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Dunne Dispatch (School Boundaries Edition, Part 3)

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

First, I am writing to invite you to participate in my Virtual Town Hall on November 11 @ 7:30-9:00 PM. Click here to register. I will present on academic outcomes, cell phones, and school boundaries.

Second, I am writing to publish a series of newsletters on school boundaries. This is the third in the series. FCPS is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries for the first time in 40 years. 

• Please see my October 16 newsletter, which identifies multiple opportunities for community engagement and explains how to ensure your voice is heard.
• Please see my October 30 newsletter, which explains how the School Board arrived at its decision to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries.  

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance with any school-related issues. Please note that the School Board is a part-time position, so please excuse any delays in responding. Please include my staff aide Nelda Brown ([email protected]) to ensure a faster response.

 

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

In my October 16 newsletter, I provided the current timeline for the school boundary review. FCPS has announced the schedule for the first round of community meetings. At each meeting, the Superintendent will present on the rationale and process for revising school boundaries. Her presentation will be followed by small-group breakout sessions (with 8-10 people in each small group) wherein a moderator will facilitate a conversation with scripted questions. The information collected and views expressed during these meetings will inform the development of potential scenarios for amending school boundaries. 

• Glasgow MS - Monday, Nov. 18 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Region 2) - Register
• Westfield HS - Monday, Dec. 2 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Region 5) - Register
• Lake Braddock HS - Tuesday, Dec. 3 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Region 4) - Register
• Mount Vernon HS - Monday, Dec. 9 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Region 3) - Register
• Annandale HS - Thursday, Dec. 12 @ 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. (Region 6) - Register
• Madison HS - Wednesday, Dec. 18 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Region 1) - Register

A second round of community meetings is expected to be held in June-September 2025. These meetings will occur after FCPS has developed potential scenarios for amending school boundaries. A meeting will be held at every high school. You will have the opportunity to review proposed changes and provide your feedback.

RATIONALE FOR BOUNDARY CHANGES:

I do not speak on behalf of the School Board, but I would like to share my thoughts on the rationale for boundary changes.

Fairfax County has delayed a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries for 40 years, which has adversely impacted our schools, staff, and students. Piecemeal changes to school boundaries for 40 years has resulted in attendance islands, split feeders, overcrowding, an excessive number of trailers and modulars, excessive transportation costs, and excessive investment in capacity enhancements instead of school renovations and infrastructure modernization.

1. ATTENDANCE ISLANDS    

Primary Objective:

• All attendance islands should be eliminated.

Related Objectives:

• All students should be allowed to attend their local schools.
• FCPS should not divide communities or student cohorts.

Background

• In Fairfax County, there are 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools with attendance islands. (For a full list of attendance islands, see page 258 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• An attendance island is a neighborhood that is assigned to attend a distant, under-enrolled school in order to increase student enrollment.
• Attendance islands divide communities by isolating certain neighborhoods and exporting their children to distant schools.
• Attendance islands necessitate long bus rides, which may deprive students of adequate sleep and equitable access to extracurricular activities.

Examples

• Whitman MS is located within the boundaries for Sandburg MS (and outside the boundaries of Whitman MS), so students living in the immediate vicinity of Whitman MS are assigned to attend Sandburg MS. All students attending Whitman arrive by bus, often enduring long bus rides.
• Over 100 students who live within walking distance of Mount Vernon Woods ES are assigned to attend Fort Hunt ES. They ride the bus every day past multiple elementary schools to arrive at Fort Hunt ES.
• Over 150 students who live within walking distance of Lorton Station ES are assigned to attend Halley ES. They ride the bus every day past multiple elementary schools to arrive at Halley ES.

2. SPLIT FEEDERS

Primary Objective:

• All split feeders should be eliminated.

Related Objectives:

• All students should be allowed to attend their local schools.
• FCPS should not divide communities or student cohorts.

Background

• In Fairfax County, there are 31 elementary schools and 6 middle schools that are split feeders. (For a full list of split feeders, see pages 251-257 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• A split feeder is (i) an elementary school where students attend different middle schools or (ii) a middle school where students attend different high schools.
• Split feeders divide communities and student cohorts.
• Split feeders may necessitate long bus rides, which may deprive students of adequate sleep and equitable access to extracurricular activities.

Examples

• Some students at Gunston ES are assigned to attend Hayfield SS while other students are assigned to attend South County MS/South County HS.
• Some students at Holmes MS are assigned to attend Edison HS while other students are assigned to attend Annandale HS.
• Some students at Carson MS are assigned to attend Oakton HS, some are assigned to attend South Lakes HS, and others are assigned to attend Westfield HS.

 3. OVERCROWDING

Primary Objective:

• FCPS should eliminate overcrowding in our public schools.

Related Objectives:

• FCPS should reduce class sizes.
• Students should have equitable access to programming and extracurricular programs.

Background

• Elementary Schools:
• There are 15 elementary schools with significant overcrowding (at or above 115% of capacity), 6 with moderate overcrowding (105-114% of capacity), and 21 with slight overcrowding (95-104% of capacity). By comparison, only 6 elementary schools had significant overcrowding in 2019.
• There are 45 elementary schools that are under-enrolled (at or below 84% of capacity).
• Middle Schools:
• There is 1 middle school with significant overcrowding (at or above 115% of capacity), 1 with moderate overcrowding (105-114% of capacity), and 7 with slight overcrowding (95-104% of capacity).
• There are 12 middle schools that are under-enrolled (at or below 84% of capacity).  
• High Schools:
• There are 4 high schools with significant overcrowding (at or above 115% of capacity), 4 with moderate overcrowding (105-114% of capacity), and 8 with slight overcrowding (95-104% of capacity). By comparison, only 3 high schools had significant overcrowding in 2019.
• There are 8 high schools that are under-enrolled (at or below 84% of capacity). (For a full list of capacity utilization ratios, see pages 120, 138, 156, 175, 193, and 210 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• Class sizes may be larger in overcrowded schools.
• Students at overcrowded schools may have fewer opportunities to enroll in special programming and participate in extracurricular programs.

 4. TRAILERS AND MODULARS

Primary Objective:

• All trailers and modulars should be eliminated.

Related Objectives:

• To ensure the safety and security of our students, all students should learn inside school buildings.

Background

• In Fairfax County, there are 598 classrooms in trailers and 310 classrooms in modulars. (For a full list of trailers and modulars, see pages 120, 138, 156, 175, 193, and 210 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• FCPS utilizes trailers (pre-fabricated classrooms without plumbing) and modulars (pre-fabricated classrooms with plumbing) at schools where student enrollment exceeds available capacity.

Examples

• The Edison HS pyramid has 14 classrooms in trailers and 36 classrooms in modulars.
• The Hayfield HS pyramid has 15 classrooms in trailers.
• The Lewis HS pyramid has 30 classrooms in trailers and 22 classrooms in modulars.
• The Mount Vernon HS pyramid has 8 classrooms in trailers and 10 classrooms in modulars.
• The South County HS pyramid has 2 classrooms in trailers.
• The West Potomac HS pyramid has 4 classrooms in trailers and 10 classrooms in modulars.

 

5. CAPITAL SPENDING (FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY)

Primary Objective:

• Schools should be renovated every 20-25 years.  

Related Objectives:

• Students should learn in modern classrooms with ready access to modern equipment and facilities.  
• FCPS should ensure maximum return on investment for every taxpayer dollar.

Background

• Piecemeal changes to school boundaries has caused excessive investments in capacity enhancements instead of school renovations and infrastructure modernization.
• FCPS is renovating schools every 42 years instead of every 20-25 years. (For more information, see pages 47-73 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• FCPS has a deferred maintenance backlog of $530 million and an infrastructure replacement backlog of $379 million. (For more information, see pages 215-226 of the Capital Improvement Program.)
• In Fairfax County, 55% of playgrounds, 54% of environmental systems, 46% of structural systems, and 44% of health/safety systems are past their life expectancy.
• I am committed to fiscal responsibility, which requires the efficient and effective use of school buildings. I am strongly opposed to imprudent expenditures that divert scarce dollars to wasteful projects that do not make sense from a system perspective.

