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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is a wonderful reminder to celebrate love in all its forms—our families, friends, neighbors, and community. Paraphrasing from Mount Vernon Woods ES, “Here at FCPS, we are Anchored in Love; Leading with love, learning with love, and teaching with love.” Whether you're sharing kindness, gratitude, or just enjoying some extra chocolate, I hope your day is filled with warmth and joy!

From freezing temps to a sudden warm-up, this winter has been unpredictable. Snowstorms and extended school closures tested us, but our incredible FCPS facilities, custodial, and transportation teams worked tirelessly to clear sidewalks, parking lots, and keep schools running safely. We are truly grateful for their dedication!

Honoring Black History Month

February is a time to celebrate Black History and the profound contributions of Black Americans. Right here in the Franconia District, the Laurel Grove School Museum (6840 Beulah St.) offers a glimpse into our local history. Built in the 1880s by formerly enslaved individuals, this restored one-room schoolhouse educated the first generation of Black children born free and remains Northern Virginia’s only surviving African American schoolhouse. I encourage you to visit and learn more.

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, "From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future." The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Community Connections & School Visits

It’s been a busy few weeks! 

I had the honor of speaking with students in the Board’s Student Leadership Development Program—a group of inspiring young leaders eager to serve their communities. Franconia is lucky to have Hayfield Secondary junior Natalia Langdon represent Franconia District. 

 

Despite weather delays, I was thrilled to attend Lewis High School Class of 2024 as they received their International Baccalaureate diplomas. Although some students couldn’t make it back from overseas or university due to the rescheduled ceremony, their brilliance still shone brightly.

 

Visits to Lynbrook, Forestdale, and Crestwood Elementary Schools showcased exciting initiatives to boost attendance and student engagement. I loved being welcomed with a song at Lynbrook, learning about surprise student activities at Forestdale, and seeing the friendly attendance competition between Crestwood and Lynbrook in action!

 

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of spending the evening at Lewis High School. My first stop was to meet the talented thespians after their rehearsal for the one-act play Trifles which they will perform at regionals. I also want to send warm wishes to the Edison High School thespians as they prepare to perform The Trojan Women. Wishing both schools the best as they compete on February 18—break a leg!

 

Then, I attended the district wrestling match—and even learned what “blood time” is! Congratulations to all the incredible athletes who competed and those who went on to regionals last night. A huge thank you to Lewis High School for hosting and to the Lunchadora Room volunteers and sponsors for their support in making the event a success.

 

Beyond the schools, I joined colleagues in Richmond at the Virginia School Boards Association Capital Conference, meeting with state lawmakers to discuss the Commonwealth’s budget and its impact on FCPS. I also attended local town halls with Senator Surovell and Delegates Sickles and Krizek, engaging with our community on key issues and advocating for school funding.

 

 

Finally, I enjoyed connecting with neighbors at Supervisor Lusk’s Franconia District Open House—a great opportunity to hear directly from you.

 

As always, I’m grateful for the chance to serve this community and look forward to the weeks ahead!

Wishing you and yours a sweet Valentine's Day! 

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

School Board News NEW! - Middle School Start Time Work Session 

Join us or tune in for the upcoming Work Session as the Board discusses the Superintendent’s proposed plan for Middle School Start Times. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

In Person: Gatehouse Administration Center Room 1600 

Watch: FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), FCPS YouTube Channel, or FCPS website 

 

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

➡️➡️ Learn more about the budget. 

 

FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

Focus on Franconia Twain Tiger Ethan Doell Dominates on the Fencing Strip!

Ethan Doell continues to impress in the world of fencing! Competing in the U14 division at the Paris Marathon Fleuret, Ethan fenced his way to an outstanding 3rd place finish out of 206 competitors, posting an 20-2 record and earning the title of highest-placing American fencer at the event. 🥉🇺🇸

Ethan showcased his skill by defeating opponents from the U.S., England, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Hong Kong, and France. His only two losses came against the same Korean fencer, with one match decided by a single point in the semi-finals.

