STEM FEST Excites Learning and Engages Community

On a mid-October Saturday at South County High School, the not-for-profit Ignite Partner STEAMOLOGY offered STEM FEST, a free activities-based learning experience for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.

The school’s cafeteria was transformed into a buffet of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities where students tried writing with a robot, understanding lift and drag through wing aerodynamics, examining the levitating power of magnets, and much more.  

Event sponsors also offered hands-on activities including Amtrak’s lesson in wheel cambering. Amtrak Community Engagement Manager Denise Miller says the event aims to meet company needs — tomorrow’s workforce. This year, STEAMOLOGY is collaborating with Amtrak and Enterprise e-Support, Inc. to establish a pathway for future STEM leaders and enhance workforce development.

During STEM FEST, numerous elementary and middle school students were actively engaged.  Plus, the event provided a platform for high school students to contribute to the community through volunteering.

For what it’s worth, we saw parents and guardians learning too.

Thank you STEAMOLOGY!

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A Place Where Students Can Engage in and Learn From an Army Humanitarian Mission

Following a meeting and tour of the hands-on National Museum of the United States Army, Fairfax County Public Schools is in early discussions about establishing a partnership. The museum, which opened on Veterans Day 2020, honors the accomplishments, sacrifices, and commitment of American soldiers.  

It also was designed as an education center for young people, so we’re talking with leaders at the museum about bringing activities and lessons into classrooms and getting students to the museum. 

Especially engaging for students is the Experiential Learning Center. The Experiential Learning Center is a unique immersive learning space where students can work in teams to develop skills in Geography, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (G-STEM) at fun and engaging simulation stations. The goal for participants is to complete a complex humanitarian mission. The activities that curators have created were intentionally connected to the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate program.

The museum offers a host of additional educational programs and opportunities so stay tuned as we work to develop what looks like an Army Strong partnership.

The National Museum of the United States Army is located outside the gates but on Fort Belvoir property. It’s open to the public and admission is free. Plan your visit and test the STEM activities yourself.

As a reminder, November 11 is Veterans Day, a day for honoring military veterans. More than a third of the schools in FCPS are recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2023 Purple Star Schools. Learn more about how FCPS supports military-connected families and what the Purple Star designation means.

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Lynette Henry Named Executive Director of Educate Fairfax

The FCPS Chief Experience and Engagement Office recently announced the selection of Lynette Henry as the new executive director of Educate Fairfax, effective Wednesday, November 1. 

In alignment with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, Lynette will be responsible for building on the foundation’s work and growing its contributions in support of excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every student.

In her previous role, Lynette managed the FCPS' College Success Programs, where she supervised programming and services districtwide to increase access to resources and opportunities for student populations most in need of these services

Her philanthropic work has resulted in funding that provided wraparound services and support to students and families; increased mentoring, parent engagement, and college and career opportunities; and extended after school and summer programs. She is known to reach across the division and broader community to engage multiple and diverse stakeholders including collaboration with the FCPS Partnerships team to create Ignite Partnerships.

Lynette’s motto is, “Imagine the Best for Every Child … and Make It Happen!

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Renovated Schools Use Less Energy

Hear from teachers the specific ways that the 2023 school construction bond will positively impact our environment. 

Remember, the building and renovation of schools are financed through bonds, not the school system’s operating funds.

A School Bond Referendum is on November’s ballot.

Read about where Fairfax County Public Schools plans to fund projects with 2023 bond proceeds. 

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Seeing is Believing That it’s Hands On

Members of Fairfax County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC), and a few local and state elected officials, recently toured Chantilly Academy, one of six high school academies in the district. 

CTEAC develops strategies for continuing improvement in coordination with Career and Technical Education (CTE) leadership. Tours allow committee members to see spaces and equipment used and hear about program successes, challenges, and what’s needed for continued success. They also provide CTEAC members an opportunity to ask questions of instructors and students so that their perspectives are understood.

At Chantilly Academy, the committee members explored Auto Technology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Medical Assistant programs, and more. Take your own virtual tour of all of the courses at Chantilly Academy.  

Each year the CTEAC presents a report with the goal of effectively advising the school board.  

Learn more about CTEAC and hands-on CTE programs at the links provided above.

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New Shoes for Every Student

Thanks to a generous donation by an Alexandria City resident and their family who wish to remain anonymous, every student who attends Bucknell Elementary School received a new pair of shoes today, November 3.

The donor gave through the not-for-profit Shoes That Fit, an organization that provides new athletic shoes nationwide, so that children can learn, play, and continue to thrive in school. 

The school team is already working with the students to properly thank the donor and Shoes That Fit. They’re also creating teachable moments around giving back and community service.

The gift was kept a secret from the students until today, but we can attest that it was a very welcomed surprise. 

Thank you again to the donor and Shoes That Fit.

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FCPS Hall of Fame Nominations Welcome

If you know an FCPS alum who has made significant contributions to their chosen field and/or our local, national, or global community, help us celebrate them. Educate Fairfax, the 501c3 foundation connected to FCPS, believes our alumni are something special and they are excited to share their stories. Over the past two years, we've recognized leaders from the realms of business, education, community service, entertainment, military, sports, and government.  

We are accepting nominations for the Spring 2024 class of inductees. 

Nominations close January 12, 2024!  The induction ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Westwood Country Club.

Learn more about the FCPS Hall of Fame and submit a nomination here or scan and share the QR code below. 

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GrandNews About GrandInvolve

Long time Ignite Partner GrandInvolve is moving from being a 501c3 not-for-profit, to a program led by Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS).  

The change is happening as longtime GrandInvolve Executive Director Dorothy Keenan retires. In 2014 Ms. Keenan founded GrandInvolve, an all-volunteer non-profit focusing on intergenerational volunteering in Fairfax County Title I Elementary Schools, increasing the number of older adults who volunteer in classrooms to help improve educational outcomes.

The FCPS partnership office is working with Fairfax County’s NCS now to draft a suitable Memorandum of Understanding, and we’ll have more news on whom future volunteers can reach out to shortly.