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Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek! FCPS teachers continue to go above and beyond for our students and I am thankful for all the big and small things they do to instill a love for learning in all our students. This year I am thrilled that Laura Senturia, from our very own Sully District Colin Powell Elementary School has been named Washington Post's Teacher of the Year. So proud of all our incredible FCPS educators! Read about the awards below.
A heartfelt thank you as well to our amazing PTA/PTO/PTSA/PTSO's for organizing lunches, snacks, flowers, gifts and other recognitions for our teachers and staff. Our community's strong support of our schools and staff is truly incredible! Thank a teacher or staff member near you this week!
Fourth-grade teacher Laura Senturia poses with a sign praising educators. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)
My colleagues and I have also been working on several important policy issues and initiatives. The 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation is scheduled for a Board vote on May 9, 2024. Please be sure to review the document and let me know if you have feedback or concerns. Additionally, the Board has taken on the critical work of developing a school boundary policy. The Board discussed the larger boundary/capacity issues facing FCPS in a Forum on February 13, 2024. The Governance Committee has been working to update Policy 8130. A copy of the draft policy can be found here.
At our April 25th meeting, the School Board voted to approve the Goal 2 Baseline Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered as the Division's starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our Strategic Plan 2023-30. It also voted to approve the 2024-25 Special Education Annual Plan.
The School Board is in the middle of the crucial annual budget process. I encourage you to provide feedback at the upcoming Budget hearings and to tune into our next Budget Work Session on May 21st, 2024. Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.
Inside this newsletter:
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! As a proud member of the AAPI community—a community that has contributed immeasurably to the fabric of American society, I invite you to please join me in celebrating the rich histories, contributions, and cultures of Americans hailing from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, and across the Asian continent. People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. As a School Board member, I am committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. I will work tirelessly to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our curriculum, our hiring practices, and our policies. #AAPIHeritageMonth
Sully District schools have been busy with preparations for their spring musicals and plays and sporting events. May is a busy month but I hope you can take the time to attend, share in each other's company and enjoy watching our super-talented students!!
As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. I’m very much looking forward to seeing you at graduations and end of the year events in the weeks to come!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Greenbriar West Elementary Playground Dedication In Memory Of Hope Pregozen
I was honored to attend the dedication of the Greenbriar West Elementary School playground to the memory of Hope Pregozen, along with Delegate Laura Jane Cohen, Principal Blount, staff and members of Hope's family. Hope worked hard to serve our students with special needs and dedicating this new playground addition that was intentionally built to be accessible to students with physical disabilities was especially meaningful to honor her memory. We will always remember Hope’s positive impact on her students, staff and school community. Last year, the School Board voted to approve the proclamation naming the Greenbriar West Elementary School Playground Addition The Hope Pregozen Playground.
Sully District Happenings
Congratulations to Sully District Educators Laura Senturia and Cadi Doyle!
Fourth-grade teacher Laura Senturia from Colin Powell Elementary School was named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year. She was chosen from a group of 19 finalists throughout Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. for her work in inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. You can read more about her and learn why she’s called a “superhero” for the impact she has on students.
Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, was named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. She focuses on inclusion and students’ ownership of their learning. She’s also developed an inclusive basketball team and leads professional development sessions. Click here to learn more about her work within FCPS for both students and staff. Congratulations to Laura and Cadi!
Celebrating Korean Cultural Night at Centreville High School!
Korean Cultural Night at Centreville High School was amazing! I was very excited to celebrate along with my colleague School Board Member At-Large Ilryong Moon! From its rich traditions to its dynamic modernity, Korea enriches the world with its music, cuisine, fashion, and so much more. Sully District has the only FCPS Korean Dual Language Immersion (DLI) at Colin Powell Elementary School and Liberty Middle School. I am also a proud supporter of our World languages program. These programs are so important to build bilingualism and develop global intercultural competencies in our students. I enjoyed all the performances and festivities!!
Amazing Sully District Educators at Get2Green Symposium!
I hope everyone enjoyed the Earth Week celebrations! At the FCPSGet2Green Together We Grow Symposium on April 22, 2024 it was exciting to see all the schools, especially those in the Sully District, highlight their environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives. These included the many student-driven initiatives ranging from waste reduction, recycling programs, research on creating "mini-ecosystems" to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity, ADA compliant outdoor learning spaces and gardens using native plants!! In FY2024 the School Board expanded funding for Get2Green leaders to develop a culture of sustainability and student-led environmental action for all students! Thank you to all our amazing educators inspiring and motivating our students to make a difference for their community and environment! Visit FCPS' Get2Green for additional resources and opportunities to engage in environmental stewardship projects at your school, incorporate sustainability in the classroom, find your school's energy and recycling data, and learn more about green initiatives in FCPS. #FCPSEarthWeek
Inspiring Sully District Students Excel at Technology for Good!
