Excitement is growing ahead of Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) students returning to five days a week of in-person learning this fall. Before school let out in June, West Springfield Elementary School principal Dr. Kelly Sheers visited the homes of dozens of families who have been in virtual learning since the pandemic began. Students were excited to see their principal for the first time in more than 15 months. They shared what they’ve learned in the past year and what they are most excited for this summer.

Kenneth Hays, father of third-grader Finnian and second-grader Alexandra, noted one payoff of virtual learning was watching his children’s technology skills explode. “That is a huge difference actually, looking at how far they’ve come,” Hays said. “I’m definitely better at typing,” Finnian added. “It’s been different. But I can’t wait to go back.”

Kenneth Hays also took a moment to thank Dr. Sheers for her hard work during this time. “No situation is perfect. I can only imagine everything going on behind the scenes,” Hays said. “Whenever anything was less than optimal, we’d always think about everything you guys have been juggling.”

At another visit, Aaron McDonald, father of fourth-grader Ava and second-grader Gabe, thanked Dr. Sheers for stopping by and acknowledged the work of teachers over the past year. "The teachers have been great, and we've done the best we can to support them,” McDonald said. "Like they say, we're all in this together." 

Dr. Sheers wanted to drive that message home during each visit. She says despite the distance the pandemic has forced on everyone, FCPS will always be ‘Stronger Together.’

“I want to build that sense of community,” Dr. Sheers said. “I haven’t seen some of our virtual families for over a year and a half. So, this is just my way to show my appreciation to the families for supporting their children at home, and reconnect with them, and actually meet some of our new families for the first time.”

For some new FCPS families, this fall will be their first time inside school buildings. During Dr. Sheers’ visits, she assured those students they will get access to West Springfield Elementary before their first day, so they can get oriented and find their new classroom.

Dr. Sheers visited family homes over the span of a few weeks, hoping to garner excitement for the fall and help students feel welcome. During each visit, Dr. Sheers let students pick out their favorite color sunglasses and gave them a card that read “You Shine So Bright!”. This was a much needed note of encouragement, as we look toward brighter days ahead. 

Read more about the outreach efforts of Dr. Sheers in The Washington Post and watch our video on YouTube.