Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Engage
• Additional Information of Interest
• Student Opportunities
• Summer Camps and Learning Programs
• Job Opportunities
• Contacting Me

School Board Updates and Recent Work Special Education Enhancement Plan

At the April 16 Work Session, the School Board discussed the Special Education Enhancement Plan which was designed to address the recommendations of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) included in their Special Education Program Review Report. The Plan was also 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 (4) goal areas:

• Instruction and Inclusive Practices
• Special Education Processes
• Communication
• Staff Capacity

Baseline Report for Goal 5

During the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid presented the baseline report for Goal 5 of FCPS' 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. The highlight was on graduation equity through a focus on FCPS’ on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and post-secondary plans.

Though FCPS' on-time graduation rate is higher than the state average (94% compared to 92%), there is a 21 point difference between the student group with the lowest on-time graduation rate and the division rate. Additional support is needed, especially for our multilingual and economically disadvantaged learners. FCPS is addressing graduation equity with a multitude of current strategies, including those detailed below.

 

FCPS also has other strategies under consideration as the division innovates on the ways in which students earn credits towards graduation and accelerate their learning. These strategies include:

• Expand flexible options and pathways for students to earn credits, engage in school, and graduate on time. (ex: bilingual classes, year-round/semester/evening options, self-paced artificial intelligence (AI) powered individualized instruction).
• Increase efforts to ensure 9th grade students are on track for graduation.
• Increase the fidelity of academic and career planning activities to support students and families.

You can see the strategies under consideration/development in full on pages 23-25 of the Goal 5 Report. Increasing flexible credit and acceleration opportunities will impact FCPS students who are at risk for dropping out and/or not graduating on time, who are on track for success but would like to pursue additional opportunities, and those who are looking to earn college-level credits, earn industry credentials, and pursue specialized coursework while at FCPS. Flexibility personalizes the FCPS learning experiences, to meet our students where they are and to take them where they want to be.

Fiscal Year 2023 Office of the Auditor General Annual Report 

During the April 16 Work Session, the School Board heard a presentation from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) on their Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report. 

Holocaust Remembrance Day - May 6

The School Board recognized May 6 as Holocaust Remembrance Day during the April 25 School Board Meeting:

WHEREAS, the Holocaust was the government-sponsored, systematic slaughter of 6 million Jews who were targeted by the Nazis for extermination per the Final Solution directive, resulting in the annihilation of 66 percent of the Jewish population; and   

WHEREAS, per Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, "[The Holocaust] is not an example of man's inhumanity to man. It was man's inhumanity to Jews."; and   

WHEREAS, the Holocaust was a genocide that specifically and intentionally targeted Jews, powered by antisemitism based on tropes and conspiracies perpetuated for millennia in societies; and    

WHEREAS, the distinguishing factor of the Holocaust is the industrialization of genocide, to exterminate mass quantities of Jews as efficiently as possible, including using gas chambers; and ... read more here.

Academic Matters Portrait of a Graduate Celebrates 10 Years

During the Academic Matters segment of the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recognized 10 incredible years of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) at FCPS. POG focuses on future-ready attributes of success for our students by building communication, 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.

Watch this video to see students speak about how POG skills help them succeed in the classroom and beyond.

April Is...

In addition to the observances and recognitions I included in my last newsletter, late April also brings the following:

Passover

Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. 

Thank you to Ella G. from Marshall HS for creating this observance design!

Theravada New Year

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration.

Upcoming School Board Meetings 

• Tuesday, May 7 - Work Session
  
  • Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
• Thursday, May 9, 7pm - Regular Meeting
  • Action scheduled on Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Performance and Policy Review on Executive Limitation 4 (Human Resources)
  • Fiscal Year 2025 Approved Budget Presentation
• Tuesday, May 14, 6:30pm - Public Hearing
  • Budget

Accessing Board Meetings 

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code.

  Hunter Mill Happenings  Celebrating Earth Day and FCPS' Get2Green Program

I spent the morning of Earth Day (April 22) at the Get2Green leaders summit - including teachers, principals, and staff from our schools who are leading the work of environmental stewardship education, PreK-12! Several schools I represent featured their work, including Aldrin ES, Crossfield ES, Cunningham Park ES, Dogwood ES, Flint Hill ES, Rachel Carson MS, Terraset ES, and more!

I was also delighted to see my long-time colleague and the immediate past School Board Chair, Elaine Tholen. She and I were honored to each give “inspirational” remarks to kick off the day.

The day was the culmination of years of work and advocacy that we did to negotiate budget increases for environmental education - but it’s certainly not the end! Much more is to come, thanks to the many incredible dedicated instructors and educational leaders in FCPS.

One such Get2Green leader at Forest Edge Elementary School, Erika Thompson (pictured right), an advanced academic resource teacher, enjoys learning more about reducing waste, recycling, and composting while she helps the school become more eco-friendly. She has led classes in green activities and started an after-school club for fifth and sixth graders. Read more about Erika’s Get2Green experience.

Hunter Mill Student Art on Display

The Madison pyramid had student art from all its schools on display for an evening art show. It was such a colorful, thoughtful, expressive collection of art! The hallways were packed with students and families viewing the exhibits.

I was particularly delighted to see the art of Madison Senior, Anjali, who I’ve known since she was in elementary school! She’s headed to art school next year!

I really adored the collections of work by the elementary schools and Thoreau, showing students’ variations on a theme.

South Lakes HS held its annual International Baccalaureate art showcase, which included pieces that were also on display at the Regional Scholastic Art exhibit earlier this year.

Thank you to our expert fine arts instructors!

  Presentation of Learning at Thoreau MS

I was so pleased to attend the Portrait of a Graduate Presentation of Learning (POG POL) for 8th grade, 2nd year, French students at Thoreau MS. POG POL is a type of portfolio defense where students share “I grew, I can prove it, and here’s why it matters.”

The students made Google Sites to showcase their improvements in communication and global citizen skills. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with several groups of students about how they understood what they were learning.

Ms. Evans the teacher, received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award from the US Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. As a Fulbright recipient, Ms. Evans will be traveling to Morocco to share knowledge, engage in research, and foster meaningful connections with communities there. 

Career Day at Hughes MS

Nearly 60 adults participated in Langston Hughes MS' recent Career Day! Not only local Reston residents, professionals, and community leaders joined, but also FCPS staff members from operations, my colleague on the School Board Kyle McDaniel, government professionals from DC, parents and family members, and relatives of Langston staff!

I shared about my career in public service, and about the decisions I make on the School Board that impact students’ lives - including the cell phone away-for-the-day policy and potential start time changes for middle schools. I think they got the message that “all politics is local” and understanding local government matters a lot!

Rowing with the Madison Crew Team

The Madison High School Crew team includes 75 athletes who train six days a week throughout the year. I spent the afternoon with them recently and saw first-hand their commitment to athleticism and team work. It was truly delightful to see students being healthy, outdoors with friends. Since crew is a club sport, it is not offered at all of our FCPS high schools – yet. I’m aware that our Superintendent is very fond of crew, in particular because it offers an underutilized pathway to college scholarships!

After observing the excellent rowers from the launch boat, Coach invited me to join the varsity girls 8 boat for a row! It’s been 26 years since I last rowed, during my college years! It was really special to give it a try, and to also have my friend’s daughter seated right behind me in the 7th seat, providing me with reminders and encouragement. This is an excellent sport in so many ways. I’m eager to help expand rowing opportunities to more students.

Benny Blanco Visits Alma Mater South Lakes HS

South Lakes HS '06 alum Benny Blanco, a songwriter, music producer, author, and actor, reached out to South Lakes to speak to the students.

I was thrilled to attend this exciting event, moderated by Principal Retzer. Benny spoke to the students about the importance of following your dreams with hard work and commitment, and how the diversity of the South Lakes Pyramid helped him to become the person he is today. He even offered to listen to student music demos!

Westbriar Annual Charity 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

I enjoyed an early morning with the Westbriar ES community for its 5K charity fun run and 1 mile walk, with a focus on reducing hunger. 

I walked the one mile with an FCPS school psychologist who is connected to Westbriar. And I caught up with a high school classmate of mine from Long Island, who now is a parent here in FCPS. I was also able to chat with many students and parents along the way, including PTA President, Morgan, who with many other volunteers made the event happen.

As always, an amazing turn out of students, families, and staff from Westbriar!

Marshall Road ES Hosts Annual International Night

Marshall Road ES' International Night was incredible. So many cultures represented and shared, and so many students, families, and staff in attendance!

I met families with heritage from: Argentina, Brazil, China ,El Salvador, Honduras, India, Italy, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who made this event possible and the wonderful performers who shared their talents with the community. 

  Walk In My Shoes Program at Wolftrap ES

Wolftrap ES hosted the “Walk In My Shoes” program (coincidentally offered by a Hunter Mill resident), to help students experience different abilities of others. I learned about the program years ago when it began. Now it has a robust set of activities that schools can host!

Parent volunteers helped facilitate the lessons and experiences provided by the program. I observed an activity where students considered what it was like to have a body part move involuntarily (a handkerchief around one student’s wrist was gently moved away from the task of coloring by another); being a multi-lingual learner who is not familiar with the language spoken in class; being visually impaired and defying some myths about this; and having ADHD, where students raced to pick up pom poms to show the extra hurdles faced by those who have ADHD brains.

I also saw how the school is cultivating cultural awareness and learning - reflections about the book, “The Gift of Ramadan” lined a hallway.

South Lakes eSports Team Places at Spring Championship

The South Lakes HS eSports team placed 2nd in the Rocket League at the VHSL Spring eSports Championship!

The VHSL Executive Committee voted at the end of last year to “reset the clock” for esports and its emerging status in the League. This means that the League has until the end of the ’24-’25 academic year to determine if eSports will become a fully sanctioned and sponsored activity under the Emerging Activity guidelines.

PlayVS is the official eSports partner of the National Federation of State High School Associations and works with several other state associations to provide eSports programming for their students.

Cedar Lane School Wins Basketball Championship

Congratulations to the Cedar Lane basketball players who won their league’s championship! Thanks to Coach and Cedar Lane staff member Malachi Jackson, for his leadership!

  Students Advance to International Science & Engineering Fair

Congrats to Madison HS' Wesley Kang and Valeria Novoa who were GRAND Prize Winners at the VA State Science & Engineering Fair. They will now attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in LA in May with 3 other FCPS grand prize winners from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

  Hughes Choral Students Take on NYC

Advanced Choral students from Langston Hughes MS traveled with staff and parents to New York City recently to see Wicked on Broadway. In addition to attending the performance, students were able to interact with cast members as well!

  April "SWAG" Winners at Carson Middle School

Each month at Rachel Carson MS, teachers from different departments recognize students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive impact at Carson through our SWAG Student Recognition Program. SWAG stands for “Students with Awesome Growth”. Mr. Stokes shared why each student was nominated during our April celebration. Congratulations to the following students for having Carson SWAG: Sorna, Eduardo, Isabel, Justin, Lily, Moises, Isha, Shelia, David, Dua, Merina, Anvit, Sam, Sophia, Maria, Isaac, Malia, Vivaan, Nicholas, Zachary, Mahanth, Trevor, Joanna, Holden, Sophie, Yogesh, Nora, Adrita, Brayden, Roma, Lillian, Rohith, Suvan, April, Lillian, Maya. A picture of these students is proudly displayed outside of the cafeteria for all to see. Congratulations, Panthers!

Students Selected for All-VA Band, Orchestra, and Chorus

One hundred eighty-one FCPS students from 24 secondary and high schools were selected to perform in the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. See the full list of student awardees. Congratulations to the many Hunter Mill students selected!

Upcoming Theatre Performances

South Lakes High School Theatre Presents Big Fish

Big Fish is a musical about Edward Bloom, a charismatic storyteller whose fantastical tales captivate his son, Will, while also making him question what’s really true about his father’s life stories. Will reflects on his father’s larger-than-life stories, leading to an exploration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling. Purchase tickets here.

Dates:

• Thursday, May 2 at 7:30pm
• Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm
• Saturday, May 4 at 2pm
• Saturday, May 4 at 7:30pm

Madison High School Theatre Presents Pippin

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man's journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. Purchase tickets here.

