School Board Braddock District | Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Braddock District News: Graduations, Boundary Policy & More

School Board Braddock District 2 weeks 4 days ago

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Happy End of School Year, Braddock families -

What a week it’s been for FCPS families! With elementary and middle school promotions and high school graduation ceremonies happening almost every day across Fairfax County since the end of May, there is so much to celebrate!

Robinson Secondary School 2024 Graduation.

To the Class of 2024 - it has been an honor to watch your journey these last few years! You have shown strength and resilience, humor, grace, and empathy in your high school years and are ready to enter a world that is rapidly changing. As one of your student speakers said, the only constant in life is change. You’ve already shown an incredible ability to adapt to change so I am sure you will thrive as you leave FCPS to pursue your dreams and passions! And as another of your student speakers said in comparing you to his favorite donuts (Krispy Kreme, of course!) you’ve been given incredible ingredients for success and it's now time to create your own flavors and sprinkles and shine on your chosen path. I hope you keep your energy, empathy, passion for making your world a better place, and your resilience as you go forth. Our future is in good hands with you.

It was my great joy and privilege to join graduates at commencements held recently at the Pulley Center, Annandale High School, Robinson Secondary School, Lake Braddock Secondary School, West Springfield High School, and Woodson High School.

I could go on and on about the festive caps and gowns, the many inspiring speakers, thousands of smiles, hugs and high fives, and countless brilliant futures ahead. Instead, let’s see some pictures!

Have a wonderful summer!

All my best,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer

Braddock District School Board Member

Have something nice to say about an FCPS teacher or other staff? Share it with FCPS Cares.

Lake Braddock Secondary School graduation with fellow School Board Members Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) and Kyle McDaniel (at-large).

Annandale High School graduation.

Pulley Career Center graduation.

Robinson Secondary School graduation.

Woodson High School graduation with Board Chair Karl Frisch (Providence District) and Board Member Ryan McElveen (at-large).

West Springfield High School graduation.

IN THIS ISSUE …

Boundary Policy Update
Focus on Braddock
Neurodiversity News
Music & Arts
More from the School Board
FCPS News
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

Boundary Policy Update

As a reminder, the School Board Governance Committee, of which I am chair, will meet next week to discuss revisions to Policy 8130 (latest draft) regarding School Boundaries.

I am aware that this matter has been a topic of concern and speculation in the community, based in part on misinformation circulating throughout the county. As I have said before, this is a discussion of the boundary policy only, and no boundary changes have been proposed. This important policy has not been updated in more than four decades, and we owe it to the community to make sure all policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current realities.

The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at the Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Rd building suite 1600, Falls Church, and will be open to the public.

My previous full statement about this can be found here, and I will send an update on this subject again after the upcoming Governance Committee meeting. If you have questions about this matter, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Focus on Braddock The Power of Our Words: Combating Hate Speech & Racial Slurs

Kudos and thank you to the Woodson High School Pyramid community for hosting an event about combating hate speech that included courageous conversations about racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, ableism, sexism, LGBTQ+IA bias, and other forms of bias. It’s sometimes hard to believe in 2024 being confronted with words and symbols that dehumanize individuals and whole groups of people based on their identities. The grim reality is bias and racism still exist in all of its forms, even sometimes in our schools and institutions even in light of FCPS’ strong policies against racism and hate speech.

I appreciate the students at Woodson who were seminal in leading this work and sharing about how these words impact them and ideas of how to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. I also appreciate that the Woodson pyramid principals all shared their efforts to have these courageous conversations and the work they are doing at their schools to combat the use of hate speech and slurs. There is still much work to be done and I know our students will lead the way. I stand ready to do my part to combat bias and racism in all its forms and welcome our multicultural and diverse community.

Neurodiversity News

Looking for a great post-graduate path for the student with neurodiversity in your life? Experts say no one should overlook our high-quality, open access community colleges.

“Far too many neurodivergent people are falling through the cracks,” Maureen Dunne, CEO of a neurodiversity consulting organization and a neurodivergence researcher, wrote in a recent article in MIT’s Sloan Management Review and highlighted in Inside HigherEd. “The paucity of successful and authentic neurodiversity-inclusive pathways in higher education, our workplaces, and our communities has tangible implications and hampers the success of organizations everywhere.”

Another expert, Brett Ranon Nachman, director of research for the College Autism Network, and who is autistic, said, "Ultimately, community colleges are focused on propelling students in their respective areas of interest that often translate to careers,” said Nachman, who is autistic. “I see community colleges as really well situated to address labor shortages and also to be able to propel a number of nontraditional learners.

Learn more. For more on Virginia’s Community Colleges, go here.

Music & the Arts NPR: Graduates can always come home to their orchestra family and FCPS' Annie Ray

How does Annandale High School Orchestra Conductor Annie Ray do it?

Find out in this recent profile from NPR: “The end of the school year often means year-end concerts for student orchestras and choirs. For high school music educator Annie Ray, it’s time to look back on a busy year that included a Grammy award and look ahead at her vision of what education should be. Ali Rogin sits down with Ray for the latest installment of our “Weekend Spotlight” series.”

I’ve so enjoyed visiting with her, including participating in Parent Orchestra rehearsals, and hope to continue conversations about how to replicate this amazing program across Fairfax County. Congrats on yet another well-deserved recognition!

More from the School Board Job Openings

The FCPS School Board is seeking to hire a full-time Support Technician I. This position will provide wide-ranging meeting support, including setting up and breaking down meetings, assisting with proclamations, preparing minutes, handling exhibit files, and other duties as assigned. The position may require flexible hours. Please note that while the listing says “One Year Only,” it is intended to be permanent.

