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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.

Board Meeting Recap: October 24, 2024

Dear Providence District Families,

At last Thursday’s Regular Meeting of the Fairfax County School Board (agenda | video), we discussed and considered several important items, most notably, the Superintendent provided her annual report on Strategic Plan Goal 1, “Strong Start,” with an emphasis on the school division’s efforts to ensure we meet multilingual students’ needs and expand access to high-quality and inclusive preschool services.

I noted in my remarks how disappointed I am with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for playing games with Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) funds. In recent years, FCPS has filled all its VPI-funded preschool slots. In fact, we have been so successful that VDOE recently asked how many additional seats we could fill. However, rather than fund these additional preschool slots, they reversed course and cut our funding instead:

 

Despite the lack of sufficient support, FCPS still managed to make significant progress. In the past two years, the school division has increased the number of students in its preschool programs by 3 percent (358 students), contributing to a 9 percent reduction in the number of students without a pre-K experience. That said, much more must be done to ensure our pre-k services are inclusive.

For our multilingual students, progress over the past year has been even more impressive, with the percentage meeting the state standard for progress toward English language proficiency increasing by an incredible 11 percent, no doubt bolstered by our focus on targeted interventions and access to more high-quality multilingual instructional materials and supports.

Another highlight from the meeting was our recognition of Spring Hill Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and Sangster Elementary School, and Thomas Jefferson, John R. Lewis, South Lakes, and West Potomac high schools for receiving Exemplar Awards from the Virginia Department of Education.

As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings (sign-up).

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

Table of Contents

• Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report: “Strong Start”
• Exemplar Awards and National Blue Ribbon Award Recognition
• Collective Bargaining: Election Certification for Administrators and Supervisors
• Student Athletics and Activities Month Proclamation
• Hindu American Heritage Month Proclamation
• Student Performance of the National Anthem
• Student Performance Celebrating Hindu American Heritage Month
• Board Matters: Providence District Update
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report: “Strong Start”

Video | Meeting Materials

 

The School Board judges the overall success of the Superintendent on the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-30 Strategic Plan goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations found on pages 14-31 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual. Annual goal reporting provides an update on the school division’s progress towards achieving its Strategic Plan goals.

At last week’s meeting, the Superintendent provided her annual report on Strategic Plan Goal 1, “Strong Start,” with an emphasis on the school division’s efforts to ensure we meet the needs of multilingual students and expand access to high-quality and inclusive preschool services. Following the Superintendent’s presentation and a thorough discussion, the goal report was accepted by the board.

Motion: Moon, Second: S. Anderson / Vote: Yes 10, No 1 (Not Present: 1)

Exemplar Awards and National Blue Ribbon Award Recognition

Video | Meeting Materials

Dr. Reid congratulated schools that received significant special recognition for student achievement. Spring Hill Elementary School received the high honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Meanwhile, the Virginia Board of Education recognized Sangster Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology with the Exemplar Performance School Award, which recognizes schools that exceed requirements on academic and school quality indicators. John R. Lewis, South Lakes, and West Potomac high schools received the Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement.

Collective Bargaining: Election Certification for Administrators and Supervisors

Video | Meeting Materials

On September 4, 2024, the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators (FCFPSA) met the criteria to go to election to represent the Administrators and Supervisors employees by providing evidence that at least 30% of the employees in the unit demonstrated interest in going to elections.

From September 10 to September 20, 2024, elections were held. The Labor Relations Administrator (LRA), a neutral third-party labor professional, oversaw the process. Ballot Point, an election software company retained by FCPS, provided the platform for secret ballots.

For the Administrators and Supervisors employees’ bargaining unit, 96.41% voted in favor of representation and 3.58% voted against. Following the required fourteen-day objection period, the School Board voted to certify the results, and recognize and certify the FCFPSA, as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Administrators and Supervisors bargaining unit.

Motion: Dunne, Second: McElveen / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

Student Athletics and Activities Month Proclamation

Video | Meeting Materials

The board unanimously proclaimed October 2024 as Student Athletics and Activities Month in recognition of the many achievements of students participating in school athletics and activities and the generous contributions and efforts of the athletic coaches and trainers, club sponsors, student activities staff, parents, faculty, and school communities who support them.

Motion: Lady, Second: McElveen / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

Hindu American Heritage Month Proclamation

Video | Meeting Materials

The board proclaimed October 2024 as Hindu American Heritage Month and encourages all Fairfax County residents to participate in the programs and events hosted by our schools and community, as we recognize, celebrate, and honor the rich heritage and enduring contributions of Hindu Americans.

Motion: Dixit, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 11, No 0 (Not Present: 1)

Student Performance of the National Anthem

The board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by a Trio from the Glasgow Middle School Chorus under the direction of Caleb Caldwell:

Student Performance Celebrating Hindu American Heritage Month

In celebration of Hindu American Heritage Month, students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Namaste Club performed under the direction Patricia Lister:

Board Matters: Providence District Update

At the end of each meeting, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is the video of my update from the meeting:

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. 
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Board Meeting Recap: October 10, 2024

Dear Providence District Families,

At last Thursday’s Regular Meeting of the Fairfax County School Board (agenda | video), we discussed and considered several important items, most notably, the Superintendent provided an update to the board about school accreditation and SAT score performance (we lead state averages in both).

The board also approved funding for various Roof Replacement Projects, including nearly $1.8 million for projects at schools attended by Providence District residents – McLean and Woodson high schools.

Additionally, the board recognized October as LGBTQIA+ History Month. As I noted in my remarks, I am grateful to be a part of a school board and school division where our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ students is not in doubt – where we are on the right side of history, and constantly pushing ourselves to do even more to support our students:

 

As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings (sign-up).

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Table of Contents

• Local Investments: Roof Replacement Project (McLean and Woodson)
• Academic Matters: 2024 Accreditation and SAT Scores
• LGBTQIA+ History Month
• School Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Appreciation Month
• Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month
• Red Ribbon Week
• Superintendent Performance Review: Financial Planning (EL-5)
• Student Performance of the National Anthem
• Student Performance Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
• Board Matters: Providence District Update
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Local Investments: Roof Replacement Project (McLean and Woodson)

• McLean High School Roof Replacement: The board awarded a $795,000 contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the roof replacement project at McLean High School (details).
• Woodson High School Roof Replacement: The board awarded a $960,785 contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the roof replacement project at Woodson High School (details).

Academic Matters: 2024 Accreditation and SAT Scores

Video | Meeting Materials

For the Academic Matters presentation, Superintendent Reid offered an update about the school division’s 2024 accreditation and SAT scores:

In FCPS, 192 schools (98.5%) are fully accredited, and just 3 schools (1.5%) are accredited with conditions. These numbers are much better than the Commonwealth as a whole, where only 1562 schools (86%) of all schools are fully accredited, and 254 schools (14%) are accredited with conditions.