Dates:

• Thursday, May 2nd at 7:30pm
• Friday, May 3rd at 7:30pm
• Saturday, May 4th at 2pm and 7:30pm

Westfield High School Theatre Presents Freaky Friday

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

Our matinee performance will feature various mother-daughter themed events including a dress like your mother, dress like your daughter fashion show, pre-show & intermission shout-outs to your mom or daughter, and a photo booth! Purchase tickets here.

Dates:

• Thursday, May 2 at 7pm
• Friday, May 3 at 7pm
• Saturday, May 4 at 2pm (Mother-Daughter Matinee)
• Saturday, May 4 at 7pm

Marshall High School Theatre Presents Legally Blonde

OMG, you guys! Experience the power of pink with Statemen Theatre’s production of the smash-hit Legally Blonde: The Musical!

Based on the blockbuster 2001 movie, Legally Blonde tells the transformational story of sorority girl Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in her pursuit to win back her ex by getting accepted into Harvard Law School. Purchase tickets here.

Dates:

• Friday, April 26th at 7:30pm
• Saturday, April 27th at 2pm & 7:30pm
• Friday, May 3rd at 7:30pm
• Saturday, May 4th at 2pm & 7:30pm

Herndon High School Theatre Presents Fiddler on the Roof

Based on Sholom Aleichem’s Tevye and his Daughters, Fiddler on the Roof is the beloved story of the small, tradition-steeped town of Anatevka, Russia, where Jews and Russians live in delicate balance. During the course of the show, the time honored traditions of Anatevka are both embraced and challenged by Tevye and his community, as they witness his daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, grow up and fall in love in a time of extraordinary change. Purchase tickets here.

Dates:

• Friday, May 3 at 7pm
• Saturday, May 4 at 2pm
• Saturday, May 4 at 7pm
• Sunday, May 5 at 2pm

Herndon HS Step Team Yard Show Success

The Herndon High School Step Team had an amazing turnout for their recent Yard Show! If you would like to get involved with the Step Team or support the team, please email Coach Hannah at [email protected]. 

Visit the Step Team's Facebook page for more photos and videos of the performances.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Engage  Annual Matsuri at Fox Mill ES

The annual Fox Mill ES Japanese Children's Day Festival, called Matsuri, is quickly approaching! The event will be held on Friday, May 10, from 6-8:30pm. 

Wristbands for children are required for admission ($5 pre-order, $10 at the door), and will give children access to games, crafts, calligraphy, trying on kimonos, Japanese traditional dance, and more. Adult supervision is required, but there is no cost for adults to enter the event.

There are food options available via pre-order as well. The deadline to order food and wrist bands is Thursday, May 2. Read more here. 

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 30, 6:30-7:30pm, South County Middle School.
• Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30pm, Terraset Elementary School.
• Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30pm, Hybla Valley Elementary School.
• Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30pm, Poe Middle School.
• Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30pm, 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. 

Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. 

Community forums will take place in April and May. 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., Glasgow Middle School. 
• Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., Frost Middle School. 

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

Madison Bridges Program for Rising Freshmen

Madison High School is excited to offer the Madison Bridges program to rising 9th grade students. This program is created by Madison HS staff to provide students with the essential background knowledge and skills to make a successful transition to high school. It is designed for all incoming students regardless of educational background.

The program will be held at Madison during two separate weeks:  July 22-26 and July 29-August 2.  The program will be from 8:30am- 11:30am each morning (lunch will not be provided).  Students should only sign up for one session.  The cost is $100.  Scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship (contact TJ Anderson directly to inquire at [email protected]). 

For more information and to register, please click here.  

Unlock FCPS' Past on Historic Schoolhouse Day

Step into the rich history of Fairfax County Public Schools on Historic Schoolhouse Day, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Unlock the doors to six captivating former FCPS one- and two-room schoolhouses where local students learned from 1870 to 1939. 

Immerse yourself as each location comes alive with engaging activities and insightful tours, offering a glimpse into Virginia's educational heritage.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply seeking a unique experience, all are warmly invited to partake in this unforgettable event. Come be a part of this vibrant celebration of our educational legacy. For schoolhouse locations and additional details, visit the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia website.

Register for Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center

The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops and webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Register for events here.

Upcoming events include:

• 10 de mayo, 10-11:30am: Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)
• May 14, 10-11am and May 15, 7-8pm: Covid-19 Compenstatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors
• May 17, 10-11:30am: Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years by Ellen Galinsky

Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors

This will be an information session about a new partnership between Fairfax County Schools (FCPS) and Varsity Tutors. This partnership will provide students with disabilities an additional opportunity to receive compensatory education as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with their IEP.

• Date: 
• Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10-11am  OR
• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 7-8pm (choose one session)
• Format: Virtual

Register for this event.

Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years by Ellen Galinsky

Child development expert Ellen Galinsky challenges widely held assumptions about adolescents and offers new ways for parents and others to better understand and interact with them in a way that helps them thrive.

Galinsky’s Shared Solutions Framework and Possibilities Mindset show you how to:

• turn daily conflicts into opportunities for problem-solving where both teens and parents feel listened to and respected
• encourage positive risk-taking in your child like standing up for themselves, making new friends, and helping their communities
• promote five essential executive function-based skills that can help them succeed now and in the future.

Join best-selling author, Ellen Galinksy, as she shares her latest research on raising thriving teens.

• Date: Friday, May 17, 2024 
• Time: 10 - 11:30am
• Format: Virtual

Register for this event

Additional Information of Interest  New Student Registration

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten and other grades:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for the upcoming school year. Read more about the registration process.

Begin your Kindergarten and New Student Registration today!

If you have any questions, please contact our Student Information Assistant (SIA), Shirley Eason, or call the main office at 703-242-6100.

Early Learning for Children Six Weeks to Four Years Old

FCPS pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying income-eligible children ages six weeks to four years living in Fairfax County. Watch this video to learn more (also available in Spanish). 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for 3-year-olds through September 30.

Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and based on need, not first come, first served. 

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at FCPS’ Leis Center location in Falls Church.  

For questions about your application or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Early Intervention: Infant & Toddler Connection and Child Find

Do you have concerns about your infant, toddler, or preschool aged child? Does your child exhibit repetitive body movements, have eating or sensory sensitivities, or difficulty with communication? Have you noticed them moving, behaving, or learning differently than other children?

These developmental checklists for children up to 3 years old can give parents/caregivers an idea if their child may need help developing certain skills.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Fairfax provides evaluations and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (up to age 3) who have a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays. Parents/caregivers who have concerns about their child's development may call 703-246-7121. 

Child Find offers free screenings for children from 20 months to five years old to identify potential special education needs. The program is offered through FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services. Call 571-423-4121 with any questions or to schedule an assessment.

Find more information about typical developmental milestones at Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All HS 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. Virtual mental health services are available at no cost through an FCPS partnership with therapists who are licensed and trained in teen-specific challenges. Forty percent of Hazel providers are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. Therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect them with longer-term mental health services in the community. Learn how to opt your student(s) into this service.

It's Not Too Late to Apply for College Financial Aid

Nationwide, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to recent news reports. Many schools rely upon the FAFSA form to grant students financial aid award letters.

Families who have questions or persistent technical issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax; email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.

2024 Educator of the Year Award Applications Open

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), a leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD, is seeking nominations for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award! This award seeks to recognize exemplary educators who through their influence improve the lives of students with ADHD. Applications are due by June 9.

The recipient of this award will be invited to the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD in Anaheim, California. Read more and submit a nomination.

 ACE Scholarship Applications Open June 15

Are you a low-income adult residing or working in Fairfax County, eager to boost your job skills and advance your career? Look no further than the ACE scholarships offered by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). These scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity for individuals seeking to enhance their job skills and open doors to new career possibilities.

The ACE scholarships cater to the needs of low-income adults in Fairfax County who aspire to further their education and skillset. Whether you're looking to acquire new skills, explore career opportunities, or pursue a passion, these scholarships can help turn your aspirations into reality.

Payment plans are available for certain long-term programs, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder your educational pursuits. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an educational counselor to discuss program options and determine the best course of action.

For more information about ACE scholarships and how to apply, contact [email protected]. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future and unlock new possibilities. Mark your calendars: the application period is open from June 15 to August 15, 2024. Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow – apply for ACE scholarships today!

Student Opportunities Viva! Vienna! Student Essay Contest    Northern Virginia Community College E-Summer Program

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering its E-Summer Program for rising high school juniors and seniors who meet the qualifying grade point average or test score requirements. This program is sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and Dominion Energy and is designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering and math, and the energy industry.  Important program details can be found here. The application will open on Friday, March 1 and the deadline to register is Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Member

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council seeks a student member for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. The council’s primary responsibility is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement in Fairfax County. The Council generally meets in person at the Fairfax County Government Center on the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:15 p.m. Interested high school sophomores and juniors may apply by May 6, 2024.

Find more information and apply on the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination web page.

Jumpstart2NOVA 2024

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is pleased to announce the return of JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2024! This program offers tuition-free summer college courses to high school seniors who are considering attending NOVA and who will be graduating from a public, private, or home school in Spring 2024 and in good academic standing at NOVA.

The application for JumpStart2NOVA is now open and closes at 5 pm on Friday, May 10, 2024. Courses begin on Monday, June 3, and end on Monday, August 12.

First-time NOVA students must apply to NOVA and create an account to request the course at nvcc.dualenroll.com. Current DE students can skip the NOVA application and go straight to nvcc.dualenroll.com, selecting the term “JumpStart2NOVA 2024.” All students must upload a current high school/home school transcript and qualifying test scores if they do not have a 3.0 grade point average.

To learn more about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, minimum qualifying scores, and details on how to apply, please visit this website. 

Summer Camps and Learning Programs  Madison HS Drama Kidz Kamp   South Lakes Summer Camps

Are You Planning to Try out for a Sports Team at South Lakes?

If you have sport specific questions, please contact the coach directly. Please find coaches contact information HERE (Look Under QUICK LINKS)

  Madison Boys Lacrosse Youth Clinic   Marshall Boys Basketball Summer Camp

The 2024 GCM Boys Basketball Summer Camp (for rising 2nd - 10th graders) registration is now available!  Don't miss out the chance to save a spot for our annual boys basketball camp this year.  Go Marshall Pride!

  Elementary Institute for the Arts

Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a weekly Arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades during the month of July. Students take classes in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify.

Check out the Elementary Institute for the Arts website for more information or email [email protected].

Career and Technical Education

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.

VIP Summer Camp for Rising Middle Schoolers

Looking for a fun summer camp for your rising middle schooler? Check out VIP Camp, taking place July 1 through August 1 at five FCPS middle schools, and open to all FCPS middle school students. VIP Camp costs only $100 for the 5-week program! Find out more and register online. All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. Applications are now open. There is a $100 fee for the five-week program. Scholarships are available.

Free Teens in Action Summer Camps

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers affordable, engaging, and healthy recreation programs for students aged 12-18 when schools are closed. Teens in Action youth participate in team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (science, engineering, and math) programming, service projects, field trips, and more. Admission for camp is free. The Summer Camp takes place Monday through Friday, from 8:30am - 5pm, and is separated by age group. Rising 9-12 graders attend camp from June 17- August 16, 2024, and rising 7th and 8th graders attend June 17-28, 2024, and August 2-16, 2024. 

Girls Fire and Rescue Academy 

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCRD) Girls Fire and Rescue Academy is back! This free camp takes place Tuesday, June 25 - Friday, June 28, and is open to female students who will be in grades 7-12 in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Participants must be Fairfax County residents. Applications are due by Friday, May 17. Read more here. 

  Mason Math Odyssey Enrichment Camp at GMU

July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Mason Math Odyssey enrichment camp (MMO) is a place for rising 6th - 9th graders who are curious about math to learn about beautiful mathematics concepts typically not taught in K-12 curriculum. Students will engage in fun and friendly team competitions that will help build mathematical maturity while honing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Camp participants will embark on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time to learn about some of the greatest mathematical discoveries from ancient times to this day, get exposed to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts from the areas of geometry, topology, number theory, probability and algebra, as well as mathematical modeling, and compete for a chance to win the camp trophy. As part of the daily agenda, students will be immersed into one of the mathematical themes through guest lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects featuring Olympiad-style problems as well as simple mathematical puzzles and culminating in a peer and instructor judged presentation.

Where: In-person – GMU Fairfax Campus

Dates: July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Time: 9am - 3pm (drop off and pickup windows TBD)

Cost: $490 includes all materials, activities, and daily lunch!

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 4, 2024

 More details: Mason Summer Day Camp | GMU College of Science.

Contact: Jennifer Lawler [email protected]

Fairfax County Park Authority Camps

Looking to have fun at an upcoming Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) camp? Many spaces remain open for summer camps and the remaining spring school holiday on Friday, May 3. If your top choice camp is full, you can now join the waitlist.

The Park Authority offers numerous resources to find the camp that is right for you among more than a thousand camp offerings. Visit the Camps website to browse the 2024 Camp Guide, and access all our camp planning tools such as the Camp Spreadsheet and Camp Planner.

For more information or assistance, please email [email protected].

Reston Summer Swim League Job Opportunities 

• Visit the 2024 Summer Program Administrative page for Summer Learning Administrative opportunities.

• Visit the Operational Gateway for all Operational jobs.
  • View the most recently posted operational jobs.
• Visit the Administrative Gateway for all Administrative jobs.
  • View the most recently posted administrative jobs.
• Visit the Current Job Openings web page for all posted positions.

Contacting Me

I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.

To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.

Best,

 

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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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Melanie K. Meren |  Phone: 571-423-1082 | Facebook | Twitter

Emma Heisey, Staff Aide, 571-423-1070, [email protected]

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The Dunne Dispatch (Broadway Edition) - 04/26/2024

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

I am a super fan of Broadway shows! The Mount Vernon District is fortunate to have so many great shows happening in our local schools over the next couple of weeks. Please see the list of current and upcoming shows below. I encourage everyone to attend one or more of these productions. Support the arts in our schools and enjoy the show!

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Mount Vernon HS Theatre  Presents The Addams Family, April 25-27

Remaining showtimes are as follows:

• Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

General Admission: $10.00
Student: $7.00
Senior/Military: $8.00
Children 5 and under: $5.00

West Potomac HS Theatre Presents Kinky Boots, April 26-27 and May 2-4

Beyond the Page Theater company is thrilled to announce its spring musical production of Kinky Boots in collaboration with FCPS Pride! This 2013 Tony award-winning musical is a sensational show that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and the power of self-expression.

Showtimes are as follows: 

• Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, 1:00 p.m. (Talkback with FCPS Pride immediately following the show)
• Saturday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 1:00 p.m. (Drag Brunch before show at 12:00 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m. 

Purchase tickets online. Note: This musical contains strong language and mature content.

Don’t miss the Drag Brunch on May 4 (before the 1:00 p.m. show). RSVP by May 2. Join Beyond the Page Theatre Company for a delicious brunch and witty entertainment from some of DC’s most fabulous performers: Dixie Crystal, Pirouette, and Orpheus Rose. The Drag Brunch will be a family friendly event, intended to expand upon the show’s message of accepting people for who they are despite our differences. 

When: Saturday, May 4

Time: 12:00 p.m. (immediately before the 1:00 p.m. show)

Where: Kogelman Theatre at West Potomac HS (Door 5)

Tickets available at the door: $15 for 1 person, $25 for 2 people and $35 for 3 people.

RSVP by May 2 for the Drag Brunch: 

• Email the number of tickets you would like to purchase to [email protected] with “DRAG BRUNCH” as the subject.
• You can pay in advance online or at the door with cash or check.

South County HS Theatre Presents Singin' in the Rain, May 2-4 and 9-10

Come see this classic musical on the South County High School stage. With songs you know like Good Mornin', Singin' in the Rain, All I Do is Dream of You and much more, we know you'll be dancing in your seat!

Showtimes are as follows:

• Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Music published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Produced by Arrangement with Morrice Rosenfield, Lois SF Rosenfeld, and Cindy Pritzker, Inc.

Hayfield Dramahawks Present Les Miserables (School Edition), May 2, 4, 9, and 11

Join the theatre actors and performers from Hayfield SS for another classic Broadway experience. 

Showtimes are as follows:

• Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online.

Lewis HS Lancer Theatre Presents The Wedding Singer, April 26-27 and May 3-5

Based on the 1998 film, this romantic comedy is set in the 1980's. It is a musical with a fun and energetic pulse, and off-beat humor. Note: Mature language and themes. 

Showtimes are as follows:

• Friday April 26, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 5, 2:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Edison HS Theatre Presents The Addams Family - School Edition, May 1-2 and May 4

Don't miss this heartwarming, blood-tickling romp with everyone's favorite gothic family. Join Edison HS Theatre as the Addams Family navigates their children growing up and learning to find their place in a bright, beautiful world. How revolting!

Showtimes are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Edison Pyramid Art Show, May 9, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The Edison Pyramid Art Show will take place at Edison HS on Thursday, May 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Night on Broadway will follow after the art show. There is no cost for either event. Hope to see you there.

Key MS Theatre Presents Disney, Descendants the Musical, May 24-25

Join Key Middle School for a musical event from Disney, Descendants the Musical! Mal and her band of villains are finally getting a chance to prove to their parents just how evil that can be. The four dastardly students travel to Auradon Prep, where the students are all, well, too good to be true.  Tasked with stealing the Fairy Godmother's wand, Mal and company manipulate and steal their way to the coronation, but will these four really be able to betray the Auradonians they've come to respect, like, and even love? Come find out at Key Middle School!

Showtimes are as follows:

• Friday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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The Dunne Dispatch (Report Card Edition) - 04/26/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As FCPS Earth Week wraps up this weekend, I thank students and staff who participated in special activities throughout the week to promote environmental stewardship in our schools and global community. Through recycling, energy conservation, minimizing food waste, or protection of natural resources and wildlife, we all have an important role in protecting the environment year-round.

In addition to celebrating Earth Week, I would also like to recognize and honor the rich diversity of people and cultures in Fairfax County.

• Chag Sameach to all in our community who celebrated Passover this week.
• A happy and peaceful New Year to those who celebrated Theravada New Year, the time of year when Buddhists reflect on the past year, make resolutions for the coming one, and perform special ceremonies. 
• As April winds down, we continue to honor the Month of the Military Child. Check out how several Mount Vernon District schools celebrated our military-connected students, particularly on Purple Up Day on April 17.

Recent conversations about K-12 students and the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.)-powered chatbots have focused on preventing student cheating and plagiarism. Unfortunately, a more disturbing phenomenon involving A.I.-generated software is now happening in schools and communities across the country. There have been several cases of students using A.I. software to create fake nude pictures of their peers. According to the New York Times, students use widely available nudification apps to transform pictures of their classmates fully clothed into nude or sexually explicit pictures. These altered images are called “deepfakes” or “deepnudes.” When these fake photos are shared in lunchrooms, passed around on school buses, or are posted on social media, it is devastating to victims, causing extreme humiliation and harm to their mental health, and reputations.

I urge parents/families to talk to their children immediately. Deepfakes are not only inappropriate, they may also be illegal. Help them realize that what may appear to be a harmless joke or prank could have a serious, devastating impact on the victim as well as those involved in creating or sharing these images. This is cyber bullying at its worst and it will not be tolerated in FCPS schools or our community. Those who create the photos as well as those who share or repost these images may be subject to consequences at school and perhaps in the formal legal system too. I also urge parents/families to stay vigilant about their students’ social media usage–what they post as well as what they receive/view from others. If you see something, say something to your school principal or counselors. Let’s all do our part to support FCPS’s Culture of Caring.

The Dunne Dispatch alternates between a bi-weekly calendar of events and bi-weekly report on School Board updates, student accomplishments, and school celebrations. Below is an update on my recent FCPS work, student success stories and school recognitions. Contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments. I read all correspondence received and make every effort to respond to each within three business days.

Very respectfully,

Inside this issue:

• School Board Update and Progress Report
• Celebrate Mount Vernon District Students
• Support the Fine and Performing Arts at Mount Vernon Schools
• Support Mount Vernon District Sports and Athletics
• Celebrate Mount Vernon District Staff and Schools
• Mount Vernon District School Activities and Announcements
• FCPS Events and Activities
• Community Announcements and Activities

School Board Update and Progress Report

In the Community

• I visited Lorton Station ES on April 17 to join U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, Supervisor Dan Storck, and FCPS leaders to announce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding Fairfax County Public Schools $16.5 million to purchase 42 electric school buses. This investment–along with local dollars FCPS will use to purchase three additional buses–makes it possible to increase our fleet of electric buses to 73.

• I attended several art exhibitions and performances at schools across the district, including the Waynewood ES Spring Strings Concert on April 17 as well as the Mount Vernon Pyramid Art Show and the Hayfield Pyramid Art Show on April 18. On April 20, I participated in Mount Vernon HS’s Music Marathon where I was honored to serve as a Golden Baton Conductor, leading the MVHS musicians in The Star Wars Theme (and by the request of the organizers, I wore an appropriate costume). Special thanks to Mount Vernon HS Performing Arts Department Chair and Orchestra Conductor Alberto Rodriguez for the invitation and for the conducting lesson. What an experience!

On the Board

• I advocated for FCPS to ensure accurate translations for assessments used to determine whether ESOL students require special education services. FCPS is increasing its reliance on Google Translate, which is highly accurate for European languages but less accurate for non-European languages.
• I advocated for full implementation of the recommendations in the AIR Special Education Audit to ensure every child receives a world-class education. FCPS has published a plan to implement some of the recommendations, but it is somewhat unclear which recommendations are being implemented (and which are not). I requested FCPS to clarify which recommendations are being implemented. In addition, I advocated for consistent policies, procedures, and paperwork to ensure a clear and efficient process by which educators can partner with families to ensure students receive appropriate support in a timely manner.
• I inquired whether Equitable Access to Literacy Plan interventions and supports currently provided to elementary students could be made available to middle and high school students who are reading below grade level.
• I chaired the April meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC), which discussed how to expedite the transition to modern procurement methodologies to accelerate school renovations and reduce costs. CPDC also discussed the establishment of a facilities planning framework to ensure the alignment of disparate efforts on school boundaries, school renovations, and infrastructure upgrades.

Working for You

• I advocated for FCPS to provide daily bus transportation from Mount Vernon Square Apartments to Hollin Meadows ES for approximately 250 children who currently walk to school in an area with increasing crime on a pathway that is not maintained by the county or the state. The safety of our children is paramount, and I will continue to advocate until FCPS meets the needs of our community.
• I took immediate action after learning that a significant number of the lights at the South County HS stadium/track needed to be replaced. Many thanks to the Department of Facilities for its quick action. The issue was resolved within just a few days of receiving the complaint, with the exception of a corner light occupied by a bird’s nest that is protected by international treaty. The nest will be removed only if it is determined to be lawful.
• I worked with the FCPS Facilities Department to ensure the tennis court windscreens at Sandburg MS were replaced after receiving complaints from concerned residents.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
• May 9 at 7 p.m. Regular Meeting: Student Rights & Responsibilities
• May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing: Budget
• May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing: Budget (if needed)

Please note that times and topics are subject to change. Watch School Board Work Sessions and Regular Meetings via  the FCPS website or on FCPS Cable Channel 99  or FCPS en Español YouTube channel. Sign up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings.

Celebrate Mount Vernon District Students

Hayfield Pyramid

• Congratulations to several Hayfield HS student-athletes for another successful week of performance and competitions! The Hayfield Boys Lacrosse Team remains undefeated with a big win over TJ. Hayfield Girls Soccer remains undefeated after beating Annandale this week. Hayfield Softball remains undefeated in the district with a big win over Justice. Hayfield Boys and Girls Tennis both remain in 2nd place in the district.

• Lorton Station ES student Liwam spoke before several VIP guests including US Representative Gerry Connolly, EPA Administrator Adam Ortiz, Mount Vernon Supervisor, and several members of the School Board about the importance of clean air and EV buses. In this picture, she is being interviewed by local radio station WAMU 88.5. Congratulations to Liwam for being a wonderful spokesperson and ambassador!

Mount Vernon Pyramid

• Congratulations to Mount Vernon HS student Phillip Ha for earning 2nd place at the Virginia State Fair! Extra congratulations for also receiving a Regional Monterey Award from the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association!