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

Thursday, June 13

5 p.m. - Closed session
7 p.m. - Regular session

Recognitions: VHSL Winter/Spring Recognitions
Performance Review: Asset Protection (EL-7) Report
Policy Review: Asset Protection (EL-7) Policy
Presentation:

Academic Matters
FY25 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics

Consent

Dranesville ES Renovation Project
Award of Contract – Hazardous Materials Contract
Sale of House
Sublease - 619 South Pickett Warehouse
Food Services Warehouse - Emergency Generator
Installation at Woodson Support Center
Fairview ES - Automatic Temperature Control System Placement
Sole Source Contract Amendment 2-year renewal - Cardinal Basketball Officials Association, Inc.
Sole Source Contract Amendment 1-year renewal - Sonova USA

New Business:

Strategic Governance Manual Calendar Alignment
FY25 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics
Reappoint/Appoint Board of Trustees for ERFC
Appoint Individual Trustee to ERFC
Solar Power Purchase Agreement for 9 Elementary Schools
Synthetic Practice Turf Field Replacements at 4 High Schools (Woodson, Edison, Mount Vernon, and West Potomac)
Replacement Fairfax HS Press Box

Tuesday, June 18

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Governance Committee

Discussion of Policy 8130 regarding school boundaries

2-4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee
4:30-6:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
7-9 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC)

Thursday, June 20

4-8 p.m. - School Board Committee Report Work Session

Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACE)
Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)

Monday, June 24

5-9 p.m. - School Board Committee Report Work Session

Advisory Committee for Students w/Disabilities (ACSD)
Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC)
School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
Early Childhood (ECPPC)

Tuesday, June 25

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a..m. - School Board Forum

Reviving the School Board Student Leadership Development Program
Standing Committee Assignment Numbers

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Work Session

FY25 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics

1-4:30 p.m. - Work Session Continued

Watch Meetings Live | Meeting Video Archive

FCPS News Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Forty-five-minute phone or videoconference consultations are available with a school psychologist or school social worker.

Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
Students in middle or high school can request a consultation to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.

Summer Fun for All: Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation

The Family Resource Center (FRC) has a list of dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel.

They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.

Learn more by calling 703-204-3941, emailing [email protected], or visiting the FRC's webpage.

Out & About Cappies Awards

I was thrilled to attend the annual Cappies Awards Gala at the Kennedy Center. The Cappies are like the Oscars for local high school theater, with all nominees and award winners chosen by their fellow students. Each year, participating high schools choose one musical or play to be their showcase “Cappies” entry. Theater and journalism students, serving as Cappies critics, attend and review these plays and musicals, with some of the reviews published in local newspapers.

And a HUGE congratulations to West Springfield High School for winning best musical for Sweeney Todd and to The Lake Braddock Theatre for winning best play for Romeo and Juliet! Very well deserved for two truly professional level and unique productions.

I loved the hilarious Pride and Prejudice at Robinson (congrats to Rambunctious Theatre Company). the for your many nominations) and 1776 is one of my favorite musicals and Woodson High School did it justice - congratulations on your nominations!

The complete list of winners from FCPS is here.

2024 Cappie Awards.

The student critics choose nominees for Cappies awards in a variety of categories, culminating in a formal awards show, with live performances of a scene from each of the Cappies nominated plays and musicals, and from student performers! It is a wonderful celebration of the amazing high school theater in Northern Virginia! If you didn’t have a chance to catch a production this year, I hope you catch one next year! Here is a list all of FCPS’ middle and high school theater productions.

Bravo to the amazing student thespians, musicians, directors, stage managers and crew, lighting, costume, set, and sound designers, and all the students involved in these fabulous productions!

Fun at Fairfax Pride

I confess I never tire of the fun and festivity at our area’s Pride Month events! On June 1, I spent some time catching up with old friends and meeting new people at the City of Fairfax Pride Festival.

In the month of June, FCPS recognizes the resilience and determination of the many individuals fighting to live freely and authentically. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. I stand ready to do my part to ensure all students and staff are welcomed in FCPS as their authentic selves. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Coming Up Open Your Home & Heart: Enjoy 1 week of Institute for the Fine Arts FREE by hosting an International Student!

FCPS is partnering with an International Organization called Near West to pilot a summer program inviting international students to experience IFTA and life in Northern Virginia and to share their culture with our community. The students in the program will be high-achieving students with an interest in the fine and performing arts, and there will be around 10-15 students in this pilot. The international students will join for the last week of IFTA, and the students of participating host families will be invited to join a culminating weekend outing at the conclusion of the program. We’re looking for a few of our warm and welcoming FCPS families with students of 13 to 15 years old to help make the pilot a success.

When: July 20-30

Where: Lake Braddock Secondary School

Host Family’s Benefits:

1 FREE week of IFTA: from July 22 (Monday) to July 26 (Friday), five days of self-selected art, dance, music and theatre classes or receive a stipend of $265.
Weekend Fun: Bond with your international student and other families during a fun-filled weekend outing on July 27-28 (horseback riding, farm visit, country music, rural town activities, etc.).
Authentic Connections: create lasting memories through genuine interactions and cultural exchange with a student from a different country.

Host Family’s Responsibilities:

Provide airport pickup on July 20 and drop-off on July 30 at Dulles Airport.
Offer comfortable lodging and daily meals during the stay.
Assist with daily transportation to and from IFTA at Lake Braddock Secondary School and to other program activities. Students may take the bus with your child.

Fill out this form if you are interested in hosting. Please contact Yubo Zhang [email protected] or Kara Drinkwater [email protected] with any questions. Thanks so much for considering this wonderful opportunity!

More Stuff Parents Should Know SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE

Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the following:

For all students – the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests.
For grade 3-8 students – the SOL Growth Parent Report shows performance over time for state reading and math tests completed this school year.

Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines.

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports

Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or supports. If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, or have a multilingual student entering 12th grade, please review the accommodations request process and/or EL support request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 5.

Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.

Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation

The Family Resource Center (FRC) has a list of dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel.

They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.

Learn more by calling 703-204-3941, emailing [email protected], or visiting the FRC webpage.

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.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

News from the Braddock District School Board Office: Boundary Policy & more!

School Board Braddock District 1 month ago

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Boundary Policy Update

Hello Braddock families -

I want to start my newsletter this week by offering some reassurance to you, as I understand there is misinformation circulating throughout Fairfax County that has some families worried that their school boundaries are changing.

Let me be very clear: There is no current proposal to change the boundaries of any school.

Here is what is going on:

The School Board Governance Committee, of which I am the chair, is in the process of updating Policy 8130 as part of our regular review of policies to establish a clear roadmap for future boundary changes and provide the safest and most effective instructional experiences for students. This work began in 2018, with the Board in 2019 directing the superintendent to hire an outside consultant to provide best practices for boundary policies. That report was delivered in late 2021 but continued work on the policy was delayed due to COVID, hiring a new superintendent, and prioritizing completion of the strategic plan. The governance committee resumed its review in February 2024. You can read the latest draft here.