With an international record of 29-2, Ethan’s focus and composure under pressure are truly remarkable. Next up: the Junior Olympics this weekend! Let’s cheer him on! 👏🤺

Key Middle School School Featured on NBC News4

NBC News4’s Tommy McFly shined a spotlight on the amazing educators at Key Center in Fairfax County who go above and beyond for their students. Their dedication and impact were featured in a special segment on January 23—a must-watch for anyone who loves seeing educators making a difference!

📺 Catch the story and celebrate these inspiring educators!

Franconia Schools Earn Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement!

Congratulations to Key Middle School (Principal Ann Smith) and West Potomac High School (Principal Jessica Statz) for earning the Virginia Board of Education's Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement! This recognition highlights their commitment to academic growth, student achievement, and progress in graduation rates.

Way to go, educators, staff, and students! 👏

FCPS News You Need 🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps our schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

 

💰Hispanic Leadership Alliance Scholarships

The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship is for a first-generation Latino/Hispanic student from Fairfax County Public Schools. HLA is a non-profit organization of Fairfax County Public Schools employees, retirees, former students, and residents. This year marks HLA’s 20th anniversary of offering scholarships to FCPS students. 

Application Deadline: February 25, 2025 (early submissions encouraged!)

Eligibility: FCPS graduating seniors who are first-generation college students

Application Submission: Complete the Word-based application, include required documents (Word or PDF format), and send to Jane Cruz at [email protected]. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Jane Cruz at [email protected] or (202)207-5839.

 

Useful Parent Resource Sessions Part 3: Violence Prevention: Responding to Threats of Harm to Others

March 4, 2025

10 - 11:30 a.m.

This session will provide an overview of The Pathway to Violence, demystify the threat to others risk assessment process within the FCPS K-12 setting; and provide in-home strategies, school and community resources, and direction regarding keeping students safe when confronted with pervasive and/or significant concerning behaviors and explicit threats of violence.

Register here

 

Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges, & Implement Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6)

March 14, 2025

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to support your child’s executive function skills in our webinar series. We will present information on understanding your child’s developmental milestones, recognizing signs of executive dysfunction, and implementing effective strategies to support their learning at home and in school.

Register here

 

Supporting Mental Health: Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Teens

March 19, 2025

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Join us for Part 3 of our Teen Series with Dr. Unnatti Jain, a Certified Behavior Change Expert / TEDx speaker / Author / Keynote speaker who studies behavioral patterns.  Dr. Jain will help caretakers and families identify mental health symptoms, enhance communication skills, and explore professional and self-care strategies.

Register here

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.

• Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
• Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Budget Committee Meeting 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. and MS Start Times Work Session 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (full Board)
• Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
• Tuesday, Feb. 25, 3:00 p.m. - Joint BOS/SB Budget Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, March 11, 10:30 a.m. - All Day Work Session
• Thursday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
• Monday, March 17, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
• Tuesday, March 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee 
• Tuesday, March 18, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 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.

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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

We are heartbroken to learn of the devastating loss of life in this week’s aviation accident, including three of our FCPS students and six of our FCPS parents.

On behalf of the Fairfax County School Board, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and the entire school community. This is an unimaginable tragedy. We join the nation and our students, educators, and families in grieving.

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to supporting those affected in every way possible. Crisis counselors and support staff are available to provide comfort and assistance to anyone in need. 

In moments like this, we must come together as a community to support one another. Please keep the families and loved ones impacted by this tremendous loss in your thoughts.

FY 2026 Proposed Budget

The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

The Speaker's List opened at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 and is now open through 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of February 4, 2025.

• Register to Speak at the Budget Public Hearing (in-person or live via Zoom)
• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Information on Speaking at School Board Meetings
• Watch School Board meetings and public hearings.

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to [email protected].

FY 2026 Proposed Budget Timeline

• Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the FY 2026 Proposed Budget to the School Board at the January 23, 2025 regular meeting.
• The School Board will hold work sessions on the proposed budget on February 4, 2025 and February 18, 2025.
• The School Board will hold a public hearing on February 4, 2025.
• The School Board will take action to approve the Advertised Budget at the February 20, 2025 regular meeting.

Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Luther Jackson Middle School, at 7:00 p.m.

Help Select Math Resources for FCPS

Passionate about math education? Here’s your chance to shape the future of K-12 math instruction in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)!

We’re selecting a Franconia District resident to serve on the Mathematics Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC) – a group that helps choose textbooks, online tools, and other essential learning materials for the 2025-26 school year.

 

Why Participate?

✅ Ensure alignment with Virginia’s Standards of Learning and FCPS’s Learning Model.

✅ Help meet the educational needs of diverse learners.

✅ Advocate for an academically rigorous curriculum.

✅ Support equitable access to high-quality and engaging resources.

✅ Provide valuable input in collaboration with other community members and stakeholders.

 

Time Commitment

📍 In-Person Meetings at Gatehouse Administrative Center:

• Monday, March 3, 2025 (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
• Monday, March 24, 2025 (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

💻 Virtual Meetings (March 2025, Dates TBD):

• Three subcommittee meetings
• Two vendor demonstrations

  Responsibilities

IRRC members will be expected to:

• Attend all meetings.
• Review submitted resource materials thoroughly (conduct approximately five hours of independent review of the materials during March of 2025).
• Communicate via email in a timely fashion.
• Maintain confidentiality of all materials and discussions.
• Hold no conflict of interest with instructional vendors under consideration.

  How to Apply

Apply via this Google Form by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025.

Not sure if you live in Franconia District? Check this lookup tool.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

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.

The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

The Speaker's List opened at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 and is now open through 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of February 4, 2025.

• Register to Speak at the Budget Public Hearing (in-person or live via Zoom)
• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Information on Speaking at School Board Meetings
• Watch School Board meetings and public hearings.

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to [email protected].

 

FY 2026 Proposed Budget Timeline

• Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the FY 2026 Proposed Budget to the School Board at the January 23, 2025 regular meeting.
• The School Board will hold work sessions on the proposed budget on February 4, 2025 and February 18, 2025.
• The School Board will hold a public hearing on February 4, 2025.
• The School Board will take action to approve the Advertised Budget at the February 20, 2025 regular meeting.

Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Luther Jackson Middle School, at 7:00 p.m.

The Fairfax County School Board

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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

I hope you had a fantastic first full day back from break and enjoyed the snow days! As the snow melts and we get back into our routines, I trust your winter break and extra time with family and friends were wonderful.

I am deeply grateful for the strength and diversity of our Franconia District community. The variety of religious and cultural celebrations observed during the break reflects the richness of our shared experiences.

Whether you celebrated holidays and traditions or simply took time to recharge, this season serves as a reminder of the values that unite us—kindness, gratitude, and togetherness. As we embark on a new year, let's continue to hold those values as we work together to support and strengthen our community. 

School Board News December 19th & January 9th Regular Meeting Highlights

 

Read about our work including:

• 2025 Financial Mid Year Review
• Dr. Reid's Plan for All Eighth Grade Students to Take Algebra
• Secondary Grades, Assessment, Grading, and Reporting on Progress
• Historic Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements 

 

Comprehensive School Boundary Review

Thank you to all who participated in the community meetings over the last two months.

If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person meeting, please consider participating in one of our virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings. 

To ensure a meaningful experience for participants, each virtual meeting will be limited to 400 participants, and each participant will receive their own unique Zoom link. Language interpretation will be available.

• Thursday, January 16, 1-2:30 p.m.

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m.

• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

 

Middle School Start Times

As we continue our work to evaluate middle school start times, here are some resources for you:

History of FCPS middle school start times

School Board Work Session 

• Presentation
• Video Recording

I want to thank the Mark Twain Middle School students who have contacted me with their rationale for what option we should select. Considering student voices is critical to this process. 

Staff will deliver draft recommendations before February 6. 

 

Student-Athlete Transfer and Eligibility Practice Investigation

At the December 5th Regular School Board Meeting, I introduced a motion that passed unanimously to engage an external law firm to investigate the situation at Hayfield and recommend corrective actions to prevent similar issues from ever happening again in FCPS. 