Additionally, FCPS continues to outperform the Commonwealth and the nation when it comes to SAT scores. The average SAT score in FCPS is 1178 compared to 1101 in Virginia and 1024 nationally. FCPS had a 69.0% participation rate, while Virginia had a 52.4% participation rate.

LGBTQIA+ History Month

Video | Meeting Materials

The board unanimously proclaimed October 2024 as LGBTQIA+ History Month in Fairfax County Public Schools. The board urges all to learn more about the many historical and contemporary contributions and experiences of this diverse community and to build a culture of inclusivity and equity, not only during LGBTQIA+ History Month but throughout the entire year.

Motion: Dixit, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

School Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Appreciation Month

Video | Meeting Materials

The board unanimously proclaimed October 2024 as School Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Month and recognizes the importance of school leadership and support personnel in ensuring every child has access to high-quality education.

Motion: Dunne, Second: Meren / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month

Video | Meeting Materials

The board unanimously proclaimed October 14, 2024, as Indigenous People’s Day and November as Native American Heritage Month in recognition and celebration of the many contributions of our nation’s Indigenous people to our school system, community, and country.

Motion: S. Anderson, Second: St. John-Cunning / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

Red Ribbon Week

Video | Meeting Materials

The board unanimously proclaimed October 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week in recognition of the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation and encouraged students, families, and the Fairfax County community to unite and take a personal and visible pledge to a drug-free lifestyle.

Motion: McDaniel, Second: Lady / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

Superintendent Performance Review: Financial Planning

The board judges the overall success of the Superintendent on the basis of the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations found on pages 14-31 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual.

The Superintendent provides annual monitoring reports to the board for each Executive Limitation. The board then votes on whether the provided reports are in compliance with the given Executive Limitation. If the report is found not to be in compliance, the Superintendent provides a corrective action memo addressing the board’s concerns.

Financial Planning (EL-5) Monitoring Report

Video | Meeting Materials

The Superintendent provided her annual monitoring report for Executive Limitation 5: Financial Planning. As outlined on page 19 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual, Executive Limitation 5 stipulates that the Superintendent shall not fail to develop and maintain a multi-year financial plan that is data-driven, comprehensive, transparent, and part of a long-term plan to achieve the Board’s Strategic Plan goals for students. Additionally, in preparing the Division budget, the Superintendent shall not fail to use best practices for budgetary planning and financial reporting, implement needs-based resource allocation, and substantially involve all appropriate stakeholder groups. Following the Superintendent’s presentation and a thorough board discussion, the monitoring report was found to be in compliance.

Motion: S. Anderson, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 9, No 0 (Not Present: 3)

Student Performance of the National Anthem

The board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by the West Springfield HS Student String Ensemble under the direction of Alexandra Blaine:

Student Performance Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, students from Groveton Elementary performed “De Colores,” under the direction of Maritza Lugo and Natalie Adams. De Colores, a traditional folk song thought to have originated in Spain and sung in the Americas and throughout the Spanish-speaking world since the 16th century, celebrates the beauty of life, love, and unity:

Board Matters: Providence District Update

At the end of each meeting, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is the video of my update from the meeting:

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. 
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

What I Saw On Providence Day…

 

Dear Providence District Families,

What an incredible day we had on Saturday at the inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration! It was a great reminder of the power of community—neighbors coming together to enjoy delicious food, fun activities, and the simple joy of connection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! The celebration at Marshall High School was a resounding success, filled with vibrant energy and opportunities to connect with one another. Whether it was the incredible performances, fun family activities, or meaningful conversations, the day was a perfect way to ring in the new school year and showcase the strong community spirit of the Providence District.

The event offered something for everyone. The Marshall High School JV Cheer Team set the tone with their high-energy performance, followed by a range of activities for all ages, including pumpkin and face painting, interactive booths from local organizations, and the magical entertainment of Mr. Zig Zag, who delighted children and adults alike. Vocal Arts Fairfax captivated the crowd with Broadway classics, while students explored a Fairfax County firetruck and one of the school division’s new electric buses.

Seeing so many families connect, engage, and enjoy the day together was truly inspiring. Local organizations and businesses played a key role, sharing their services and making the event even more enriching for all who attended.

I want to extend a special thanks to Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik for co-hosting this celebration with me, as well as my Staff Aide, Ellen Gipko, and the incredible volunteers, performers, and community partners who made this event possible. Their dedication ensured the day was memorable for everyone involved.

For those who couldn’t join us, we missed you—and we hope to see you next year!

In service,

Karl Frisch
Fairfax County School Board
Chair and Providence Representative

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Providence District Families Newsletter
Monday, October 7, 2024

This installment of the Providence District Newsletter includes important updates on the following topics:

• Fentanyl and Behavior Health Assembly
• Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students
• Visiting Mantua’s Early Childhood Class-Based Preschool
• Don’t Miss These Fall High School Theater Performances
• FCPS College Fair at George Mason
• Superintendent’s Community Conversations
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Fentanyl and Behavioral Health Assembly

 

At the end of September, I joined Chairman Jeff McKay, Superintendent Reid, and other community leaders at the Youth and Family Behavioral Health Summit sponsored by VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) in partnership with Inova Health System. I was grateful to speak about all we are doing in our schools to support student mental health and address the dangers of fentanyl.

Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students

Ensuring students are up to date on immunizations is essential for protecting their health and the wider school community. FCPS (and all Virginia public schools) require proof of immunization. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent students from staying in school. By offering free immunization clinics, FCPS helps families meet these requirements, ensuring that students can safely stay in the classroom and reduce the spread of preventable diseases.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:

• Tuesday, October 8, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early-release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is also partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required. Please check the Immunization Resources page for locations, dates, and submitting a consent form.

Visiting Mantua’s Early Childhood Class-Based Preschool

 

Last week, Supervisor Palchik and I visited the Early Childhood Class-Based Preschool program at Mantua Elementary School. Principal Shannon, Assistant Principal Vaughan, and the preschool staff introduced us to ​​their students who were working on developing the foundational skills necessary to prepare for kindergarten.

These programs align with our Strategic Plan Goal 1, to provide a quality preschool experience with comprehensive services at no cost to qualifying families who reside in Fairfax County. Due to a lack of state funding, spaces are limited, and FCPS cannot accommodate all qualified children. A preschooler who does not get access to quality early education misses out on crucial opportunities to develop foundational readiness skills. This disadvantage can contribute to lower self-confidence, fewer opportunities for higher education, and workforce challenges.

Don’t Miss These Fall High School Theater Performances

Our outstanding high school theater departments offer students an opportunity to shine, whether they are on stage or working behind the scenes. From acting to set design, lighting, sound, and costumes, every aspect of theater production is open to students with different interests and talents. Mark your calendars for these fall 2024 performances and support our students and educators who work so hard to bring these shows to our community!