This policy has not been holistically updated in nearly five decades, and our school system is experiencing the negative results of that, in the form of overcrowding at some schools, transportation problems, facility issues, inequities in resource allocation, and more. Our county has grown, programming requirements have changed, and population shifts have occurred, and our policies must be updated to reflect our current state.

Once the committee finalizes and approves the draft policy, it will be referred to a full School Board Work Session for discussion. Like Regular School Board Meetings, School Board Work Sessions are open to the public and available via the FCPS live stream and on the School Board Meeting YouTube channel. During a Work Session, the Board determines a policy's next steps. If the Board decides to move a policy forward, the full Board must vote on it at a Regular School Board Meeting. If the policy passes with a majority of votes at a Regular School Board meeting, the Board will hand the work to the Superintendent, who will use the updated policy to review and propose any future changes to school boundaries. A huge component of that work will be robust public engagement before any potential boundary changes are proposed.

The Governance Committee is scheduled to continue work on Policy 8130 at its next meeting on June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church. The meeting will be open to the public.

My hope is a cyclical holistic review of FCPS boundaries will address community concerns over a host of issues including temporary classrooms (trailers), instructional program locations, overcrowding, and transportation, among others. For more information on the benefits to students and the community of maintaining an up-to-date boundary policy, you can visit the FCPS website.

I assure you I will do my part to ensure that you and the entire community have full opportunity to have a say if any actual school boundary changes are proposed. Again, there is no current proposal to change the boundaries of any school.

I hope this helps to allay any concerns. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected].

All my best,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

Have something nice to say about an FCPS teacher or other staff? Share it with FCPS Cares.

IN THIS ISSUE …

Budget Corner
Focus on Braddock
Neurodiversity News
More from the School Board
FCPS News
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

Budget Corner Approved 2024-25 Spending Plan Includes 4% Raise for All Employees

The School Board voted on May 23 to approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget, including a 4% pay increase for all employees.

I am disappointed that we were unable to fund the full 6% raise that had been proposed by the superintendent and supported by the School Board. However, the chronic underfunding from the state - to the tune of $1900 a student less than West Virginia and Kentucky, or nearly half a billion dollars owed to Fairfax, as well as less funding than our request this year to the county Board of Supervisors - unfortunately tied the School Board’s hands. I am grateful that once the state released its funding, the Superintendent was able to find additional funding to fund a 4% raise.

Attracting and retaining quality educators is my top priority as your representative to the School Board, but we cannot do that without better pay for our teachers, which will require additional funding. I will be working closely with my colleagues and others to change the flawed state funding formula, and advocate for other ways to pay for our schools’ critical needs.

Stay tuned for more on this work.

Focus on Braddock Volunteer to Serve on a Citizen Advisory Committee

As a reminder, I am now accepting applications for appointments to represent the Braddock District on seven citizen advisory committees that serve one-year terms, work on a variety of specific topics, and provide annual recommendations to the School Board.

I look forward to hearing from those interested and developing strong working relationships with selected appointees. Before I was elected to the school board, I served on one of these committees for eight years. I found it an invaluable experience both in learning more about FCPS from a systemic perspective and sharing my own experiences and expertise.

Learn More and Apply by June 4.

Graduation Schedule

Following is the upcoming graduation schedule for secondary and high schools located in the Braddock District:

Robinson Secondary School, Monday, June 3, 2 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena.
Lake Braddock Secondary School, Tuesday, June 4, 2 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena.
Woodson High School, Thursday, June 6, 2 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena.

See you there! Visit the FCPS website for the full schedule.

Braddock-Based State Counselor of the Year Offers Mental Health Tips

Valerie Peters, middle school counselor at Robinson Secondary School, was chosen by the Virginia School Counselor Association as the 2024 Secondary School Counselor of the Year.

May is Mental Health Month, so Valerie offered some tips for FCPS families on improving or maintaining good mental health, including:

Celebrating each other’s accomplishments;
Checking in with each other during family meetings; and
Having a family activity night once a week.

FCPS Braddock District: Seeking Applicants for School Board Advisory Committees!

School Board Braddock District 1 month 1 week ago

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Seeking Applicants for School Board Citizen Advisory Committees

Hello Braddock Community!

I often get asked about how to get more involved with the Fairfax County School Board so I wanted to share this opportunity with you all!

My office is seeking applications from Braddock District residents interested in serving a one-year appointment to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) citizen advisory committees.

Some residents may not know there are 11 volunteer citizen advisory committees that focus on specific issues affecting FCPS students and make annual recommendations to the School Board. Nine of these include one appointee representing each of the county’s nine magisterial districts, as well as at-large appointees, a school board liaison, and staff liaisons. For seven of those, terms are one year, running from July-June, and most boards meet once a month, usually in the evenings.

To learn more about each committee, please visit the links below. The Braddock District is flush with expertise on these topics, and I look forward to hearing from those interested and developing strong working relationships with selected appointees. Before I was elected to the school board, I served on one of these committees for eight years. I found it an invaluable experience both in learning more about FCPS from a systemic perspective and sharing my own experiences and expertise.

Citizen Advisory Committee Overview

Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC)
Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC)
Advisory Committee for Students w/Disabilities (ACSD)
Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC)
Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)
Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

If you are unsure of your district, you can find that information at this link: My Neighborhood - Fairfax County, Virginia.

If you are interested, please fill out this brief Google Form: APPLY HERE

The deadline to apply is June 4.

I hope you consider applying and I appreciate in advance your interest and willingness to serve!

Very truly yours,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

FCPS Braddock District News: Athletic facilities update, new principal & more!

School Board Braddock District 1 month 2 weeks ago

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Hello Braddock District neighbors and friends -

Listening.

That’s what I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks with FCPS students, parents, teachers and administrators. It’s amazing what you can learn when you ask for thoughts on the matters people care about and then hear them out. I have been inspired yet again by the meaningful insights and creative solutions being offered by those at all levels in our school system and by our community, students, and families.

Among the highlights of my recent outreach included some fantastic brainstorming around the unfortunate state of some of our athletic facilities. Woodson High School Principal Kevin Greata graciously met on May 6 during the school day with me, School Board Chair Karl Frisch (Providence District) and FCPS Facilities staff to view first-hand the condition of the baseball fields there, which has been the subject of much recent public comment to the board. I’m committed to working with my colleagues and staff to improve the solutions we have currently offered to be responsive to the needs of our Woodson community.