West Potomac Pyramid

• Congratulations to the Waynewood ES for hosting their Strings Concert on April 17! It was my pleasure to attend the concert along with Superintendent Michelle Reid and Region 3 Executive Principal Ingrid Bynum. Watch this video of one of my favorite moments.

• Congratulations to Hollin Meadows ES 4th Grade students who shared their projects during a recent grade level wide exhibition as the culmination of a research unit!

Edison Pyramid

• Edison HS National Honor Society Induction. Last week, Edison HS inducted its newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS). Congratulations to these students for their academic accomplishments!

South County Pyramid

• Laurel Hill ES Top 10 Finalist in National Contest. Thanks to the creativity and leadership of Laurel Hills ES Physical Education teachers, the school is now a Top 10 Finalist in a national contest to win a visit from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. Check out this fun Court of Creativity video featuring Laurel Hill ES students and educators. Stay tuned for the contest results soon.

• South County HS enjoyed a thrilling student vs. faculty volleyball game that had the entire audience cheering (and maybe sweating a little too). Kudos to Mrs. Sam Tolan for orchestrating a game that not only entertained but also united the school community.

• Congratulations to Newington Forest ES 4th-6th grade strings students who participated in the Solo and Ensemble Festival at Poe Middle School. All performers scored the highest scores possible! The Newington Forest Chorus delivered a magnificent performance on Wednesday. Their talent and dedication were truly impressive.

Lewis Pyramid

• Key Center Garden Expanding. Great things are happening in Key Center’s garden area. Thanks to a generous grant from FCPS Get2Green, Key Center is expanding and upgrading its garden area. New raised garden beds were recently added and are now being prepared for planting. Students have been enjoying moving wood from the wood pile to the garden beds. If you have wood, branches, or grass clippings, you would like to donate to Key Center, please contact Beth Curtis at [email protected].
• Congratulations to Key Center MS theater students who were selected to perform at the Gatehouse Cafe. Students provided a sneak preview of their spring production of Disney’s Descendants the Musical, which will be performed on May 24-25.

Support the Fine and Performing Arts at Mount Vernon Schools

Mount Vernon HS Theatre Arts Presents The Addams Family, April 25-27

West Potomac HS Band Car Wash, April 28. If your car is a lovely pollen shade of green, come to the West Potomac Band's Car Wash on April 28, starting at 1pm, at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Students will be ready with suds and towels to return your car to return it to its original color. Donations of any amount are welcome!

Newington Forest ES Presents Big Blue Marble, April 29, 7:00 p.m.

South County HS Theatre Arts Presents Singin’ in the Rain, May 2-10

Support Mount Vernon District Sports and Athletics

Hayfield Athletics April 25 - 27

South County Boys Lacrosse Invitational, April 27

Lewis HS Soccer Pyramid, April 26, 7:15 p.m.

Celebrate Mount Vernon District Staff and Schools

Edison Pyramid

• During the FCPS Approaches to Learning Presentations of Learning Conference, Twain MS’s very own Ms. Goetz (Chinese Teacher) and Ms. Ramacci (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher & IB Coordinator) shared Twain’s journey supporting FCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program. You can learn more about FCPS Portrait of a Graduate and the Twain IB Middle Years Program

Mount Vernon Pyramid

• Community Recognition for Fort Belvoir Elementary School. Congratulations to Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper ES (FBES) for being recognized by the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. The schools were recognized for dedication that extends beyond academic excellence and for prioritizing the holistic well-being of the school community. Each month, FBES organizes a free food market, ensuring families have access to essential resources. FBES collaborates with local partners to address clothing needs by supplying coats and hats to students in need. FBES also hosts a toy drive to spread joy and support to students during the winter holiday season. Congratulations to FBES for being recognized for being grounded in kindness and serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all who enter its doors.

Mount Vernon District School Activities and Announcements

• Fort Belvoir ES Food Market, April 26, 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fort Belvoir ES and the Capital Area Food Bank invites all FBES families and Fort Belvoir Homeschoolers to participate in this monthly Food Market. No charge. For more information, contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
• Mount Eagle ES Earth Day, April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join this annual tradition! Help plant and weed in Mount Eagle ES's gardens. Enjoy crafts. Bring your tools, family, and friends. Food for sale, including Captain Cookie. Location: 6116 N. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA. 

Save the Date: Kindergarten Orientations and 2024 Graduation Dates

Mount Vernon District Elementary School Kindergarten Orientations

• Fort Belvoir Primary School, May 3, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Hollin Meadows ES, May 3, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Mount Vernon District 2024 Graduation Dates. It is not too soon to mark your calendars for our spring 2024 graduation ceremonies. See below for a listing of graduation dates for Mount Vernon District schools.

• Bryant High School & AIM: Wednesday, June 5, 4 p.m., Bryant High School
• Edison High School: Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
• Hayfield Secondary School: Monday, June 10, 9:30 a.m., Eagle Bank Arena
• Lewis High School: Monday, June 3, 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
• Mount Vernon High School: Tuesday, June 4, 9:30 a.m., Eagle Bank Arena
• Quander Road School: Thursday, May 30, 3:30 p.m., Quander Road School
• South County High School: Monday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena
• West Potomac High School: Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena

Visit the FCPS website for a complete list of Class of 2024 Graduations.

FCPS Events and Activities

• 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.
• Community Forums on Middle School Start Times. FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
  • 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

A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon. While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. 

Community Announcements and Activities

• Supervisor Dan Storck’s 6thAnnual Environment Expo, Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), April 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come celebrate green living with Supervisor Stork's 6th Annual Environment Expo on Saturday, April 27th! This eco-conscious event will be held from 11:00 to 3 pm at Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A in Alexandria. Enjoy live music, delicious food, wildlife showcases, electric vehicle demos, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Explore face painting, scavenger hunts, touch-a-truck, and solar cooking demonstrations. Engage with exhibitors, win giveaways, and best of all, it's free! See attached flyer for details.

• Drug Take Back Day, April 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, April 27th. Check online for more information and for locations for drop off unused or expired medications.
• NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families, April 30, 7:00 p.m. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering virtual information and application sessions. Information sessions will provide an overview of NOVA and the opportunities, services, and resources designed to connect high school seniors to the NOVA Nighthawk Community. A virtual application workshop will be held Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. Sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For questions, email [email protected] or call 703-323-3000.
• The United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Admissions Event (HS), May 1, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) invite you to attend our joint admissions event on May 1st from 7-9pm at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA! Please RSVP via this link: https://slate.to/XEvxj2QE Meet an Admissions Officer and learn about: USMA & USNA; Life as a Cadet & Midshipman; Our Admissions Process; Amazing academic & leadership opportunities offered; and much more!
• United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Youth Program. The United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Youth Program caters to students grades 6-12 by offering a variety of affordable activities, trips, and programs to enrich the experiences and connections of our military-connected youth.  Programs range from leadership and workforce preparation opportunities to life skills and fitness programs. Within the Fort Belvoir Youth Program, the Youth Center opens after school and provides access to a diverse range of facilities including a gym, game room, art room, and dance studio. The free Middle School Teen program offers a homework lab, computer lab, open recreation, and special interest activities.  The Youth Center offers a teen lounge for high school students to watch movies, play games, or just hang out. To take advantage of the Youth Center and all it has to offer, attendees must register through Child and Youth Services Parent Central Services.  For more information, visit the Fort Belvoir Youth Center.  To connect with FCPS resources, please email [email protected].

• Military Child Education Coalition Call for the Arts: Entries due April 30. The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) invites military-connected children to showcase their experiences, dreams, and challenges through art. The MCEC Call for the Arts program provides military-connected students a platform to explain what being a military-connected child means to them through any medium such as writing, painting, and performance. Winners will receive an invitation to the MCEC Global Summit in Washington, DC, from July 29-31, 2024, along with an Amazon gift card and recognition on MCEC’s social media and website! The MCEC Call for the Arts is open to students in grades K-12.  All entries and release forms must be received by April 30, 2024.  For more information and to download the entry and release form, please visit MCEC The Call for the Arts. 

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

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Shakil White, right, visits Danielle Hornbecker, director of Student Services at Frost Middle School and Shakil’s former math teacher. He now works as a Safety and Security assistant at Frost.

🎉 FCPS Celebrates 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, who has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year! This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. Laura was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Read about the Teacher of the Year.

Updates to Employee Use of Social Media Regulation

Regulation 7004 was recently updated to include new requirements and responsibilities for employee use of social media. The regulation includes new definitions and rules for official, professional, and personal social media accounts.

FCPS official and FCPS professional social media accounts can only be used for FCPS business, such as sharing classroom photos/videos of students. 

They can NOT be used to:

• ❌ Post photos featuring students with opt-outs on file. Blurring or covering a child’s face is NOT acceptable.
• ❌ Post, share, or like inappropriate content, including personal beliefs, interests, or opinions; campaigning; arguments; or obscenity.
• ❌ Block/ban users or hide/delete comments unless they violate the FCPS Social Media Disclaimer.
• ❌ Post student work without parent/caregiver permission. Graded work is an educational record protected by FERPA.

Personal social media accounts:

• ✅ Must be kept separate from FCPS official and FCPS professional accounts.
• ❌ Must NOT post photos/videos of students or student work without parent permission.

Please review Regulation 7004 on BoardDocs. For additional guidance, see the Social Media Guidelines for FCPS Employees.

Central Office Coordinator and Several Manager Positions Retitled

Human Resources recently conducted a study in response to concerns that some central office coordinator and manager position titles do not best reflect the duties and responsibilities of these roles, particularly when compared to entities outside of FCPS. In addition, job responsibilities for people with these titles within FCPS have not always been aligned. 

As a result of this study, effective Wednesday, May 1, all central office positions with coordinator titles and manager titles at the B/008 pay grade and higher will be retitled senior manager I, II, or III. These changes involve a modification of the job title only. They do not impact salary, grade, job duties, or organizational structure.

Those impacted have already been directly notified of this change. Visit the Employee Hub for more information including FAQs.

🌳 Get2Green Leader Enjoys Connecting Students With Nature

As a Get2Geen leader at Forest Edge Elementary School, Erika Thompson (pictured above, second from left), an advanced academic resource teacher, enjoys learning more about reducing waste, recycling, and composting while she helps the school become more eco-friendly. She has led classes in green activities and started an after-school club for fifth and sixth graders. Read more about Erika’s Get2Green experience.

💜 Thank You FCPS Administrative Professionals!

Wednesday, April 24, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you to all the FCPS employees who support our schools and offices and keep things running smoothly. 

Read about Alexa Pugnetti, administrative assistant at Woodson High School, who was named the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee at FCPS Honors.

⏰ Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School. 
• Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

Find the Latest Tips on Accessibility

The FCPS Accessibility Team has been sharing biweekly tips, tricks, and resources to help the school division Keep C.A.L.M. and Choose Accessible Learning Materials. The Keep C.A.L.M. Hub page includes a summary of the campaign and an archive of accessibility tips. The archive includes both C.A.L.M. updates and C.A.R.E. Packages (Curate Accessible Resources for Everyone). Visit often to keep up with the latest tips! 

Share how you keep C.A.L.M. and C.A.R.E. for all your students by joining Conversations on Accessible Learning Materials on Zoom. Complete this Google Form or post on X, add #FCPSKeepCALM, and tag @accessible_fcps.

💙 CARES of the Month Recipient Keeps All Eyes on the Prize

FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. One of February’s CARES of the Month recipients is Joash Chung, manager of Tutoring Services. 

“The stresses of managing a program which has grown exponentially in size and budget without growing in staff, are profound,” his nomination stated. “As a leader, Joash is always able to reflect, advise, and keep his eye on the prize of helping boost student achievement and skills.”

Thank you, Joash, for looking out for our students! And congratulations to the other FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients:

• Joycelynne Jimenez-Rodriguez, Hughes Middle School
• Wilson Harvey, Justice High School
• Debra Schuman, Mount Eagle Elementary School
• Amanda Alsbaugh, Oak View Elementary School
• Emma Miller, Woodson High School
• Lorena Orellana, Blanca Chavez, and Custodial Staff, Lewis High School; and Guery Cespedes, Alexis Rivas, Rosa Romero, and Juan Miranda, Lake Braddock Secondary School

Read about all the recipients.