Marshall High School
Metamorphoses - November 14, 15, 16
More Information

Oakton High School
12 Angry Jurors - October 23, 25, 26
The Crucible - October 24, 26
The Play that Goes Wrong (High School Edition) - November 14, 15, 16
Get Tickets

Falls Church High School 
The Phantom Tollbooth - November 18, 20, 22, 23; December 4, 6, 7
More Information

Woodson High School
Lear by Shakespeare - November 8, 9, 15, 16
Get Tickets

McLean High School
Sense & Sensibility - November 21, 22, 23, 24
Get Tickets

Madison High School
Puffs - Young Wizards Edition - November 14, 15, 16
Get Tickets

Fairfax High School
Much Ado About Nothing - November 21, 22, 23
More Information

FCPS College Fair at George Mason

At the FCPS College Fair on Sunday, October 20, from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, high school students and their families can explore postsecondary education options and learn about majors, campus life, financial aid, and other important information from more than 200 colleges and universities from around the nation, as well as representatives from the U.S. Service Academies. Register here.

Superintendent’s Community Conversations

Superintendent Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns with her. Community Conversations will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on the following days:

• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary - Register
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary - Register
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle - Register

Registration is not required but helps with planning. Childcare and interpretation services are provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. 

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

This Saturday: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration!

 

Dear Providence District Families,

We’re only two days away from the inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration!

This FREE, family-friendly event that I’m co-hosting with Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik will highlight local organizations and businesses while fostering stronger connections among students, residents, and community leaders from across Providence District. 

Meet your neighbors, connect with local organizations, enjoy incredible performances and delicious food trucks, and prepare for a successful school year. Join the fun and welcome the fall season with your friends, family, and community!

Providence Day and Back to School Celebration
This Saturday, October 5, from 11am - 3pm
Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

>> RSVP TODAY <<

 

Fun For All Ages: The dazzling Marshall High School Cheer Team will make a special appearance to welcome our community. We’ll also have food trucks, pumpkin painting, face painting, Vocal Arts Fairfax performing Broadway tunes, Mr. Zig Zag the Magic Man, and so much more!

Shuttle Service: While Marshall High School is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike, we will also have shuttle services running from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).

We can’t wait to see you there!

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

 

 

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Board Meeting Recap: September 26, 2024

Dear Providence District Families,

At last Thursday’s Regular Meeting of the Fairfax County School Board (agenda | video), we discussed and considered several important items, most notably the school division’s state and federal legislative program – the issues we lobby for and against in Richmond and Washington.

As I noted during my comments, our work on these priorities has never been more important, especially around the Virginia Board of Education’s new misguided accreditation framework and our efforts to ensure our schools finally receive average state funding, which would mean $568 million more annually in resources for FCPS:

 

The board also approved nearly $1.4 million in new investments to retrofit schools with outdoor classrooms. Among schools attended by Providence District students, Marshall, Oakton, and Madison high schools are included in this project package.

Additionally, we received an Academic Matters update from the Superintendent on our elementary school literacy efforts and the annual report on the opening of schools for the 2024-25 school year – we are now the ninth-largest school system in the U.S. and one of Virginia’s largest employers.

As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings (sign-up).

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

IN THIS EDITION

• Local Investments: Outdoor Classrooms (Marshall, Oakton, Madison)
• State and Federal Legislative Program and Priorities
• Academic Matters: Elementary School Literacy Update

• Annual Opening of Schools Report

• Hispanic Heritage Month

• Superintendent Performance Review

• Student Performance of the National Anthem

• Board Matters: Providence District Update

• Upcoming School Board Meetings

LOCAL INVESTMENTS: OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS (MARSHALL, OAKTON, MADISON)

Video | Meeting Materials

The board approved a $1,397,000 contract for the construction of outdoor classrooms to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The project includes new outdoor classrooms for many schools, including three attended by Providence District students, including Marshall, Oakton, and Madison high schools.

Motion: Meren, Second: McElveen / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM AND PRIORITIES

Video | Meeting Materials

Each year, the School Board adopts a State and Federal Legislative Program that includes the school division’s legislative priorities for action in Richmond and Washington. This year’s program emphasizes the importance of fully funding public education at the state level by adopting JLARC’s recommendations, which would mean an additional $568 million in annual funding for FCPS. As big as that number sounds, it would only bring Virginia schools in line with national averages for state support of public schools. Currently, Virginia spends $1900 less per student than the national average. This year’s program also prioritizes accountability standards that fairly assess school performance based on balanced measures of student achievement, student academic progress, engagement, and outcomes toward college and workforce readiness goals and that adequately account for the diverse learning needs of all Virginia students.

Motion: Dr. Anderson, Second: Meren / Vote: Yes 12, No 0

ACADEMIC MATTERS: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LITERACY UPDATE

Video | Meeting Materials

 

For the Academic Matters presentation, Superintendent Reid offered an update about the school division’s efforts to train educators for our new literacy initiatives in elementary schools. Our teachers are doing incredible work to ensure they are following through on the school division’s commitment to shift toward instruction grounded in the science of reading. FCPS is providing them with coaching and support to deepen their expertise under the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA).

ANNUAL OPENING OF SCHOOLS REPORT

Video | Meeting Materials

Superintendent Reid also provided the board with the annual Opening of Schools Report for the 2024-25 school year. As we begin the new school year, Fairfax County Public Schools is the ninth-largest school district in the U.S., with more than 180,000 students who come from 204 countries and speak more than 200 languages in their homes. Additionally, we have more than 40,000 full and part-time educators and other staff, making us one of the largest employers in Virginia.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Video | Meeting Materials

 

The board unanimously proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month and encouraged Fairfax County residents to participate in programs and events taking place in our schools and community to learn about, celebrate, and elevate the rich Hispanic/Latino heritage.

Motion: Dr. Anderson, Second: Sizemore Heizer / Vote: Yes 12, No: 0

SUPERINTENDENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

The board judges the overall success of the Superintendent on the basis of the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations found on pages 14-31 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual.

The Superintendent provides annual monitoring reports to the board for each Executive Limitation. The board then votes on whether the provided reports are in compliance with the given Executive Limitation. If the report is found not to be in compliance, the Superintendent provides a corrective action memo addressing the board’s concerns.

Executive Limitation 9: Instructional Program

Video | Meeting Materials

The Superintendent provided her annual monitoring report for Executive Limitation 9: Instructional Program. As outlined on page 26 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual, Executive Limitation 9 stipulates that the Superintendent shall not fail to maintain a program of instruction for all students that is aligned with the Division’s Strategic Plan Goals and offers innovative academic learning experiences that foster the strengths and meet the needs of each and every learner.

