Preschool Teacher Sarah Nuber helps a student plant seeds in an outdoor learnig lab at Riverside Elementary School. 

🎤 Community Conversation: School Safety and Security

FCPS will host a community conversation to discuss our approach to safety and security, and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. Join us Monday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School. Register for the Community Conversation.

FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

A study on elementary and middle schools found that attendance rates in April are 5.8% higher than June. Let's work together to end the school year successfully! Visit our website for attendance resources. 

No-Cost Hazel Health Teletherapy for High School Students

At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid presented FCPS’ partnership 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

“Hazel Health has been surprisingly user-friendly for both staff and families,” says Sara Brewer, a school counselor at West Potomac High School. “We were skeptical that it sounded too good to be true, as it offers services for ALL families (including those that need language support for intake services). We were pleasantly surprised that our first referral was processed within THREE days because the family was so responsive and appreciative.” 

How to Access Hazel Health Teletherapy Services

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. 

March FCPS CARES: Love, Dedication, and Inclusion

“Mrs. [Brittany] Gonzalez and Ms. [Danielle] Stauber gave my autistic daughter a chance to prove herself,” said a Poplar Tree parent about the school’s music teachers. The parent nominated the teachers for FCPS CARES after the All-County Chorus Festival. 

“Autism comes with its own unique challenges, and we cannot thank them enough for building up our young girl to find her joy in exactly who she is,” the parent said. “Mrs. Gonzalez and Ms. Stauber have taken the time to understand my child’s needs and work tirelessly to create a nurturing and inclusive program where my child feels not only respected, but challenged. We are truly blessed to have these two women in the lives of our children. They have helped my daughter find a safe place with her unique voice where she not only can feel at peace, but truly thrive.”

Also recognized in March as FCPS CARES recipients of the month were:

• Jean Wyche, Jennifer A. Brown, Jennifer L. Brown, Jennifer Matthias, and Spencer Jamieson, Willow Oaks Administration Center
• Felecia Allen, Colvin Run Elementary School
• Jennifer Reynolds, Parklawn Elementary School
• Mary Allan, Hayfield Secondary School
• Leah Johnson, Centreville High School

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. Read more about all the recipients. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.

🕊️ 2023 Student Peace Award Winners

Students from 26 Fairfax County public schools have been named recipients of the 2023 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County. The awards are designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. 

Every year, high schools in Fairfax County are asked to select one junior or senior, or a group of students, whose work has promoted peace. The project is organized by volunteers and funded by donations from 17 secular and religious sponsoring organizations. Read about the 2023 recipients.

Social Emotional Learning Screener Reports

Twice a year, students in grades 3-12 share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed through the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. 

Spring 2023 SEL Screener results will be mailed to families in mid-May. The Social Emotional Learning Screener Parent/Guardian Report and Guide has been updated to better reflect how SEL Screener results are used to support school and districtwide planning, in addition to supports for individual students. Visit the FCPS SEL Screener webpage for information in multiple languages, including tips for talking with your student about the report and strategies for strengthening SEL at home. 

Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families

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.
• FCPS 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. 
• Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child ASAP! 

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.

Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, at [email protected], or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you! 

🚍 School Bus Driver Job Fairs

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 Wednesday, May 10, at Lorton Center, and Friday, May 19, at Stonecroft Transportation Center. Learn more about the job fairs. 

Student Bus Passes

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! Fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year, with the pass. Learn more about the Student Pass online. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall High Schools, and Davis Center can ride Metrobus for free, in addition to Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE. Visit the website to learn more about the passes and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Starting this month, the Fairfax Connector has expanded their fare free service to include riders 12 and younger (when accompanied by a paying adult). 

Make Sure Your Child Is Up-to-Date on Vaccines

All students are required to be immunized against certain communicable diseases to attend school in Virginia. It is important for all students to receive the required immunizations.

Please talk with your family healthcare provider about whether or not your children are up to date on their vaccines before the new school year begins. Submit updated immunization records to your school as soon as possible. Get more information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation.

Final Feedback Opportunity on Draft Strategic Plan

If you haven’t already, please participate in the final opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan goals, measures, and pillars. Take the survey today! Feedback will be reviewed by the School Board at their May 9 retreat. It will also be discussed at the May 25 Board meeting. The survey will close Wednesday, May 17. Visit FCPS’ website to learn about the strategic planning process.

An Update on ESSER Funding and 2023-24 Budget Proposal

In the fall of 2021, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students. 

Last week, Sloan Presidio, FCPS’ chief academic officer, presented the proposed ESSER expenditures for the 2023-24 school year, the last year of ESSER funding. This funding is in addition to the FCPS operating budget and is specifically targeting the impacts of COVID-19. 

The proposed plan is intended to maximize the dollars remaining in our funding. At least 20% of ESSER funding must be spent toward unfinished learning. FCPS’ proposed plan has nearly 80% of ESSER funds allocated to support student learning needs. Read more about the plan.

How Are We Doing? 

We are seeking feedback from the community on actions FCPS has taken in the areas of student health and learning in accordance with the FCPS ESSER III Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. Complete our survey by Friday, May 5, to make your voice heard. 

Your response will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work. Read more about how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.

Register Today for FCPS Summer Camps! 

Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 9. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM); 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 7-11 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)

IFTA is a two- or four-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, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, 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 classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register. 

Credit Recovery Academy Registration

Registration is open for the 2023 Summer Credit Recovery Academy. The academy provides an opportunity for students to recover one high school course credit. Students may not take these courses for new course credit. In addition, the Credit Recovery Academy provides an opportunity for students to take one of several selected Standards of Learning (SOL) or WorkKeys tests.

Students will attend class in person at Hayfield Secondary School, or Marshall, Oakton, or South Lakes high school. Courses are free, and transportation is provided.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI)

Registration has opened for the 2023 Summer Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI). The program will take place at TJHSST and is open to all FCPS middle school students. Participation in MSTI does not mean a student is accepted into TJHSST.

🥪 Celebrating Our School Lunch Heroes

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 are true heroes. We celebrate them on School Lunch Hero Day, Thursday, May 5.

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. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions recognized in FCPS.

The City of Fairfax will host a one-day, outdoor, family event on Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City on Sunday, May 21, from noon to 6 p.m. (Rain date is June 4.) The event will highlight Asian heritage through food, arts and crafts, education, and performances. Learn more about the Asian Festival on Main.

Thank a Teacher, Double the Impact!

May 8-12 is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Educate Fairfax wants to celebrate our teachers and thank them for their dedication and service to all of our students.

Make a donation to Educate Fairfax through this special link, and they will honor a teacher at the same time! They will thank the teacher with a special card from you, and your donation will be used to supplement our programs, all of which impact teachers and students in FCPS—Kids in Need, Employee Recognition, Teacher Grants, and Literacy. 

Visit the Educate Fairfax website for more details. 

School Board Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Public Hearing

The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget on Tuesday, May 16, at 6 p.m., in the auditorium of Luther Jackson Middle School. Registration for 25 speakers will open at 6 a.m., Friday, May 5. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding the FY24 Budget.

Fairfax County School Board Seeks Audit Committee Applicants

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from community members interested in serving on the School Board Audit Committee. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City. The Board will be appointing two committee members for a term ending June 30, 2025.

Applicants cannot be a current FCPS employee and must be able to understand general government processes as well as technical and complex financial reporting issues. Applicants should be knowledgeable about internal controls, financial statement audits, management and operational audits, and risk. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, May 15. Get more information about the Office of the Auditor General and submit an application.