⛔ Learn to Say No

Have you found it challenging to say no when you really should? You're not alone! Saying no can induce feelings of guilt and fear, but it’s also one of the most empowering words in our language. Whether you like to feel needed or you’re someone who hesitates to assert boundaries, Employee Wellness’ upcoming workshop aims to equip you with the confidence to handle it skillfully.

Register for the Learning to Say No webinar, on Wednesday, April 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Employees will learn practical techniques for saying no effectively, establishing boundaries, and maintaining respect and productivity.

☑️ Serve as a 2024 ERFC Trustee

The Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Board of Trustees will elect one person to serve as trustee. The ERFC Board is the governing body of ERFC and supports its mission to enhance the financial security of members through prudent financial stewardship.

Interested active ERFC members who seek to be candidates must submit a nomination petition and a statement of contribution to the Office of Employee Relations by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

Notice 4771 outlines the election process. An electronic election will be held Tuesday, May 14, through Thursday, May 16. Contact Sherri Burris at 571-423-3252 or [email protected] with questions.

🏫 Unlock FCPS' Past on Historic Schoolhouse Day

Step into the rich history of Fairfax County Public Schools on Historic Schoolhouse Day, Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Unlock the doors to six captivating former FCPS one- and two-room schoolhouses where local students learned from 1870 to 1939. 

Immerse yourself as each location comes alive with engaging activities and insightful tours, offering a glimpse into Virginia's educational heritage.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious learner, or simply seeking a unique experience, all are warmly invited to partake in this unforgettable event. Come be a part of this vibrant celebration of our educational legacy. For schoolhouse locations and additional details, visit the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia website.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Theravada New Year (Observance Day)

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.”

Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an observance day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. 

Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

School Board Meeting Scheduled for April 25 at 7 p.m.

The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m.  

Topics on the agenda include:

• Strategic Plan Goal 2 Baseline Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered
• 2024-25 IDEA Special Education Annual Plan
• Awarding of Contracts

View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.

Staff Staples

• Calendars
• Classifieds
• Employee Wellness Program
• FCPS CARES
• Human Resources
• Job Openings
• People on the Move
• Savings for Staff
• Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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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.

© 2024 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

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

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

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Military Children 2024 World Expo

The Military Children’s Six Foundation is hosting a Military Children World Expo on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

The theme of this year’s expo is “Resilience - The Unstopppable Power.” The Military Children 2024 World Expo is open to the public and a free event. 

Leading up to this event, the Military Children’s Six Foundation continues to host multiple, 90-minute in-person pre-expo workshops in Alexandria, Virginia, with virtual attendance options as well.  Adults and students of all ages are invited to attend.  To learn more about the Expo and the workshops, please visit Military Children World Expo.

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any enrichment opportunity they may use before participating.

To connect with FCPS resources, please email [email protected].

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Online Special Education Resource Fair

Launching on April 20, as a part of the 2024 Family Summit, the FCPS Department of Special Services is sponsoring an online Special Education Resource Fair.

This virtual event is a must-visit 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 goes live on Saturday, April 20 and can be found on the 2024 Family Summit webpage

Office of Special Education Instruction

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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

Hello, Springfield District

It has been such an amazing last few weeks! I always love the transition between our weather extremes, so fall and spring are my favorite seasons in Northern Virginia. I hope you and your family have had a lovely month. 

I spent my last few weeks visiting with some of our amazing principals at the Burke School, Hunt Valley Elementary, and Rolling Valley Elementary with my colleague, Kyle McDaniel. It was particularly special being back in the building at Hunt Valley where I went to elementary school.

I have also had the opportunity to attend and participate in several events for and with our students, such as the Fairfax County Regional Science & Engineering Fair and Awards Ceremony, the Chantilly HS Technology Student Association Tech Fair, the Fairfax HS Fashion Marketing Fashion Show, and the Bryant HS Career Fair. I am in awe of the creativity and professionalism of our students. It is awesome watching them excel and learn. 

Throughout the last month, I have also taken the time to learn with our community. I met with Carolyn Pitches from the City of Fairfax School Board, attended Dr. Reid’s Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs, attended the Arc of Northern Virginia Benefit Breakfast, listened along with Dr. Reid at an Employee Conversation, and celebrated Fairfax County’s selection for the EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program along with the Road Runners at Lorton Station ES.

Last but not least, I spent time learning with my colleagues at the National School Board Association conference, including a keynote conversation with Ruby Bridges. Being reminded about the strong work Fairfax County is doing to educate our children while still seeing our future opportunities was a wonderful reminder of the important work our board has to do!

I will be in touch soon! 

Sandy Anderson

This newsletter includes information on the following issues:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• School Board Work
• FCPS News
• Superintendent Updates
• Springfield District Scene
• Student Opportunities
• Community News
• Family and Student Resources
• Quick Links

Top row top left: Hunt Valley Elementary School visit: Region 4 Executive Principal Lisa Reddel, Assistant Principal Christina Gibbs, Principal Keieownna Johnson-Hightower, me, and Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel and Fairfax High School Fashion Marketing Fashion Show with Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read Middle row left to right: Burke School visit: me, Principal Dr. Thomas Sweet, and Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel and Environmental Protection Administration visit to Lorton Station Elementary School: Mount Vernon Supervisor District Dan Storck, Franconia District Representative Marcia St. John-Cunning, Mount Vernon District Representative Mateo Dunne, Chair and Providence District Representative Karl Frisch; Principal Francis Legagneur, EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz, At-Large Representative Ryan McElveen, me, At-Large Representative Kyle McDaniel, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and Executive Director of Transportation Services Paul D’Andrade Bottom row left to right: The Arc of Northern Virginia Benefit Breakfast: Special Education PTA President Amanda Campbell, me, and Delegate Laura Jane Cohen and Rolling Valley Elementary School visit: Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel, Principal Veronica Del Bagno, and me

 

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• April 25 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Strategic Plan Goal 2 Baseline Report, Special Education Enhancement Plan, etc.
• May 7 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: FY2024 Advertised Budget and Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
• May 9 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Student Rights & Responsibilities
• May 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing: Budget
• May 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing: Budget (if needed)

Please note that times and topics are subject to change.

The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code below.

Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Are you interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

If you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

School Board Work Special Education Enhancement Plan

At the April 16 work session, the School Board discussed the Special Education Enhancement Plan which was designed to address the recommendations of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) included in their Special Education Program Review Report. The Plan was also 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 (4) goal areas:

• Instruction and Inclusive Practices
• Special Education Processes
• Communication
• Staff Capacity

View the documents and watch the full meeting.

 

Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 5 Baseline Report

The Board voted to approve the Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 5 Baseline Report that will be used as a reference point annually to determine FCPS’ progress on the Strategic Plan Goals.

Watch the full meeting.

 

Educational Employees Retirement System of Fairfax County Proposed Plan Design Changes

At the March 21 meeting, the School Board voted to approve the Educational Employees Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) proposed plan design changes as detailed in the agenda item. Plan design changes include 

• DROP Plan for Legacy Employees
• The addition of a DROP program for Legacy members will allow employees to receive the maximum ERFC contribution while continuing to work at FCPS for the required 30 years to maximize VRS contributions. 
• Sick Leave Credit
• The Legacy ERFC program allows unused sick leave balances to be credited as retirement services. The ERFC 2001 Plan (Tier I & Tier 2) does not. A comparable provision is proposed for ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) service credit. Fairfax County allows unused sick leave to be credited as service time, upon retirement. Approximately 6,000 FCPS employees are in the FCERS plan.

Providing Sick Leave Credit to ERFC 2001 (Tier I & Tier 2) members aims to incentivize employees to preserve sick leave, thereby enhancing their retirement benefits. This change also will potentially reduce the number of sick leave days employees use, which will reduce the number of substitute teachers needed.

• Working after Retirement
• Implementing the Work after Retirement (WAR) plan will support teacher retirement and retention efforts with an emphasis on critical shortage positions. After the required 6-month break, employees could be rehired into one-year-only positions, which must be renewed annually. 

The Board voted to approve a follow-on motion stating that if the funds for this program do not remain in the budget, the board will prioritize the funds for the DROP program at year-end.

Watch the full meeting.

 

Student Rights & Responsibilities

During the 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.

 

Proclamations

I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s March 21 and April 11 regular meetings.

• Music, Theatre, and Arts Appreciation Proclamation
• Read Across America and Library Recognition Month Proclamation
• Neurodiversity Affirmation Week Proclamation
• Arab American Heritage Month Proclamation
• Month of the Military Child Proclamation
• National Volunteer and Mentor Appreciation Week Proclamation

FCPS News School Board Office Job Opening 

Come work with me and the Fairfax County School Board! We seek a Deputy Clerk to help ensure our elected School Board meets its mission to provide an excellent education to our 182,000+ students and maintain its status as a top employer for our 45,000 educators and staff!

This high-level job is fast-paced; includes working with policy and legal matters; requires strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills; and will require flexible hours that may include weeknights and occasional weekends. The position works from the FCPS Central Office in Falls Church, right off of I-495 (the Capital Beltway).

Contact me with questions, and please share with others! https://tinyurl.com/FCPSDeputyClerk

The job posting closes on April 23, 2024.

 

🎖️ Honoring Military Kids

In this video, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle 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 shows our appreciation and gratitude to these remarkable young individuals who contribute so much to our community.

Military-Connected Family Support

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. 

 

⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS 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. 

You may register for an in-person forum by clicking one of the dates above. A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. 

 

🏐 New Athletic Opportunities for Students

Our advertised budget for next school year expands high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being. We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details. Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget.

 

✅ 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. 

 

🎵 FCPS Is One of the Best Communities for Music Education

Fairfax County Public Schools has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Read about this honor.

 

Community Learns About the Dangers of Fentanyl and Other Drugs

More than 200 staff, students, and community members gathered at Lake Braddock Secondary School this week for the latest Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs. They heard moving testimony from the parents and friends of Cayden Foster (video in Spanish), a student at Centreville High School who died from a fentanyl overdose last year. 

Other speakers included Dr. Reid, Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Chief of Police Kevin Davis, and Centreville High School Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Dawn Brower. 

FCPS teams, county representatives, and community partners shared information and resources to support students and families. The Fairfax Community Service Board also provided free NARCAN training to attendees. 

In collaboration with the Office of Counseling and College and Career Readiness, all FCPS students in attendance had the opportunity to gain critical insight into this important topic, with the added incentive of earning service hours.

Learn more about this event, the opioid epidemic in Fairfax County, and free NARCAN training.

 

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 Dr. Bussey’s legacy as a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.

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, 2024.

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

 

Office of Auditor Current Engagement Updates Annual Risk Assessment and Audit Plan

Every year, the Office of Auditor General (OAG) conducts an independent risk assessment that considers the financial, operational, and reputational risks faced by FCPS. The OAG develops its annual audit plan based on the risk assessment results. Currently, OAG is conducting the risk assessment process for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) audit plan.

The risk assessment and annual audit plan prioritize areas by evaluating the associated risks (see the “What is Risk” article in the March edition of Audit Buzz).

OAG then determines the FY25 audit plan to include secondary and long-term priorities. 

Read more in the March edition of Audit Buzz.

 

FCPS Business and Community Partnerships Youth Work Laws and YouthRules.gov

Child Labor Laws vary by age and task. The laws and violations are relevant whether a student is working a job to support a family, for extra money, or as part of a work-based learning program. Common child labor violations include:

• Expecting a young person to work longer or later than legally allowed.
• Driving a motor vehicle or forklift.
• Using meat-processing machines and vertical dough or batter mixers
• Performing jobs that are off-limit for their age.

Here’s a website to help you understand more about what jobs are off-limits for children.

Because some state child labor laws are inconsistent with the federal ones, remember that the more restrictive law applies: 

• Where a state child labor law is less restrictive than the federal law, the federal law applies. 
• Where a state child labor law is more restrictive than the federal law, the state law applies.

Our community’s understanding of Child labor laws matters in many regards, but especially because businesses play an important role in student attendance.

Along with school, a job is a great place for young people to learn and if you’re employing an FCPS student — thank you. Thank you, too, for recognizing the importance of school as you schedule their work hours.

Before a teenager starts a job, please check whether they can work at that job at the age they are currently:

• The child is under 14 years old.
• The teenager is 14 or 15 years old.
• The teenager is 16 or 17 years old.
• The teenager is 18 years old or older.