So proud of Sully District student Archi Marrapu who is a #NationalSTEMChampion featured in this NPR news article! Archi, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, created a "pill tracker". It's a plastic bottle fitted with ultrasonic sensors and an AI engine that tracks when/if a patient has taken his/her medication, among other things. Marrapu knows she wants to study biomedical engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship when she goes to college, and her dream is to work in healthcare, she says.
"To make it more equitable, affordable and accurate as a whole," she says. "Healthcare is something that everyone deserves equally regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status."
Archi's project was among the set of projects and inventions from brilliant young student innovators across the country selected for the National STEM Challenge held in Washington DC on April 14th, 2024 sponsored by EXPLR Media in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. #WomenInSTEM #womenofcolorinSTEM #NationalSTEMFestival
Our students are so inspiring with their use of #TechnologyforGood!! Chantilly High School students Gautam Ramachandran and Sriram Nalini, used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create an algorithm that can be used to classify electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, which can be used to control prosthetics. So proud of these amazing students using their skills to help others!! #GoChargers #StudentInnovators #AIforGood #TechForGood
TJ Techstravaganza, Annual STEM event is 5/18
This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at TJHSST. Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. Admission is free and there will be food for sale. Here is the registration form. More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org.
Volunteers Needed: Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
Are you interested in serving as our Sully District representative on the FPAC committee? Please see details below. Thank you!
Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC): FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities needs, such as creative financing and construction strategies, scope of renovations, and school closures and new schools.
The link to the news article is here and the application link is here. The deadline to submit an application is May 21, 2024.
Sully District's Megan Sawant is the new Student SB Representative!
Congratulations to Sully District student Megan Sawant, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), who has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Sawant will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by the amazing Rida Karim, a junior at Woodson High School. She will be the 54th student representative to the School Board.
Sawant has three main focuses as student representative: increasing student engagement with the School Board, identifying and tackling academic recovery, and addressing student alcohol and drug abuse. She said, “Alcohol and drug abuse has emerged as a serious topic, particularly over the last couple of years. While mandatory lessons are currently in place, I see the need to improve these lessons based on student feedback, engagement, and responsiveness in community events." Read more about her here. #StudentLeaders
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
April 25, 2024 School Board Meeting
Superintendent Dr. 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.
April 11, 2024 School Board Meeting
During the Academic Matters, Superintendent Dr. Reid recognized 10 years of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) at FCPS. POG helps set students up for personal and academic success by building skills in communication, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and being goal-directed and resilient.
May is #AAPIHeritageMonth!
Please join me in celebrating the rich histories, contributions, and cultures of the AAPI community at FCPS, Sully District and the rest of the country. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, celebrates the histories of Americans hailing from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, and across the Asian continent. People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. To celebrate their heritage and contributions, in 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit https://asianpacificheritage.gov/ to learn more about the many contributions and achievements of individuals within this diverse and varied group.
National 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.
Middle School Start Times Community Forums
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 pm, Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 pm, Virtual forum (newly added).
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 pm, Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 pm, Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided.
Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Oakton HS Dance Team Spring Prep Clinic
If you love to dance and are interested in trying out for the Oakton High School Dance team for the 2024-25 school year or the year after, the Dance Team is holding a Prep Clinic May 20, 22, 28, and 30 from 4-6pm at Oakton HS, open to students in grades 7-11. The clinic will teach a variety of skills and choreography that will be helpful for preparing for tryouts. If you are interested in participating in the Dance Team Prep Clinic, complete the Spring Prep Clinic Interest Form to receive the registration form and information. If you have questions, please reach out to Coach Rowley at [email protected].
CyberPatriot Camp at Chantilly Academy
Chantilly Academy is supporting STEM and cybersecurity education by hosting an AFA CyberPatriot Camp this summer! This camp welcomes students of all skill levels, so we encourage anyone interested in cybersecurity to register. This is an opportunity to learn the importance of cybersecurity and gain the skills to protect yourself and others from cyber threats on a variety of operating systems.
Dates: June 24-28
Where:Chantilly Academy (4201 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA)
Cost: $200 for the week (includes materials, camp t-shirt, and lunch each day)
Who: Rising 5th-8th Graders
https://chantillyacademy.fcps.edu/cybercamp
Questions can be directed to Sam Jonsson at [email protected].
FREE Summer STEM Camps in Chantilly and Arlington!
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is offering FREE summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Camps! Rising 6th – 12th grade students can explore, create, and innovate in a fun and engaging environment at their facilities in Arlington and Chantilly, Virginia.
Their STEM camps are designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork dynamics.
Here are the camps being offered this year:
1. StellarXplorers – A space system design camp where students focus on team problem-solving associated with sending objects to space.
2. Robotics Camp – Students will engage in coding and programming VEX Robots.
3. Drone Camp – A hands-on, technical application camp where students learn the basics of coding, programming, and flying drones.
