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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

I can’t believe it’s already mid-October! As the days grow shorter and crisper, we’re treated to fall’s vibrant foliage, hayrides, apple picking, and all the delightful scents, spices and flavors of pumpkin. Fall sports, homecomings, marching band and indoor line performances, concerts, and theatre productions are in full swing, while students and teachers gear up for the end of the first quarter.

The past month has been especially exciting for me as I’ve participated in various celebrations honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month in our community. Our students truly benefit from the rich cultural diversity brought by our Hispanic and Latino students, staff, and families. It was an honor to read the School Board’s Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation in Spanish at the September 26 regular meeting, and a joy to hear the third graders from Groveton Elementary sing "De Colores" at our October 10 regular meeting.

We also received a meaningful report highlighting the remarkable academic progress our multilingual learners have achieved, particularly those from our Hispanic/Latino community. This reflects the dedication and effort invested in supporting their success.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Elementary schools hold parent-teacher conferences in early November, so please take the opportunity to meet with your student’s teacher to discuss their progress, ask questions, and share concerns. Keep up to date with grades through the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE  under the “Grade Book” tab. 

 

Check Your Student’s Immunization Record

As we enter the cold and flu season, I want to remind everyone to stay up to date on vaccinations for both yourselves and your students. FCPS offers a variety of resources to help families access the required vaccinations, so be sure to explore what works best for you. Keeping our students healthy is essential so they can fully engage in school and contribute to their learning community. You can view your student’s current immunization records through the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE. More information about clinics are below. 

 

School Board News

Boundary Study 

During the October 8 School Board Work Session, we had the opportunity to hear from Thru, the consultancy that is managing the boundary study and public input process. I encourage you to watch that part of the meeting. It starts at hour 2 around minute 47. Many questions that constituents have asked are addressed. It is important to note that currently not one boundary line has been identified. The process is just beginning and includes a robust community input schedule.

Parents should have received a text and an email with a link to apply to be on the superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee. The size of the committee will be limited and requires a robust time commitment. If you are unable to apply or if you are not selected to be on the committee you may still actively participate in the community meetings that are part of the process.  If you are interested in joining, please complete this application by Friday, October 18.

Check the FCPS boundary policy review webpage for the latest information.  

 

Proclamations

Indigenous Peoples' Dayon October 14th was a time to recognize and honor Native American cultures and histories while acknowledging their resilience in the face of a long history of marginalization. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.

LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time to celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. I invite you to join me in fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity, not just during this month, but throughout the entire year.

Celebration of School Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Month, a time to honor the dedicated leaders and support staff who shape our students' futures. Their commitment to preparing children for success throughout their PreK-12 years makes a significant impact on our community. This month highlights the vital role of school leadership in ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education, fostering a brighter tomorrow for all. If you can take the time to thank the Principal and Administrative Assistants at your student’s school.

I am looking forward to continued school visits in November and taking our Commonwealth Legislators to school to share the amazing work happening in Franconia schools.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

Facebook

 

Instagram Focus on Franconia State Golf Champion - Again!

Big cheers for Edison High School sophomore Owen Love, who won the Class 6 State Golf Championship for the second year in a row! 🎉 Way to go, Owen! Keep soaring!

 

National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to all FCPS National Merit Semifinalists! All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded in spring 2025. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.

Franconia District Semifinalists

 

Edison High School

Nicolas Argueta-Vasquez and Grayson Haupt

 

Hayfield Secondary School

Mateo Kamarck

 

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology       

William Black and Nikhil Alladi

 

LMVSC Coach v. Coach Soccer Fundraiser 

Hundreds of FCPS families cheered on their favorite professional or recreational coach during the 5th Annual LMVSC Coach v Coach Game held at Edison. Clermont sixth grader Fiona Moats sang the national anthem, Edison's Junior ROTC presented the colors, and FCPS students from Twain, Edison, and West Potomac, volunteered on-site helping to make the event a huge success.

Proceeds from the event go towards scholarships for players eager to experience the joy of team sports with their friends and classmates. Last year, 207 out of 460 travel soccer players were able to participate thanks to these scholarships. In its 53-year history, LMVSC has proudly never turned away a player due to financial constraints. What a wonderful commitment to our community!

 

FCPS Excellence Awards

Congratulations to all FCPS teachers, administrators, and staff recognized for their outstanding work! These awards celebrate employees whose exceptional performance supports the mission and vision of FCPS. The Excellence Awards highlight various pathways to success, reflecting the school system's goals. We especially recognize those dedicated to serving Franconia District students.

