Hello Team FCPS,

What an amazing start of the school year we have had !! As September winds to an end, it is hard to believe that October is right around the corner. My late maman used to say the days are long but the years are short; as the years roll on, I find this to be more and more true.

It is Blue Star Welcome Week, a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging to their school communities. Did you know that there are approximately 14,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS? As a former military-connected youth, I appreciate the courage of students who miss their loved ones away protecting our nation. I hope you will watch my short video message and take the time in your school or community to welcome any new military-connected families.

A healthy – physically, mentally, socially–  community is a strong community. I recently met with folks from the American Heart Association (AHA) to talk about their Kids Heart Challenge program. The Kids Heart Challenge is a fun, interactive, and Virginia SOL-aligned event where elementary schoolers learn about helping community members, improving their personal health habits, and engaging their own families in learning hands-only CPR and recognizing stroke warning signs.

This initiative is critical and – with an emphasis on avoiding tobacco/vaping, getting exercise, being kind, and mental well-being – timely for today’s young people. The AHA is a valuable partner in FCPS’ mission to provide our youngest learners with a strong start, not just academically but also physically and emotionally.

On Monday evening, I was invited to South Lakes High School’s Back to School Night event and met with Principal Kimberly Retzer. It weas great to see the families attending and the staff sharing the many opportunities for student engagement this coming year.  I also appreciated the energy from our student ambassadors.  Go Seahawks!

Tuesday evening was Back to School Night at Oak View Elementary School, where I met with principal Sarah Brooker and staff. What a great way to spend an evening!!

Oak View has a special place in the community’s history, with many students walking the same halls that their grandparents did when the school opened in 1968! I had the chance to visit the second and third grade classrooms and meet some of the students whose artwork is lining the school hallways – these talented young Eagles are soaring!

Later on Tuesday, I had the opportunity to join the South County HS Volleyball team play.  It was an exciting game with a great deal of athleticism on display.  I also appreciated the hospitality of the host school and have a special signed volleyball to treasure ;>) 

On Wednesday evening I also attended Laurel Hill Elementary School’s Back to School Night event with principal Janice Dalton. It was great to have the opportunity to see so many families attend and learn more about the great work their students will be doing in the coming year.  Staff shared thoughtful plans and excitement for the learning ahead.  The dedication and commitment to this most important work is inspiring.  The Lions are definitely in for a great year!! 

Wednesday evening culminated with the Lewis HS Volleyball team competing.  Principal Alfonso Smith and I had an opportunity to share a great match between Edison HS and Lewis HS teams.  I will definitely be sporting my Lewis Volleyball shirt as I work out this coming week ;>) The energy in the gym was electric as the competition played on.  It is so inspiring to see our student athletes compete and the hard work and dedication of our coaches, athletic directors, principals, and support staff provide these learning experiences. 

If you didn’t get a chance to see it, please review the first video in our strategic plan series with many more to come that will feature all of YOU and the work that you are doing to achieve our strategic plan goals. Together, great things are possible! 

On Wednesday, I met with our Navy partners for a great collaborative conversation. The work they do for our wonderful nation – and the post-secondary opportunities they provide for our young people – is more important now than ever. There are a significant number of opportunities for career planning for our students.  It was great to hear more about how we might best partner to support student and community success. 

FCPS’ All County Principal Meetings (ACPM) kicked off at Willow Oaks Thursday morning. The collaboration and connections that we make when we come together are critical to building community and realizing the attainment of our bold strategic plan goals. I appreciate the time that our leaders take from schools to be with us; it matters.  

On Thursday evening I visited Belvedere and Bren Mar Park elementary schools for Back to School Night events. Belvedere principal Cecilia Vanderhye and her team shared what makes their school special and explained several of their student initiatives. Their enthusiasm was infectious! Go Bulldogs!  Next I stopped by Bren Mar Park Elementary School. Principal Elizabeth Williams and staff shared the great work going on at Bren Mar Park ES.  The passion, dedication and excitement for student learning continues to inspire me. 

Friday evening, I had the opportunity to join the Woodson HS team as the Cavaliers celebrated Feeder Night with the theme of “Hawaiian Out”.  It was a fun and spirited event displaying great sportsmanship and a fabulous halftime dance and marching band show (Faberge show simply amazing).  We have so many talented students and staff.  Go Cavaliers!! 

This week I’m kicking off the first of Our Schools, Our Future series of Community Conversations. I’ll be at Hayfield Secondary School on Tuesday, September 26 and at Whitman Middle School on Wednesday, September 27. Both events begin at 6:30 p.m. I’ll be there to answer questions and to hear what’s on your hearts and minds this school year. These conversations are vital to our school division to be sure that we are all moving in the same direction towards our students’ success. You can register and learn about upcoming events by visiting our website . I’m looking forward to seeing you there! 

In our We are Listening segment, please note that we have responded with updated leave practices to better support staff.  Changes to annual and sick leave plans are here!

All FCPS employees who are eligible for sick and/or annual leave will now receive their annual entitlement at the beginning of each fiscal year. In this year of implementation, monthly paid employees will see this impact in their September 29 check, biweekly paid employees will see this impact in their October 6 check. Going forward, the allotment will occur on July 1 annually. Please look here for more information: https://www.fcps.edu/careers/salary-and-benefits/payroll-management  We are resolute in working to support our world class staff.  I will be hosting staff meetings in the coming weeks to hear how things are going.  With our eye on continuous improvement, these conversations remain an important learning community building strategy. 

In this fall football season, I am reminded of one of our late great coaches and his thoughts, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." -- Vince Lombardi  We here in FCPS, have a great team and will continue to realize great results. Together, all things are possible... 

Looking forward to another great FCPS week ahead,

Best,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools