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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.

December Newsletter Message from Ilryong Moon Counting my blessings

For Veterans Day, I had the privilege of visiting a couple of schools to commemorate the occasion. 

As a Korean American, this day carries deep personal significance for me. I am profoundly grateful to the countless American soldiers who served in my native country during the Korean War to defend democracy in the South. Without their courage and sacrifice, North Korea might have taken over the entire peninsula, and my family would not have had the chance to come to the United States.

Because of their bravery, I have been able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that this great nation offers, opportunities I could never have imagined growing up. Reflecting on my life over the past 50 years in the United States, including my 40-year career as a practicing attorney and more than 25 years in public service, I feel incredibly blessed to have built a life rooted in the values of freedom and resilience.

At the Veterans Day commemoration at Silverbrook Elementary School, Col. Christy Orser of the United States Army shared a heartfelt message about resilience. She said, “Resilience isn’t about being the biggest or strongest; it’s about bouncing back when things get tough. It’s the strength to keep going, one step at a time, and to ask for help when needed. Like Dory says, ‘just keep swimming,’ and stick together.”

I also came across a powerful image of the Missing Man Table, a tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives and those who remain missing in action while serving to protect our freedom, including those yet to return from the Korean War. It was a sobering reminder of the cost of liberty and the debt we owe to all who serve.

The Missing Man Table symbolizes the sacrifice of those missing in action. The round table reflects our concern for them, and the white cloth honors the purity of their service. The red rose represents their lives and the faith of their loved ones, while the red ribbon shows our commitment to finding them. The slice of lemon reflects their bitter fate, and the pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of their families. The lighted candle offers hope for their return, and the Bible represents strength through faith. The inverted glass signifies their inability to toast, and the empty chair honors their absence.

As I reflect on Veterans Day and my own journey, I am filled with gratitude for those who fought for the freedom I now enjoy and for the opportunities to live, work, and thrive in this incredible country. Their sacrifices have paved the way for so many of us to dream, achieve, and live freely. 

What are you thankful for this year?

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays! 

Ilryong Moon

What’s happened in November

In early November, I had the pleasure of attending the Kimchi Day Festival at the Fairfax County Government Center, an event that beautifully celebrated Korean culture and tradition. The day began with a captivating performance by a Korean traditional dancer, a recognized holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, showcasing the elegance and artistry of Korea’s cultural heritage.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including a representative from the Korean Veterans Association, the Consul from the Korean Embassy, and Former Virginia State Delegate Mark Keam, who all delivered heartfelt congratulatory remarks to celebrate the Virginia Kimchi Day Festival.

The event brought together people of all ages, including enthusiastic children, to experience the joy of making kimchi. I made a batch myself. The process was incredibly enjoyable, and I must say, the result was absolutely delicious!

The Kimchi Day Festival was not only a wonderful celebration of food and culture but also a reminder of the power of traditions to bring communities together. It was a truly memorable experience, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

I had an absolutely delightful visit to Scout Pack 656 at Fairhill Elementary School with my colleague Karl Frisch. Our bright and enthusiastic scouts were brimming with curiosity, sharing their hopes and dreams for future adventures. Their questions about how the School Board works and what we do were thoughtful and engaging. It is clear we have some future leaders in the making.

Spending time with these amazing kids was pure joy. Their energy, excitement, and big ideas were truly inspiring. Thank you so much for welcoming us so warmly and making it such a memorable experience. I cannot wait to see where their adventures take them next.

This month, I had the privilege of participating in "Take Your Legislator to School Day" alongside my colleague Seema Dixit. Together, we were honored to host Delegate Irene Shin at Westfield High School in Chantilly.

During our visit, we had meaningful discussions about the cellphone policy and its implementation across schools in the division, particularly at Westfield. It was impressive to see how well students are adhering to the policy, refraining from using their phones during class and limiting usage to break and lunch periods. We also explored discipline measures for students who struggle to follow the policy and addressed important topics like bullying and fostering a positive school environment.

I am deeply grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff at Westfield High School for creating a strong sense of belonging for students. Their hard work is instrumental in shaping a supportive and respectful school culture. My sincere thanks to Delegate Shin for taking the time to join us and to Seema Dixit for extending the invitation to make this visit possible.

This year marks an exciting milestone for FCPS athletics with the introduction of varsity boys volleyball as an official sport in all high schools, alongside varsity girls wrestling. Previously offered only as a club sport in 23 of 25 schools, boys volleyball has had a successful inaugural varsity season across the county. I had the pleasure of attending four thrilling matches recently, where players gave their all and fans cheered with great enthusiasm.

Volleyball is a dynamic team sport with players taking on specific roles like setter, middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite hitter, serving specialist, and libero. I want to highlight the libero's unique role, which is critical to the team’s defense. Liberos are often the shortest players but excel in ball control, passing to the setter, and leading the defensive plays. Their different-colored jerseys make them easy to spot on the court.