Furthermore, the Superintendent shall not fail to maintain an instructional program that implements professional practices to engage, empower, include, and challenge the whole learner through varied opportunities. Following the Superintendent’s presentation and a thorough board discussion, the monitoring report was found to be in compliance.

Motion: S. Anderson, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 9, No 1, Abstain 1, Not Present 1

STUDENT PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

The board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by the Chantilly High School Chamber Chorale under the direction of Evan Ayars.

BOARD MATTERS: PROVIDENCE DISTRICT UPDATE

At the end of each meeting, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is video of my update from the meeting:

UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit  the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Virginia’s New Accreditation Framework Penalizes Schools for Following Federal Law Protecting Special Education Students Among Other Problems

 

Dear Providence District Families,

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Virginia School Board Association’s Legislative Advocacy Conference in Chesterfield County with our School Board’s legislative liaisons, Melanie Meren of Hunter Mill District (state liaison) and Dr. Ricardy Anderson of Mason District (federal liaison). 

In addition to chatting with school board members from across the Commonwealth about the importance of encouraging our leaders in Richmond to adopt the JLARC recommendations and fully fund public education, I had an opportunity to ask Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons about some of the most troubling aspects of the Virginia Board of Education’s (VBOE) new school accreditation standards (video):

 

Earlier in her presentation, Coons spoke about how important it is to keep children at the center of the work we do, so I was curious how that would be possible under the new accreditation framework, which penalizes school divisions for providing special education students with their rights under federal law, expects multilingual learners to become English-fluent within three semesters, and appears to put more weight on high school students receiving a college-level associates degree than a high school diploma.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. VBOE has already adopted the new standards despite dozens upon dozens of unanswered questions and inconsistencies. In fact, initial assessments indicate most of Virginia’s schools would be considered “off track” under the new framework, despite the Commonwealth being recognized as the best place in the U.S. to do business because of its exceptional public schools. 

Unfortunately, Superintendent Coons defended the framework, denied the accuracy of these troubling aspects (even though they are sadly true), and quickly moved on before rushing off stage and leaving the event.

As I noted in my comments, these new standards begin in the middle of the school year with no phasing in process and no additional resources. For additional information, I strongly encourage you to watch Superintendent Reid’s entire presentation on this topic and the extended conversation that followed during our last school board meeting.

Stay tuned – I will be sure to keep you posted with developments on this matter in the weeks and months to come.

Thank you for your continued partnership in support of student success.

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

Providence District Families Newsletter
Thursday, September 26, 2024

This installment of the Providence District Newsletter includes important updates on the following topics:

• Don’t Miss Out: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration
• Providence Students Named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists
• School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program
• Virginia Senate and House Page Program
• Help Shape the Future of Social Studies in Our Schools
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
• Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked Up at FCPS
• No-Cost Online Mental Health Tele-Therapy for All High School Students
• Superintendent’s Community Conversations
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Don’t Miss Out: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration 

Saturday, October 5 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Marshall HS

 

Breaking News! The dazzling Marshall High School Cheer Team will make a special appearance to welcome our community to the Celebration – you won’t want to miss that performance! And you won’t want to miss the food trucks, pumpkin painting, face painting, Vocal Arts Fairfax performing Broadway tunes, Mr. Zig Zag the Magic Man and so much more! Join us on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Marshall High School, which is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Shuttle services will also run from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).

Providence Students Named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists 

Congratulations to the 16 students from Providence District who are among the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s semifinalists for 2025:

• Marshall HS: Shrey Desai, Ethan Stregack, Yue Xin Wang
• Oakton HS: Christopher Campbell, Bumkyu Kang, Lisa Sun
• Madison HS: Robert Martirosyan
• Woodson HS: Chloe Choi, Sean Cranford, Elizabeth Doan, Stephen Labys
• Thomas Jefferson HS: Jude Caldwell, Dhruv Chandna, Jason Hao, Symthasree Koganti, Julia Zherdetski

The nationwide pool of semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program

Reminder to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing: submit your application to your principal for the 2024-25 Student Leadership Development Program before September 30, 2024. This is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing futures in law, government, or public policy.

Selected students will partner with their School Board Member to observe how the school division is governed. They will also learn about the board’s various committees and functions, develop and debate their own policy proposals, and acquire details about the process for running to be Student Representatives on the School Board.

The nine magisterial district School Board Members will each select one student from their respective districts, and the three At-Large Members will select one student each from among all applicants.

Virginia Senate and House Page Program

Applications for the VA Senate and House Page Programs are now open for students who are residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants seeking admission must be 13 or 14 years of age on the first day of session (second Wednesday in January 2025). The Senate Page application is due Tuesday, October 1, at 5 p.m., while the House of Delegates Page application is due Friday, October 18, at 5 p.m.

Help Shape the Future of Social Studies in Our Schools

Are you passionate about ensuring our Social Studies educational resources are academically rigorous, historically accurate, culturally responsive, and inclusive? FCPS will soon adopt new K-12 Social Studies instructional materials, and we are seeking a Providence District resident to serve on the Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC).

If you are interested in serving on the Social Studies IRRC, please complete this Google Survey to apply by 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2024. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in selecting textbooks, online tools, and other resources that will shape Social Studies instruction beginning in the 2025-26 school year. I hope you will consider applying!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, Fairfax County celebrates the vibrant history, culture and diversity of the Hispanic community. Demographically, 28% FCPS students are Hispanic which enriches our school by bringing diverse cultural perspectives, languages, and traditions that foster a more inclusive and vibrant learning environment.

On September 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., join Supervisor Palchik to celebrate the vibrant culture and talent of our Latinx and Hispanic communities at an Art Opening Reception for Hispanic artists to showcase their art at her Providence District office.

The exhibit will be on display through October at the Providence District Office (3001 Vaden Drive, 2nd Floor), Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students now have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings. 

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services’ updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table. View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available. 

No-Cost Online Mental Health Tele-Therapy for High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies? 

Parents or caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

Superintendent’s Community Conversations

Superintendent Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns with her. Community Conversations will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on the following days:

• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary (register)
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary (register)
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary (register)
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle (register)

Registration is not required but helps with planning. Childcare and interpretation services are provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Help Shape the Future of Social Studies in Our Schools – Apply Today!

Dear Providence District Families,

Are you passionate about ensuring our students have access to high-quality educational resources? Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will soon adopt new K-12 Social Studies instructional materials, and I am looking for a Providence District resident to serve on the Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC) for this important initiative.

This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in selecting textbooks, online tools, and other resources that will shape Social Studies instruction beginning in the 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in applying but are unsure if you live in Providence District, you can use this district look-up tool. Because of time limitations, not all applicants will be contacted.

The Social Studies instructional resource selection process will be guided by Regulation 3004, which includes a 30-day public review period and a comprehensive evaluation by the IRRC, which brings together teachers, administrators, and community members to ensure we select the best instructional resources for our students.