Watch this video about the rights of young workers, and visit YouthRules.gov for more information.

Let's work together to support school attendance. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources. 

Superintendent Updates 🏫 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's full-time staff work directly in our schools. Approximately 86% of our 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 just 0.8% of total full-time positions.

View FCPS budget documents for details on our advertised budget, including the FY 2025 Budget Book.

We are in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for community feedback. See the Budget Calendar for important dates and details.

Give Your Feedback on the Budget

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:

• Through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.  
• Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS. 
• Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
• Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.

  🏫 Apply for Early Learning for Children Six Weeks to Four Years Old

FCPS pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying income-eligible children ages six weeks to four years living in Fairfax County. Watch this video to learn more (also available in Spanish). 

• Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for 3-year-olds through September 30.

• Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Space is limited and based on need, not first come, first served. 

Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at FCPS’ Leis Center location in Falls Church.  

For questions about your application or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

 

Portrait of a Graduate

During the April 11 Academic Matters segment of the School Board meeting, Dr. Reid celebrated the 10th anniversary of our 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. We will continue to build on our last decade of success with the following commitment for all students by 2025-26:

• Expanded Access and Opportunity 

• Increasing Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning (POG POL) participation across all schools in order to reach the VDOE State Designation and the measures of POG POL within the Strategic Plan 
• Currently, staff from 82 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 20 high schools, alternative programs, and Academies 
• Continued Integration with FCPS Priorities 
• Enhancement Plan for Students with Disabilities 
• Universal Design for Learning 
• Leveraging Technology and the use of AI

Watch a video with students talking about POG. Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation or view her slides. Learn more about Portrait of a Graduate. 

 

📐 Applying Math to Real World Concepts

During the Academic Matters segment of the March 21 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared how FCPS is strengthening numeracy — the ability to apply math concepts in the real world — in primary grades.

FCPS has been investing in professional development through Add+Vantage Math Recovery © (AVMR), and teachers are using a scripted intervention curriculum to support numeracy instruction. Each FCPS elementary school has at least one AVMR-trained teacher, who:

• Is trained to help students build flexibility with foundational numeracy.
• Observes student behaviors to make instructional decisions.
• Provides instruction that is targeted at the edge of the child's current knowledge; accelerating their learning. 

Our younger students in AVMR get to use different things like blocks and toys to understand math in the real world. They also learn by asking questions, practicing math, and talking about the many ways to solve problems.

See students demonstrating their numeracy. Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation or view her slides. 

 

🙋 How Schools Are Prioritizing Student Attendance

Watch this video to learn about the collaborative efforts between schools, families, and the community to support every student’s success. Discover how our schools connect families with essential resources such as childcare, medical services, and transportation. 

Through personalized communication, we’re prioritizing student attendance. Making sure every student feels safe, supported, included, and empowered is Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

 

Instructional Job Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools wants you to be a part of our team!  We are seeking educator talent with strong student engagement skills and a passion for having a positive influence on our school communities. We are hosting a job fair on Saturday, April 27, 2024, (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) at Sandburg Middle School.  There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. 

During a recent Job Fair, over 150 offers were extended to qualified candidates! You could be next!

Find more information and register for the Fair.

Questions should be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources through our online web portal or by calling 571-423-3000.

 

🏛️ My First Year Episode 5: A Day at the Museum Follow Ms. Vivi in her fifth episode of My First Year! 

Though each day may feel full of discovery for students in Ms. Vivi’s third-grade classroom, that feeling of discovery was taken up a notch when the class took their first field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 

“I hope the students enjoy and get something out of it,” Vivi said as she prepped for her first day working off campus. “I want everyone to feel prepared and comfortable.” 

“It was wonderful watching the students navigate an experience in the real world,” Ms. Vivi explained. Going into the field trip, she was worried about things going smoothly and making sure everyone (both students and chaperones) would feel comfortable. As the day concluded, it became evident that Ms. Vivi’s first field trip was a wonderful success for all.

Read the full article. View all episodes of “My First Year” with Ms. Vivi.

Become a teacher today!

Springfield District Scene

Congratulations to the Chantilly High School Forensics Team for winning the VHSL State Championship! A special shout out to Camila Canelas Soto for taking first place in Extemporaneous Speaking!

Kudos also to Chantilly’s Technology Student Association regional first-place finishers Rohit Paka for Dragster Design and Dev Goda for Flight Endurance!

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Chudovan and Mr. Piccione of Chantilly Academy, whose Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Program was recognized by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association as one of 26 outstanding STEM programs worldwide! Learn more about their recognition.  

Students from Chantilly Academy’s Korean program traveled to Seoul, South Korea over Spring Break. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Korean culture and practice their Korean language skills!  The group is pictured here wearing a beautiful variety of hanboks, which is a style of traditional Korean clothing.

 

I’m so proud of Fairfax High School’s Fashion Club for offering prom dresses at no cost to students! The students collected dresses, and created a “no questions asked” environment for all to try on dresses and take one home! Over 100 dresses were collected and over 40 were distributed on the first day!

 

In many ways, the library at Katherine Johnson Middle School is the center of the school. Walking into the building, it’s directly in front of visitors, and contains doors on both ends so many people use it as a pass-through. 

Many of those who were using the library as a shortcut previously are now stopping to greet the library’s newest resident — Lady Bartholemew, Destroyer of Worlds. 

Lady Bart (for short) is a bearded dragon who has been brought to live at Katherine Johnson by Librarian Jenny Betten (at left in the final photo). Betten offered students a learning seminar, How to Train Your Dragon, to take during their advisory period. In the seminar, they researched bearded dragons, the benefits of a class pet, why bearded dragons are good pets, and how to care for them. 

After completing their research, the students presented a slide show proposal to one of the assistant principals to get permission to get the library pet. (Betten had gotten permission in advance so the students wouldn’t be working toward something impossible.) 

Communicating, collaborating, and being goal-directed are all Portrait of a Graduate skills that students are encouraged to learn about and use. 

Lady Bartholomew recently provided that to a student who was visiting a school counselor and was having a hard time calming down. The counselor brought him to the library and offered to let him hold the dragon for a few minutes. “He said thank you, that it helped,” said Emily Carmichael, head librarian (at right in the photo below).  

This project has also demonstrated that school librarians, Carmichael commented, can “make a curriculum connection out of anything. You never know what they’re open to!” 

Read the full story.

 

Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Math Honor Society and its sponsor, Ms. Saja Abduljabbar. Lake Braddock Secondary School is now an official Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, The National High School, and the Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work of their students. 

Shout out to Lake Braddock’s Ella Ridgway for taking first place in Impromptu at the VHSL State Forensics Championships!

 

Congratulations to South County High School STEM Design teacher Mr. Dan Velazquez who has been chosen as an Onshape Champion! This prestigious designation recognizes Mr. Velazquez's innovative approach to teaching future engineers. In his STEM Design class, Onshape isn't just software – it's a powerful tool that empowers students to grasp not only Computer-Aided Design (CAD) but also the critical concept of Design Intent.

 

Thomas Jefferson HSST had five students attend the National Capital Region West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference on March 15. At the event, four of them were nominated to compete as top student delegates from their small groups based on their demonstrated leadership, active participation, willingness to engage, and a firm understanding and application of the conference model. The top student delegates will compete for a total of $10,000 in scholarship money for providing their analysis based on the concepts learned at the conference of a new ethical and moral vignette. Way to go!

 

Woodson High School Chorus A Cappella had the distinct honor of working with and performing at Carnegie Hall with Deke Sharon. Deke is most famously known as the composer of the vocal music for the Pitch Perfect movie franchise. Performers came from across the globe including the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Woodson Chorus was the only public high school represented. The students received the invitation to perform after the organizers heard them through their YouTube channel. Congratulations to Springfield District students Carson Fenner and Charlotte Reymann for representing Woodson on such a prestigious and global stage!

 

Woodson students joined Falls Church High School students on a first-ever joint educational tour for spring break!  Woodson Spanish teacher Sra. Katrina Cohen helped to guide 14 valiant travelers through Europe.

They visited Madrid, Toledo, and Paris to practice Spanish and French and develop cultural awareness as ethical and global citizens. The students studied masterpieces in the Prado and the Louvre, expanded their horizons, and tried new foods like escargot, tapas, and frog legs, and activities such as Flamenco dance and playing Pétanque. They even saw Spanish swords forged in fire and hammered out. Wow!

  🎭 Upcoming School Performances

Don’t miss the many spring school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are

• Anastasia - Fairfax High School: April 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m.
• Anything Goes - Chantilly High School: April 18, 19, and 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 2 p.m.
• Peter and the Starcatcher - West Springfield High School: April 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m. 
• 1776: The Musical - Woodson High School: April 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m.
• Romeo and Juliet - Lake Braddock Secondary School: May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m.
• Pippin - Oakton High School: May 2, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 7 p.m. and May 2 at 2 p.m.
• Legally Blonde Jr. - Katherine Johnson Middle School: May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m.
• Matilda Junior - Frost Middle School: May 9, 10, and 11 at 7 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m. 
• The Music Man Jr. - Franklin Middle School: May 16, 17, and 18 at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 2 p.m.
• The Big Friendly Giant - Lake Braddock Secondary School: May 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. and May 18 and 19 at 2 p.m.
• Descendants - Key Middle School: May 23 at 3 p.m., and May 24 and 25 at 6:30 p.m.
• Theatre Scenes Night - Irving Middle School: May 31 at 7 p.m.

 

🥍 South County High School Boys Lacrosse Invitational

South County High School is hosting a Boys Lacrosse Invitational on Saturday, April 20, and April 27, 2024. Support your team! Tickets are $5 and all proceeds from ticket and bake sales go to South County Boys Lacrosse.

April 20 Schedule Stadium Field Track Turf   Home Away Home Away 10 a.m. Langley Cosby     Noon South Lakes Patriot South County JV Freedom JV 2 p.m. Robinson Stone Bridge Chantilly Gainesville 4 p.m. Woodson Madison Kellam West Springfield 6 p.m. South County Oakton    

 

April 27 Schedule Stadium Field Track Turf   Home Away Home Away 10:30 a.m. South County JV Oakton JV Langley South Lakes Noon Madison Patriot Oakton Freedom 2 p.m. Robinson Cosby Woodson Gainesville 4 p.m. South County Chantilly    

 

Two FCPS School Counseling Programs Awarded 2024 RAMP Designation

Two Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) school counseling programs have been recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as model programs and were awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2024 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling programs benefit all students. 

School counseling programs that received the RAMP designation are South County Middle School and the high school program at Lake Braddock Secondary School.

Read about this designation. 

 

🎶 Students Selected for 2024 All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus 

One hundred eighty-one FCPS students have been selected to perform at the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event which will take place April 18-20. 

Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions within these ensembles. Participants will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians during the event, which is free and open to the public.

The concerts will be held in the Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. More information about the event is available online.

Congratulations to the following selected Springfield District students!

All-Virginia Band

• Fairfax High School: Leo Johnson
• Lake Braddock Secondary School: Joseph Markey

• Robinson Secondary School: Miriam Jesse and Jack Patterson

• West Springfield High School: Alexander Childs, Sean Gray, Ashlie Hong, Sarayu Jilludumudi, Meredith Turcott, and Charlotte Witzel

All-Virginia Orchestra

• Centreville High School: Rachel Noh

• Lake Braddock Secondary School: Jonah Ascoli

• Robinson Secondary School: Ramona Ban

• South County High School: Christine Hwang

• Thomas Jefferson HSST: Angelee Kang

• Woodson High School: Nathaniel Kurland

All-Virginia Chorus

• Centreville High School: Madelyn Regan

• Chantilly High School: Lakshmi Hari

• Fairfax High School: Ainsley Buice and Elias Falke

• Lake Braddock Secondary School: Ben Bailey, Henry Baldwin, and Nicholas Doan

• West Springfield High School: Emma Carr, Jaqueline Drobnis, Josephine Orchard, Catherine Thomas, and Kaylee Wisner

Read the full list of selected students.

 

🧪 Nine Projects Earn Grand Prize Award at Science and Engineering Fair 

The 69th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased more than 300 high school science projects. Roughly 400 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 150 professionals, and 40 professional organizations and businesses. 

The grand prize winners are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair this month. Read about the winners.