Examples

• At Hayfield SS, 99% of mechanical systems, 96% of athletic facilities, and 58% of plumbing systems are past their life expectancy.
• At Lewis HS, 100% of asphalt, 98% of mechanical systems, and 65% of athletic facilities are past their life expectancy.
• At Mount Vernon HS, 92% of asphalt, 93% of mechanical systems, and 66% of structural systems are past their life expectancy.
• At West Potomac HS, 63% of electrical systems, 89% of structural systems, and 93% of mechanical systems are past their life expectancy.

 

6. GEOGRAPHIC PROXIMITY/TRAVEL TIMES

Primary Objective:

• All students should be allowed to attend their local schools.

Related Objectives:

• School boundaries should not divide communities.
• School boundaries should minimize travel times and transportation costs.
• School boundaries should enable more students to bike and walk to school.

Background

• School boundaries should be consistent with contiguous geographic areas, but in Fairfax County, some pyramids are inconsistent with that principle.
• Elongated boundaries divide communities by isolating certain neighborhoods and exporting their children to distant schools.
• Elongated boundaries necessitate long bus rides, which may deprive students of adequate sleep and equitable access to extracurricular activities.
• On average, approximately 25% of students travel in excess of 30 minutes to school, and a significant percentage travel in excess of 45 minutes each way.
• Long bus rides are costly – FCPS spends millions of dollars on bus maintenance and fuel each year.
• Compact school boundaries will strengthen social connections and provide increased opportunities for biking and walking to school, which is associated with improved academic outcomes and health.

Examples

• Hayfield SS serves a narrow strip from the City of Alexandria to Mason Neck, connecting divided elements of disparate communities. During weekdays, this distance would require at least 45 minutes to traverse.

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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The Dunne Dispatch (School Boundaries Edition, Part 2) - 10/30/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

First, I am writing to invite you to participate in my Virtual Town Hall on November 11 @ 7:30-9:00 PM. Click here to register. I will present on academic outcomes, cell phones, school boundaries, and other issues. There will be a Q&A, so you can ask any school-related concerns and questions.

 

Second, I am writing to share the new schedule for high school graduations, which has changed. For example, the graduation for Mount Vernon HS was scheduled to be held at D.A.R. Constitutional Hall in Washington, DC, but after consultation with Principal Cary Dimmick, I successfully advocated for the graduation to be moved to the Mount Vernon HS stadium. I am continuing to advocate for FCPS to accelerate the construction of stadium bathrooms for Mount Vernon HS, so they are available for use during the graduation celebration.

• Edison HS: Tuesday, June 3 @ 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University
• Lewis HS: Tuesday, June 3 @ 9:30 a.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University
• Hayfield SS: Thursday, June 5 @ 9:30 a.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University
• Mount Vernon HS: Tuesday, June 3 @ 7:00 p.m., Mount Vernon HS Stadium
• South County HS: Wednesday, June 4 @ 7:00 p.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University
• West Potomac HS: Monday, June 2 @ 9:30 p.m., EagleBank Arena, George Mason University

Third, I am writing to publish a series of newsletters on school boundaries. This is the second in the series. FCPS is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries for the first time in 40 years. There are many opportunities for community engagement. Please see my October 16 newsletter, which describes how to ensure your voice is heard regarding potential changes to school boundaries.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance with any school-related issues. Please note that the School Board is a part-time position, so please excuse any delays in responding. Please include my staff aide Nelda Brown ([email protected]) to ensure a faster response.

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

IN THE NEWS:

• Northern Virginia Magazine recently published an article about the comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries, which explains the rationale for the boundary review and discusses the School Board’s focus on boundary stability and community engagement.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

You can submit questions regarding school boundaries or advocate for changes (or no changes) to particular boundaries here. Your messages will be delivered to the Office of Facilities Services and Capital Programs, which is managing the school boundary review.

FCPS has created a webpage to keep you informed about the boundary review process. This will be the central repository for information about the school boundary review. Once a meeting schedule is determined, it will be posted to this webpage. I recommend you bookmark this webpage and check it every couple weeks.

FCPS is planning the schedule of community meetings for Round 1 (November 2024-March 2025). I expect the schedule to be published by the first week of November. 

WHO DECIDES (ADVOCACY GUIDE) - UPDATE:

The School Board has exclusive responsibility for determining school boundaries, so I recommend you focus your advocacy on your School Board representatives.

The Board of Supervisors, the General Assembly, and the State Senate do not have any role in the determination of school boundaries, so these elected officials will refer any communications regarding school boundaries to your School Board representatives.

If you live in the Mount Vernon District, your representatives on the School Board are:

• Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative ([email protected]) / Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, [email protected]
• Kyle McDaniel, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. McDaniel online)
• Ryan McElveen, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. McElveen online)
• Ilryong Moon, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. Moon online)

SCHOOL BOUNDARY POLICY REVIEW (POLICY 8130):

The School Board studied potential changes to its school boundary policy (Policy 8130) for several years before adopting a new policy in July 2024.

 

2018:

• FCPS performed a national study of best practices for school boundary management, to include a comparison of FCPS practices with the top 50 school districts in the United States.

2019:

• FCPS identified multiple factors that affect student outcome, to include overcrowding, socioeconomic diversity, split feeders, and travel time.
• FCPS reviewed Policy 8130, which governs the establishment and revision of school boundaries.
• Staff recommended prioritizing capacity utilization (with an optimum capacity utilization of 85-94%), geographic proximity/travel time, and socioeconomic diversity.
• The School Board considered potential revisions to Policy 8130, to include:
• Prioritizing factors such as geographic proximity/travel times, non-establishment of attendance islands, operational efficiency, safety for biking and walking, and socioeconomic diversity;
• Limiting boundary changes to no more than once every three years;
• Limiting the Superintendent’s discretion to enact administrative boundary changes;
• Requiring the Superintendent to recommend boundary changes annually in response to new geographic features; and
• Requiring phasing wherein students in their final year of elementary, middle, or high school are allowed to remain at their current school.
• The School Board requested the Superintendent to hire an outside consultant to identify best practices in boundary management and engage with the community.
• FCPS hired MGT Consulting to perform the work.

2020:

• MGT Consulting surveyed best practices in boundary management.

2021:

• MGT Consulting engaged with the community about boundary management.
• MGT Consulting recommended that the School Board:  
• Prioritize the efficient use of school buildings;
• Centralize or regionalize programs with great demand to ensure equitable access for all families;
• Limit travel times; and
• Formally evaluate school boundaries every 5 years.
• The community engagement found that respondents supported:
• Limiting travel times of 30 minutes or less;
• Constructing additions or adjusting school boundaries to remedy overcrowding;
• Adding new programming or adjusting school boundaries to remedy under-enrollment;
• Adjusting school boundaries every 2-4 years, every 5-10 years, or as necessary; and
• Adjusting school boundaries to keep student cohorts together, reduce travel times, and ensure equitable access to programming.

2024:

• The School Board considered potential revisions to Policy 8130.
• The School Board adopted a new Policy 8130, which requires a comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries at least every 5 years.
• The new Policy 8130 prioritizes the following factors for boundary changes:  
• Equitable access to programming;
• Efficient and effective use of school facilities, to include the elimination of split feeders;
• Geographic proximity, to include the elimination of attendance islands; and
• Travel times, to include safety for biking and walking.
• The new Policy 8130 requires extensive community engagement, to include:
• Community meetings (in person and virtual) in all FCPS regions before any changes are proposed; and
• Community meetings (in person and virtual) for every high school pyramid after changes are proposed.

Through the following links, you can watch the School Board discuss potential changes to Policy 8130, and you can review the presentations and reports provided to the School Board.  