Franconia District Winners

Collaboration and Partnerships: Kimberly Harrison, Director, Student Services at Lewis High School

West Potomac Super Snack Team, Annie Corbelli, Mike Henrich, and Iris Jane Stufflefield

Innovation and Improvement: Eric Underhill, Principal, Sandburg Middle School

Student Achievement and Success: Sarah Clouse, Family & Consumer Science Teacher, HS, Lewis High School.    (pictured)

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness: West Potomac La Liga, Nathan Bush, Mike Henrich, and Katherine Lodge

Student Achievement and Success: Key Center Crisis Team, Jessica Bamford, Sean Ganley, shannon Hacker, Gregory Hoobchaak, Caitllin Myers, Ashli Onuaku, Mike Reish, Natalie Schoeder, Marielle Sontag, and Diane Young

 

Farewell, Ms. McMahan

Thank you and farewell to Alicia McMahan, a beloved strings teacher who inspired generations of students with her passion for music and launched many string careers. For 30 years, she served as an orchestra director at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels including Cameron, Clermont, Bush Hill, and Rose Hill. Thank you for sharing your talents and creating a love for music that will last a lifetime. Enjoy this next chapter—you’ve earned it! 

FCPS News You Need 💰FCPS Scholarship Website for Students💰

A new website to assist with the marketing and communication about scholarships has been developed.  In addition to Naviance being the database for scholarships, there is now an FCPS public webpage that includes scholarships available to all FCPS students:  https://www.fcps.edu/scholarships-fcps-students.

 

 

2024 FCPS College Fair

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024

Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University

4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030

The College Fair is designed to connect high school students with opportunities in postsecondary education. It is one of the largest College Fairs in the region. It features 200 colleges and universities from around the nation as well as representatives from the U.S. Service Academies. Each year the College Fair draws thousands of students and their families.

Check out the participating colleges.

👉👉👉Register!👈👈👈👈

Following the fair, a two-night postsecondary virtual event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.

 

Post-Secondary Planning Night - En Español

 

Post-Secondary Planning Night, October 17. Please plan to attend the Post-Secondary Planning Night hosted by FCPS Regions 3 and 6 at the Hybla Valley Community Center on Thursday, October 17th. This event will be conducted in Spanish and is an essential opportunity for families to explore critical post-secondary options. Topics will include  2- and 4-year college pathways, financial aid resources, employment opportunities, and military enlistment. Understanding these options is key to making informed decisions about the future, and this event provides invaluable information tailored to the needs of our community. We strongly encourage all families to attend and take advantage of this important resource.

 

Edison Academy Career Experience Fair

Edison Academy will host our Career Experience Fair on October 22, 2024, for Edison Academy students only! This event will host over 15 trades and industry fields for students to explore!   

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Career Experience Specialist, Ms.Frederick [email protected]. 

 

🏛️ Middle School Students – Apply to Become Page for the 2025 Virginia General Assembly Senate Page Program

The Senate Page Program is a dynamic, engaging, and educational experience that honors and preserves the tradition of service to the legislature. Senate Pages have served the upper chamber of the legislature since at least 1850. The experience today is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge for the next generation of administrators, managers, elected officials, and civic leaders.

Application Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 18th (EST)

 

House of Delegates Page Program

This popular program is for youth focusing on civics education, the lawmaking process, and leadership development. As a non-partisan staff member of the House Clerk’s Office, Pages are an integral part of an institution with a long-standing tradition of providing outstanding support and customer service to state legislators and those they represent.  Since 1847, this educational program has been helping youth become more engaged citizens and effective leaders.

Application Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 18th (EST)

 

📣 Social Studies Basal Resources Review 📣

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

 

🎊All Fairfax County Public Schools Accredited

We are proud to have all Fairfax County public schools accredited by the Virginia Department of Education.

We have seen marked improvement with 191 of our schools improving chronic absenteeism rates. FCPS has many students taking rigorous courses — far higher than the national average. The division also continues to see other state indicators improving, including Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates and graduation rates. Read more about all our schools receiving accreditation.

 

🏆 FCPS Continues to Surpass State and Global SAT Averages

Fairfax County seniors in the class of 2024 continued to perform well above state and global averages on the SAT, according to results released by the College Board. 