“Main Motion #1 (as amended): I move that the School Board engage an external law firm that has not performed any work for FCPS or the Superintendent in the last 10 years to conduct a comprehensive and independent examination (to include but not limited to student-athlete transfers and eligibility practices) for all high school athletics across FCPS schools, starting with an examination of Hayfield High School, and to report its findings and make recommendations to the School Board and Superintendent.”

At the December 19th Regular School Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Reid presented a plan to respond to outside counsel's findings and recommendations. 

 

Historic Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreements 

I was honored to vote for the first collective bargaining contract between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax Education Unions for the Licensed Instructional and Operational Bargaining Units. It will go into effect July 1, 2025. We are taking an important step toward fostering collaboration and support for our dedicated educators and staff.

Learn more.

Here’s to a bright new year ahead, full of hope, opportunity, and continued progress for our FCPS family.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

Focus on Franconia Island Creek Elementary Sang at Dec. 5 School Board Meeting

We were thrilled to hear a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by the Island Creek Elementary School 5th and 6th Grade Chorus, led by Sarah Laird and Sara Arslan!

West Potomac Teacher Honored With CARES of the Quarter

Congratulations to Lawrence Cooper, a Work Awareness and Transition (WAT) teacher at West Potomac High School, who is the inaugural recipient of the FCPS CARES of the Quarter Award. 

Educate Fairfax partnered with the Human Resources employee recognition team to create this award and further highlight the incredible stories of our outstanding employees and their meaningful contributions. Lawrence was chosen from all of the CARES of the Month winners so far this year. 

Lawrence received a certificate and a $500 check from Apple Federal Credit Union in recognition of his unwavering commitment to his students and for fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork at West Potomac.

Edison JROTC Honor Heroes at Arlington Cemetery with Wreaths Across America

On a chilly morning, 53 JROTC Cadets, three other students, and parents gathered at Arlington Cemetery for the annual Wreaths Across America event to honor our fallen heroes. This meaningful occasion fostered camaraderie and service, reminding us of the importance of remembering those who have served. Thank you to all who participated!

FCPS News You Need 🌎 Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2025-26 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may want to attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

🎉  Teachers at 100 Schools Receive Educate Fairfax Grants

Educate Fairfax financially supported 107 grants across 100 Fairfax County public schools — including 24 Title 1 schools — totaling an unprecedented $180,273 in funding! These grants will help defray the cost of innovation in our schools, which might otherwise come out of the pockets of our educators and staff or simply not be possible. Nearly 36,000 of our students will be directly impacted by these grants. See the full list of schools and projects that will be funded.

 

📒 Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE. 

Moving forward, Gradebook closure will align with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the end of the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, at 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, at 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVUE

Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

 

🎭 Never Miss a Show! Subscribe to the Fine and Performing Arts Calendar🎶

Take a look at the Fine and Performing Arts calendar on FCPS’ website for individual listings of many middle and high school theater events. You may also subscribe to the calendar for notifications of upcoming performances.

 

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

• Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. - Work Session - Pedestrian Traffic and Safety, Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6:00 p.m. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Public Hearing
• Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:00 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC)
• Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m - Work Session - Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report & FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:00 p.m. - Budget Public Hearing
• Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6:00 p.m. - Budget Public Hearing (If needed)
• Thursday, Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
• Monday, Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee (PEC)
• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 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.

The Fairfax County School Board welcomes public comment on the proposed FY 2026 Capital Improvement Program at a Public Hearing. This public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The Speaker's List opened at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2024 and is now open through 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025. The Fairfax County School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of January 14, 2025.

• Register to Speak at the CIP Public Hearing (in-person or live via Zoom)
• Proposed FY 2026 Capital Improvement Program
• Information on Speaking at School Board Meetings
• Watch School Board meetings and public hearings.

Any questions, written statements, and copies of testimony may be submitted to [email protected].

Upcoming Regular School Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Luther Jackson Middle School, at 7 p.m.

The Fairfax County School Board

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

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

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.

Good Morning, Franconia District!