School Board Chair Karl Frisch (Providence District) with me at the Woodson High School baseball fields on May 6.

On the same evening, I did my best to address concerns about the fields from the Woodson Athletic Boosters, a uniquely supportive and involved group of parents, and was motivated by the passion, advocacy and great questions and offers of partnerships and solutions they brought to the room.

More broadly, these talks have highlighted the need for a project queue for athletic facilities needs. Such projects exist outside of the regular capital improvement plan, and so they aren’t budgeted or calendared in the same way as other school repairs and renovations. As I know how important sports are to the physical and mental health of many of our students, I intend to work closely with Facilities to prioritize easing the bottleneck that many athletic facilities improvement projects seem to be experiencing across Braddock and FCPS more generally. I’ve already asked staff to take another look at the plans to try to shorten timelines for stadium bathrooms at Woodson and develop long term plans and additional funding possibilities for athletic field renovations.

Speaking to the Woodson Boosters on May 6.

Meanwhile, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating May as Jewish-American Heritage Month, a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

May also is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month; a perfect opportunity to learn how to celebrate the vibrant collection of AANHPI cultures in the United States! There are 24 million people in the United States who identify as Asian, with 1.6 million identifying as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or a combination. As the first Indian American person to be elected to the FCPS School Board, I proudly count myself among them, and urge you to learn more here.

Thank you as always for everything you do to support our schools! Please continue to let me know of questions, issues or concerns by reaching out to [email protected]. I am always here to listen to you.

All my best,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

In this Issue

IN THIS ISSUE …

Focus on Braddock
Neurodiversity News
Music & the Arts
More from the School Board
FCPS News
Budget Corner
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

Focus on Braddock New Principal at Fairfax Villa ES

Please join me in wishing a warm welcome to Linda Textoris, who has been named as the new principal of Fairfax Villa Elementary School (FVES)!

Ms. Textoris is the current principal at Lovettsville Elementary in Loudoun County Public Schools. She brings six years of principal experience to the role and is seeking a new experience in FCPS to continue growing and learning as a leader.

Ms. Textoris holds a Master of Education in Education Leadership from George Mason University, a Master of Science in Education from Marymount University, and a Bachelor of Science in the School of Business from State University of New York at Oneonta. Ms. Textoris is in her 17th year in education and her 12th year serving as a school administrator. She is currently in her sixth year serving as the principal of Lovettsville Elementary School in Loudoun County Public Schools and was previously the assistant principal at Sycolin Creek Elementary School (also in LCPS). Ms. Textoris began her educational career as a first and second grade teacher in multiple LCPS elementary schools.

The FCPS hiring panel was particularly impressed with Ms. Textoris’ role in school improvement efforts while at Lovettsville. She is a dedicated, experienced and talented leader who has proven her ability to build individual relationships and strong home-school-community partnerships.

Ms. Textoris’ official start date will be June 18. We are so glad you’re joining us!

Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments

Even many longtime Fairfax County residents may not be aware of the existence and important role of Citizen Advisory Committees that advise and make recommendations to the School Board on a variety of important, specific topics affecting our students. Most committees include a representative from each magisterial district serving one- to three-year terms, and it is now time to make appointments and reappointments. Please take a look at the list of committees and consider whether you might have interest and expertise to be of service in the coming year. More information on this topic, including how to apply for open positions, will be provided in a special edition of this newsletter on May 21.

In related news, the School Board has voted to send a new Advisory Committee Operating Manual, the related sections of the Strategic Governance Manual, and Policy 1710 to the School Board Public Engagement Committee (PEC) and directed the PEC to gather feedback from the Board’s advisory committee chairs and bring final recommendations to the board for a vote no later than June 27. This will help bring more structure and consistency to the committees’ work.

Middle School Start Times Forums

As you may be aware, FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and is actively seeking public input. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, is leading a series of forums that include a presentation on the process and opportunities for parents to provide feedback. Following are the remaining forum dates and times, including one in the Braddock District at Frost Middle School on May 22. We welcome your thoughts, so please attend if you can.

Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click the date of the event above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

Neurodiversity News Did you know …?

About 1 in 44 children have been diagnosed with autism, and far greater numbers are known to have ADHD, dyslexia or other types of neurodiversity.

Yet, too often, schools treat neurodiverse kids as outsiders who must adapt to systems and an environment that were not created with them in mind. The New Jersey Education Association writes that creating a neurodiverse classroom isn’t that difficult. But it does take a shift in mindset and a deliberate approach to including neurodiverse people, focusing on their strengths, and a willingness to embrace and celebrate different perspectives. Creating a more inclusive classroom also helps all students to succeed, not just those with disabilities.

Read more about steps educators can take to help neurodiverse students succeed, and activities parents might want to mention to their child’s teachers.

Music & the Arts

“Blown away again” is the best way to describe my feelings after attending recent theatrical productions at two Braddock area high schools. I was fortunate to take in a performance of 1776 at Woodson High School and one of Romeo & Juliet at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The professional-level talent and quality of these shows is simply second to none. Congratulations also to the cast and crew of Robinson Secondary School’s Footloose!

If you missed those performances, some of our district parents were kind to remind me that many elementary and middle schools put on some incredible shows as well! Here are a couple of upcoming opportunities:

The (BFG) Big Friendly Giant at Lake Braddock Secondary School
May 17-19
Theatre Scenes Night at Irving Middle School
May 31
South County High School Jazz Band Concert
June 8
Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, 9518 Workhouse Wy, Lorton
This is a free, outdoor concert, so consider bringing a blanket or folding chairs.

More from the School Board Student Rights & Responsibilities Update

The School Board has approved important yearly revisions to the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook which all students and parents receive at the beginning of every school year. The SR&R is aligned with the Virginia Board of Education Model Guidance for Positive and Preventative Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension and is reviewed each year and approved by the School Board.

Among this year’s highlights are a change to the policy regarding drug violations to ensure that students who come forward to school officials seeking help in addressing a substance abuse problem will not be subject to disciplinary consequences, unless they have previous drug/substance-related violations to the SRR, or the student is involved in a current drug related investigation or drug distribution. This is intended to provide a space for students to voluntarily come forward to seek help. I am proud to support this change as no student should be discouraged from seeking help from teachers and administrators for fear of repercussions.

