Well, we have certainly experienced several eventful weeks as we start this October month off...we continue to have exciting classroom projects, extra-curricular events, curriculum nights and back to school nights all across the division. I repeatedly hear from parents and community members about the amazing work and presentations provided. I want you to know how much each of these interactions, both large and small, are appreciated by our students and families. This positive energy and dedication is what transforms our schools and community.  “When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” — Mattie Stepanek

October is National Principals Month and so I would like to personally recognize our fantastic FCPS principals. I want to share how important our principals and assistant principals are to the achievement of our core work in the schools. I applaud their instructional leadership and would invite you to share your own personal thanks sometime during the month with your school principals.  Our collective work in this amazing field of education is so transformative; I firmly believe it is only through the power of public education that our communities and country will remain strong. Each of us plays a role and together, all things are possible...

During the strategic plan update and Academic Matters segments of Thursday’s School Board meeting, I presented information about our division-wide alignment of reading by third grade goal. I also shared a video about the literacy program at Woodlawn Elementary School. Their science-based approach to literacy is hugely impactful — not just on the students’ reading skills and assessment scores, but on their confidence and their enjoyment of reading! You can watch the video below or on YouTube.

Over the last several years, through our Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) plan, we’ve continued to improve and refine our approach to meeting this literacy benchmark, which is also one of the measures of Goal 3 (“Academic Growth and Excellence”) of our 2023-30 strategic plan. Our students’ gains in phonics are highlighted below. By focusing on foundational skill instruction for our young readers and literacy intervention for upper grades, FCPS has made significant progress towards narrowing the achievement gaps in this critical skill. Thank you one and all for your attention and dedication to this focused and strategic work; it matters. 

Literacy is an essential part of providing each and every one of our students with bigger, brighter, better futures. As I’ve shared with you before, research shows that a person’s chances of experiencing unemployment, underemployment, and incarceration are higher when they struggle with literacy. This work matters! In the coming months, I’ll continue to update you and the School Board on our progress towards our strategic plan goals. The next update, which will include other Goal 3 measures alongside literacy, is scheduled for next month.

The Virginia Board of Education’s annual Exemplar Awards recently recognized several FCPS schools for their performance. The Highest Achievement Award is for schools that exceed state benchmarks for assessment pass rates. According to the VBOE rules for these awards, they include high pass rights for all students — there cannot be a large pass rate discrepancy between the lowest and highest performing student groups. The FCPS schools who were awarded this recognition are:

• Sangster Elementary School
• Spring Hill Elementary School
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
• Westbriar Elementary School

The Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement is for schools which have demonstrated continuous improvement for academic and school quality indicators. We appreciate and are honored by the efforts of students and staff within each of these schools.  These schools include:

• Annandale High School
• Annandale Terrace Elementary School
• Belvedere Elementary School
• Brookfield Elementary School
• Centreville Elementary School
• Cunningham Park Elementary School
• Dranesville Elementary School
• Falls Church High School
• Fort Belvoir Primary
• Herndon Elementary School
• Katherine Johnson Middle School
• Laurel Hill Elementary School
• Louise Archer Elementary School
• Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
• Orange Hunt Elementary School
• Providence Elementary School
• Rose Hill Elementary School
• Silverbrook Elementary School
• South County Middle School
• Virginia Run Elementary School
• West Potomac High School

Tuesday was a rainy day, but spirits were bright at Beech Tree Elementary School, where I met with principal Taiia Clarke and her team.  What a great morning it turned out to be in so many ways.  Our students and staff continue to be so inspiring. 

Our first stop was the cafeteria, where students were answering questions during an interactive butterfly lesson. Then we headed to Lisa Levett’s pre-K classroom, where young learners were using their imaginations and bristle blocks (which I enjoyed as well) to bring their ideas to life! 

Next was Katie Keier’s kindergarten class. Students were in the middle of the “wish well” segment of their Morning Meeting. What an engaging, affirming way to start the day! Over in Heather Walnock’s first grade class, students were recounting what they had each done over the long weekend. I was impressed by their answers — the rainy weather didn’t get in the way of their plans, whether they were ice skating, going to the park, or (in Heather’s case) running a 5K. Go busy Beavers! 

In Jordan Vachon’s first grade class, students were studying their phonemes, which is important work for building literacy skills! And in Nadya Abu-Rish’s third grade math class, students were deciphering a word problem. It was a great lesson in how mathematical concepts are used in everyday situations and everyone was paying close attention! Over in Lea Hodges’ fourth grade class, students were coloring in maps of Virginia. I wish I could have stayed longer for a lesson from these young cartographers! Next, I met with teachers who were gathered for a weekly collaborative overview of their science lessons. They were also planning an upcoming field trip to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. We’re fortunate to have such an abundance of opportunities for our students — and teachers who help make these innovative learning experiences accessible!