The Fairfax County average score for the class of 2024 (1178) was higher than the state average (1101) and the global average (1024). Read more about the latest SAT results.

School Board Meetings

Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to tune in or attend FCPS School Board meetings. Visit BoardDocs for meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
• Monday, Oct. 28, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
• Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m. - Governance Committee
• Thursday, Nov 7, 7 p.m. – Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
• Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m. - Budget Committee Meeting (Full Board)
• Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. -  Regular Meeting
• Monday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
• Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee
• Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3:00 p.m - Governance Committee

How to Watch Live

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),

• FCPS YouTube Channel, and

• FCPS website 

How to Watch Recordings

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 

• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

How to Attend In-Person

• Regular School Board Meetings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
• Work Sessions, Committee Meetings, and Forums are held at Gatehouse Administration Center. 
• Public Hearings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.

How to Speak at a Regular Board Meeting

Visit the community participation webpage and fill out the form.

 

Helpful Links

• FCPS SY24-25 Calendar

• Newsletter Subscription Preferences

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

• Safety Tip Line

• Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

• FCPS Jobs

• Multilingual Telephone Help Line

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

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

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning |  Phone: 571-423-1081

Staff Aide: Mara Kaiser Braunger | Phone: 571-279-1691

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

Fall is in the air, and we can feel the crispness and excitement as the school year unfolds. I want to thank teachers, administrators, and staff for creating a warm and welcoming environment for students. The year is off to a great start!

I have enjoyed greeting students and families during back-to-school nights, and I’ve been delighted to see students proudly escort their parents to their new classrooms.

 

Cell Phone Storage Pilot

Three Franconia schools, Edison High School, Lewis High School, and Twain Middle, are participating in the cell phone pilot program the Board passed on May 9, 2024. I am already receiving helpful feedback from teachers, students, and parents. I will continue to engage the community as the program moves forward so we can develop best practices before the program is rolled out to the entire division. I welcome your continued feedback and comments.

 

Security and Safety

It pains me to have to address the senseless loss of life at Apalachee High School in Georgia, but I know it is on your minds. I want to assure you that my School Board colleagues and I take the safety and security of everyone in our schools very seriously. The FCPS security team works preemptively to address safety and security issues. If you see something, say something by reaching out directly to me or the anonymous FCPS security tip line.  The National Association for School Psychologists offers support to discuss this and other sensitive topics with your children. We are all working to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month 

As a Latina woman whose mother is an immigrant from Mexico and whose father’s Hispanic roots go back 17 generations in the American Southwest, I want to take a moment to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our schools benefit from a diverse staff and a 30% student population with a rich Hispanic/Latino cultural background. In my 26 years in FCPS schools as a Family Liaison, Spanish Language Interpreter, and Community School Coordinator, I’ve had the privilege to serve many of our Latino families and students and to see them thrive in our community.  

Please join me in honoring the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. This guide contains student engagement lessons, activities, and videos to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Please visit the Smithsonian Latino Center for additional materials, virtual exhibits, and cultural programs!

I’d like to acknowledge the work of the Hispanic Educators Association / Hispanic Leadership Alliance, which has been working for 27 years to support our Latino population through advocacy and programming. Last year, HEA/HLS proudly awarded 33 scholarships to FCPS graduating seniors.

School Board News

Our first Work Session of the year focused on discussing the draft of the 2025 legislative positions. Of particular concern are the accountability changes the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) Accreditation and Accountability has made and the profound impact it will have on FCPS and all the schools in Virginia.

“I have seen many of our multilingual learners go on to become doctors, become teachers, become business owners in our community,” board member Marcia St. John-Cunning said. “But if we are going to measure them by the standard that this state is putting forward right now, they’re going to be perceived as failures, and the message that we’re sending to our students and to our families is that they are failures.” Full WTOP article. 

I look forward to continued engagement with you and a successful school year. 

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

Focus on Franconia Mount Eagle Elementary School’s 75th Anniversary

On Saturday, I joined the incredible Mount Eagle Elementary School family to celebrate the school’s rich history.  I was also thrilled to present a proclamation at the September 12, 2024, regular School Board Meeting honoring the milestone.

 

The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice Stopped at Lewis High School

The Lewis Leadership Program hosted a magnificent event designed to build community and take action for disability and justice by raising student voices. Participants included people with disabilities, disability rights allies, youth, adults, Spanish speakers, and English speakers.

The event attracted students, community members, local nonprofits, and a special guest, Seydy Ibrahima, from the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Senegal. Congratulations to all!

 

Hayfield Football Investigation Update

I joined the Hayfield community meeting, where Dr. Reid discussed the findings of the internal investigation and external evidence review. The investigation, which began in May, found no concrete evidence of student-athlete recruitment violations and confirmed that investigated student transfers meet residency requirements at this time. The students on the Master Eligibility List (MEL) roster have been deemed eligible. Here is a summary of the investigation and findings.

 

Key Center School’s Garden

Thanks to a grant from the FCPS Get2Green program, Key Center School students transformed a patch of unused land into a thriving garden! It has flourished, producing a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and peas. As autumn approaches, the students eagerly anticipate the harvesting of pumpkins.

FCPS News You Need 🏛️ Middle School Students – Apply to Become Page for the 2025 Virginia General Assembly🏛️ Senate Page Program

The Senate Page Program is a dynamic, engaging, and educational experience that honors and preserves the tradition of service to the legislature. Senate Pages have served the upper chamber of the legislature since at least 1850. The experience today is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge for the next generation of administrators, managers, elected officials, and civic leaders.

Application Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 18th (EST)

 

House of Delegates Page Program

This popular program is for youth focusing on civics education, the lawmaking process, and leadership development. As a non-partisan staff member of the House Clerk’s Office, Pages are an integral part of an institution with a long-standing tradition of providing outstanding support and customer service to state legislators and those they represent.  Since 1847, this educational program has been helping youth become more engaged citizens and effective leaders.

Application Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 18th (EST)

  📣 Upcoming Stakeholder Engagement Opportunity: Student Rights & Responsibilities Focus Groups 2024 📣

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. Participate in Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Focus Groups Each year, FCPS reviews and updates the SR&R to ensure it reflects our commitment to equity and the goals outlined in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. This year, we are partnering with K12 Insight to host focus groups.

Staff who work directly with students and parents/caregivers should have received an email from K12 Insight with information on how to participate in a focus group. Your voice is essential to delivering an SR&R that supports a caring and inclusive climate and culture in every school community. You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R or contact Kathleen Walts, executive director of Equity and Student Relations. 

 

📆 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid 📆

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

 

📕 📘 Secondary Grading Practices 📘 📕

Grading is an important aspect of the student experience. Effective assessment evaluates content knowledge and provides constructive feedback for continuous improvement. The impact of grading travels beyond FCPS classrooms to influence college admission and scholarship opportunities etc. It is with this gravity that I approach the School Board's work on the grading policy.  

The School Board’s Governance Committee will be working on revisions to Policy 2418. It is my hope that the final version will reflect research-based practices, increase clarity for staff to facilitate implementation and provide consistency for our students. Grading and assessment practices should be transparent, predictable and consistently applied across our schools. 

Please review the grading policy and share your feedback. You are also invited to observe the Governance Committee’s work on this topic during these times: 

• September 24 at 3 p.m.

• October 1 at 3 p.m.

• October 15 at 3 p.m.

• October 29 at 3 p.m.

The meetings will be held at the Gatehouse Administration Center and broadcast live on the FCPS School Board YouTube channel. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

School Board Meetings

Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to tune in or attend FCPS School Board meetings. Visit BoardDocs for meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday, September 26, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting
• Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:30 a.m. - Work Session
• Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting
• Tuesday, October 22, 2024 5:00 p.m. - Work Session

How to Watch Live

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),

• FCPS YouTube Channel, and

• FCPS website 

How to Watch Recordings

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 

• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

How to Attend In-Person

• Regular School Board Meetings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
• Work Sessions and Forums are held at Gatehouse Administration Center. 
• Public Hearings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.

How to Speak at a Regular Board Meeting

Visit the community participation webpage and fill out the form.

 

Helpful Links

• FCPS SY24-25 Calendar

• Newsletter Subscription Preferences

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

• Safety Tip Line

• Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

• FCPS Jobs

• Multilingual Telephone Help Line

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

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

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning |  Phone: 571-423-1081

Staff Aide: Mara Kaiser Braunger | Phone: 571-279-1691

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 

You've been preparing for your students to get back to school, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet and reconnect with some of you at the various resource fairs throughout our region. It is always such a joy to hear students enthusiastically talk about getting back to school and about their hopes and dreams for the coming school year.

The work to prepare for your students’ new school year has been ongoing. I saw the FCPS Leadership Team in action the week of July 15th as FCPS leaders gathered to learn and take back information to their individual schools. Last week, I met many new teachers at Great Beginnings (the new teacher orientation) who are enthusiastic and proud to join the FCPS family. This Monday was the kickoff for school staff to return to their school buildings. I was thrilled to join the staff at Mt. Vernon Woods Elementary where I was able to continue my tradition of cooking a pancake breakfast at the schools I’ve worked at or my children have attended.

 

Meanwhile, teachers are participating in professional development, setting up classrooms, and participating in student orientation. Office staff are registering students, getting student packets together, organizing materials, and issuing teachers classroom materials. Custodians are landscaping, putting the finishing touches on polishing floors, and making our school buildings clean and welcoming. Everyone is getting everything ready…the only thing missing is your student. Everyone is eager to welcome them, be it for the first time or the 13th time on Monday, August 19, 2024.

I am looking forward to seeing some of you on the first day of school, an open house, or a back-to-school night. If I don’t see you then, I hope to meet you at upcoming school visits and events. Meeting and listening to parents, caregivers, students, and families is why I do this work. So if our paths don’t cross soon, please feel free to reach out to me. 

Here is to a successful school year filled with discovery, creativity, personal growth, and accomplishment.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

 

 🗓️ Elementary School Early Release Mondays

Our elementary school teachers will be trained on FCPS’s new language arts curriculum so we are in alignment with the new Virginia Literacy Act and new reading and Standards of Learning exams (SOLs). To accommodate the rigorous training, elementary schools will release students three hours early on the following dates for the Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, West Potomac, and West Springfield pyramids. 

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

Schools are offering programming for students whose parents and caregivers can’t pick them up early. You can find answers to many of your logistical questions here. Please keep in touch with your elementary school for specific information. 

 

 📱Middle & High School Cell Phone Storage Pilots

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call their school’s main office. 

At the May 9, 2024 School Board meeting, the School Board directed the superintendent to develop a pilot program for cell phone storage at FCPS.

Select middle schools will be cell phone-free all day. Each student will use a personal storage pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the day.

Select high schools will be cell phone-free during all instructional times. Students will use cell phone storage units in each classroom.

Find more information on our cell phone storage webpage.

 

➡️➡️Franconia District schools that are participating include Twain Middle School, Edison High School, and Lewis High School.⬅️⬅️

 

✅ School Attendance 

When you entrust FCPS with your children’s education, you expect that our dedicated teachers and staff develop the whole child and prepare them to be “future ready.” In FCPS this includes academics and the five FCPS “Portrait of a Graduate” attributes which include being an effective communicator, a strong collaborator, an ethical and global citizen, a creative and critical thinker, and a goal-directed and resilient individual. 

Lessons on these attributes are incorporated into the curriculum from kindergarten through graduation. However, for your students to develop fully, they need to show up and be truly present to learn. Attending school is critical. 

If your student is having challenges getting to school, please reach out to teachers, counselors, social workers, or family liaisons who will connect you with resources to help. 

 

⚕️Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to a  school’s front office. 

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent, temporary medical exemption, or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. 

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website. 

 

🏫Back-to-School Nights for Franconia District 

Schools are working to get information out to parents about back-to-school nights scheduled for August and September. Please be sure to check your school's website and watch for emails for more information. If you have specific questions, please contact the school directly.

 

🎯Tips to Begin the School Year 

• Bookmark the school calendar

• Sign up for school-specific newsletters

• Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
• Free Mental Health Teletherapy for High Schoolers
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application

 

School Board Meetings Helpful Links

• FCPS SY24-25 Calendar

• Newsletter Subscription Preferences

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

• Safety Tip Line

• Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

• FCPS Jobs

• Multilingual Telephone Help Line

Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to tune in or attend FCPS School Board meetings. Visit BoardDocs for meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:30 a.m. - Work Session
• Thursday, August 29, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024 10:30 a.m. - Work Session
• Thursday, September 12, 2024 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting

How to Watch Live

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),

• FCPS YouTube Channel, and

• FCPS website 

How to Watch Recordings

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 

• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

How to Attend In-Person

• Regular School Board Meetings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
• Work Sessions and Forums are held at Gatehouse Administration Center. 
• Public Hearings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.

How to Speak at a Regular Board Meeting

Visit the community participation webpage and fill out the form.

 

Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.

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

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning |  Phone: 571-423-1081

Staff Aide: Mara Kaiser Braunger | Phone: 571-279-1691