• School Board Work Session (October 15, 2018) – Agenda and Video 1 2 3
• School Board Work Session (February 25, 2019) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Work Session (March 11, 2019) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Work Session (July 22, 2019) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Work Session (December 14, 2021) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Work Session (February 13, 2024) – Agenda and Video
• Governance Committee (February 22, 2024) – Agenda
• Governance Committee (March 12, 2024) – Agenda
• Governance Committee (April 15, 2024) – Agenda
• Governance Committee (April 16, 2024) - Agenda
• Governance Committee (May 20, 2024) - Agenda
• Governance Committee (June 18, 2024) - Agenda
• School Board Work Session (June 25, 2024) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Regular Meeting (July 18, 2024) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Regular Meeting (September 12, 2024) – Agenda and Video
• School Board Work Session (October 8, 2024) – Agenda and Video
• Boundary Review Planning Presentation

For more information, you can review the following FCPS websites:

• School Boundary Policy Review (2018-2021)
• School Boundary Policy Review (2024)

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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The Dunne Dispatch (Homecoming & the Arts Special Edition) - 10/23/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Fall is a wonderful time to get together with friends and support our schools!

• Three local football teams are celebrating homecoming on Friday, October 25. Why overpay for the NFL when you can watch exciting football games close to home?
• Our students at West Potomac HS, Edison HS, South County HS, Twain MS, Hayfield MS, and South County MS are producing theater productions of Puffs (One Acts for Young Wizards); Peter Pan & Wendy; The 39 Steps; The Internet is Distract—Oh, Look! A Kitten! and 9 Reasons Not to Be in a Play; SpongeBob the Musical; and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Why pay for Broadway in New York when you can watch the same productions locally?

Please join me to celebrate the daily excellence of our public schools and support our local athletics and theater programs!  

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Celebrate Homecoming with Mount Vernon District Schools

Hayfield SS Homecoming, October 25

• Friday October 25, 4pm, Hayfield Homecoming Parade. The annual Homecoming parade will leave Hayfield at 4pm and roll through Hayfield Farms before returning to Hayfield by 5pm. Come cheer on our athletic teams, marching band, JROTC, class officers, DramaHawks, and Homecoming Royalty Court in the parade!
• Friday, October 25, 5-7 p.m., Hawktoberfest. Join Hayfield SS for its 6th Annual Hawktoberfest! Come grab some food from the food trucks, play games, win prizes, get your face painted, and more!
• Friday, October 25, 7 p.m., Homecoming Football Game vs. Riverdale Baptist Crusaders. 
• Saturday, October 26, 7-10 p.m., Homecoming Dance. The Miami Nights Homecoming dance will be at Hayfield on Saturday night. All 9-12th graders are invited to the dance and tickets are being sold exclusively on MySchoolBucks. Tickets will be sold until Friday 10/25. No tickets will be sold on the day of the dance or at the door. Students who are attending the dance must enter by 9pm.

Mount Vernon HS Homecoming, October 25

• Friday October 25, 5:30 -7 PM, Homecoming TailGate. Activities will include Games, Hot Dogs, Face Painting, Trunk or Treat, and Hot Chocolate.  There will also be a Chili Cookoff.

• Friday, October 25, 7 p.m., Homecoming Football Game vs. Annandale. 
• Saturday, October 26, 7-11 p.m., Homecoming Dance. The Homecoming dance will be in the Field House on Saturday night. All 9-12th graders are invited to the dance and tickets are being sold during lunch. Tickets will be sold until Friday 10/25. No tickets will be sold on the day of the dance or at the door. Students who are attending the dance must enter by 9pm.

South County HS Homecoming, October 25

• Thursday October 24, 4pm, Homecoming Parade. The annual Homecoming parade will leave the Flagpole in the front of the school at 4pm and roll through Laurel Hill Elementary before returning to the Flagpole by 5pm. Come cheer on our athletic teams, marching band, JROTC, class officers, and Homecoming Royalty Court in the parade!
• Friday, October 25, 5-7 p.m., Pre-Game Tailgate. Join South County HS for pre-game festivities! Prepare your favorite pre-game snack and play games! We will also have a live DJ.
• Friday, October 25, 7 p.m., Homecoming Football Game vs. CG Woodson HS. 
• Saturday, October 26, 8-11 p.m., Homecoming Dance. The Homecoming dance will be in the South County HS Bubble on Saturday night. All 9-12th graders are invited to the dance and tickets are being sold during all lunch periods throughout the week. Tickets will be sold until Friday 10/25. No tickets will be sold on the day of the dance or at the door.

John R. Lewis HS Homecoming, October 25

• Wednesday, October 23, 4-6 p.m., Chili and Cheese Cookoff. Come see which group makes the best chili and mac-n-cheese!
• Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 p.m., Power Puff Game. Join the Lewis HS community on the Stadium Field to support the players.
• Thursday, October 24, Pep Rally. Lewis HS Gymnasium.
• Friday, October 25, 7 p.m., Football Game Falls Church HS.  Come join the fun as the Lancers take on Falls Church.
• Saturday, October 26, 7-10 p.m., Homecoming Dance. Lewis HS Gymnasium.

Recent Mount Vernon District Schools Homecomings: West Potomac HS and Edison HS

Congratulations to the remaining Mount Vernon District schools (and schools where Mount Vernon District students attend) that recently completed 2024 homecoming activities:

• West Potomac HS, September 30. From students shining in spirit to the intense game-day action, West Potomac HS captured the best moments of Homecoming Celebrations 2024. View this slideshow to relive the energy of the hype squad cheering on the team and the elegance of students in their finest formal wear at the dance.
• Edison HS, October 18. Edison HS students enjoyed a week of spirit dress-up days and held a pep rally on Friday before facing Annandale HS. The Edison HS community enjoyed a variety of homecoming festivities, including the Eagle Bowl, Follies, and, of course, the homecoming dance. 

Celebrate the Arts with Mount Vernon District Schools

West Potomac HS Theatre Presents: Puffs (One Acts for Young Wizards)

West Potomac HS Kolgelman Theatre

• Thursday, October 31. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Show at 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, November 7. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 9. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Show at 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Note: When purchasing tickets, please check DATE, TIME, and PERFORMERS to assure that you are buying for intended show. 

Purchase tickets online.

Edison HS Theatre Presents: Peter Pan & Wendy

James M. Barrie's classic tale comes to the stage in a new adaptation by Edison Theatre director Jeffrey Walker. Come join Peter and Tinkerbell as they whisk the Darling children off to Neverland to meet the Lost Boys and fight Capt. Hook and the pirates. 

• Wednesday, November 13. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, November 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 16. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Show at 2 p.m.

Purchase tickets online.

South County HS Theatre Presents: The 39 Steps, November 14-16

Patrick Barlow’s comedic adaptation of The 39 Steps, Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film noir thriller bursts onto the stage with fast-paced action and nonstop laughs. The story centers around Richard Hannay, a man in a mid-life lull who is suddenly thrown in the middle of a dangerous spy ring and mistakenly accused of murder. As he rushes to save Britian from a horrible fate and clear his name, we sit on the edge of our seats urging him on and laughing at the absurd situations in which he finds himself.

• Thursday, November 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 16. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Show at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, November 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Twain MS Theatre Presents: The Internet is Distract—Oh, Look! A Kitten! and 9 Reasons Not to Be in a Play, November 21-23

• Thursday, November 21. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets online. 

Hayfield MS Theatre Presents: The SpongeBob Musical, November 21 - 23, 2024

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it's SpongeBob SquarePants! Join Hayfield MS Theatre for a youth-friendly edition of the hit Broadway musical. Tickets will go on sale in November. Kudos also to Hayfield SS Theatre for its fall production of Hadestown Teen Edition. This show ran October 17-19. Photos will be posted soon. 

South County MS Theatre Presents: Beauty and the Beast, Jr., January 31 and February 1

Join South County MS for the classic tale of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out!

• Friday, January 31. Show at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 1. Show at 1 p.m.
• Saturday, February 1. Show at 7 p.m.

Online ticket sales begin November 1. 

Local Events and Attractions

Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon

• Visit Mount Vernon This Fall Save 30% on Daytime Admission. School is out for Fairfax County students from Nov. 1-5! Bring the family to Mount Vernon to experience limited-time activities, including free tractor trail rides and Archaeology Family Days. Save 30% on daytime admission tickets using the promo code STUDENT. Promo code is valid through Dec. 31 on up to 6 tickets. Plan your visit. 

• Tractor Trail Rides: Nov 1-5 Included in General Admission; Tickets Required. Experience a behind-the-scenes tractor ride guided by Mount Vernon's Director of Livestock & Horticulture, Dean Norton. During the tour, you’ll go behind the scenes on Mount Vernon’s trails and see where 18th-century roads once wove through the forest. Learn more.

