A student at Timber Lane Elementary School checks on sprouts growing in a science class. 

🏆 Students Win Big at State Science Fair

Six students from three Fairfax County high schools won grand prize awards at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair. They have qualified to compete at the international level in May. These students were among nearly 80 students from FCPS who participated in the state fair. Read about their projects and additional students who received awards. 

💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong! 

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

• Check your child’s attendance record.
• Help your student stay engaged at school.
• Report future absences.
• Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources. 

💻 May Webinars and Events for Families

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Upcoming events include:

• Friday, May 10, 10-11:30 a.m. – Attached: Creating a Relationship With My Child Where They Feel Safe and Secure (Presented in Spanish)
• Tuesday, May 14, 10-11 a.m. and Wednesday, May 15, 7-8 p.m. – COVID-19 Compensatory Services Partnership Between FCPS and Varsity Tutors
• Friday, May 17, 10-11:30 a.m. – Meet the Author Series: “The Breakthrough Years” by Ellen Galinsky
• Friday, May 31, 10-11:30 a.m. – Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain

Click the linked titles above to register. Learn more about FRC webinars and events.

Resources for Families New to FCPS

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
• Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
• Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
• Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible! 

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and re-enrolling FCPS families. Apply today to help schools plan for the 2024-25 school year. 

Note: Registration is not required for currently enrolled FCPS students. 

🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit FCPS’ immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  

Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.

Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE, and they must provide consent for their student to access therapy services. 

Students can then be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. 

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

🌱 Green Teams Connect Schools and the Environment

During last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented on FCPS’ Get2Green initiative during the Academic Matters segment. View the presentation slides.

Get2Green is FCPS’ sustainability program, and supports green teams at schools with hands-on environmental projects to improve the sustainability of the school and community. Green teams are active at many schools with student-driven activities such as reducing waste, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, conserving energy, and tending edible gardens.

⏰ Share Your Thoughts on Middle School Start Times

FCPS invites the public to be part of the process of exploring options for adjusting middle school start times. Attend a forum to hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about the ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions. 

All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend! 

Register for a forum by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

🥪 Thank You, Lunchtime Legends! 

Get ready to cheer for our lunchtime legends on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 3, when we extend our gratitude to all FCPS Food and Nutrition Services staff.

At Oakton Elementary School, Mijin Lee (pictured above) is the dynamic force behind a sensational lunch program. Read about what led to her being recognized as Oakton High School Pyramid winner for the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee category at FCPS Honors. 

☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, story time, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.

📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.
 

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is designated Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize the history of Jewish contributions to American culture and acknowledge the diverse achievements of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
 

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: No School for Students Friday

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday and a teacher workday. Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

🚲 Bike to School Day

Wednesday, May 8, is Bike to School Day. Visit Safe Routes to School for tips on how to bike to school safely. 

☀️ Early Dismissal on the Last Day of School, Wednesday, June 12

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 12. All secondary and high schools will have a two-hour day with dismissal at 10 or 10:10 a.m. on the last day of school. Elementary and middle schools will be dismissed two hours early on this day. Look for communications from your school on their bell times/schedules for that day. 

Support Teachers and Staff with Educate Fairfax

Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Make a donation to Educate Fairfax and impact FCPS teachers and students through teacher grants, the Kids in Need fund, and support for employee recognitions. 

Educate Fairfax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Fairfax County public schools and our community. Visit the Educate Fairfax website for more details.