I hope you’re enjoying a peaceful Sunday as we head into Thanksgiving week. I wanted to take a moment of your time to share the below statement and update on the ongoing situation involving the Hayfield football team. This is a complex and challenging matter, and I truly appreciate the community input and passion. I hear you. 

At the same time, I want to ensure that the information I share is accurate, measured, and grounded in reality—not rumors or innuendo. 

My focus is on all students who contribute to the football experience, including athletes, band members, cheerleaders, color guards, Junior ROTC, and others working hard to create a vibrant community spirit. They have dedicated themselves all season and deserve recognition for their efforts.

I have actively engaged with students, staff, and families in the Hayfield community to understand concerns about student residency requirements and staff conduct. I’ve listened to perspectives from all sides and have consistently shared these concerns with FCPS leadership.

The Facts 

• The initial investigation in August focused specifically on student residency requirements and personnel matters. While other issues have emerged, the investigation remained centered on these core concerns.
• FCPS conducted a thorough investigation led by the Auditor General who reports directly to the School Board. Outside legal counsel Cynthia Hudson of Eppes-Hudson Law, PLLC reviewed the findings. Her analysis confirmed that the new student-athletes met the residency requirements. A summary is available on the FCPS website.
• The Virginia High School League (VHSL) VHSL has sole authority over student-athlete eligibility, including transfer cases. FCPS’s role is to verify student residency. 
• Due to increased attention on the volume of student-athlete transfers, Hayfield Secondary School staff proactively met with VHSL in August to review the eligibility of each student-athlete before submitting the official Master Eligibility List. VHSL then conducted its standard eligibility review and approved the eligibility of all student-athletes who participated on the Hayfield football team this season.
• However, two months later, VHSL declared the entire team ineligible for postseason play without providing clear evidence or explanation.
• On November 15th, a judge granted the Hayfield student-athletes and parents a temporary injunction allowing the team to participate in postseason play citing ambiguities in VHSL’s policies and rules. Further hearings for a final ruling are scheduled for December 4.

Moving Forward

The Hayfield football situation has raised community concerns about the treatment of student-athlete transfers, adherence to the VHSL Proselytizing Rule, fairness, and sportsmanship. This feedback highlights the need for a broader discussion on preserving the core values of high school athletics—integrity, teamwork, and personal growth.

I support Superintendent Dr. Reid’s announced plans for a comprehensive, independent review of student-athlete transfer and eligibility practices across ALL FCPS sports and schools including Hayfield. Two community conversations will help inform updates to FCPS protocols, policies, and regulations. I invite you to participate in these conversations. 

Your voice matters, and I’m committed to keeping you informed with transparency and accuracy. 

   

Kind Regards,

  Statement

"We would like to thank the many community members who have reached out to express concerns over recent events involving high school athletic programs in Fairfax County. Like you, we believe all students should have equal access to every aspect of public education, including athletics. We fully recognize and regret that recent events may have eroded public trust and have led to direct and collateral impacts on many students and families across FCPS. As leaders in the system, we recognize and acknowledge that FCPS has a responsibility to ensure fair sport and competition, and we take that charge seriously. 

We appreciate your patience as we have given Superintendent Michelle Reid the necessary time to work through the initial aspects of the action plan she identified earlier this week. Our colleagues signed below have been in close communication with Dr. Reid throughout this matter and support her efforts to ensure this unfortunate situation is not repeated and that we have a better path forward. We recognize that while FCPS has abided by current policies and practices, including those administered by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), these policies and practices must be reviewed and updated to reflect the current reality of high school athletics. 

We strongly support Dr. Reid’s plan for a comprehensive, independent, and external review of FCPS athletics and hope that VHSL and others will collaborate with us to address the issues before us. We share the same commitment to supporting the students and families we serve, and we fully anticipate a positive resolution."

 

Sandy Anderson, Springfield

Seema Dixit, Sully

Karl Frisch, Providence

Robyn Lady, Dranesville

Kyle McDaniel, At-Large

Marcia St. John-Cunning, Franconia

Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Braddock

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