• Archaeology Family Day: Nov 2 & 3 Included in General Admission. Through hands-on activities, explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about the Washingtons, the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon, and the 18th century. Learn more. 

• Getting Washington's Horses Ready to Ride: Nov. 4 & 5 Included in General Admission. Help get George Washington’s horses ready to ride! Join interpreter Al Underwood to gather and organize the supplies needed for Washington’s upcoming journey in this hands-on activity. Learn more. 

Visit George Mason's Gunston Hall

• Revolutionary War Day, Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Revolutionary War touched everyone in the American colonies, not just soldiers and politicians. Visit Gunston Hall to explore life at home and learn how Colonel Mason and his fellow Virginians supported the war effort. Families and participants of all ages are invited to engage with activities and demonstrations throughout the day. Join us for: Militia Artillery Demonstrations, 18th-century Recipe Tasting, A Soldier's March Obstacle Course and more! Don't miss out and get your tickets now: Adults: $15 Kids: $8 Members: 50% discount. Learn more and purchase tickets online. 

• History in the Kitchen (Online), Saturday, November 9, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. This free online series illuminates what kinds of food were eaten by different people in colonial Virginia.  Every 45-minute class spotlights a dish eaten by one of the following groups: the Mason family; people enslaved at Gunston Hall; the white laborers, shopkeepers, and tenant farmers; and the peoples native to this land. Participants will learn how social class and wealth affected what food people had access to. On November 9th, we will focus on Native American Foodways. Kids and adults alike will have a great time learning history while cooking! This program is designed for families with kids 10-18, but is open to participants of all ages. Learn more and register online. 

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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

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The Dunne Dispatch (School Boundaries Edition, Part 1) - 10/16/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I have received many inquiries about potential changes to school boundaries, so I am preparing a series of newsletters on this subject.

This is the first issue in the series.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of all school boundaries for elementary, middle, and high schools across the county for the first time in 40 years.

GET INVOLVED:

1. Boundary Review Advisory Committee: You have a limited opportunity to apply to participate in this committee, which will provide continuous feedback to the Superintendent as FCPS considers potential changes to school boundaries. The committee will include parents and guardians, FCPS administrators and staff, and community members. In addition, the committee will include representatives of relevant organizations. Committee members will be expected to attend regular in-person meetings, review relevant materials, and actively participate in discussions. The Superintendent has emphasized that this is a time-intensive commitment—it is expected the committee will meet biweekly for the next 12-18 months. Click here to apply. Applications are due by Friday, October 18.
2. Community Meetings (Round 1): You will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually in community meetings before any changes are proposed to school boundaries. The Superintendent is planning to convene at least 24 community meetings across the county, which are expected to be held between November 2024 and March 2025. A meeting will be held at every high school in the county. Each meeting will be up to 2 hours in length. At each meeting, the Superintendent will present on the rationale and process for revising school boundaries. Her presentation will be followed by small-group breakout sessions (with 8-10 people in each small group) wherein a moderator will facilitate a conversation with prompted questions to ensure every voice is heard. The information collected and views expressed during the meetings will inform the development of potential scenarios for amending school boundaries. 
3. Community Meetings (Round 2): You will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually in community meetings after consultants have developed potential scenarios for amending school boundaries. The Superintendent is planning to convene at least 24 community meetings across the county, which are expected to be held between May 2025 and September 2025. A meeting will be held at every high school in the county. You will have the opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide your feedback. The format will be the same as Round 1: an initial presentation followed by small-group breakout sessions. 
4. Community Meetings (Round 3): It is possible that the Superintendent may convene a third round of community meetings to present revised scenarios for amending school boundaries. 
5. Virtual Town Halls: I will be holding a Virtual Town Hall on Monday, November 11 at 7:00-8:30 PM. I will present on school boundaries, cell phones, and other issues. You will have the opportunity to ask questions on any school-related issues. Please click here to register.
6. Group Meetings with Mateo: I am happy to meet with your PTA/PTSA/PTO or neighborhood association to discuss school-related issues, to include school boundaries. If you would like to invite me to attend one of your meetings, please contact my Staff Aide Nelda Brown. I encourage you to join your local PTA/PTSA/PTO because these organizations work hard to support our schools, staff, and students. I also encourage you to join your local neighborhood association because these organizations work hard to improve and maintain the quality of life in your community.  These organizations are routinely consulted by elected officials for input on important initiatives and policies, so consider getting involved to ensure your voice is heard.
7. High School Pyramid Advisory Councils: I am planning to establish advisory councils for the Mount Vernon HS, South County HS, and West Potomac HS pyramids. I intend to consult the advisory councils on a regular basis regarding important initiatives and policies. I hope to use the advisory councils to inform the development of a strategic plan and vision for each pyramid and to enhance coordination within the pyramid to realize the plan and vision. These advisory councils will not focus on school boundaries, but they may discuss this topic as part of a larger agenda. If you are interested, please complete this online interest form. You will be prompted to submit your resume along with a brief explanation of your interest. Email my Staff Aide Nelda Brown at [email protected] if you have questions or need more information. 
8. Emails: You are welcome to contact me at [email protected] anytime if I can assist your family with any school-related issues, to include school boundaries. Please note that the School Board is a part-time position, so please excuse any delays in responding to your queries. Please include my Staff Aide Nelda Brown ([email protected]) to ensure a faster response.

TIMELINE:*

February 2019

The School Board received a research report on best practices in school boundary management. (Video: YouTube)

July 2024

The School Board adopted a new policy to govern school boundaries. (Video: YouTube)

September 2024

The School Board authorized the Superintendent to hire Thru Consulting LLC to facilitate the comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries. (Video: YouTube)

October 2024

Thru Consulting LLC presented an overview of its project management plan for the comprehensive reassessment of school boundaries. (Video: YouTube)

November 2024-March 2025

A first round of community meetings will be held before any changes are proposed to school boundaries.

March-May 2025

Thru Consulting will develop potential scenarios for amending school boundaries.

May-September 2025

A second round of community meetings will be held after Thru Consulting has developed potential scenarios for amending school boundaries.

TBD

Thru Consulting may develop revised scenarios for amending school boundaries.

TBD

A third round of community meetings may be held after Thru Consulting has developed revised scenarios for amending school boundaries.

October-November 2025

Thru Consulting will finalize the scenarios to be presented to the School Board.

November 2025-January 2026

The School Board will review the final scenarios for amending school boundaries.

January 2026

The School Board will vote on the proposed changes as a single package.

August 2026

It is expected the changes will be implemented in Fall 2026, but it is possible the changes will be phased in over multiple years.

*This timeline is subject to change. 

 

WHO DECIDES (ADVOCACY GUIDE): 

In January 2026, the School Board will decide whether to approve the proposed changes to school boundaries. You should focus your advocacy on the School Board.

If you live in the Mount Vernon District, your representatives on the School Board are:

• Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative ([email protected]) / Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, [email protected]
• Kyle McDaniel, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. McDaniel online)
• Ryan McElveen, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. McElveen online)
• Ilryong Moon, At-Large Representative (Contact Mr. Moon online)

Please note that the School Board has exclusive responsibility for determining School Boundaries.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance with any school-related matters.

 

Very Respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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

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The Dunne Dispatch (Calendar Edition) - 10/07/2024

The Dunne Dispatch alternates between providing a calendar of events and reporting on School Board updates, student accomplishments, and school celebrations. My goal is to connect the schools with the community, and vice versa. Even if you do not have children attending FCPS, I encourage you to attend public events at our schools.

Inside this issue:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• Academic Planning Announcements
• Pyramid Events and Announcements
• Upcoming PTA/PTO/PTSA Meetings
• FCPS Events and Activities
• Community Events and Activities

If you have any school or related community events you would like me to include in my calendar email, please submit them here for consideration.

 

Very respectfully,

Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• Watch live on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) or the FCPS YouTube Channel.
• October 8 at 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report and Boundary Contract Work Plan
• October 10 at 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting.