Our last stop was Madalyn Cleer’s STEM class, where kindergarteners were learning about the five senses and how they relate to the fall season — our ears hear the crunch of leaves, our skin feels the scratchiness of jumping into a leaf pile. It was quite fitting for the autumnal weather we’ve been having, but it was also a good reminder to take some time and use all of our senses to experience the changing of the seasons. Especially our sense of taste, since pumpkin spice season is officially upon us! 

During the evening on this past Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the opportunity to spend time with our parents, families and community members in both Region 3 and Region 6.  The community conversations are an important part of our continuing community engagement as we implement our bold new strategic plan.  Overall, our community is so grateful for the efforts of each and every one of our educators; this work matters now more than ever. 

On Saturday morning I had a great opportunity to share the excitement of our middle school cross country athletes as our inaugural cross country meet weekend began.  I started the day at Robinson SS where we had an exciting morning of races.

I want to thank all those who have supported this new activity for our middle school students.  All in all, we have nearly 2,000 middle school students running across the county!!  This level of participation and focus on fitness is such a strong mental health support for each of our students.  Learning happens best in community and we clearly have an amazing community.  I want to especially thank Executive Director Bill Curran and his staff including Tom Horn and Christopher Friend for all their work in organizing this program.  I also want to thank the middle school principals and their staff as well as the coaches and athletic trainers, this work matters.    

According to his parents, Liberty MS student athlete Max, on his own accord, decided to try cross country.  Having only started any type of sports activity 3 weeks ago, his family and school are so proud of his efforts.  The lessons he learns during cross country will support his learning and lessons in the classroom. 

His coaches say that he shows great determination and never quits during practice.  I think his determination and perseverance were fully demonstrated today.  He is the epitome of graciousness, too. According to Sandy Donlon, the After-School Specialist at Liberty MS; “Anytime I or another volunteer cheered him on saying how proud we were of him and admired his determination in that last mile, he responded with a “Thank you so much”.”    

Another student athlete, a Liberty student, Jayla, only met her new friend on the course as they started the race.  They supported each other and encouraged each other through the whole run.  There is a great video of them holding hands as they ran to the finish line.  It was another incredible heartwarming moment to share during the day. 

It is such a joy and incredible lift to the spirits to see the sportsmanship our students showed to each other today.  The camaraderie, school spirit and feelings of accomplishment that were found in abundance on Saturday we all hope will continue to motivate our runners and bring more onboard. 

Later Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Holmes MS cross country race day.  This was such an exciting day at Holmes MS and the athleticism of our middle school runners was on full display.  Below you can see Coach Adams and I congratulating the fastest runner on the day for either race.  Sandberg Middle School student Catherine, who is an 8^th grade Panther, ran a great race and was cheered on as she finished with the fastest time of the day!! The discipline, persistence, stamina and teamwork are all skill building opportunities for healthy young student athletes. I better step up my training if I am going to keep up ;>)!!

As I close out this section of my weekly reflections, I want to share the pride and inspiration I drew from the Falls Church HS varsity cross country team this past weekend.  Below you will see the picture of them attending the cross country race at Holmes MS to cheer on the Luther Jackson MS runners.  I so appreciate our student athletes reinforcing the importance of building community; it matters.  Great job Jaguars!!

Later Saturday afternoon, I attended the Herndon Showcase that hosted 35 marching bands, including Edison, Mt Vernon, Marshall, South County, Fairfax, Hayfield, Oakton, TJHSST, West Springfield, Langley, Westfield, Madison, Chantilly, McLean and Herndon. Thousands of student musicians performed productions that they’ve been working on since early August. One of the best parts of the event is how loudly the students cheer each other on, regardless of what school they’re from. I really enjoyed the afternoon!!

A reminder that Monday is the first of the Our Schools, Our Future Employee Conversations that I’ll be holding throughout the fall and next spring. Please note that these Employee Conversations are specially designated just for FCPS staff and are intended to be a place to bring your thoughts, questions, ideas, and feedback from a staff perspective. I hope to see you there! Employee Conversation dates and registration links are below:

• Monday, October 2, 6:30-8 p.m. at Stone Middle School
• Monday, October 9, 4-5:30 p.m. at Twain Middle School
• Monday, October 16, 6:30-8 p.m. at Hughes Middle School
• Thursday, October 19, 4:30-6 p.m. at Langley High School

If your question or idea is from your perspective as a family/community member, please be sure to attend one of our Community Conversations, which are open to all. More information and registration links for Community Conversations in your region can be found on our superintendent engagement webpage. As a listening leader, I’m so excited for the opportunity to hear your feedback and keep centering the voices and experiences of Team FCPS! We have such great times ahead. 

And as we look forward to the coming fall week, I am reminded of thoughts related to change management and all that we have ahead of us; “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” -- George Bernard Shaw.  I continue to look forward to the journey ahead….

Warmest regards,

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