Why Participate?

By joining the IRRC, you will:

• Ensure that resources align with Virginia’s Standards of Learning and FCPS’s Learning Model.
• Help meet the educational needs of diverse learners.
• Advocate for an academically rigorous, historically accurate, culturally responsive, and inclusive curriculum.
• Support equitable access to high-quality and engaging resources.
• Provide valuable community input in collaboration with other community members and stakeholders.

Time Commitment

As an IRRC member, you must attend the following meetings at the Pimmit Hills Adult Education Center (7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22043) for a total of 20 hours:

• Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Responsibilities

IRRC members will be expected to:

• Attend all meetings.
• Review submitted resource materials thoroughly.
• Communicate via email in a timely fashion.
• Maintain confidentiality of all materials and discussions.

How to Apply

If you are interested in representing Providence District on the Social Studies Instructional Resource Review Committee, please complete this Google Survey application form by 5:00 pm on September 30, 2024.

This is a great chance to make a lasting impact on our students’ education, and I hope you will consider applying!

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Board Meeting Recap: September 12, 2024

Dear Providence District Families,

Last Thursday, the School Board held its second Regular Meeting of the new school year (agenda | video). We discussed and considered several important items, including our efforts to achieve a diverse, adaptive, and supportive workforce and the approval of a contract for new high school stadium bathrooms, including at Marshall, McLean, and Woodson.

We also received an academic update from Superintendent Reid about the Virginia Board of Education’s new misguided and extreme updates to accreditation and so-called “accountability” standards. I strongly encourage you to watch the presentation and board discussion in its entirety:

 

As I said in my response, for a state like Virginia, which was recently ranked the best state in America to do business precisely because of our amazing public schools, these changes are an insult designed to undermine public education. Here is video of my remarks from the discussion:

 

As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings (sign-up).

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

IN THIS EDITION

• Local Investments: High School Stadium Bathrooms
• Academic Matters: State Accreditation and Accountability Standards
• Strategic Plan Update: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supportive Workforce
• Contract for Boundary Review Consultant
• Superintendent Performance Review
• Student Performance of the National Anthem
• Board Matters: Providence District Update
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

LOCAL INVESTMENTS: HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM BATHROOMS

High School Stadium Bathrooms (Marshall, McLean, and Woodson): The board approved a $7,755,000 contract for the Stadium Bathrooms Installation Project to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The project includes new stadium bathrooms for many schools, including three attended by Providence District students, including Marshall, McLean, and Woodson high schools. Funding for the project will be provided through a cost-share agreement between Fairfax County and FCPS. (More Information)

ACADEMIC MATTERS: ACCREDITATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS

Video | Meeting Materials

For the Academic Matters presentation, Superintendent Reid offered an update about the Virginia Board of Education’s new accreditation and accountability standards. As I noted above, for a state like Virginia, which was recently ranked the best state in America to do business specifically because of our amazing public schools, these changes are an insult designed to undermine public education. I strongly encourage you to watch the entire portion of the meeting to learn more about this important matter. 

STRATEGIC PLAN: DIVERSE, ADAPTIVE, AND SUPPORTIVE WORKFORCE

Video | Meeting Materials

For the Strategic Plan Update, Superintendent Reid offered an update about efforts to achieve a diverse, adaptive, and supportive workforce. She detailed the school division's efforts to get new teachers off on the right foot with the Great Beginnings Summer Institute, where I had the pleasure of welcoming more than 1,100 new Fairfax County educators earlier this summer.

She also discussed the Global Ambassador program, which has secured more than 130 educators from 16 countries across the world to teach on J-1 Visas for up to 5 years. These teachers participate in a rigorous selection process and have been chosen from amongst thousands of other applicants. They have, on average, 11.5 years of experience, and several hold advanced degrees.

CONTRACT FOR BOUNDARY REVIEW CONSULTANT

Video | Meeting Materials

On July 18, 2024, the School Board voted to amend Policy 8130, Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings. The school division will now engage with a consultant to provide the comprehensive school boundary review over an 18-month period. The consultant's scope of work has several key tasks, including project management plan development, website development, pre-analysis stakeholder engagement, data collection, data analysis and draft scenarios, post-analysis stakeholder engagement, and final potential scenario development.

Motion: Sizemore Heizer, Second: St. John Cunning / Vote: Yes 10, No 1

SUPERINTENDENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

The board judges the overall success of the Superintendent on the basis of the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations found on pages 14-31 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual.

The Superintendent provides annual monitoring reports to the board for each Executive Limitation. The board then votes on whether the provided reports are in compliance with the given Executive Limitation. If the report is found not to be in compliance, the Superintendent provides a corrective action memo addressing the board’s concerns.

Executive Limitation 8: Superintendent’s Relationship with the Board

Video | Meeting Materials

The Superintendent provided her annual monitoring report for Executive Limitation 8: Superintendent’s Relationship with the Board. As outlined on pages 24-25 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual, Executive Limitation 8 stipulates that the Superintendent shall not fail to ensure regular and positive interactions and foster effective partnerships with the board to facilitate the achievement of the school division’s Strategic Plan goals and overall success. It further states that the Superintendent shall not fail to ensure the board is fully informed in a timely manner about matters relating to board work and significant school division concerns. Following the Superintendent’s presentation and a thorough board discussion, the monitoring report was found to be in compliance.

Motion: Dixit, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 10, No 1

STUDENT PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

The board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem, performed by the Annandale Singers under the direction of Pat Vaughn:

BOARD MATTERS: PROVIDENCE DISTRICT UPDATE

At the end of each meeting, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is video of my update from the meeting:

UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Upcoming School Board Meetings  (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español. 

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Cell Phones Off, Learning On

 

Dear Providence District Families,

Last week, select middle and high schools began a cell phone storage pilot program designed to more effectively enforce the school division’s cell phone policy, which essentially states middle school students shall not access their phones during the school day and that high school students may not access their phones during class.

The pilot program is the result of a School Board vote last May that directed the Superintendent to “develop a plan” for a 2024-25 school year “pilot program within each region for secure cell phone storage to include the potential use of classroom cell phone lockers, magnetic pouches, or other similar devices.”

In an effort to better enforce cell phone restrictions and increase student engagement, middle school students in the pilot program will be provided with a pouch to place their phones away for the entire school day, and high school students will be required to put their phones away during class using a storage box or hanging pouch in the classroom.

Whether or not your child’s school is part of the pilot program, you can help ensure they follow the cell phone policy by waiting to call or text them about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office.

Additionally, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the parental control settings on your child’s cell phone:

• iPhone Users: Set up Screen Time and Downtime. Screen Time provides a report of how a device is used, while Downtime allows you to block apps and notifications on your child’s iPhone for a specific period of time – like the entire school day.