Academic Planning Announcements

• Advanced Academics Parent Information Sessions Taking Place Now. Are you interested in referring your child in grades 3-8 for Full-Time Advanced Academics services? Full-Time referrals for the fall screening cycle are due Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Full-Time referrals for all other students are due no later than Sunday, December 15, 2024. Please visit the FCPS AAP site for helpful information regarding the continuum of services and the referral process. For more information about all of the AAP services we offer, please visit your child’s Schoology course and look in the Advanced Academics Folder for the AAP Fall Newsletter. Use your ParentVUE login credentials to access Schoology. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART). Most elementary schools are hosting Advanced Academics Information Meetings to help families learn more about Advanced Academics in FCPS. Please check your school’s newsletter, website, and/or other communication channels for scheduling information. Below are some dates and times of upcoming Parent Information Meetings at Mount Vernon District schools:
• Mount Eagle ES: October 8, 6:15 - 7 p.m. via Zoom and October 10, 8:40 - 9:10 a.m. in the school library. Questions? Email [email protected].
• Fort Hunt ES: October 9; 6:30-7:15 pm on Zoom (Link will be sent out to all families that morning.) Questions? Email [email protected].
• Washington Mill: October 9, 6 p.m. Questions? Call 703-619-2500 or email [email protected].
• Newington Forest, October 9, 6 p.m. No RSVP necessary.  
• Island Creek ES: October 9, 9 a.m. in cafeteria.You may attend in-person or access the meeting virtually by clicking this link. Questions? Email [email protected]. 
• Bucknell ES: October 17, 6 – 7 p.m via Zoom. Spanish translation will be available. The link is https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94357609513. Questions? Contact Mr. Tucker. 

• PSAT / SAT Day, October 9. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 is the PSAT and SAT School Day for all high schools in Fairfax County. All 10th and 11th grade students were enrolled in the PSAT test. 12th graders who opted in were enrolled in the SAT test. Since only the PSAT and SAT School Day is happening at high schools that day, 9th grade students do not report to school, nor do 12th grade students who did not sign up for the SAT.

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

Pyramid Events and Announcements

Mount Vernon Pyramid

• Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper School’s National Hispanic Heritage Month Potluck Lunch, October 9. Fort Belvoir Elementary School Family Ambassadors invites all Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper School families to come together to share Hispanic traditional dishes, learn about the rich cultures, and connect with new friends! Younger siblings are welcome to attend too! RSVP to [email protected] by October 6. 

• Washington Mill ES Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, October 11. Washington Mill ES students, staff, and families are invited celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together on Friday, October 11. This event is an opportunity to recognize the many contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. Participants are invited to dress in their country's traditional attire or wear clothing that represents Hispanic heritage and culture!
• Save the Date for Upcoming Events at Riverside ES. Attention Riverside ES families! Please save the following dates:

• Woodlawn ES PTA Host Series of Monthly Events! Save the date for the following events being hosted by the Woodlawn ES PTA: 
• October 25, 6:00-8:30 p.m.: Trunk n Treat
• November 23, 5-8 p.m.: Turkey Bingo
• December 6, 6-9 p.m.: Movie Night 

All events take place at Woodlawn ES,  8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA.

West Potomac Pyramid

• Bucknell Family Science Night, October 10, 6 p.m. Family Science Night is October 10. The event will be held in the Bucknell ES Gym on Thursday, November 10th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Stations will be set up for families to participate in hands-on science activities. Just show up and be ready for a great time! We can't wait to see you there!

• Fall Immunization Clinic at West Potomac HS, October 16. West Potomac HS will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on October 16, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at West Potomac may participate in the clinic.The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic: 

• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine. If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide: 

• Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
•  A copy of their immunization records (if available).
• A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required. 

Please bring your signed consent form to Student Services by October 8 in order for your child to participate. For more information, call 703-718-2511.

• Save the Date for West Potomac HS's Upcoming Events! 

• October 25: West Potomac Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
• October 26, 10-3 p.m.: Wolverine Athletic Booster Club Marketplace 
• October 27, 8-11 a.m.: Dance Team FUNDrive at West Potomac HS 

• 2024 Fort Hunt Fall Fest, October 18. Attention Fort Hunt ES students and families! Don't miss the 2024 Fort Hunt Fall Fest. There will be a costume parade, book fair, and of course lots of treats! Free transportation will be provided to and from Creekside between 5:10-8 p.m.
• Save the Date: Fort Hunt ES's Veterans' Day Celebration & Luncheon, November 8. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 8. Fort Hunt ES will host its annual Veterans' Day celebration event, which includes a family luncheon. All parents/caregivers are invited to join their child for a special turkey lunch. Stay tuned for more information about purchasing meal tickets and volunteer opportunities. 

South County Pyramid

• South County Hosting Hearing & Vision Screening for 10th graders, October 10-11. Attention South County HS 10th grade students who wear glasses and/or contacts. Bring your glasses or be sure to wear your contacts to school October 10 and 11, 2024. South County HS is conducting the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) required hearing and vision screening for all 10th grade students.

• Mandatory Safe Teen Driving Sessions for South County HS 10th graders. South County HS will host 4 sessions of PSTD - Partners for Safe Teen Driving this school year.  Every 10th graders currently enrolled in HPE 10 must attend ONE of the sessions with a parent/guardian.  The presentations are held in the auditorium and begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:45 and lock at 7:00 p.m. – no late arrivals permitted.  Presentations last approximately 90 minutes. Any questions please reach out to Maureen Saale- [email protected]. The session dates are as follows:   

• Oct 17, 2024, 
• Jan 9, 2025
• Feb. 11, 2025
• April 7, 2025

• Laurel Hill ES Screen on the Green, October 18. Laurel Hill ES’s Screen on the Green is RESCHEDULED to Friday, October 18th. Laurel Hill ES families are invited to have dinner and a movie under the stars. Movie will be Despicable Me 4. Entry is free. Concessions will be for sale. Bring cash to participate in the 50/50. 

• Support Laurel Hill ES’s Monthly Dine Out Nights. Laurel Hill ES’s PTA is also hosting monthly Dine Out Nights. Several dine out nights are planned with local Lorton restaurants. Be sure to mention Laurel Hill ES so the appropriate discounts can be applied, and a portion of the proceeds benefit our organization.
• Every Thursday until June 2025 - Papa Johns Gunston location only 
• Oct 9 - Panera - 4-8pm
• Oct 14 - Duck Donut Truck-8-11am (Student Holiday/No School)
• Nov 19 - Chipotle - 4-9pm

Hayfield Pyramid

• Island Creek ES Hosts Coffee and Conversation about Advanced Academics, October 9. We invite families to join us at our Coffee and Conversations! No worries if you are unable to attend as session information will be made available on our website. Our next Coffee and Conversations is on Wednesday, October 9 at 9:00 and the topic is Advanced Academics..

• Share the Warmth: Island Creek ES Sponsors Winter Clothing Drive (October 15-31). Island Creek ES is thrilled to announce its 3rd  Annual Share the Warmth Winter Clothing Drive! They will collect donations of new or lovingly used winter clothing for children, ages 4-12. Island Creek ES families are asked to ensure that all lovingly used clothing be washed before donating. Donations will be made to a Title 1 school in Fairfax County, which will host a November “shopping night” for families free of charge.

• Make Your Move!: Lorton Station ES Chess Club Registration Now Open! For grades 2-6 interested in learning and playing chess! All levels are welcome. Club activities take place Fridays before school in the cafeteria unless school is closed. Registration fee: $130/semester and includes one club t-shirt per year and snacks! Registration deadline for the fall 2024 semester: October 15. 

Edison Pyramid

• Edison HS Breakfast Celebration, October 21. Edison HS’s PTSA is looking to show EHS staff some love by hosting a Breakfast Celebration on Monday, October 21. Help is needed to make this annual breakfast the best yet! Edison HS families, please see the PTSA Sign Up Genius to donate items. Want to donate but don't have the time? Feel free to donate online.  Edison HS families are also asked to save the date for Edison’s Homecoming Game (October 18) and Homecoming Dance (October 19).
• Donations Needed for Edison Academy Haunted House. Edison HS’s PTSA is helping to promote the Electrical class haunted house. They are requesting donations of snack size Halloween candy to be given out to attendees. Please help us, help them and drop off any donations by October 25 in the Halloween box at the main office.

