Children Ages 5-11 Now Eligible to VaxUP!

This week marked a pivotal moment in the COVID-19 pandemic. Children ages 5-11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. FCPS is collaborating with the Fairfax County Health Department, Inova, and the Virginia Chapter of the American Association of Pediatricians to offer community-wide access to vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccines are expected to be available at mass vaccination sites really soon. Check with your local pharmacy or pediatrician for appointment availability. Up-to-date information about vaccination opportunities will be available on our website. 

In the meantime, you may have questions about the vaccine. We talked with local pediatricians to answer some of the most common questions. First, we asked how the vaccine works and about its safety. Hear what they have to say in this short video.

Thank You Fairfax County Voters for Supporting the 2021 School Bond Referendum!

Thank you to the voters of Fairfax County who approved the 2021 Bond Referendum for school renovations and improvements. More than 69.6% of those voting in the election on November 2 supported the $360 million bond referendum. We are grateful for the support shown for Fairfax County Public Schools and the 179,000 students who grow and thrive in our schools. 

These funds will enable FCPS to proceed with construction, renovations, enhancements, and planning for improvements to 14 schools, plus land acquisition for a future western county high school. Projects funded by the 2021 bond referendum will provide upgraded, current facilities for our students, staff members, and the tens of thousands of Fairfax County residents who use the schools for recreation, meetings, and community events.

FCPS plans to fund the following school projects with bond proceeds.

The Reasons for Recent Menu Changes

You may have noticed more frequent school meal menu changes and fewer options lately. An increase in students participating in school meals, 110,000 pre-Covid to nearly 150,000 now, happening at the same time as a global supply chain issue is affecting school meals. Our focus is ensuring all students have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day. 

As the school year progresses and industries stabilize, additional menu options will be added. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these challenging times. 

Read more about how these issues are impacting school meals.

Opportunities to Give Feedback on the FCPS 2022-23 School Year Calendar

Families and staff received an email last week from [email protected] with a link to the FCPS Calendar Survey. The survey is also available in other languages.

We encourage you to complete the survey at your earliest convenience. Employees and students in grades 7-12 have been invited to take a similar survey as well. The results will be used to inform and support FCPS staff as well as the Fairfax County School Board as they work to adopt the 2022-23 calendar. All responses are confidential. If you have any questions about the survey, please email [email protected].  

This year, FCPS is using a different process to develop the calendar. Learn about the criteria being used in the development of the 2022-23 calendar.

Calendar Virtual Town Hall on November 8

FCPS will be holding a virtual Town Hall meeting on Monday, November 8, at 7 p.m., on Zoom to discuss how the 2022-23 school year calendar is being developed, and for participants to provide feedback on a series of questions related to this process.

FCPS is offering this community engagement opportunity in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Korean. In addition, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided.

Please register online to attend the Calendar Development Webinar and indicate if you will need an interpreter. You will receive the webinar link on November 8 from “Office of Communication and Community Relations.”

Calendar Reminder: Two-Hour Early Release on November 11

As a reminder, Thursday, November 11, is a two-hour early release for students for the Veterans Day holiday. Classes will resume on Friday, November 12. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.

Students Using New Technology to Produce Daily News Show, Connecting Classrooms like Never Before

London Towne Elementary School’s “Morning News” is using upgraded software to create high-tech newscasts that stream into classrooms every morning. A team of sixth graders work together to share the important news of the day, while learning real-world news industry skills.

Indicate Interest in Summer Governor’s School by November 9

Governor’s School is a challenging and enriching program designed for highly motivated students seeking a challenging summer experience. Student interest forms for the Visual and Performing Arts Program and the Academic Program are due by November 9.

Learn more about the two programs and how to submit your interest form on our website.

Be a Partner in Education: Participate in Resource Review

Basal resources are the books and materials the division purchases to create a common foundation for instruction across all schools while allowing teachers to make necessary adjustments to support every student’s unique learning needs. 

This fall, you have an opportunity to advocate for resources that are accessible for all students, including those with disabilities; represent our diverse community, and support every student’s ability to thrive. 

Find out more about basal resource reviews and how to share feedback.

Multilingual Parent Podcast: Important FCPS Resources for Parents

Listen and subscribe to a FCPS multilingual family podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Office for ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.

In this episode, hear about important FCPS resources listed below. Click the hyperlinked text to go to the FCPS designated webpage. Use the resources to help you navigate the FCPS systems.

• Health, mental health, and community resources. Contact Fairfax County’s Coordinated Service Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880 if you are facing any difficulties with food, shelter, employment, healthcare, or need financial assistance.
• Family liaisons.
• FCPS YouTube Channel.
• Parent information phone lines.

Listen and subscribe:

• Spanish podcast. 
• Arabic podcast.
• Korean podcast.

Become a Substitute Teacher and Save the Day!

Want to make a difference in the life of a child? Fairfax County Public Schools is looking for enthusiastic, engaged, and dedicated substitute teachers. Effective November 6, starting pay will be $17.79 per hour for short-term subs; $23.91 per hour for long-term subs. 

Substitutes help our students thrive when their teacher must be out of the classroom and are essential members of every school’s team. More information about the application process and requirements is available online.

Shark Tank Technology Challenge Open to All High School Students

Calling all high school students! The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee has announced this year’s Shark Tank Technology Challenge, with a focus on new or improved existing technology that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, wounded warriors, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to consider projects that offer assistance in the following areas:

• Active free time activities.
• Participation in the arts.
• Caregiving.

Students can submit an innovative or creative project as an individual or a team. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is December 6. Final proposals are due February 22, 2022. The Shark Tank event will be held in April 2022. The winning projects will receive a cash prize. 

More details are available by visiting the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge webpage.