Congratulations to the following Springfield District participants!

Chantilly High School

• Jasjot Kaur Kalra: third place in Biochemistry
• Arunika Awula: honorable mention in Biomedical and Health Sciences
• Rashmika Omtri: honorable mention in Biomedical and Health Sciences

Fairfax High School

• Ethan Wolf: first place in Chemistry (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Elle Duangmanee: first place in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Aastha Bhatt: second place in Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design
• Candice Cheung:  second place in Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design
• Elsie Distler: second place in Plant Sciences
• Veronica Diamond: second place in Plant Sciences
• Fatima Haddi: third place in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Leah Depasse: third place in Plant Sciences
• Nina Shupp: third place in Plant Sciences
• Jiya Patel: third place in Plant Sciences
• Simran Zalavadia: third place in Plant Sciences
• Aleksa Lubonja: third place in Plant Sciences
• Sydharth Pant: honorable mention in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Grayson White: honorable mention in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Nitin Puthalapat: honorable mention in Environmental Engineering

Lake Braddock Secondary School

• Eli Hyun: third place in Biomedical and Health Sciences
• Sanjeev Kumar: third place in Biomedical and Health Sciences

Oakton High School

• Viraj Kamath: first place in Biomedical and Health Sciences (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Khartik Uppalapati: first place in Biomedical and Health Sciences (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Nicholas Lee: honorable mention in Biomedical Engineering
• Andreas Spoormaker: honorable mention in Biomedical Engineering

Robinson Secondary School

• John Gundlach: second place in Materials Science
• Jackson Wedige: second place in Materials Science
• Lillian Voyer: second place in Plant Sciences
• Evelyne You: second place in Plant Sciences

South County High School

• Amelia Johnson: first place in Physics and Astronomy (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Jackson Bellaire: second place in Physics and Astronomy
• Reilly Novchich: third place in Materials Science
• Hayden Shah: third place in Materials Science
• Ryan Horn: honorable mention in Biomedical and Health Sciences

Thomas Jefferson HSST

• Ryan Singh: grand prize in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair)
• Surbhi Singla: grand prize and first place in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair)

West Springfield High School

• Lani Le: first place in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Subaita Mahmud: first place in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)
• Shriya Seshadri: first place in Materials Science (also eligible for Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair)

Woodson High School

• Sophia Nguyen: third place in Materials Science

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

 

Academy Day 

Virginia Senator Mark Warner extends a warm invitation to high school and middle school students, their parents and guardians, and school counselors to participate in Academy Day. This event offers valuable insight into higher education and service to the nation.

Scheduled to take place at Randolph-Macon College on April 20, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Academy Day will serve as a comprehensive guide to the five distinguished United States service academies and their admission processes. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the pathways available by meeting with representatives from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, various ROTC programs, and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin University.  Tours of Randolph-Macon College also will be available at the end of the event.  

To register for the event, please visit Academy Day 2024. Please visit Senator Warner's website for more information on the Academy Nomination Process.

  

Volunteers Needed for Earth Day Event

Calling all volunteers! Participate in Fairfax County's largest official Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly. 

Earth Day Fairfax is a daylong extravaganza featuring games, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, vendors, and activities geared toward increasing our understanding and enjoyment of the world around us. The event attracts nearly 5,000 people from across Fairfax County annually. Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the day in a variety of capacities, including:

• Set-up attendants
• Check-in greeters
• Nature and recreation activity attendants
• Guest assistance

All volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. Multiple shifts are available to accommodate scheduling needs. For additional details on individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Earth Day Fairfax volunteer webpage. 

 

💦 Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Youth Conservation Camp

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation (NVSWCD) is holding a Youth Conservation Camp, July 14-20, 2024 on the campus of Virginia Tech. This one-week program will focus on forestry, soil, aquatics, and wildlife to teach high school students more about the natural world. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply and may receive a partial scholarship from NVSWCD. Applications are due Friday, April 26, 2024.

Learn more about Youth Conservation Camp, including how to obtain an application, and contact NVSWCD with questions.

 

2024 High School Senior Enlistees Recognition Ceremony

In tribute to the courage and commitment of high school students embarking on a path of military service, Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a national non-profit organization focused on supporting the young men and women who have chosen to serve the nation. OCS provides resources and information to both the enlistees and their families as they navigate the transition into military life.  In addition, OCS strives to create a sense of community for the enlistees and their families and honors the new enlistees by hosting recognition ceremonies throughout the nation.  

On Friday, May 3, 2024, at 7 p.m. OCS of Northern Virginia is hosting their 2024 High School Senior Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA.  This no-cost special occasion provides an opportunity for families and community leaders to celebrate those who made the brave decision to enlist in the armed forces.  

For more information and to register for the event, please visit Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia.  The deadline to register is April 26, 2024. 

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

 

William & Mary Center for Gifted Education Pre-Collegiate Programs

William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education is excited to share its Saturday/Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) with your family. SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning. The program is not meant to replace the regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able children to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts. In-person and virtual courses are available in engineering, music, STEM, coding, writing, social science, and many more. 

They are now registering for:

Saturday Classes

•  April 27, 2024
•  May 4, 2024

Summer Classes

• June 24-28, 2024
• July 8-12, 2024
• August 12-16, 2024 

For more information, and to see what classes are available visit the William & Mary School of Education Center for Gifted Education website.

 

Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority Scholarships

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) offers scholarships designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA. Please ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and submit all required documents  All applications must be received no later than Tuesday, April 30, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. Learn more on the FCRHA website.

 

⚡ Northern Virginia Community College E-Summer Program

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering its E-Summer Program for rising high school juniors and seniors who meet the qualifying grade point average or test score requirements. This program is sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and Dominion Energy and is designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering and math, and the energy industry.  Important program details, including a flier, can be found here. The application will open on Friday, March 1 and the deadline to register is Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 5 p.m.

 

Fairfax Academy Seeking Fashion Show Models

Fairfax Academy's Fashion Careers Program is currently casting for their Fashion in Motion show coming up at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center in Fairfax on Saturday, May 11, 2024. All models must be current FCPS students or faculty. Register if you are interested in participating. There will be a Model Catwalk Training with special guest, Miss Virginia, USA on Thursday, May 2nd from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

🌳 Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Member

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council seeks a student member for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. The council’s primary responsibility is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement in Fairfax County. The Council generally meets in person at the Fairfax County Government Center on the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:15 p.m. Interested high school sophomores and juniors may apply by May 6, 2024.

Find more information and apply on the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination web page.

 

Jumpstart2NOVA 2024

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is pleased to announce the return of JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2024! This program is available to seniors graduating this spring and considering NOVA for the fall. Students may select one 3 or 4-credit approved course plus SDV 100. The application for JumpStart2NOVA is now open and closes at 5 pm on Friday, May 10, 2024. Courses begin on Monday, June 3, and end on Monday, August 12.

• Join the JumpStart2NOVA Information Session on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. Register in advance for this meeting.
• All classes will be offered through NOVA Online and run June 3 through August 12, 2024.

First-time NOVA students must apply to NOVA and create an account to request the course at nvcc.dualenroll.com. Current DE students can skip the NOVA application and go straight to nvcc.dualenroll.com, selecting the term “JumpStart2NOVA 2024.” All students must upload a current high school/home school transcript and qualifying test scores if they do not have a 3.0 grade point average.

To learn more about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, minimum qualifying scores, and details on how to apply, please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/jumpstart/.

 

💻Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson High School

This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).  Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia.  More than 4,500 students have participated in over 70 labs presenting STEM activities in previous years.  Exhibitors include TJHSST clubs and volunteers from organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, the American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Admission is free and there will be food for sale. Register in advance.  More information about the event may be found at tjtechstrav.org. 

 

⚾ Chantilly High School Youth Baseball Camp

The Chantilly High Schools Baseball Team is offering a youth summer camp for ages 6 to 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 17-20, 2024. Campers will receive a complimentary t-shirt. The fee is $240 per camper. Register in advance.

Questions may be directed to Chantilly High School Baseball Coach Eric Crozier.

 

🏀 Chantilly High School Summer Boys Basketball Camp

The Chantilly High School Boys Basketball Team is offering a summer camp for boys ages 8 to 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 17-21, 2024. Campers will learn basketball skills and techniques from experts. Each camper will receive a complimentary t-shirt. The fee is $175 per camper. Register in advance.

Questions may be directed to Chantilly High School Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Rodney Carmichael.

 

🏀 West Springfield High School Girls Basketball Summer Camp

Register online for the West Springfield High School Girls Basketball Summer Camp for rising 3-9 grade students. The camp will take place at West Springfield High School June 17-21, 2024. The cost is $225 per camper and campers will receive a camp shirt, Spartan rally towel, camper evaluation from experienced staff, and daily prizes. The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with Friday ending at noon.

Questions may be directed to Varsity Coach Bill Gibson at [email protected].

 

⛱️ 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, 2024, — 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. 

 

Virginia Tech Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Camps

The Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is offering free Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) camps for rising 6th - 12th grade students at their facilities in Arlington and Chantilly. Camps inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning by exploring, creating, and innovating in a fun and engaging environment. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork dynamics.

The following camps are being offered.

• StellarXplorers – A space system design camp where students focus on team problem-solving associated with sending objects to space.
• Robotics Camp – Students will engage in coding and programming VEX Robots.
• Drone Camp – A hands-on, technical application camp where students learn the basics of coding, programming, and flying drones.
• Coding Camp – Students will engage in hands-on coding activities using block coding and Python programming languages.

The camps are being offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows.

Arlington

• Drone Camp: July 8-12, 2024
• Coding Camp: July 15-19, 2024
• StellarXplorers: July 22-26, 2024

Chantilly

• StellarXplorers: July 8-12, 2024
• Drone Camp: July 15-19, 2024
• Robotics Camp: July 22-26, 2024

To register your student for a STEM camp, please visit https://linktr.ee/BRICCPIA. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot as soon as possible.

 

⚙ Emerging Technology Summer Camps and Courses

Registration for The Coding School Summer of Emerging Tech is open. Whether you want to explore machine learning algorithms or spearhead your own data science research project, they have virtual programs of all kinds for students in grades 6-13 (+ educators too). Camp topics include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, data science, art+technology, cybersecurity, and web development.

Head to the link to their Summer Catalog to learn more about the different offerings. 

 

✈ Science, Technology, Math, Engineering, and Math Aviation Programs

Interested in learning more about aviation or science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers? STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization that combines STEM content with a free flight experience for middle and high school students.  We pair students with Pilot Mentors to receive a flight experience, learn about STEM careers, and connect with local aviation enthusiasts. Students submit the STEM Flights application along with a letter of recommendation and choose a STEM Mission of choice to complete before they fly with their pilot mentor.  Student applications are accepted year-round and flights take place throughout the year (weather dependent).

If you know a 6th-12th grade student who is interested in the world of STEM or aviation, encourage them to apply today!  To learn more, please visit their website or reach out to [email protected]  for additional information. Students apply here. 

Community News Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community and recognize their strength and resilience. 

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. 

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. 

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Muslim American Heritage Month

Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.

School Library Month

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

🌏 Earth Day

Fairfax County Park Authority's Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sully Historic Site. The festival will include earth and nature-focused programs, scavenger hunts, and other activities.

Passover

Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids. 

Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated half-O days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.

Theravada

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration. Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an O day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

 

Early May recognizes… Orthodox Good Friday

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

Orthodox Easter

On May 5, many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids. 

Bike to School Day

Bike Month has been celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Fairfax County has an extensive network of both paved and natural surface bike trails. You can access a map of all the trails in Fairfax County online. Wednesday, May 8, is the official Bike to School Day. You can register as a school, family, or neighborhood. Plan your ride whether you ride to school, to a park, or just within your neighborhood. Register for Bike to School Day.

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Since 1984, the National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.

National School Nurse Day

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  

Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students. 

Family and Student Resources 💲 FAFSA Corrections Portal Open

College Access Fairfax shares that the FAFSA portal to make corrections to already submitted and processed forms are now open. This will be a "soft opening," similar to the launch of the FAFSA, with the portal open only for a few hours each day until they are certain it works.

Please be patient. If it does not work or is not open when you log in, try again the next day. The FAFSA is continually being updated to correct errors in the program.

