Students are happy to participate in the French Immersion Program at Kent Gardens Elementary School. 

Tutoring Grants Available for Families

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is accepting applications from parents for tutoring microgrants for their children through the K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants program. 

The program was created to help Virginia families address the pandemic’s impact on student learning. It provides $1,500 grants to parents of school-age children for tutoring in specific subjects. Children from homes with family incomes at 300% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for $3,000 grants. 

Available services include in-person, online, and hybrid tutoring provided one-on-one or in small group or large group settings. The first step in the process is to visit VDOE’s K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants page and create an application account.

📝 Pen Pal Program Connects London Towne and Westfield Students

London Towne Elementary School Spanish Immersion students took a field trip to their future high school, Westfield. There, they met their mentors from the Spanish Honor Society who had been their pen pals. Read more about the pen pal program.

Academic Matters: Student Testing

During the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reported on Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), PSAT, and SAT testing. 

Students who enroll in AP and IB courses are more likely to graduate high school on time, enroll in college at higher rates, and save time and money while in college. Dr. Reid shared some of the data around the number of students participating in these offerings in FCPS. AP exam mean scores have increased since 2021, as have passing rates and the number of students taking the exams. The number of participants in IB exams have also increased since 2021. 

FCPS invests in these opportunities to allow students to experience rigorous, college level exams. The first six AP and IB exams are funded for any student enrolled in an AP/IB course. Watch the presentation or view the presentation slides. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates

An update on the proposed changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document was presented at last Thursday’s School Board meeting. Watch the presentation or view the presentation slides.

🚨 Remind Teens to Practice Safe Driving 

It’s a very exciting time of year for many teens: longer days, nice weather, and end of year/graduation activities. 

Please remind teen drivers of the responsibilities that come with driving. According to this video from the Fairfax County Police Department, there were 622 crashes involving teen drivers last year in Fairfax County. Common mistakes among those drivers include failure to maintain proper control (distracted driver/texting and/or speeding), not having the right of way, and following too close (tailgating). 

Consider watching the video with your child as a way of showing the real consequences of unsafe driving. FCPD shared footage of a recent incident where speeding led to a serious (but non-fatal) accident. In a news release, the FCPD stated, “Parents and guardians should consider using this video as an opportunity to have a conversation with their teen drivers about how their driving behavior can affect the lives of others.”

The Impact of Academy Programs

Kendall Barry, fashion design teacher at Fairfax Academy, grew up attending Fairfax County public schools—including the Academy Fashion program where she currently works.

"I remember the Academy Fashion program's impact on me at a young age," Kendall says. "After working as a designer in the fashion industry for over 12 years for a variety of major national brands, I decided to pivot into a more meaningful career helping students with my experience and expertise."

Interested in becoming a teacher? Read how one professional obtained his teaching credentials. Learn how to become a teacher with FCPS. 

Updates on Online Student Registration

Online registration was successfully piloted at 26 schools last month. Thank you to the caregivers and staff who have provided valuable feedback on the process! 

FCPS plans to have online registration in place at all schools across the district starting June 30, ensuring a simple and efficient new student registration application process for the upcoming school year. Learn more about registration. 

🎵 Teacher Quarterfinalists for GRAMMY Music Educator Award

Congratulations to Alberto Rodriguez, orchestra director at Mount Vernon High School, and Ær Queen, music teacher at Braddock Elementary School, who have been selected as quarterfinalists for the 2024 GRAMMY Music Education Award. Additionally, Annie Ray, strings teacher from Annandale High School, is a Legacy Applicant and will also be eligible to win the Music Educator of the Year Award. 

Virginia Computer Science Educator of the Year

Rebecca Otaizo, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) teacher at Weyanoke Elementary School, was announced as the third to fifth grade category winner of Virginia’s Computer Science Educator of the Year. Watch this video about her STEAM student program and innovative teaching.

Draft Strategic Plan Survey Closes 11:59 P.M. Tonight!

Thanks to all who have participated in the final feedback opportunity for FCPS’ draft Strategic Plan. The survey will close tonight at 11:59 p.m. If you have not had a chance to provide your input, please let your voice be heard! Survey feedback will be reviewed by the School Board prior to the presentation of the Strategic Plan as new business at the Board’s meeting on Thursday, May 25. Learn more about FCPS’ Strategic Planning process.

Equity Award Nominations Open

The Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award recognizes advocacy by FCPS staff or community members on behalf of students who are marginalized or underserved. Applications are being accepted through Thursday, June 15. Recipients will receive awards at FCPS’ Equity Symposium on Tuesday, July 25. Visit the award website to learn more about the award’s namesake, the nomination process, and criteria. 

Making the Transition to Middle or High School

Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and child. Listen to a recent episode of the FCPS multilingual podcast, En Pocas Palabras, to learn ways to ease the transition including:

• Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
• Getting to know middle school culture.
• Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
• Offering emotional support to your child.
• Reiterating your family values and expectations.
• Staying involved in your child’s school.

The most recent episode covers the transition to high school. When teenagers move from middle school to high school, a world of opportunities opens up. High school offers new courses, friends, activities, and responsibilities. Hear about these new opportunities in your teenager’s life and how parents can be supportive in the transition.

En Pocas Palabras is available in Arabic, English, Korean, and Spanish. Listen and subscribe. 

🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental wellness is key to student success. View FCPS’ student wellness tips and strategies. Learn more about mental health and resiliency resources to support students.

How to Access No-Cost Teletherapy for High School Students

FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer teletherapy to high school students at no cost. Hazel’s therapists can help students address:

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

In order for high schoolers to participate in teletherapy services, caregivers must complete three steps:

1. Give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel in ParentVUE. 
2. Consent for Hazel Mental Health services. 
3. Students must be referred to therapy by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

💻 CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp

Chantilly Academy will host an AFA CyberCamp Monday, June 26, to Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. This camp is recommended for rising fifth through eighth graders of all skill levels interested in learning more about the importance of cybersecurity and gaining skills to protect themselves and others from cyber threats. Discounts are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Visit the camp website to learn more about registration, curriculum, and schedule.  

Other Summer Camp Opportunities

Registration is still available for Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and Elementary-IFTA (E-IFTA) arts camps, Credit Recovery Academy, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI). 

🚍 School Bus Driver Job Fair

Join FCPS’ Transportation Team! It’s a great opportunity to earn income with benefits for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, or career switchers. Bus driver job fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at Stonecroft Transportation Center, and Friday, June 23, at Lorton Center. Learn more about bus driver job fairs.

💐 Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 30. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.