• Twain MS AVID FUNDrive, November 5. Start cleaning up your house and donate your unwanted items! Your donations will help AVID raise money to afford a charter bus to visit colleges outside of our immediate area. We will be accepting trash bags of soft goods (clothing, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.) and boxes of books and media (we can accept paperbacks, hard cover - all genres. No encyclopedias or K-12 textbooks). Donations will be collected on November 5th between 9:00-11:00 am. Be on the lookout for more details about contributing donations!

• Mount Eagle ES PTO Hosts Pizza & Puzzles Night, October 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Mount Eagle ES students and families are invited to join the PTO for its Second Annual Pizza & Puzzles Night on Wednesday, October 16 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity for learning and fun!

Upcoming PTA/PTO/PTSA Meetings 

• Twain PTA General Membership Meeting, October 8, 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Twain MS families are invited to join the next meeting of Twain MS’s PTA on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend!  Register online in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Follow Twain PTS on Facebook @Mark Twain MS PTA and Instagram @twainmspta to stay in touch with what’s happening at Twain PTA
• Laurel Hill ES PTA Meeting, October 8. Laurel Hill ES’s PTA will meet on Tuesday, October 8 at 7pm in the school library. The PTA is busy planning programs such as International Night, field trips for ALL students, teacher appreciation activities, STEAM Night, Literacy Night, Kindness Week, among others. They are also working with the school to pursue Purple Star School status and support military families and children throughout the year. Laurel Hill ES families who have not yet joined the PTA should join online and follow the group on Facebook. 
• Newington Forest ES PTA Meeting, October 9. Newington Forest ES PTA will meet on October 9 immediately following the school’s Advanced Academic Parent Information Session, which starts at 6 p.m.
• Edison PTSA Meeting, October 15, 7 p.m.. Edison HS’s next PTSA meeting is October 15th at 7 p.m. It is a hybrid meeting and a zoom link for those wishing to join online will be sent out that day.
• Riverside ES PTA Meeting, October 16, 7 p.m. The Riverside ES PTA wants you to join our Riverside School Community. Join us for our monthly meetings! Meetings are held virtually. A link will be sent via Talking Points the day of the meeting. All meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the 3rdWednesday of the month!

FCPS Events and Activities

• Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students. Does your child need school-required immunizations?
  • Safeway Pharmacy will provide immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost. 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. These clinics will take place on: 
    • Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
    • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
  • 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 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 for students to receive immunizations. Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

• Walk and Roll to School Day, October 9. On your mark, get set, WALK & ROLL!  Get ready for the 28th Annual National Walk & Roll to School Day on October 9, 2024! FCPS participates in this annual event to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to accompany their children to school and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

• Benchmark Advance: The New K-6 Language Arts Curriculum Webinars, October 8 and 9. Join us for an overview of the new K-6 language arts curriculum. This will include background information regarding the Benchmark Advance and how this program is organized to ensure evidence-based literacy instruction for all K-6 students. Webinar Highlights: What is evidence-based literacy instruction? What is The Benchmark Advance and its cross-curricular units? Provided scaffolds and supports for students with disabilities Join the FCPS Instructional Services Department and FCPS Office of Special Education Instruction for this important webinar on October 8, 2024, 6:30-8 p.m. or October 9, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m. Register Online

• Get to Know FCPS: Register to Attend a Virtual Family Orientation. This interactive orientation provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should get to know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation also includes a discussion that is helpful for families who are new to the United States. Register in advance. Visit the Family Academy catalog page to see the dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish. Sessions in English are held online on:

• • Tuesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. 

• Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics Webinar, October 18, 10-11:30 a.m. Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics. During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day. Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy. October 18, 2024 10-11:30 A.M. Register Online

• Annual College Fair, October 20. The annual Fairfax County Public Schools College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Register in advance. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Find more information on FCPS’ Look to the Future web page.

• Moving on to Life Community Resource Fair, November 13. Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for the annual Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair! This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS. Learn about: supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more! Families and caregivers are welcome! When: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Where: Fairfax High School Cafeteria (enter through Door 1), 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030. Register online. 

Community Events and Activities

• Steamology STEM Fest, October 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Register by Thursday, October 4 for FREE bus transportation available from neighboring schools--see below for more information). Steamology will host its annual STEM FEST at Mount Vernon HS on October 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to come enjoy FREE activities related to STEM, including Robotics, Coding, Experiments, and more! This event provides students with a chance to engage in hands-on activities related to science, technology, and mathematics. HS students are invited to serve as volunteers. This is a valuable opportunity for high school students to develop leadership skills, gain community service hours, and potentially inspire younger students to pursue their STEM interests. STEM FEST will also feature high school clubs and vendors, who will set up informational booths or displays related to STEM. The participation rate for the event is around 500 or more students. Visit Steamology online to register, volunteer, or host a booth or display. Register by Thursday, October 10 4 p.m. to sign-up for FREE bus service to/from Fort Belvoir ES, Woodlawn ES, Washington Mill ES, and Mount Vernon ES. 

• Register Now for the 9th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon, October 19. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck invites you to participate in this community bike ride on Saturday October 19, starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Riders will enjoy a fun ride through the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological and cultural sites in the southern and central parts of the Mount Vernon District. The route consists of paved roads, paved trails and has some challenging sections. The event is rain or shine. Learn more and register online today!

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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

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

The Dunne Dispatch (Local Events Edition) - 09/12/2024

• Raptor Rapture at Fort Hunt Park, Free, September 14, 1 p.m. Don’t miss this FREE opportunity to see live raptors, owls, and hawks up close on September 14, 1 p.m. at Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, the National Park Service and Secret Garden Birds and Bees.

• Trail Cleanup at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and Belle Haven Park, September 21, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Calling all stewards of the environment! Join the National Park Service and the Friends of Dyke Marsh for a shoreline and trail cleanup at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and Belle Haven Park in honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day! Register in advance. The registration link also includes a map showing parking, check-in, and bathroom locations. Let's work together to keep our ecosystem beautiful!

• Steamology STEM Fest, October 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Steamology will host its annual STEM FEST at Mount Vernon HS on October 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to come enjoy FREE activities related to STEM, including Robotics, Coding, Experiments, and more! This event provides students with a chance to engage in hands-on activities related to science, technology, and mathematics. HS students are invited to serve as volunteers. This is a valuable opportunity for high school students to develop leadership skills, gain community service hours, and potentially inspire younger students to pursue their STEM interests. STEM FEST will also feature high school clubs and vendors, who will set up informational booths or displays related to STEM. The participation rate for the event is around 500 or more students. Visit Steamology online to register, volunteer, or host a booth or display. 

• Register Now for the 9th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon, October 19. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck invites you to participate in this community bike ride on Saturday October 19 2024, starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Riders will enjoy a fun ride through the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological and cultural sites in the southern and central parts of the Mount Vernon District. The route consists of paved roads, paved trails and has some challenging sections. The event is rain or shine. Learn more and register online today! 

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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The Dunne Dispatch (Principal Edition) - 08/13/2024

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is my pleasure to welcome our newest principal to the Mount Vernon Magisterial District:

• Ms. Paula Johnson-Tyler, Halley ES

I worked assiduously with FCPS leadership to ensure an effective and experienced administrator was selected to lead Halley ES. As you know, I want to ensure the administrators who lead our schools understand how to build and maintain a positive learning environment for students and staff. I also want to ensure that our administrators have the requisite experience in strengthening student outcomes and addressing critical issues such as absenteeism.

I enthusiastically support the selection of Principal Johnson-Tyler. I met Principal Johnson-Tyler during a recent school visit to Halley ES where she served as Assistant Principal for the past five years. She brings an extensive working knowledge of the school, staff, and community and I am confident she will hit the ground running on Day 1! I am excited to work with her to ensure all of our students receive a world-class education.

As Halley ES makes this leadership transition, I also want to thank our outgoing and interim principals for their service. Many thanks to former Halley ES Principal Kerry Peerman, who recently transferred from Halley ES to become the new principal of Garfield ES. Special thanks also to Interim Principal Kathy Case who provided seasoned leadership for Halley ES during this critical time.