After hearing from many parents and teachers about the unhealthy distractions that can be caused by overuse of cell phones during school hours, the board also adjusted the SR&R to request the FCPS administration to develop options for the board to consider regarding ways to restrict student cell phone use at school. I was happy to work with my colleagues on motions to ask the superintendent to bring to the board thoughtful options based on best practices and stakeholder input. More to come on this topic. If you have thoughts on this topic, please let me know.

Upcoming Board Meetings

May 15, 4 p.m. - Governance Committee
May 15, 6:30 p.m. - Additional Budget Public Hearing (if needed)
May 20, 2 p.m. - Governance Committee
May 21, 2 p.m. - Budget Work Session and School Board Advisory Committee Reports
May 23, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting

BoardDocs | Meeting Video Archive

FCPS News National Board Certified Teachers

Congratulations are in order to FCPS teachers - including those who work at Braddock District schools - who recently achieved National Board Certified Teacher status through the National Board for Teaching Standards. Your dedication and professionalism is a huge part of what makes FCPS so great!

Graduation schedule

It’s that time of year for our upcoming high school graduates to don those caps and gowns for annual commencement ceremonies. Please take a look at this year’s graduation schedule to plan your attendance, and check online ahead of time for parking and traffic issues to make sure your events are enjoyable and free of frustrations.

I am so proud of the Class of 2024! Their high school experience started in the early days of COVID and, from what I have seen, they have grown into a class that cares deeply about their world and each other. I know their future is bright and I cannot wait to celebrate them at their graduation ceremonies.

Budget Corner 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next

The next steps in FCPS' budget process are:

Tuesday, May 14: School Board holds a public hearing on the budget.
Wednesday, May 15: Second day of School Board public hearings, if needed.
Tuesday, May 21: School Board budget work session.
Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Out & About Recent School & Community Visits

Oak View Elementary School Principal Sarah Brooker opened her doors to me on May 8 to showcase everything from art and math to PE and the lunchroom. We had a thoughtful conversation about requirements for staffing, which particularly underscored the need for more counselors in our elementary schools. It was evident from our chat that some of the formulas we use to determine how staff are allocated may be in need of review.

In the classroom with Principal Sarah Brooker (left) at Oak View Elementary School.

I enjoyed listening to the students at Oak View tell me the one thing they’d like to see added to their school. Apparently they were caught at a hungry moment because food was at the top of their mind - that and a student lounge!

Lake Braddock High School Principal Lindsey Kearns also was kind to take time out of her schedule to meet virtually with me and Springfield District School Board Member Sandy Anderson. We talked at length about the unique challenges of secondary schools, where middle and high school students share high-demand academic, athletic and arts resources, not only between each other but with the community. Because they are few in number, secondary schools often don’t get the consideration their unique function warrants.

Lastly, I enjoyed hosting an advisory committee round table to hear thoughts from the Braddock District appointees to our school board advisory committees and appreciate their hard work and expertise.

Coming Up Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.

Calling All Roadrunners!

Little Run Elementary School Roadrunners past and present are invited to celebrate the school’s 60th anniversary! The event will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the school, 4115 Olley Lane Fairfax. Expect games, food trucks and memories!

FCPS Summer Extravaganza is June 1

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

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

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

May Webinars and Events for Families

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

Friday, May 17, 10-11:30 a.m. – Meet the Author Series: “The Breakthrough Years” by Ellen Galinsky
Friday, May 31, 10-11:30 a.m. – Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain

More Stuff Parents Should Know Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

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

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

Learn more about attendance resources.

Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 7. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Bus transportation is available from select FCPS high schools and middle schools. Learn more about Summer Learning and Fun for Students.

FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

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

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

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. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.

We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations.

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

Resources for Newly Registered Families

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

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

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

April 24, 2024 Updates from the FCPS Braddock District School Board Office

School Board Braddock District 2 months ago

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Hello Braddock residents!

Even as my inbox again starts to fill up with invitations to graduations and other year-end events, it’s hard to believe we already are about to close out another school year! I hope you are enjoying spring (despite the pollen!) and are anticipating the fun flurry of year-end activities.

It's always a beautiful day at Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts!

At this time and always, I want to thank you for your confidence in choosing me to represent the Braddock District on the Fairfax County School Board. I’ve lived in the Braddock District for 23 years and love this supportive, tight-knit community. It is my honor to represent it. Every time I visit a school, attend a meeting, watch a performance or sports event, or hear of another award, recognition or accomplishment, I am reminded of the importance of our public education system, those who work in it, and the students and greater community who benefit from it. Strong schools truly do lead to strong communities.

Still, our school system is not perfect, and not every student in our system is thriving. I am as committed as ever to pushing my fellow board members and the administration to address challenging issues directly, to develop creative and innovative solutions that are in service of the young people who depend on us, and to move FCPS forward so we can continue to be a premier school system that sets every child up for success.

As warmer weather brightens our days, I hope to see you at some of the unique and inspiring events taking place in our schools and throughout the community. I was fortunate to visit a number of our schools this week, including Annandale High School, Robinson Secondary School, and Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts. I also attended the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) meeting to which I am the board liaison as they finished reviewing their report. More about these visits later.

The primary way I learn about the issues you are facing as families is by hearing directly from you, so please reach out to me at [email protected] with questions, problems or concerns. It is my privilege and responsibility to represent you and your children. I value your thoughts and concerns so please don’t hesitate to share them!

All my best,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

Focus on Braddock Lake Braddock Secondary Earns School Counseling Distinction

Exciting news! Our own Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS) was one of two FCPS schools which the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recently recognized as having developed model school counseling programs.

LBSS and South County Middle School (SCMS), in the Mount Vernon District, both earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2024 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling programs benefit all students.

The RAMP designation, awarded to schools that align with the criteria set in the ASCA national model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Currently, 17 FCPS school counseling programs have active RAMP certifications.

Congratulations to all staff and students at LBES and SCMS who contributed to this important achievement, and thank you to all of our counselors across FCPS!