The term "Corrections" refers to ALL EDITS you need or want to make to a submitted FAFSA. Your FAFSA must be submitted and processed before you can make any "corrections." 

If both the student and parents need to make corrections, we recommend that the student make their corrections first and then COMPLETELY LOG OUT WITHOUT CLICKING ON "SIGN AND SUBMIT."  The parent should then go in and make their corrections and SIGN - but NOT SUBMIT the form.  Once the parent has clicked on SIGN, they should COMPLETELY LOG OUT.  The student can then go back in and SIGN AND SUBMIT. 

The last person to make changes to the form will click the SIGN AND SUBMIT button. 

We believe this is how it SHOULD work. There has been no guidance from the Department of Education. As more information becomes available, College Access Fairfax will share it.

If you have other corrections that need to be made and you need help, please contact College Access Fairfax at [email protected].

 

Covanta Business Scholarship

Applications are now available for business scholarships provided by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce. At least one scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded to a senior pursuing further education in business from each public high school in our growing service area. Additional scholarships may also be awarded depending on the applications received.

Students may apply online at www.mountvernonspringfield.com/business-scholarship-application/. The application deadline is Monday, April 29, 2024.

The scholarship requirements are as follows.

• Students must live in Braddock, Franconia, Mount Vernon, or Springfield magisterial districts, Fairfax County, Virginia, or attend one of the high schools in these districts.
• Students must complete a written or online application. All information must be provided for the application to be considered.
• Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a grade transcript with the application. 

 

Reach the Virginia Department of Social Services at 211

The Virginia Department of Social Services can help provide information and referrals for resources to those who need food, shelter, rent, or utility assistance. They can also connect individuals and families with resources regarding physical and mental health resources, job training, and transportation assistance. Individuals who would like to help others may also find volunteering and donation opportunities. 

Reach 211 Virginia by phone at 211, or visit 211virginia.org. 

 

💚 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. Virtual mental health services are available at no cost through an FCPS partnership with therapists who are licensed and trained in teen-specific challenges. Forty percent of Hazel providers are bilingual, speaking more than 15 languages.

Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. Therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect them with longer-term mental health services in the community. Learn how to opt your student(s) into this service.

 

🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations

In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.

The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended. 

New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved. 

Students should follow additional precautions outlined by the CDC after resuming normal activities.

Should I Send My Child to School?

Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school. 

Thank you for helping to keep our students and staff healthy.

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Immigrant Family Reunification Class

A class will be held online in Spanish for immigrant families looking to reunite during challenging transitions. Saturday classes will be available on April 13 or 27, from 9-11:30 a.m. Register online. For more information, please contact Sussy Tomer at [email protected]. 

 

Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families such as raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. 

Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Online Special Education Resource Fair

Families with children who have disabilities are encouraged to explore the Online Special Education Resource Fair, launching on April 20th as a part of the 2024 Family Summit.

This virtual event will provide a diverse array of asynchronous videos designed specifically for families, educators, and community members seeking innovative ways to support their children. Furthermore, attendees can browse through an online exhibit hall showcasing resources from FCPS, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting students with disabilities.

As an added highlight, the fair will also unveil the winners of the 2024 First Class Awards, showcasing the exemplary employees of FCPS who model excellence in their work, create a positive impact for all students and work to create an inclusive environment. The link to the Special Education Resource Fair goes live on Saturday, April 20 and can be found on the 2024 Family Summit webpage.  

 

First Responder and Safety Event Fair

Join The Arc of Northern Virginia for a First Responder and Safety Event Fair on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA  22204. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.

The event is a resource fair and practice event with Arlington first responders and community partners to learn about emergency and crisis resources and practice navigating emergencies. You’ll be able to work on the creation of the DD identification cards to hand to first responders to identify a disability in the event of an emergency. You can also work with first responders to role-play a variety of situations and ask questions about how you can navigate emergencies safely.

The Marcus Alert team staff will join the event for the first time. They can help you set up an emergency health profile. The Emergency Health Profile allows individuals to voluntarily create a free emergency health profile to provide first responders with their vital health and medical information (behavioral health-related information included) when calling 9-1-1 during an emergency or crisis. Individuals over 16 may sign up for an Emergency Health Profile through the Emergency Health Profile Association. Legal guardians may sign up individuals under the age of 16. This team will also discuss 988, options to call during a behavioral/mental health emergency, and what you can expect.

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s award-winning Tech for Independent Living team will also be present to talk about Arc2Independence, their free customizable app to help people with disabilities learn important life skills, gain more independence, and enhance their safety.

Click here to register.

 

🎓 Postsecondary Education and Employment Options

FCPS’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward, to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school. 

Flash Forward will be held Thursday, April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School, in the cafeteria. Register online. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs (college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment) will be on-site to share information about their services. 

 

💊 Drug Take Back Day

The Drug Enforcement Administration is holding its annual National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27. Safely dispose of unused or expired medications through free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Safe disposal of medications prevents drug misuse, and accidental poisoning, and protects the environment. Drop off your medications at the following locations convenient to Springfield District residents.

• Fair Oaks District Station
• Franconia District Station
• Sully District Station
• West Springfield District Station
• Town of Vienna Police Station

For more information visit the Fairfax County Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board web page.

 

Register for Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center

The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops and webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

April and May webinars and workshops include

• April 19, 4-6 p.m., in-person at NOVA Annandale Campus: NOVA Vision 2024
• April 30, 10-11:30 a.m.: Counseling Services in Virginia: How to Get the Help You Desire
• 10 de mayo, 10-11:30 a.m.: Apego: Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido. (presentado en español)
• May 14, 10-11 a.m. and May 15, 7-8 p.m.: Covid-19 Compenstatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors
• May 17, 10-11:30 a.m.: Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years by Ellen Galinsky

Quick Links

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• 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026

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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Sandy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1080

Stephanie Sheridan, Executive Admin Assistant,
571-423-1065, [email protected]

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Welcome to the 2024 Family Summit: Safe, Supported, and Included!

Join us on April 20, 2024 at Marshall High School to ensure the safety, support, and inclusion of every member of our school community.

Our Family Summit is free and open to all families, educators and community members in the Fairfax County Public School division.

Date:

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time:

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 

Marshall High School

7731 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22043 

Please enter through Door 13.

Registration is preferred, please take a moment to register for the 2024 Family Summit.

• What to Expect
• Guest Speakers
• Interpretation & Multilingual Support

Online Special Education Resource Fair

Families with children who have disabilities are encouraged to explore the Online Special Education Resource Fair, launching on April 20th as a part of the 2024 Family Summit.

This virtual event will provide a diverse array of asynchronous videos designed specifically for families, educators, and community members seeking innovative ways to support their children. Furthermore, attendees can browse through an online exhibit hall showcasing resources from FCPS, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting students with disabilities.

As an added highlight, the fair will also unveil the winners of the 2024 First Class Awards, showcasing the exemplary employees of FCPS who model excellence in their work, create a positive impact for all students and work to create an inclusive environment. The link to the Special Education Resource Fair goes live on Saturday, April 20 and can be found on the 2024 Family Summit webpage.  

FCPS Family Resource Center
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Jillian Borsos, a teacher at Franconia Elementary School, participates in a world showcase at the school.

How to Donate or Receive Sick Leave

FCPS has implemented a leave donation program, which allows a voluntary transfer of sick leave balances between specific employees. To participate in this program, both the leave donor and leave recipient must meet program requirements outlined on the Types of Leave webpage. 

After a leave donation form is submitted via StaffConnect, the Office of Benefit Services will verify the recipient's status and advise the Payroll Office. If approved, Payroll will process the leave donation in the next scheduled pay period. To discuss donating or receiving leave, please contact Benefit Services at 571-423-3200. View Regulation 4819 for more information.

📅 Plan Ahead with the 2024-25 Employee Calendar

FCPS' 2024-25 Employee Calendar is now available. It includes the same number of paid holidays as the 2023-24 calendar. View the 2024-25 Employee Calendar.

Discover the Do’s and Don’ts of Political Activity

Please take a moment to review the policies and regulations governing FCPS employee political activity, including: 

• Policy 1800 - Guidelines for Conduct of School Board and Other Election Campaigns.

• Regulation 4426 - Schools and Employee Political Activities.

• Regulation 6410 - Appropriate Use of Fairfax County Public Schools’ Network and Internet Resources. 

All employees are encouraged to engage in their constitutional rights as citizens, but they are not permitted to involve their schools or workplaces in political campaigns or engage in campaign activities during official employment hours. Employees are also not permitted to use FCPS technology resources — including email accounts — for campaign activities or to advocate for political causes. 

If you have questions about what political activities are permitted or prohibited, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at 571-423-3070.

🎉 Portrait of a Graduate Celebrates a Milestone

During the Academic Matters segment of the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recognized 10 incredible years of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) at FCPS. POG focuses on future-ready attributes of success for our students by building communication, 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.

🏆 Nominate Someone Today for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Do you know an outstanding person or group that has worked for equity in an FCPS school? There’s still time to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.

This award recognizes staff, students, 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. Full details are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

🏛️ My First Year Teacher Series: A Day at the Museum

Follow along as first-year teacher Ms. Vivi leads her class on her first field trip to the Natural History Museum. Read about her and her students' experiences and watch the video.

Refresh From Stress

Learn how to bend, not break, when you’re feeling stressed. Join the Refresh from Stress 2.0 program offered by the Employees Wellness team during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. 

This four-week program will teach staff how to manage stress by providing strategies in four key areas: mental, physical, social, and work-life balance.  

Early bird registration is now open. Staff who register by Wednesday, April 24, will be entered into a drawing for mental health swag. Find out more in this promotional video.

Colorful Choices Wellness Challenge Winners

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Colorful Choices Wellness Challenge. Winners include: 

• Hidden Agenda from Bren Mar Park Elementary School
• Key Ingredients from Key Middle School
• Slaw & Order from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
• Pulley Office from Pully Center

As a reward for their dedication to healthy eating, winners will receive a Nutribullet Pro to take their nutrition journey to the next level.

⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times to 8 a.m. or later and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Forums will be held: 

• 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. 

You may register for an in-person forum by clicking one of the dates above. A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. 

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Passover

Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids. 

Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated evening-only observance days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. These are full school days, but important events will not be held after school.

Theravada New Year (O Day)

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.”

Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an evening-only observance day for Theravada New Year. It is a full school day, but important events will not be held after school. See the complete school year calendar or the employee calendar.

Staff Staples

• Calendars
• Classifieds
• Employee Wellness Program
• FCPS CARES
• Human Resources
• Job Openings
• People on the Move
• Savings for Staff
• Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Note: Some links in this email require a VPN connection. You can connect to VPN using Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email [email protected] with questions. 

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you! 

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  National Relay

As the month of May approaches, the Carry the Load organization is gearing up for their National Relay campaign to honor Memorial Day and those who gave their life while serving the nation.  Carry the Load is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families.  

The National Relay will be traveling through Northern Virginia on Sunday, May 5, 2024, and stopping at the Alexandria National Ceremony for a community event beginning at 2:15 p.m. To learn more about the route and schedule of events, please visit the East Coast Route Guide.   

In addition to the community event, Carry the Load invites individuals and teams to participate in tracking their miles walked throughout the month of May.  By participating, individuals can actively contribute to honoring the sacrifices of our military, veterans, and first responders.  

To learn more or to register for the Memorial May Relay, please visit Carry the Load.  

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any enrichment opportunity before participating.

To connect with FCPS resources, please email [email protected].

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  National Relay

As the month of May approaches, the Carry the Load organization is gearing up for their National Relay campaign to honor Memorial Day and those who gave their life while serving the nation.  Carry the Load is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families.  

The National Relay will be traveling through Northern Virginia on Sunday, May 5, 2024, and stopping at the Alexandria National Ceremony for a community event beginning at 2:15 p.m. To learn more about the route and schedule of events, please visit the East Coast Route Guide.   

In addition to the community event, Carry the Load invites individuals and teams to participate in tracking their miles walked throughout the month of May.  By participating, individuals can actively contribute to honoring the sacrifices of our military, veterans, and first responders.  

To learn more or to register for the Memorial May Relay, please visit Carry the Load.  

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any enrichment opportunity before participating.

To connect with FCPS resources, please email [email protected].

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