Halley ES Incoming Principal Paula Johnson-Tyler and Region 4 Assistant Superintendent Pablo Resendiz

I encourage Mount Vernon District families and residents to get to know our  principals. Strong communities require strong schools, and vice versa. Attending Back to School community events, open houses, and programs are an excellent way to meet and greet our staff and learn more about your local schools. Check out your school's website for the latest schedule of Back to School events. 

Very respectfully,

Mount Vernon District Representative Mateo Dunne

Welcome Halley ES Incoming Principal Paula Johnson-Tyler

Paula Johnson-Tyler has been named new principal of Halley Elementary School, effective August 12, 2024.

With over 20 years of experience in education and school administration, Ms. Johnson-Tyler has a solid background in fostering student success and supporting staff development. Having spent the past five years as the Assistant Principal at Halley Elementary School, she is well-acquainted with the school’s strengths and challenges and is ready to lead with a focus on sustaining and building upon the progress already made.

Ms. Johnson-Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as a certification in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. During her tenure as Assistant Principal, Ms. Johnson-Tyler was instrumental in managing educational programs, overseeing staff, and driving initiatives to improve student outcomes. Her experience in supporting both academic and behavioral programs has been key in serving the needs of Halley Elementary School’s diverse student body.

Recognized for her leadership abilities, Ms. Johnson-Tyler has received accolades such as the Outstanding School Leader award in both 2017 and 2024 within the South County Pyramid and at Halley Elementary in 2021. Her participation in the FCPS Aspiring Principals Cohort and various professional development programs demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Halley Elementary School community looks forward to Ms. Johnson-Tyler's leadership in this new role. With her experience and clear vision for the school’s future, we are confident that she will continue to advance our goals and contribute to the ongoing success of our students and staff. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Johnson-Tyler as the new principal of Halley Elementary School.

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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

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The Dunne Dispatch (Back to School Edition) - 08/06/2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are rapidly approaching the first day of school on Monday, August 19, so I would like to share the following information with you.

School Attendance

We are fortunate to live in a time and place where the Constitution requires the State to provide “a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age” and “ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained.” Fairfax County Public Schools is an exemplar of public education, but each child’s educational attainment and ability to realize their potential is contingent on regular school attendance.

During the pandemic, our children lost the habit of attending school every day. Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 18+ days (or 2 days per month) in the school year—nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. This is a universal phenomenon, affecting students at all income levels in every region of the country. It is also highly destructive. Chronic absenteeism has been linked to reduced student achievement, social disengagement, and feelings of alienation because students miss out on opportunities to learn, to build friendships, to get involved in their school communities, and to pursue their interests.

There is no grade level at which school attendance should be considered optional. For example, students who are chronically absent in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade fall behind in learning to read. At every age level, chronic absenteeism can make it difficult for students to keep up with the pace of learning. Once students fall behind, it can be hard for them to catch up, especially if they have limited resources. If we learned anything from the pandemic, there is no substitute for being in the classroom.

Virginia is in the process of enacting school accreditation standards that will penalize schools with higher chronic absenteeism rates. FCPS is going above and beyond to ensure students attend school every day, but it is imperative that we work together as a community to reduce absenteeism and ensure every child receives a world-class education.  

Back to School Resources

I was excited to co-sponsor a Back to School Community Day with Supervisor Dan Storck at the Lorton Community Center on Saturday, August 3. It was an awesome community celebration with abundant games, music, and snow cones. Hundreds of families received free backpacks and school supplies. I am extremely grateful to Supervisor Storck and his team for organizing this tremendous event, which was attended by 2,000+ community members. Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers for everything you did to make this event an incredible success! 

I am pleased to announce that additional resource fairs are scheduled in the Mount Vernon District:

• The Mount Vernon Pyramid will host a Back to School Resource Fair on Thursday, August 8 at 1:00-4:00 PM for all students attending schools in the MVHS pyramid. Free backpacks and school supplies will be available. In addition, parents and guardians can learn about support services to assist their families.
• Bryant HS will host its Back to School Open House and Resource Fair on Monday, August 12 at 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Free school supplies will be available. In addition, students, parents, and guardians can receive class schedules and can learn about support services to assist their families.

Pyramid Advisory Councils

I am planning to establish a Pyramid Advisory Council for each of the high schools located in the Mount Vernon District: Mount Vernon HS, South County HS, and West Potomac HS. The objectives of the Councils are enhance community engagement, increase coordination within pyramids, and provide stakeholders with a voice in the direction and operation of their pyramids.

Each Council will be comprised of one representative from each elementary school, two representatives from each middle school, and three representatives from each high school. In addition, the principal (or their designee) from each school will be invited to participate. Meetings will be held at least quarterly, though they could occur more frequently as necessary.

If you are interested in serving, please submit your resume to my Staff Aide Nelda Brown ([email protected]) along with a brief explanation of your interest and relationship to FCPS (such as parent/guardian, student, or community member).

Back to School Events

Each school will host an Open House and Back to School Night. I am providing you with the current schedule, but it is subject to change. Please monitor communications with your school to ensure you have the most accurate information.

Mount Vernon District School Open Houses

School Name

Open House Date

Start

End

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

Quander Road School

Monday, August 12

8:30 AM

1:30 PM

John R. Lewis HS

Tuesday, August 13

5:00 PM  

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Wednesday, August 14        

3:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Wednesday, August 14

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, August 14

2:30 PM

6:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:00 PM

Bucknell ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Edison HS

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Fort Belvoir Upper School   

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Riverside ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:30 PM

Stratford Landing ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Waynewood ES

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:30 AM

Woodlawn ES

Thursday, August 15

1:30 PM

3:30 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

South County HS

Thursday, August 15

1:00 PM

3:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Island Creek ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, August 15

11:00 AM   

1:00 PM

Lorton Station ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, August 15

4:30 PM

5:30 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, August 15 &

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Cameron ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Sandburg MS

Friday, August 16

12:00 PM

3:00 PM

Washington Mill ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM  

West Potomac HS

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Whitman MS

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

2:30 PM

Halley ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Friday, August 16

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

Silverbrook ES

Friday, August 16

9:30 AM

12:00 PM

Gunston ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Hayfield ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

 

Mount Vernon District Schools Back to School Nights

School Name

BTSN Date

Start 

End 

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM  

2:00 PM

TJHSST

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Edison HS

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Stratford Landing ES   

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Silverbrook ES

Tuesday, August 27 &

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Cameron ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Waynewood ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

South County HS

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Island Creek ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:45 PM

7:00 PM

John R. Lewis HS*

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Lorton Station ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Tuesday, September 1 &

Wednesday, September 11    

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Bucknell ES

Tuesday, September 3

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

TJHSST

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Sandburg MS

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Washington Mill ES

Thursday, September 5

6:45 PM

8:00 PM

West Potomac HS

Thursday, September 5

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Gunston ES

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, September 5

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

Whitman MS

Tuesday, September 10

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Halley ES

Tuesday, September 10

5:30:00 PM

7:30 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Woodlawn ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:45 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, September 11

5:00 PM

8:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Monday, September 16

5:30 PM

7:30 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Riverside ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, September 19

5:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Quander Road School

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Hayfield ES

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Upper School*   

Wednesday, September 25

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, October 17

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

*Hybrid event (In-person with a link for parents who choose to attend virtually).

Honoring Our Graduates

2024 Military Graduates. I would like to honor 25 Mount Vernon District students who graduated in June and committed to serve in the military. Our Class of 2024 Mount Vernon District "Military Graduates" include:

• Mount Vernon HS: 4 graduates;
• West Potomac HS: 3 graduates;
• South County HS: 11 graduates;
• Hayfield SS: 4 graduates;
• Edison HS: 2 graduates; and
• Lewis HS: 1 graduate

While I cannot disclose their names for privacy reasons, I sent each one a  letter last month to thank them for their courageous service and for helping to protect our Nation!

2024 Honor Graduates. I would also like to recognize the Mount Vernon District students who were Honor Graduates in June. This is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. 

