Returning Five Days in Fall: American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses FCPS’ Five Days of In-Person Learning

This week, the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put out a statement supporting FCPS’ model of five days of in-person instruction for all students this fall.

This endorsement by a highly respected group of pediatricians validates our belief that in-person learning is best for children. The AAP also believes that virtual instruction should be utilized only when necessary as a result of a documented health or medical need and in consultation with a child’s physician or medical team.

FCPS virtual learning in the fall will be limited to students with documented COVID-19 related health/medical needs. For more information about the virtual program for School Year 2021-22, visit the virtual program webpage or view the news release.

Video: Return to School Parent Perspectives—Toyya Bowman

Toyya's Bowman's daughter really wanted to return to the classroom, but Toyya had concerns. She's seen now that the rules are being followed and her daughter is safe in school. 

We look forward to seeing your student for in-person instruction five days a week in the fall! #FcpsReturningStrong

Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care Coming Soon

Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care (SACC) program will be open to provide before- and after-school services for the 2021-22 school year. The SACC program is currently assessing Center capacities based on health and safety protocols. More information for the 2021-22 school year program will be available by June 15 on the SACC website. Families who were previously enrolled will be contacted to determine their need for services.

New Meal Distribution Bus Routes Begin May 18

On Tuesday, May 18, many of the bus routes used for meals distribution will change. Please see the bus route schedule to check if yours has been affected.

Don't miss out! Most of the Grab & Go locations have switched to a Fairfax Meal Kits site. Fairfax Meal Kits contain seven days of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper items packed in bulk. The kits will be available for pick up every Monday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until supplies run out. Please see the Return to School food webpage for locations.

School Board Moves to Develop School Trust Policy

The Fairfax County School Board agreed to develop a School Trust Policy, aligning the school division with Fairfax County’s Trust Policy. Adopted in January, the County policy prohibits voluntary cooperation by all Fairfax County agencies with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The policies are designed to help build trust and confidence with immigrant families. The Board’s governance committee will now work with school division staff to develop the policy for adoption by the full Board.

Interested in Learning More About Equity in FCPS’ Curriculum?

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to realizing a vision in which every FCPS student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. FCPS is currently revising the existing Controversial Issues Policy and developing a new Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias Education Curriculum Policy. Find out more about equity and cultural responsiveness in FCPS here.  

We want to hear from you and we encourage input from the community. All families and staff are invited to participate in a survey (that closes May 16) that will help inform FCPS’ new Anti-Racism, Anti-Bias Education Curriculum Policy. Your input is appreciated. Take the survey.  

Help Plan for FCPS' Future Facilities

The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members in the Braddock District interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC). The School Board is also accepting applications for one at-large member.

FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities needs, such as creative financing and construction strategies, scope of renovations, and school closures and new schools.

FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. The deadline to submit an application is May 21. Get more information and submit an application.

FCPS Awarded for Outstanding Financial Reporting

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Association of School Business Officials International. FCPS was recognized for its financial reporting work for the fiscal year ending in June 2020.

The award reflects the school district’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting and affirms that its comprehensive annual financial report serves as a communications tool that helps build trust and engagement with the school community.  

Official Name Changes Available for Some Diplomas 

Fairfax County Public Schools alumni who graduated from Robert E. Lee (now Lewis High School) or J.E.B. Stuart (now Justice High School) are eligible to receive a diploma with the current school names, rather than the previous school names, upon request.  

Additionally, transgender, gender-expansive, and other students who have changed their names can also receive replacement diplomas. Interested alumni should contact FCPS IT Document Management.

Grading Option Deadline Extended for Middle and High School Students

Earlier this school year, FCPS adopted a series of secondary grading policy changes to help our students with a strong finish to the school year. One of the key changes for middle and high school students is to allow students to request a mark of “P” (pass) instead of a letter grade in select courses. The deadline was extended to allow students more time to gain information about fourth quarter progress before making the final decision to submit a request form.

Teachers, school counselors, and administrators will be communicating with families regarding the updated timeline specific to each school.

• For seniors, the new deadline will be on or after May 17.
• For students in grades 9-11, the new deadline will be on or after June 1.
• For middle school students, the new deadline will be on or after June 1.

More information is available online. 

Video: Meet Pranav Choudhary, 2021-22 Student Representative to the School Board

Pranav Choudhary, a junior at Langley High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.

Choudhary will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Nathan Onibudo, a senior at South County High School. He is looking forward to hearing from students on their thoughts on how to improve the lives of all FCPS students. 

FCPS Hosts IT and Trade Careers Seminar 

Do you know any recent FCPS graduates or current juniors and seniors who might be interested in information technology (IT) or trades careers at FCPS?

If so, help spread the word.

FCPS is hosting the 2nd Annual (Virtual) Back2Fairfax Operational Employees in IT and Trade Careers on Tuesday, May 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Participants will have an opportunity to hear from current employees, check out exhibitor booths, and attend breakout sessions on résumé essentials; preparing for an interview; supporting and repairing computer hardware, audio-visual equipment, and software applications in our schools and offices; and learning about trade careers such as carpenters, roofers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.

Registration for the event is available online.

Congratulations to FCPS' Fall 2020-21 Sports Champions!

Congratulations to the thousands of FCPS student-athletes who overcame obstacles, stops and starts, and closely adhered to many health and safety strategies throughout this year's fall sports season. In a year like no other, athletes faced a set of complex challenges. Additionally, three FCPS teams and three individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) championships in their respective sports, and four teams and one individual were the state runners-up. See who won fall 2020-21 VHSL sports championships. 

2021 Summer Camps for Students with Special Needs

The FCPS Parent Resource Center has a helpful resource for finding summer activities for students with special needs. The list does not indicate recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools or the Parent Resource Center. Please contact the camps directly for fees and availability.

Free Hands-on Regional Learning Festival Welcomes All Families

Choose from over 40 free, hands-on activities where kids, families, and educators can make, play, code, design, tinker, and explore at the Remake Learning Days Festival held May 8-22. Events include in-person and virtual options. Experience this national celebration of innovation and creativity in education right here in our region 

Across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, a wide range of organizations—such as schools, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, and other community centers—are coming together to provide our youth and families with high-quality learning experiences. These events are designed to be hands-on, relevant, and engaging educational experiences for youth and their families and caregivers. Most events are free and open to learners of all ages. More information on the events in seven learning themes is available online. 

Photos of the Week

Thank you to all our students and their families who helped us celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation week. Enjoy the roundup of Teacher and Staff appreciation week in photos.