• Android Users: Set up Screen Time Limits and Downtime. Android phones have similar features, allowing you to limit your child’s use of their Android phone for specific periods of time – again, like the entire school day.

Research continues to show that limiting cell phone use during the school day is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment. Excessive cell phone use not only distracts students from their academic work but also contributes to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

By reducing distractions and encouraging greater face-to-face interactions, we can help students stay focused, build stronger social connections, and improve their overall well-being. Together, we can create an atmosphere where every student has the opportunity to thrive—both academically and emotionally.

Thank you for your continued partnership in support of student success.

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

Providence District Families Newsletter 
Monday, September 9, 2024

This installment of the Providence District Newsletter includes important updates on the following topics:

• Chronic Absenteeism Down 25% – Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
• Don’t Miss Out: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration
• Nominations: Athletic Council Award
• Secondary Grading Policy Under Review
• School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program
• United States Service Academies Application
• Monitor Your Child’s Use of FCPS Devices
• 2024-25 Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Superintendent’s Community Conversations
• Historical Marker Ceremony: Gunnell’s Chapel
• LGBTQ+ Student Advocacy Toolkit
• Food for Others 11th Annual Tysons 5K & Fun Run
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Chronic Absenteeism Down 25% – Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

 

Through our collective efforts – personalized outreach, targeted interventions, and a strong commitment to fostering connections with families, FCPS has reduced chronic absenteeism by 25% over the past year — that’s news I was excited to share with WJLA recently. Let’s keep the momentum going!

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit the FCPS Attendance Reporting webpage for tips on supporting positive attendance habits and resources for encouraging attendance in elementary school and middle/high school.

Don’t Miss Out: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration

Saturday, October 5 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Marshall HS

 

Mark your calendar for the Providence Day and Back to School Celebration! Enjoy food trucks, giveaways and prizes, activities and entertainment for all ages – including an up-close look at Fairfax County fire, rescue, and police vehicles and a visit from an FCPS electric school bus! Join us in celebrating our vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Marshall High School, which is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Shuttle services will also run from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).

Nominations: Athletic Council Award 

The Fairfax County Athletic Council is now accepting nominations for the Champions of Character Award. The award will be presented to a female athlete, male athlete, coach, and parent from each magisterial district in Fairfax County.

This award is a high honor and is recognized by top county and school officials, who will be in attendance at the ceremony. Providence district is home to many talented athletes, committed coaches, and devoted parents, so I want to ensure we are represented accordingly!

Nominees can be of any age, from any sport, and at any level. They simply need to have demonstrated respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, citizenship, and fairness. Please submit your nominations as soon as possible – the deadline is September 15!

Secondary Grading Policy Under Review

In July, the School Board directed its Governance Committee to review Policy 2148 concerning secondary grading practices. This followed board members receiving questions from parents and caregivers, students and educators about topics like rigor, consistency, and transparency, as well as expressing a desire to ensure we are following best practices.

Grading is an important aspect of the student experience. Effective assessment evaluates content knowledge and provides constructive feedback for continuous improvement. The impact of grading travels far beyond the confines of the classroom to influence college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and more.

You are also invited to observe the Governance Committee’s work on this topic during its following upcoming meetings: September 24 at 3 p.m., October 1 at 3 p.m., October 15 at 3 p.m., and October 29 at 3 p.m.

These meetings are held at Gatehouse and will be streamed live and posted for future viewing on the FCPS YouTube channel.

School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program

The School Board is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Student Leadership Development Program! This is a great opportunity for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing who are interested in pursuing futures in law, government, or public policy.

Selected students will partner with their School Board Member to observe how the school division is governed. They will also learn about the board’s various committees and functions, develop and debate their own policy proposals, and acquire details about the process for running to be Student Representatives on the School Board.

The nine magisterial district School Board Members will each select one student from their respective districts, and the three At-Large Members will select one student each from among all applicants. Interested students must submit applications to their principal before September 30, 2024. Click here for more information about the program or to submit your application.

United States Service Academies Application

Congressman Gerry Connolly is now accepting applications for nominations for the Class of 2029. Considered to be among the top academic institutions in the country, our U.S. Service Academies produce some of the nation’s best and brightest.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements established by law and be nominated by an authorized nominating source, including Congressman Connolly, who can nominate qualified applicants residing in Virginia’s 11th congressional district.

Your complete application packet and all required documents must be submitted on or before October 4, 2024.

Monitor Your Child’s Use of FCPS Devices

FCPS provides tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on FCPS devices. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service. Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which provides a list of the top sites their child visited and offers the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

2024-25 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

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

Parents and caregivers should talk to their children about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.

Participate in SR&R Focus Groups

Each year, FCPS reviews the SR&R to ensure it reflects our commitment to equity and the goals outlined in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. To that end, FCPS is providing parents and caregivers, students, and staff opportunities to lend their voices to the annual review.

The Office of the Chief Equity Officer is partnering with K12 Insight to host SR&R focus groups. All middle and high school students, current FCPS parents and caregivers, school-based staff, and central office staff who work with students will receive an invitation to attend a focus group.

If you have a question about the SR&R Focus Groups, please contact Kathleen Walts, Executive Director of Equity and Student Relations: [email protected]

Superintendent’s Community Conversations

Superintendent Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns with her. Community Conversations will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following days:

• Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School – Register to Attend
• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle

Registration is not required but helps with planning. Childcare and interpretation services are provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Historical Marker Ceremony: Gunnell’s Chapel

 

In 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board initiated a joint Historical Marker Project to help ensure students have access to a more comprehensive and inclusive telling of Fairfax County’s diverse history. During its initial year, students focused on elevating the histories of Black/African American residents in Fairfax County. I was honored to introduce the initiative with Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik.

Earlier this summer, the first historical marker installation stemming from the project was dedicated to local civil rights activist Lillian Blackwell at Oakton High School. Mrs. Blackwell and her son were plaintiffs in a 1959 lawsuit that led to the integration of Fairfax County’s public schools.

The second of six historical markers will be installed at Clemyjontri Park on Saturday, September 21, at 11:00 a.m., celebrating the legacy of Gunnell’s Chapel, which provided a place for Black people to congregate and Black children to learn. Gunnell’s Chapel was an act of resistance and self-determination as Black communities sought to empower themselves in the face of systemic racism, exclusion, and discrimination.

LGBTQ+ Student Advocacy Toolkit

The ACLU of Virginia has launched an interactive toolkit “for LGBTQ+ students, parents, educators, and allies dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights in Virginia’s K-12 public schools” and to help ensure “all youth, including LGBTQ+ youth” have access “to safe, affirming and inclusive school environments.” For more information, visit the toolkit online.

