After a couple of years with routines disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was in many ways a fresh start. It’s the first calendar year since 2019 that has seen schools fully open to all students for the entire year, and it’s the year when masks became largely optional and a sign of moving beyond COVID. 

As the masks came off, we celebrated the return of smilies, surprised faces, and sincere gratitude. Following are some of the best photos of 2022, and some of the moments that have brought us the most joy. 

January 2022: Field Custodian Liduvina Sanchez shovels snow at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School.

 

February 2022: Students at Saratoga Elementary School participate in Mindful Mondays by doing yoga.

 

March 2022: Dranesville Elementary School Principal Jamie Gadley receives a hug from students.

April 2022: Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated Month of the Military Child. The Boone family is seen here at Mount Vernon High School. Learn more about FCPS resources for military families. 

 

May 2022: Fairfax High School graduates participate in a Senior Walk at Katherine Johnson Middle School.

June 2022: Annandale Terrace Elementary School staff members cheer and wave as students depart on the last day of school.

 

July 2022: Students launch rockets in the Flight School program of the CTE Summer Academy.

 

August 2022: Students are greeted by staff as they arrive for the first day of school at Beech Tree Elementary School. See more photos from around the county, or watch a video featuring sights and sounds of the day. 

 

September 2022:  Herndon Middle School students wave during the school’s recess. Middle school recess is new as part of a pilot program this year. 

 

October 2022:  Teacher Stephanie Luther releases a butterfly with her students in the outdoor classroom area of Hayfield Elementary School. Learn about another outdoor classroom at Lemon Road Elementary School in this video. 

November 2022:  Students participate in a musical performance during a Veterans Day event at Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School. Read more about Veterans Day celebrations in this story about Orange Hunt Elementary School. 

December 2022: Using a bunsen burner, students collaborate in a chemistry flame test lab at Justice High School.