FCPS This Week - February 7, 2024
Kindergarten students in Angelica Feldman’s class collaborate on a math assignment at Riverside Elementary School.
🥁 Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
CTE programs are available for students currently in grades K-5 to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing; and for students currently in grades 6-11 to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration.
IFTA and E-IFTA are weekly arts camps for students in grades 2-11. E-IFTA is for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. IFTA allows older students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage or E-IFTA webpage to register.
Summer Learning
Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course required for graduation, earn a high school course credit through the Online Campus Program, or recover one high school course credit in the Credit Recovery Academy.
A free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher.
Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.
🎼 High School Music Teacher Wins a GRAMMY!
Annie Ray, an Annandale High School Orchestra director, whose work with children with disabilities has drawn praise, won the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Ray, the 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Secondary School Teacher, attended the star-studded GRAMMY ceremony in Los Angeles to officially receive the honor. Read about Annie Ray and her win and watch her official GRAMMY interview.
Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.
Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.
Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Learn more about the schools, their programs, and locations.
🏈 Math Is in Motion, Even at the Super Bowl
Twenty-year FCPS math teacher Paul Malc is wearing a Green Bay Packers hat as he embarks on a lesson about the Pythagorean Theorem with sixth graders in his class at Mantua Elementary School.
This fundamental rule of geometry is put to use every day in real-world situations, including in every game played in the National Football League, Malc explains.
He should know. Malc used to work for the Packers as an occasional defensive line statistician. Read more about his experience and watch him explain math in motion.
💻 Check Schoology for Teacher-Referred Tutoring
Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have year-round, 24/7, no-cost access to on-demand tutoring through Tutor.com.
A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.
Encourage your child to click the Tutor.com icon in Schoology for homework help, concept review, writing support, and test prep.
Look for session referrals from students’ teachers on the Tutor.com portal homepage.
Taking Pride in Black History Month
The Stomping Eagles of Edison High School take extreme pride in not only their step routines but also in being the best representation of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. This video of their routine, filmed last year for Black History Month, has quickly climbed the ranks to become FCPS’ most-liked video on YouTube!
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about Black History Month and other heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Black History Month Celebration
Fairfax County’s Black History Month Celebration will be held on Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m., at the Government Center. This year’s theme is The Value of Telling Our Stories. It will include performances, activities, discussion, and light refreshments. Visit the county’s website for details.
Throughout the month, Fairfax County Public Libraries will host several events celebrating Black history including movie screenings, lectures, and musical performances in-person and online.
❤️ Thank You, School Counselors
This week is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career.
School counselors work with students in many ways, including classroom lessons, group sessions, and individual counseling. Read about some of our exemplary school counselors.
🛑 Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!
Thank you to all the crossing guards who help our students get to and from school safely.
🚍 Wear Yellow to Support Transportation Staff February 9
February is Love the Bus Month! On Friday, February 9, FCPS students and staff are encouraged to wear yellow in recognition of our drivers, attendants, and all transportation staff.
📅 Calendar Reminder: Presidents Day (Holiday)
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday.
Presidents Day is a time to honor and remember the birthdays and achievements of the country's most distinguished leaders, and to reflect on the role of the president in shaping the nation's history and development. Learn more about Presidents Day at Britannica.com.
See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Scheduled for February 8 at 7:30 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next business meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Topics on the agenda include:
- Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget
- Proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program
- Awarding of Contracts
Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.