Food for Others 11th Annual Tysons 5K & Fun Run

The 2024 Food for Others Tysons 5k & Fun Run is on Saturday, September 28, at 8:00 a.m. at Tysons Corner Center Mall Plaza. REGISTER TODAY and help support Food for Others, which distributes food to our neighbors in need by mobilizing our giving community and volunteers. 

Food for Others is an important part of Northern Virginia’s food insecurity safety net, serving over 3,000 families and 3,900 children a week through the Power Pack Program, which provides weekend meals to roughly 3,800 students at 44 Fairfax County schools during the school year. The weekend meal pack helps alleviate a child’s hunger and allows them to come to school on Monday morning fed, focused, and ready to learn.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

August 29th Board Meeting Recap

Dear Providence District Families,

First, I hope you and your families are enjoying a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend. This year’s celebration holds particular significance as Fairfax County Public Schools has taken a historic step forward by approving collective bargaining for our employees for the first time in nearly half a century. This milestone reflects our commitment to supporting our dedicated educators and staff, ensuring their voices are heard, and strengthening our school community as a whole. As we celebrate this Labor Day, let us recognize the labor movement and the hard work and dedication of all those who contribute to making our schools a place of excellence for every student.

Last Thursday, the School Board held its first Regular Meeting of the new school year (agenda | video). We discussed and considered several important items, including new annual pass rate data for VAAP and SOL tests. As I noted in my remarks on the subject, I was dismayed during the first week of school when the Governor held a press conference about the data before providing it to local school systems. It was especially troubling that he misrepresented Fairfax County’s writing and social studies scores and ignored the fact that we continue to lead the Commonwealth in math, science, and reading.

In addition to discussing new VAAP and SOL data, the School Board also approved important financial year 2024 year-end investments, which included critical resources for extended special education teacher contracts, achievement gap-closing strategies, the DROP program to retain experienced educators, and our new boys volleyball and girls wrestling programs. We also approved contracts for facilities projects at Madison and Fairfax high schools.

Earlier in the week, the School Board met for an all-day Work Session (agenda | video), to discuss several topics, including:

• State and Federal Legislative Program (presentation): Each year, the School Board adopts a set of legislative priorities to inform local, state, and federal public officials and others of its positions on legislative policy and budget issues of potential importance to the Fairfax County Public Schools community.

• VBOE Accreditation and Accountability Changes (presentation): The Virginia Board of Education has revised its regulations for establishing standards for accrediting public schools. The School Board discussed the various changes under consideration and potential impacts on Fairfax County Public Schools.

• Grading Policy and Practices for Secondary Students (presentation): In anticipation of the School Board’s Governance Committee considering revisions to the secondary grading policy, the School Board discussed priorities, current practices, and recent changes.

As always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation at Regular Meetings and Public Hearings (sign-up).

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Local Investments
• Financial Year 2024 Year-End Investments
• Academic Matters: New SOL Data
• Superintendent Performance Review
• National Anthem
• Board Matters: Providence District Update
• Upcoming Meetings

LOCAL INVESTMENTS

• Madison High School Tennis Courts: The board approved a $97,625 contract to complete the refurbishment of five tennis courts at Madison High School – a project already underway – after it was found the ground beneath the courts was very soft and would sink due to the pressure of the paving equipment on its surface (details).
• Fairfax High School Press Box: The board awarded a $490,000 contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the construction and installation of a new press box at the school’s stadium. Funding for the project will be provided by the City of Fairfax (details).

FINANCIAL YEAR 2024 YEAR-END INVESTMENTS

Video | Meeting Materials

Following its annual audit, Fairfax County Public Schools had $92.3 million in the financial year 2024 funds available for allocation to important year-end funding priorities. Investments included critical resources for extended special education teacher contracts, achievement gap-closing strategies, the DROP program to retain experienced educators, and our new boys volleyball and girls wrestling programs.

Motion: McDaniel / Second: Sizemore Heizer, Vote: Yes 12 / No 0 / Abstain 0

ACADEMIC MATTERS: NEW SOL and VAAP DATA

Video | Meeting Materials

For last Thursday’s Academic Matters report, Superintendent Reid offered an update about new annual pass rate data for VAAP and SOL tests in Fairfax County Public Schools. Fairfax improved in math and science and held steady in reading, outperforming Virginia as a whole in all subjects. Our math pass rates increased even while more students took accelerated math courses (6.8% increase in 5th graders taking Advanced Math and 9.5% increase in 8th graders taking Algebra I or higher).

SUPERINTENDENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

The board judges the overall success of the Superintendent on the basis of the school division’s reasonable progress toward achieving the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s goals and adherence to a set of thirteen Executive Limitations found on pages 14-31 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual.

Throughout the school year, the Superintendent provides annual monitoring reports to the board for each Executive Limitation. The board then votes on whether the provided monitoring report is in compliance with the Executive Limitation. If the report is found not in compliance, the Superintendent will provide a corrective action memo addressing the board’s concerns.

Executive Limitation 7 - Asset Protection (Corrective Action Memo)

Video | Meeting Materials

During the Regular Meeting on June 13, 2024, the Superintendent delivered her annual monitoring report on Executive Limitation 7 - Asset Protection, which is outlined on page 23 of the board’s Strategic Governance Manual. The board voted to find the report non-compliant at the time of the presentation and requested a corrective action memo. At last Thursday’s meeting, the Superintendent delivered her corrective action memo to the board, which subsequently found the monitoring report now in compliance.

Motion: Sizemore Heizer / Second: Dixit, Vote: Yes 8 / No 2 / Abstain 0

Global Executive Limitations (EL-1) Monitoring Report

Video | Meeting Materials

The Superintendent also provided her annual monitoring report on Executive Limitation 1 - Global Operational Expectations. As outlined on page 15 of the board's Strategic Governance Manual, Executive Limitation 1 stipulates, in short, that the Superintendent shall not fail to maintain a data-informed school division focused on continuous improvement and shall not fail to take reasonable measures to prevent any practice that is unethical, a violation of board policy, or that endangers the division’s public image or credibility. Following the Superintendent’s presentation, the board found her monitoring report in compliance.

Motion: St. John-Cunning / Second: Lady, Vote: Yes 10 / No 0 / Abstain 1

 NATIONAL ANTHEM

The board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by a Hughes Middle School student under the direction of Steven McBride.

BOARD MATTERS: PROVIDENCE DISTRICT UPDATE

At the end of each meeting, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is my update from last Thursday:

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español. 

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

 

Save the Date:
Providence Day and Back to School Celebration

Dear Providence District Families,

Please join Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik and me as we co-host the inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration:

• Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
• Time: 11 AM - 3 PM
• Location: Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

Come celebrate our vibrant, diverse and welcoming Providence District community and enjoy food trucks, giveaways and prizes, activities and entertainment for all ages – including an up close look at Fairfax County fire, rescue and police vehicles and a visit from an FCPS electric school bus!