Mount Vernon HS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Makayla Adams
• Rachel Adu
• Farjan Ahmed
• Jovana Allotey
• Zane Ammar
• Teya Banford
• Virginia Grace Belzer
• Ryan Chicoine
• Frisky Senior Dorgbadzi
• John Eckardt
• Mohammed El-Ghazali
• Sara El-Ghazali
• Cristina Garcia-Montalvo
• Ashley Gonzales-Rojas
• Phillip Ha
• Hannah Hamilton
• David Hammond
• Zermah Jafri
• Alanna Lee
• Chloe Leiterman
• Elie Lervik
• Garrett Lien
• Godwin Mensah
• Imoen Murphy
• Angelee Christine Nelson
• George Ofori
• Anna Ovsijenko
• Oliver Pabich
• David Runkle
• Savannah Russell
• Welid Saed
• Haithem Salmi
• Natalie Santangelo
• Emanuel Serrano
• Zaybish Tariq
• Morgan Tilghman
• Madelyn Torres
• Alec Vaughan
• Wilman Vlach
• Olivia Whitridge
• Mark Wilson

South County HS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Zaynab Abdulquddos
• Saron Abebe
• Dinah Addisalem
• Marjan Afzal
• Ariana Ahmadzai
• Amir Al-Husainawi
• Mustafa Ali
• Stella Alpaugh
• Issac An
• Michael Ardrey
• Emmanuel Asamoah
• Helen Ayalew
• Arman Bajwa
• Claire Baringer
• Lillian Barry
• Ellie Bartee
• Natalie Beasley
• Margaret Claire Behan
• Betanya Binyam
• Ryan Birrell
• John Cabrera
• Riley Cameron
• Harris Choudhary
• Ramla Chowdhury
• Sean Cousins
• Caury Crusoe
• Ryan Dang
• Haylee Delew
• Hannah Diep
• Minh Do
• Danielle Edwards
• Fatma Elsayed
• Madelyn. Emert
• Eden Fikru
• Syan Garg
• Sanaa Gates
• Philip Gigrich
• Steven Gigrich
• Caitlin Gross
• Pavini Gupta
• Abdul-Raheem Haroon
• Henry Hunt
• Victoria Hurtado Frackiewicz
• Justin Hyun
• Theodore Jones, III
• Esther Jung
• Nayan Kasperowski
• Khushdeep Kaur
• Christian Kim
• Sera Kim
• Ethan Ko
• Queenster Koranteng
• Varun Korisapati
• Mark Krynski
• Taylor Kurz
• Thu Le
• Ian Lee
• Siu Yan Lee
• Jaime Lopez
• Kyla Luby
• Ethan Lugo
• Kaitlin Luong
• Maryam Mahmoodi
• Judith Malley
• Lydia Malley
• Olivia Marlowe
• Marcus Martinez-Breitenstein
• Ashley McCoy
• Zoe McDowell
• Holly Miska
• Sophia Mitchell
• Viraj Multani
• Khastur Munkhtur
• Vance. Nguyen
• Giovanni Ortuso
• Kush Patel
• Reese Pavlak
• Taylor Pavlak
• Khloe Peacock
• Reagan Peresta
• Julius Person
• Noah Pflugrath
• Kathy Pham
• Kevin Pham
• Jackson Plummer
• Ariana Rahman
• Nimah Rahman
• Adam Ressom
• Lukas Richardson
• Luis Rivera Lopez
• Meklit Samuel
• Mateo San Diego
• Alton Schilling
• Eshaan Shah
• Ayaan Shaikh
• Adhiraj Sharma
• Jack Shifflett
• Alexandra Silva
• Natazya Simunyola
• Shreya Singh
• Delaney Spradlin
• Mikael Tefferi
• Carolyn Telford
• Joseph Thibodeau
• Luc Tran
• Sophia Uriostegui
• Abigail Van Gilder
• Miguelangel Velez Aviles
• Jada Wallace
• Matthew Walsh
• Michael Waugh
• Caelan Wommack
• Mora Wyllie
• Aileen Zheng
• Shaun Ziadie

West Potomac HS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Julian Allan
• Laura Altwies
• Sasha Angielski
• Mezgeb Babcock
• Benjamin Bachmore
• Samantha Barry
• Willa Bowers
• Maeve Bradley
• Natalia Bufano
• Jenna Butikofer
• Alice Byrnes
• Caroline Christensen
• Jack Coffee
• Jake Cohn
• Liam Conmy
• Elizabeth Cooke
• Gabriella Copty
• Quinn Correll
• Nora Curtis
• Ella DePumpo
• Alec Dillaplain
• Reagan Dronen
• Cassady Dunn
• Colin Elsinger
• Miles Fazackerley
• Joshua Fondriest
• Anna Foote
• Liliana Fore
• Ryan Gamez-Montoya
• Georgia Giannetti
• Chloe Godbout
• Wesley Gonzalez
• Kye Greenfeld
• Annalise Grindstaff
• Olivia Hamilton
• Katherine Hardy
• Bella Hook
• Hana Keenan
• Miriam Keller
• Lily Kernan
• Brielle Keyes
• Ayesha Khan
• Kathryn Kilbride
• Margaret Kretzer
• Stephanie Kulinski
• Charles Lamb
• Jessica Larkin
• Jonathan Larkin
• Katherine Leibowitz
• Riley Long
• Jacob Luhman
• Ava Mamienski
• Lucy Marshall
• Nairi Masih
• Tess Maxwell-Bundy
• Samantha McElwain
• Joshua McGuinness
• Nora Meadows
• Avalon Mikulski
• Yordanose Moges
• Melanie Molino
• Emery Mounts
• Joseph Murphy
• Dennis Ni
• Amanda Nolan
• Meredith Odegard
• Avery Olsen
• Hayden Painter
• Monica Palacios
• Sophia Papa
• Alexander Pece
• Ryan Pollio
• Jacob Ross
• Francesca Russell
• Monica Rusten
• Phoebe Schultz
• Sydney Seyfert
• Mina Silwany
• Nathaniel Sinn
• Julianna Stutts
• Tabitha Thomas
• Genevieve Tierney
• Tyler Tillman
• Luke Trumbo
• Richard Trumbo
• Lillian Try
• Miguel Tsang
• Cole Wallach
• Adam Watterson
• Sophia Webster
• Molly Weisel
• Lydia Welch
• Luke Westmoreland
• Logan Williams

Hayfield SS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Zabir Arham
• Chelsea Asante
• Princess Atefah
• Autumn Avery
• Yuriel Ayala
• Yohanna Belay
• John Berrigan
• Destiny Bishop
• Griffin Bonner
• Callie Boyd
• Emma Branca
• Scarlett Brown
• Annemarie Bulmer
• Cadence Candelaria
• Aunya Craigwell
• Viktoria Cseke
• Hasset Daniel
• William Egger
• Hafiz Elnahas
• Ana Escobar
• Isabella Fonnegra Carrillo
• Jackson Fries
• Tinsae Habte
• Nessa Holbrook
• Nathan Howard
• Jasmyn Jagwe
• Will Johnson
• Ephrata Kassaye
• Khadija Khan
• Hadyn Kurle
• Charles Lyons
• Saba Mahgoub
• Delena Markos
• Bethel Mesfin
• Naomi Million
• Tigerlily Moran
• Phuc Nguyen
• Rocco O'Mallan
• Kristen Peterson
• Vincent Pham
• Sana Raheem
• Valerie Roblero Andino
• Abigail Sanborn
• Emily Shepherd
• Cameryn Sierra
• Jordyn Sooley
• Yarely Soto Torrez
• Mouhamadou Sow
• Myla Toliver
• Andre Tran
• Jaslyn Truong
• Catherine Weingold

Edison HS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Abel Addis
• Caspar Ahrens
• Gabriel Chesney
• Agata Colon
• Samantha Cowen
• Isaiah Green
• Mohammed Jaldi
• Nebil Mohammed
• Khadijah Muhammad
• Shaniya Smoot
• Paul Simonik
• Jenelle Smith
• Lily Pflugradt

Lewis HS 2024 Honor Graduates

• Michael Banks
• Trung Doan
• Rafah Iftikhar
• Taofia Mehzabin
• Kaitlyn Nguyen

Contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments. I also encourage you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Very respectfully,

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

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

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

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: Mateo Dunne  |  Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049