Neurodiversity News Special Education Enhancement Plan Update

At its April 16 work session, the School Board discussed the Special Education Enhancement Plan which was designed to address recommendations the American Institutes for Research (AIR) included in its Special Education Program Review Report. The plan also was designed to provide additional enhancements in programming outcomes for students with individualized education programs (IEP) and Section 504 Plans.

This presentation provided an update on the progress of the plan’s current work and actions as well as future plans to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The work is organized into four goal areas:

Instruction and Inclusive Practices,
Special Education Processes,
Communication, and
Staff Capacity.

I commend the FCPS staff who contributed to this report and have supported special education over many years to get FCPS to this point. However, as well-documented, on-going negative outcomes for adults with autism, ADHD and other disabilities continue to demonstrate - including higher dropout rates, struggles in college, joblessness, relationship issues, legal entanglements, financial problems, and others - we cannot simply declare that we are doing the best we can for all of our students who face an uncertain future without our support. This is an educational issue as well as one of equity. We can and must continue to innovate in programming, staffing, and service delivery in special education as well as remove barriers to access.

View the documents and watch the full meeting.

Online Special Education Resource Fair

As a part of the 2024 Family Summit, the FCPS Department of Special Services has launched an online Special Education Resource Fair.

This virtual event is a must for families, educators, and community members looking to build their skills in supporting children with disabilities.

Explore engaging, asynchronous videos, tailor-made to provide innovative support strategies.
Visit the online exhibit hall to discover resources from FCPS, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, all dedicated to championing students with disabilities.
Join us in celebrating the 2024 Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) First Class Award winners who embody excellence in their special education work, create a positive impact for students with and without disabilities and foster inclusivity for all students.

The link to the Special Education Resource Fair went live on Saturday, April 20, and can be found on the 2024 Family Summit webpage.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Please join me and the Fairfax County School Board in recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month in FCPS.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental difference that affects communication and social interaction, but also presents with unique strengths in such areas as focus, memory, visual perception, logical thinking, persistence, mathematics, music, creativity and more. One in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Early intervention, inclusive practices, acceptance, understanding, and access to appropriate support services are crucial to improve outcomes for and the success of students with ASD. By celebrating neurodiversity, making space for neurodivergent norms in the school culture, promoting understanding, and adapting the educational environment to support diverse ways of learning, we can create a more inclusive school community for all, including students with ASD.

To learn more about ASD, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMS).

Music & Arts FCPS is One of the Best Communities for Music Education

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.

In its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that show exceptional dedication to providing access to music education to all students. Districts are evaluated on funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for music programs. Fairfax County has been honored with this recognition 11 times and is among 975 school districts acknowledged in 2024.

FCPS schools, ensembles, and instructors have gained national and international recognition for their many achievements. Ensembles perform at state and national conferences, and schools consistently receive national music accolades, such as the Sudler Flag of Honor, Sudler Cup, Honor Band, induction into the National Band Association, and Midwest Clinic participation.

Teachers frequently present on music education topics at national conferences, receive awards at the state, local, and national levels, and attain national board certifications.

Upcoming Theatre Performances “Footloose!” at Robinson Secondary School

Footloose tickets are now on sale! The Rambunctious Theater Co. at Robinson Secondary is getting ready to cut loose! Even if you don’t have a student in the show, it is sure to include some of your friends’ kids and others you may know from the neighborhood. Support the arts!

Final show dates are April 26 & 27. Tickets are available here.

“1776” at Woodson High School

It is 1776 and John Adams is desperately trying to create America. All he has to do is help defeat England -the world's greatest superpower, convince his fellow congressmen to vote for Independence, and find a way to Unite all the colonies under one set of ideals. Students play America's fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the people who will be determining its future—and the result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. A musical where people aren't just fighting to create America, but for its very soul.

Show dates are April 26 & 27 and May 3 & 4. Tickets are available here.

“Romeo & Juliet” at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Shakespeare's most famous love story, arguably, the most famous love story ever told, is the greatest cautionary tale for children and adults - be careful what actions you take, because the consequences are not always within your control.

AUDIENCE ADVISORY: If this production were rated by the Motion Picture Association of America, it would almost certainly be rated "R" for suggestive humor, violence, self-harm, and death. Audience member discretion is STRONGLY advised.

Show dates are May 2 & 3. Tickets are available here.

From the School Board Student Rights & Responsibilities Update

Also during its March 19 Work session, the School Board discussed important yearly revisions to the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook which all students and parents receive at the beginning of every school year. The SR&R is aligned with the Virginia Board of Education Model Guidance for Positive and Preventative Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension and is reviewed each year and approved by the School Board.

Watch the work session.

Upcoming Board Meetings

I encourage you to follow the School Board’s work and be a part of the public process. Agendas and other information are available on BoardDocs.

April 25

5-6:30 p.m. - Closed Meeting
7 p.m. - Regular Meeting - Regular Meeting: Strategic Plan Goal 2 Baseline Report, Special Education Enhancement Plan

April 30, 3-5 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
May 7, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Work Session - FY2024 Advertised Budget and Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
May 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting - Student Rights & Responsibilities
May 14, 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing - Budget
May 15, 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing - Budget (if needed)

Recent Archived Meeting Videos

April 11 Regular Session
April 16 Work Session

District News 10 Years of Portrait of a Graduate

Please join me in celebrating 10 years of the “Portrait of a Graduate” (POG) program at FCPS!

POG focuses on “future-ready” attributes of success for our students by building communication skills, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and being goal directed and resilient. These skills increase engagement, build confidence, and support academic success. In presenting a report on the status of this program at the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid promised to continue to build on our last decade of success with the strategies seen here.

Honoring Military Kids During the Month of the Military Child

In this video, Dr. Reid and Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Colonel Joseph Messina recognize and celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of military-connected children during the Month of the Military Child. FCPS is grateful to these remarkable young individuals who contribute so much to our community.

FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.

Visit our Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. If you have any questions, please email our Family and School Partnerships team.

Budget Corner Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction

Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education.

Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.

For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book.

Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback.

Out & About

This week, I again had the pleasure of spending some time with Annie Ray, the GRAMMY! Award-winning orchestra conductor at Annandale High School, to learn more about the innovative work she is doing and to start a conversation about how to scale Annandale’s program as a district-wide model. Music is motivational!

Annandale High School Orchestra Conductor Annie Ray and some of her students.