4. Coding Camp – Students will engage in hands-on coding activities using block coding and Python programming languages.
Register your student for these STEM camps - spaces are limited!
Summer 2024 Emerging technologies Camps & Courses
Get ready to level up your tech skills this summer...registration for the Summer of Emerging Tech is officially OPEN!
Whether you want to explore machine learning algorithms or spearhead your own data science research project, we have virtual programs of all kinds for students grades 6-13 (+ educators too)!
Head to the link to our Summer Catalog to learn more about the different offerings and register. *Limited need-based scholarships are available. Programs will fill up fast, so secure your spot ASAP! This summer don’t just learn how to code… become a future leader in emerging tech.
The Coding School (TCS) is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit organization focused on preparing the next generation for the future of work through computer science training and workforce development.
Technology Youth Empowerment (TYE) Opportunity
TYE, a student-led nonprofit in FCPS, aims to bridge the gap between students and STEM fields. They are currently seeking more volunteers and representatives at high schools. If you are passionate about teaching and promoting STEM, consider applying to their organization:
For more information, email them at [email protected] or explore the TYE Representative presentation.
Student Government and Class Council Opportunities
This is the season for selecting candidates for SGA (Student Government Association), SAC (Superintendent Advisory Council), SEALs (Student Equity Ambassador Leaders), and Class Council. If you're interested in participating in these organizations, be aware that each school may have different processes for selection. To ensure you don't miss out on these opportunities, please contact your leadership teachers, class sponsors, or other relevant school administrators for specific details on how to get involved in your school's selection process.
FCPS Job Certification Student Program with Coursera Career Academy
High school students now have the opportunity to access the full contents of the Coursera Career Academy. This program is designed to open doors to digital career pathways and provide invaluable learning experiences directly from industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
Program Benefits:
- Explore a variety of popular digital careers from marketing to data science.
- Learn from experts at leading global companies.
- Earn valuable micro-credentials that can enhance your resume.
- Access over 27 professional certificates, expanding your skill set in multiple fields.
Interested? Here's how to get involved: Complete the Coursera Student Interest Form.
STEM and Aviation Programs for Students!
Interested in learning more about aviation or STEM careers? STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization that combines STEM content with a free flight experience for middle and high school students. We pair students with Pilot Mentors to receive a flight experience, learn about STEM careers, and connect with local aviation enthusiasts. Students submit the STEM Flights application along with a letter of recommendation and choose a STEM Mission of choice to complete before they fly with their pilot mentor. Student applications are accepted year-round and flights take place all throughout the year (weather dependent).
Our mission is to create positive experiences in aviation and inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation career pathways. If you know a 6th-12th grade student who is interested in the world of STEM or aviation, encourage them to apply today! To learn more, please visit our website or reach out to [email protected] for additional information. We hope to fly with you soon! Students apply here!
FCPS Summer Camp Offerings
Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS 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. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:
Find session dates, registration links, and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
Free Teens in Action Summer Camps
The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers affordable, engaging, and healthy recreation programs for students aged 12-18 when schools are closed. Teens in Action youth participate in team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (science, engineering, and math) programming, service projects, field trips, and more. Admission for camp is free. The Summer Camp takes place Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and is separated by age group. Rising 9-12 graders attend camp from June 17- August 16, 2024, and rising 7th and 8th graders attend June 17-28, 2024, and August 2-16, 2024. Find more information and register on the Teens in Action web page.
Save the Date for FCPS' Summer Extravaganza
Don't miss a day of family fun and learning at 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.
Family Resource Center - May Events
The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Register for the upcoming discussions below by clicking on the title:
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Friday, May 10, 10-11:30 a.m. – Attached: Creating a Relationship With My Child Where They Feel Safe and Secure (Presented in Spanish)
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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
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Friday, May 17, 10-11:30 a.m. – Meet the Author Series: “The Breakthrough Years” by Ellen Galinsky
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Friday, May 31, 10-11:30 a.m. – Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain
Learn more about FRC webinars and events.
Families can find printable resource guides and details about the center’s free lending library on FRC’s homepage. They may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at [email protected] or call 703-204-3941.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Meaningful May
Let's find ways to be part of something bigger.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. While most people will struggle with a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, there are still some reluctant to seek help because of stigmas associated with mental health. May 9th is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email [email protected] to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students in to this service.
George Mason’s Center for Community Health
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website.
How to Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
According to recent news reports, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools rely upon this form to grant students financial aid award letters.
Families who have questions or persistent issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by our school or College Access Fairfax is free.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, May 7, 11:30 am: Forum
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Tuesday, May 7, 1 pm: Work Session
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Thursday, May 9, 7 pm: Regular Meeting
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Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 pm: Public Hearing: Budget
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Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 pm: Public Hearing: Budget (if needed)
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
Email: Seema Dixit | Phone: 571-423-1085
Staff Aide: Shaheen Khurana | Phone: 571-423-1072