 

>> RSVP TODAY <<

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Welcome Back To School!

[ Video with English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Arabic Subtitles ]

 

Dear Providence District Families,

I want to extend a warm welcome back to school to our students, families, teachers, and staff. I hope you had a restful and rewarding summer break.

This morning, I had the pleasure of joining Superintendent Reid, my School Board colleague Robyn Lady, and Principal Jeffrey Litz bright and early at Marshall High School as we welcomed students back for the first day of school.

This year promises to be filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. 

I hope you will take a moment to thank your teachers and administrators, who have worked hard to ensure all students feel welcome, valued, and respected each day when they enter school so they can focus on learning and truly thrive.

I look forward to working with Superintendent Reid as we continue to implement and advance the student-centered focus of our strategic plan, which ensures the promise of excellence, equity, and opportunity so every student can achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential.

As we begin this new school year, I look forward to seeing you not only at school events, but also out in the community. Our schools are bolstered by the robust involvement and support of our families. Let's make this year the best yet by building and strengthening these connections in our schools and community.

Our School Board is here to listen, advocate, and work with you to make our schools the best they can be. We value your input and encourage you to stay engaged, whether it’s through attending board meetings, joining PTAs, or simply sharing your thoughts with us.

This year, let’s celebrate our achievements, support one another, and create memories for our students that last a lifetime. I look forward to seeing the incredible things we’ll accomplish together.

Thank you for all you’ve done and all you will do to support and encourage our students in the school year ahead. If I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don’t hesitate to let me know. 

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

First Day of School – George C. Marshall High School 
August 19, 2024 – 6:00am

Providence District Families Newsletter 
Monday, August 19, 2024

• Back to School Events and School Year Calendars
• Save The Date: Providence Day and Back to School Celebration
• Meet Our New School Board Student Representative
• Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program
• New SOL Tests in Spring 2025
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• New Online Tutoring Resource
• Summer Smiles: Donate Dental Supplies
• 2024 Congressional App Challenge
• Upcoming School Board Meetings

Back to School Events
and School Year Calendars

Back to School event dates are listed on each school’s website and each region’s website. Here are the links for regions with schools attended by Providence District students:

• Region 1 (Madison and Oakton Pyramids)
• Region 2 (Falls Church and McLean Pyramids)
• Region 5 (Fairfax, Marshall, and Woodson Pyramids)
• TJHSST

School Year Calendars

2024-2025 | 2025-2026

Save The Date:
Providence Day and Back to School Celebration

I hope you’ll join Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and me as we co-host the 2024 Providence Day and Back to School Celebration at Marshall High School on Saturday, October 5th from 11 am - 3 pm. Providence District families are welcome to enjoy food, activities and entertainment for all ages – including an up close look at Fairfax County fire, rescue and police vehicles and a visit from an FCPS electric school bus! Mark your calendar and RSVP today!

Meet Our New
School Board Student Representative

 

After receiving applications from 39 incredible student leaders from across  Fairfax County, Student Advisory Council (SAC) delegates selected Megan Sawant, a senior from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, as the 2024-25 school year Student Representative to the School Board. I look forward to working with her in the year ahead!

Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program

In response to the School Board’s May 9th direction, the Superintendent has developed a cell phone storage pilot program for middle and high schools. Seven middle schools will participate in the Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program, including Jackson and Thoreau. Nine high schools, including McLean, Falls Church, and Madison, have elected to participate in the high school pilot which will require students to place their cell phones away in hanging organizers and/or storage lockers in the classroom during the class period. You are welcome to provide your feedback on this program.

New SOL Tests in Spring 2025

The Virginia Department of Education has announced that new SOL tests will be administered in spring 2025 for all testing grades/courses in Reading and Mathematics. The new SOL Math tests will assess the 2023 Mathematics standards, and the new SOL Reading tests will assess the 2024 English standards. Because spring 2025 will be the first time these tests are administered, reporting of student scores will be delayed due to post-test equating requirements. 

Paid Parental Leave Program

FCPS is excited to announce its new Paid Parental Leave (PPL) program! Effective July 1, 2024, eligible employees can receive 8 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster placement of a child. Employees are eligible to receive PPL on the first of the month after completing 12 calendar months of service from date of employment or re-employment. PPL will coordinate with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave to provide employees with paid time off. Please note: the birth, adoption or foster placement must have occurred on or after July 1, 2024. More information can be found on the PPL Program website.

New Online Tutoring Resource

FCPS has replaced Tutor.com with Varsity Tutors – a free system that provides weekly live online classes and on-demand chat tutoring, essay assistance, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Varsity Tutors is available in English and Spanish. Learn more about Varsity Tutors.

Summer Smiles: Donate Dental Supplies
(and Food!)

Supervisor Palchik and I are encouraging participation in the Summer Smiles campaign in supporting Dunn Loring Center’s Map Clinic in its efforts to build a robust supply of children’s dental products so every child leaves the clinic with the basic supplies they need to practice good dental health. Drop off sites for dental supplies (and non-perishable food items) are: Jim Scott Community Center, Monday - Saturday, 9am - 1pm; Mosaic Live, Saturdays, 5 - 7pm; Nottoway Nights, Thursdays, 7 - 8pm (through August 31).

2024 Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is an opportunity for high school students to be more engaged in coding. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the CAC. Each challenge is district specific. Congressman Gerry Connolly is once again participating and invites students in his district to submit their applications.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday September 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084 

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.

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

Dear Providence District Families,

Do you have an interest in or a passion for facilities planning? If so, you might be a perfect fit on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) which advises the School Board on the development of strategic, comprehensive, and long-term plans for school division facilities.

We are now accepting applications for the Providence District seat on FPAC. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Not sure if you live in Providence District? Click here to find out.

QUALIFICATIONS

Interested candidates must live in Providence District and should have experience in one or more of the following areas: construction; engineering; architecture; land use planning and development; demographics; government operations; financing.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

FPAC advises and informs the School Board and Fairfax County Public School staff in the development of strategic, comprehensive, and long-term plans for school division facilities. Topics of consideration by FPAC include the following:

• School enrollment and projections
• Transportation and operating efficiencies
• School program capacity and support
• Setting priorities for the Capital Improvement Program
• Creative financing and construction strategies
• Scope of renovations
• School closures and new schools
• Student accommodation planning

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

There are 13 members on FPAC, one representing each of the nine magisterial district School Board Members, three representing at-large School Board Members, and one representing the City of Fairfax School Board. FPAC members serve three-year terms and meet twice monthly in the evening during the school year. The appointment for Providence District’s vacant FPAC seat will end on June 30, 2027, with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a full three-year term. For more information about the FPAC, click here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 13

The deadline to submit your application is Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

I hope you will consider applying for this important position as it provides valuable assistance to our school division and our community.

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

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: Karl Frisch  |  Phone: 571-423-1084