At Robinson Secondary School, I met with Principal Tracey Phillips to discuss issues specific to our secondary schools, where middle and high school students share facilities and sometimes programs. This presents a unique set of educational challenges and opportunities, and I’m confident the thousands of students at RSS are in good hands with Principal Phillips.

I also visited with my friend and colleague Andrea Cook, academy and arts administrator at the Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts. I enjoyed visiting the dance program as they prepared for their performance at Wolftrap, watching the students create upcycled clothing projects for the upcoming fashion show, and finally seeing the creativity of the music technology students as they produce their original recordings and even get to perform them in the in house open mics! They are a great resource for FCPS programs looking for sound and tech folks, as well as people in the community looking for people to run sound. This is always one of my favorite places to visit because the spirit and creativity are free-flowing and palpable!

Students at Fairfax Academy for Communication & the Arts.

Lastly, in non-FCPS news, I had the best time on Saturday, April 13, serving as a judge in the Middleridge Pet Parade along with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw. Those furry friends certainly are loved, integral parts of our family - even a hamster won an award this year! Judging certainly was harder than I thought but as much fun as I hoped for!

With Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw at the Middleridge Pet Parade.

Coming Up Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:

Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at 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. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs.

Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to your school's after-school specialist for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

More Stuff Parents Should Know No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service.

School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey.

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

April 2, 2024 News - Neurodiversity Proclamation, Family Summit & more!

School Board Braddock District 2 months 3 weeks ago

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Braddock community, welcome back from a well-deserved Spring Break!

I hope you all had a chance to take a breath, be present with your loved ones, and enjoy some of the things we love to do outside our wonderful school campuses! All our students, teachers and other FCPS staff work so hard every day, and I love the learning I see going on in our school buildings. Sometimes, though, it is just as nice to take a break and build those core memories together. Those experiences we create inform who we are and help guide future choices. In my opinion, these moments are fleeting but vital to staying grounded to what is important. I hope your spring break was full of those fun, grounding moments.

What was your favorite moment of spring break? Mine was our “pajama jams” night, a tradition our family started during Covid where we hang out in our pajamas while my son plays a concert for us of his and our favorite tunes! It is amazing how much joy the arts bring into our lives.

And how fortunate are we to live in a community with so much to offer families? As we enter into the last leg of this school year, I encourage you to take every advantage of events and other opportunities to show up for your child at their school - it matters so much. Our teachers and staff, PTAs/PTOs, boosters, and other organizations provide such a rich tapestry of enrichment for our students that makes such a difference in their lives. I am grateful for the energy and passion our teachers and staff bring to their classes and buildings and the joy in learning that I see in my school visits is palpable. I am excited for spring sports and spring plays and musicals!

Take care of yourself and your families, and please let me know how I might be of service to you.

Rachna

In this issue:

Neurodiversity News
Music & the Arts
Budget Corner
More from the School Board
Focus on Braddock
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

School Board Proclaims March 18-24 Neurodiversity Affirmation Week

The School Board on March 21 unanimously approved its first-ever proclamation recognizing Neurodiversity Affirmation Week, which this year was from March 18-24!

This is as personal for me as it is for many of you whose lives and those of our loved ones are deeply impacted by this important educational, societal and civil rights issue which is ever-present in the classroom, throughout our local community and beyond.

FCPS staff leadership, School Board, students, educators and advocates celebrate approval of first Neurodiversity Affirmation Week proclamation.

The proclamation is the result of decades of work by FCPS educators, parents, students and community partners who recognized long ago that neurodiversity exists and presents educational challenges and opportunities as unique as the workings of each of our brains. It reads, in part:

“... every person on our planet is neurodiverse as we all think, behave, feel, perceive, and learn in different ways that are unique to each individual due to their identities and experiences, all of these different ways of being and functioning are value neutral, meaning that there is not one ‘better’ or ‘right’ way.

“Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring equitable access to a quality education for all students by universally designing instruction and educational environments, employing a Neurodiversity Specialist, the first in the nation for K-12 school divisions, lifting up neurodiverse staff members, recognizing that there are different ways of being in our schools and communities, affirming the abilities and unique strengths of every student and staff member, presuming competence, promoting positive self-concepts and identities, and ensuring spaces and school communities do not require students to “mask” their unique individual characteristics or assimilate to participate.”

Further, the resolution embraces “a strengths-based model that also recognizes that society’s current norms, beliefs, and structures can create barriers to access and affirmation for neurodivergent individuals.”

I am so proud of this moment, but there is much more to be done to support neurodiverse students within FCPS. Stay tuned for more, and read the full resolution here.

In addition, this month, new dynamic posters - designed in-house by FCPS staff - were hung in each of our schools as a constant reminder of the uniqueness of human thought. A hi-res digital version is available here for your own use.

"Footloose" at Robinson Secondary School!

Footloose tickets are now on sale! The Rambunctious Theater Co. at Robinson Secondary is getting ready to cut loose! Even if you don’t have a student in the show, it is sure to include some of your friends’ kids and others you may know from the neighborhood. Support the arts! Show dates are April 19 (7 p.m.) & 20 (2 and 7 p.m.) and 26 & 27 (same times.)

Budget Corner

🏐 New Athletic Opportunities for Students

The FCPS budget is almost entirely focused on a 6% compensation increase for our teachers and staff, which is in alignment with our surrounding jurisdictions, and on the instructional needs of our students.

While most of our budget is compensation and instruction, we also propose to expand high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being.

FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details.

The state hasn’t finalized its budget, and so it is unclear what it plans to do to address the JLARC study that demonstrated Virginia underfunds public education by approximately $1,900 per student less than our surrounding states. In addition, FCPS is currently slated to receive 51.4% of the total county budget, down from the approximately 52.6% that has been our 20-year average share of the total county budget. This has resulted in a shortfall of nearly $90 million from our ask, and may lead to some tough decisions regarding compensation and programs. Stay tuned as we work through the budget process.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget.

March 19, 2024 - Music, Neurodiversity, Budget

School Board Braddock District 3 months 1 week ago

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Spring & the Sound of Music are in the Air in Braddock District!

Hello FCPS Braddock District Families -

This week I was fortunate to experience two of my favorite things - the onset of real spring weather and the sound of music in our schools!

School Board Members with the Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band, Band Director Anthony Loft and RSS Principal Tracey Phillips.

