Partnership Update - August 2021

By Communication and Community Relations
Ignite Partners
August 13, 2021

They Signed on the Dotted Line

Two new exciting Ignite Partnership formed in July 2021--iContact Coaching with Fairfax Academy and the Fairfax Wind Symphony with the FCPS Fine Arts Office.
 
iContact Coaching’s goal is teaching students the tools to become impactful speakers, collaborators, and leaders. The business, led by Julie Johnston, offers classroom visits with a focus on teaching interviewing, public speaking, voiceover, elevator pitches, improv, speech and debate, and confidence building skills.  With those skills, internship opportunities for Fairfax Academy students are forthcoming.  iContact Coaching will begin making eye contact with students as soon as mid-August 2021.

students standing in a circle


The Fairfax Wind Symphony is an adult community band who is providing instrumental performers as teachers to band programs throughout FCPS - for elementary and secondary students. Their “live” mentors will offer unique perspectives for beginning and expert instrumentalists.  This music making venture begins in September and could impact as many as 700 students grades 5-12.

logo for Fairfax Wind Symphony

Welcome partners and thank you.
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Partnerships in the Pipeline

Some additional Ignite Partners are close to signing. 

Three partnerships with Capital One, who started their international program the Capital One Coders here in Virginia, are in the final approval stages.  As the coders program enters its sixth year, they’re looking to support students in after-school programs at Poe, Sandburg, and Whitman Middle Schools.

Also in works is a thoughtful Needs-Based-Donations Ignite Partnership between Providence Presbyterian Church and Annandale High School.  Parishioners at the church are planning to provide at least 75 students with school supplies, winter wear, and health and hygiene items.
 
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                            But Wait. There's More.

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school supply kits lined up in a row

"Collect for Kids" is Collecting Now  

If you remember the delight of having a new box of crayons, or the crisp feel of a new composition notebook, maybe you’d like to share the joy with a student who may not be able to afford them.

Donate to Collect for Kids, the annual drive to provide FCPS students in need with essential school supplies.

A $10 contribution provide a complete supply kit.  $50 goes five times further.

Donate Today 

If you’re working with a group to support a school with supplies, we can help.  Contact the Foundation for FCPS to set up your special on-line donation link or to help with a match for donations to a school. 
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Returning Strong

FCPS Five in Fall graphic

The most effective method of keeping students and staff members safe is vaccination.  Masks are an essential tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting those unable to be vaccinated. To ensure a safe start to the school year, masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside FCPS buildings.

Universal masking allows us to focus on continuity of learning—and returning strong.
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Who You Gonna Call?

staff members sitting at a table

The Grants Development and Management team and the FCPS Business and Community Partnerships team are separate entities who collaborate.  We have different functions. 

You can generally think of it this way:

Grants - If you represent a business, not-for-profit, or governmental entity requiring FCPS to apply for services and/or report outcomes, especially financial reports, FCPS considers you a grantor.

Grants Development Office - Stacey Schobert, Coordinator and David Razmgar, Budget Analyst, [email protected]

Partnerships - Ignite Partnerships typically involve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leads and volunteer coordinators--guiding volunteers and helping direct donated moneys and goods. FCPS Partnerships Team - Jay Garant, Director, [email protected].
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Open for Business and Community Partners

Fairfax County Public Schools remains hopeful that volunteers will be able to engage students in-person beginning in the fall of 2021 - with safety measures in place.  If not in-person, we remain open for business and community partners to engage virtually too. 

If you ever need information on what FCPS Business and Community Partnerships is about beyond Ignite Partnerships, you can find it here.

We also work closely with the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools to support students and schools.