First, Springfield District School Board Member Sandy Anderson and I visited Robinson Secondary School on Wednesday to present Band Director Andrew Loft with the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) award for Selected Performing Ensemble Group. As part of the award, the Robinson Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the 2023 VMEA conference that was held in November 2023 in Richmond.

The students were unable to attend our last school board meeting to receive this honor, so we were delighted to deliver it to their classroom and enjoy a few moments of beautiful music! Music is a critical part of early childhood development, a beacon during formative adolescent and teen years, and an inspiration for a lifetime.

FCPS School Board Members Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Sandy Anderson present WMEA certificate to RSS Band Director Andrew Loft.

If you're looking for a fun evening out, go hear the RSS Symphonic Band the night before they leave for the prestigious Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis! The concert is at Robinson's Russell Theatre at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday March 19.

Part of what is so incredible about this accomplishment is that these students represent just a fraction of the tens of thousands of their peers studying music, arts and theater across FCPS' award-winning programs, not to mention the hundreds of brilliant educators who make it happen every day. Join me in wishing them all a Happy Music, Theatre & Arts Month for the remainder of March!

On Thursday, I had the treat of attending a rehearsal of the FCPS Parent Orchestra, conducted by Annandale High School Orchestra Director and recent GRAMMY winner Annie Ray! This was so much fun! I truly commend those who realize it's never too late to try something new, or to stretch those musical muscles that might not have been used in awhile. And I learned something: playing an upright bass can be a great workout!

I hope you have a wonderful, safe, and happy spring break!

Rachna

Rachna Sizemore Heizer playing upright bass at FCPS Parent Orchestra rehearsal.

Neurodiversity News: School Board to Consider Affirmation Week Proclamation on March 21

This Thursday, March 21, the School Board will consider adopting its first-ever proclamation recognizing March 18-24 as Neurodiversity Affirmation Week.

I am so pleased to be the sponsor of this important proclamation, which outlines certain principles regarding how the board and school system should embrace and affirm neurodiversity in public education. We are making progress in this area but there is so much more we can do to ensure that everyone has equal access to education and is able to participate without having to assimilate.

If you are touched by this issue in any way, I invite you to attend the board's regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 at Luther Jackson Middle School. This moment is about you.

Also, FCPS has a new resource to help constantly affirm neurodivergence and the diverse spectrum of human experience during Neurodiversity Affirmation Week and beyond. New, staff-designed posters were delivered to the main offices at every school and center starting March 7, and digital copies are available to students, staff, families, offices, and community partners. The poster is printable so you can prominently display it in any space to raise up neurodiversity within our schools and the larger community.

FY2024-25 Budget Status

I'd like to extend a sincere thank you to Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, who was gracious to host me on a special budget town hall aired live on March 11 on Fairfax County's Channel 16. County Executive Bryan Hill also was a featured guest as we discussed budget priorities and answered constituent questions on the air. The archived program can be viewed here.

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, me, and Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill at Channel 16 studios on March 11.

As you may be aware, the School Board in February passed Dr. Michelle Reid's request for approximately $3.8 billion for the FY25 budget and forwarded its spending plan to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration as part of the overall county budget. I remain hopeful that the Board of Supervisors will approve the schools budget as submitted, as it primarily consists of increased compensation, necessary to recruit and retain the best teachers. We cannot have excellent schools without excellent teachers, and compensation is critical in this era of national staffing shortages.

I encourage you to participate in the budget process.

More on the School Board's budget process is available here.

More on the Board of Supervisors' process is available here.

More from the School Board School Board Approves Elementary Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources

Children reading on a bright-colored carpet.

At its March 7 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve the purchase of Benchmark Advance as the basal instructional resource for elementary language arts. Basal materials are foundational materials used for instruction. These materials are aligned with the Science of Reading and will be implemented in all K-6 classrooms in school year 2024-25.

The resource will:

Ensure that all students in K-6 are instructed via the “science of reading” approach, which is proven to be the strongest approach to ensure literacy mastery.
Align literacy instruction across the entire school division, for teaching strategies and thematic content.
Provide content designed to build knowledge, vocabulary, and perspectives via thematic units across grade bands.
Meets the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act.
Allow adjustments to best instruct our students with disabilities and our English language learners.

I am proud to have been a long-time supporter of bringing basal resources to our schools, and am grateful to all who helped make this happen.

School Board Explores Middle School Start Times

At the Feb. 22 School Board meeting, Prismatic Services Inc. presented an analysis of middle school start times including background information and community engagement plans.

In September 2023, Prismatic was awarded a contract to explore adjusting middle school start times to 8 a.m. or later, beginning in the fall of 2025. The change must be budget-neutral and not affect other school start times. View the presentation slides.

Ways You Can Get Involved Take the Family Engagement Survey

FCPS families interacting in different educational settings.

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. All responses are confidential. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.

First-class Award Nominations

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.

Nominate someone who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS by Friday, March 22. Email [email protected] with questions.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

Marach 11, 2024 - Braddock District Budget Town Hall Tonight!

School Board Braddock District 3 months 2 weeks ago

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Braddock District Budget Town Hall Set for Tonight on Channel 16!

Do you have questions about the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget? Join me and Fairfax County’s Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw for a virtual Budget Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

Our FCPS teachers need your support if the Board of Supervisors is to approve the School Board’s FY25 advertised budget, which includes a 6% pay increase for all teachers and staff that is necessary to position FCPS to remain competitive with our surrounding school systems in Northern Virginia. We cannot keep losing our good teachers - and without good teachers we cannot maintain the excellent public school system for which FCPS is known. Our budget focuses almost exclusively on student instruction needs and compensation.

You can watch the town hall in three different ways:

Facebook Live
Stream on the County website
Tune to Channel 16 (Channel 16 on Verizon/Comcast or Cox Channel 1016)

Want to submit a question?

Email [email protected] (before 5pm)
Call (703) 324-1114 during the program
Use the Facebook Live chat during the program

Please visit FCPS’ website to stay up-to-date on the budget development process.

E-mail: Rachna Sizemore Heizer | Phone: 571-423-1088

Staff Aide: Bill Farrar, 571-423-1076

44 minutes 29 seconds ago

Braddock District Member - Rachna Sizemore Heizer - Recent Updates

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