Growing up, I was not necessarily an athlete. I wasn’t strong, fast, or tall, but volleyball was one sport I could enjoy. While I couldn’t spike, I could play defense and dig balls, much like the libero position today. That experience gives me an even deeper appreciation for the dedication and teamwork that this role requires.

As the inaugural varsity boys volleyball season wrapped up, I encouraged the superintendent to explore opportunities to expand beyond varsity teams, perhaps adding JV teams like in girls volleyball. Space and coaching might present challenges, but providing more opportunities would allow more students to participate, grow, and experience the joy of this dynamic sport.

Last but not least, in late November, I attended the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Annual Conference in Williamsburg and had the privilege of experiencing an extraordinary keynote presentation. The speaker brought his message to life through a captivating combination of visual performance and engaging storytelling, using fast painting as a unique medium to enhance his words. It was a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

During his presentation, he quoted Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book: “The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” This profound statement underscores an essential truth. Individual contributions, no matter how remarkable, rely on the collective strength of the group. Just as a wolf’s survival and success depend on its pack, our achievements are magnified when we embrace unity, mutual support, and a shared vision within our division. Of course, a pack is composed of individual wolves, so individual wolf’s input and contribution to the strength of the pack should not be overlooked, either.

I came away from this presentation with a deeper appreciation for the value of teamwork and collaboration. When we align our efforts with a shared vision and act with integrity and determination, we can overcome challenges and create transformative change. Together, we have the power to achieve extraordinary results and make a meaningful impact. Let us move forward as a unified team, confident in the strength we derive from one another.

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

• Monday, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee CANCELED 

• Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee

• Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. - PM Work Session

• Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting

• Tuesday, Jan. 7, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee

• Tuesday, Jan. 7, 3:00 p.m. - Governance Committee

• Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting 

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386

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.

November Newsletter Message from Ilryong Moon

Can you believe we only have two months left in 2024? Time is flying, and November is packed with important dates to remember. As the weather gets cooler and we prepare for the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect and get ready for what’s ahead.

First, mark your calendars for Daylight Saving Time, which ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour! Enjoy that extra bit of sleep as we transition into shorter days and longer evenings.

Another significant date to remember is November 5. It’s Election Day! This year is especially important as it’s the presidential election. Make sure your voice is heard—plan your vote, whether you’ll be heading to the polls in person or mailing in your ballot. Every vote counts!

On November 11, we pause to celebrate Veterans Day, honoring the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices they’ve made and, if you can, attend a local Veterans Day event, or thank a veteran personally. It’s a meaningful day to show our appreciation for their service.

Finally, Thanksgiving will soon be upon us! This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28, and it’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and reflect on all we have to be thankful for. Whether you’re cooking up a traditional turkey feast or trying out new recipes, it’s a day to embrace the spirit of gratitude and enjoy the company of loved ones. We know the holidays can be a busy time, but it's so important to take a moment to relax and enjoy the simple joys of the season. 

Happy Turkey Thanksgiving! 

 

Best,

Ilryong Moon

What’s Happened in October

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I was invited to join with my colleagues in a meeting with the Hispanic educators group, which was held on October 16. It was a valuable experience to convene and engage in discourse with colleagues, exchanging ideas for the advancement of our collective endeavors in the forthcoming year.

¡Muchas gracias por la invitación!

I was invited by Langley High School's World Affairs Club, and I made a presentation to share about the Korean War and the experiences of immigrants in the United States. Through the presentation, students gained insight into the historical context of the Korean War and were also able to engage with the latest diplomatic issues concerning South Korea and the Korean peninsula.
I had the privilege of spending time with aspiring diplomats and experts in foreign affairs. I am grateful for the invitation and extend my thanks to the club members for the book ‘Choong Hyo Ye’ (충:忠·효:孝·예:禮) and the card signed by all.

Legislative Briefing/Breakfast was held on October 8 at the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center. During the briefing, the state and federal legislative programs and priorities were discussed. Topics included state funding, workforce shortages, and student academic success, safety, security, and well-being. The Legislative Briefing/Breakfast was an opportunity for lawmakers and School Board members to exchange ideas and concerns, leading to the creation of a more effective pathway for students and the Fairfax County community.

Shout-out to Herndon High School - Virginia College Application Week

Amazing 240 students from Herndon High School visit the College App Lab—many returning multiple times. 

Of those students, 20.5% of the students are the first in their families to attend college—a significant milestone for them and for our future!

A total of 112 students completed the state-created Virginia College Application Week (VCAW) survey, resulting in an astonishing 361 college applications submitted by Herndon students over the course of the week. The top schools on the list were James Madison University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Following closely behind were Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary.

By making use of the resources available during VCAW, the students collectively saved nearly $20,000 in application fees—estimated at $55 per application, as the application fees range from $50-75.

The Herndon Hornets, the class of 2025 is on their way to success!

Challenges We Face

We tout our academic successes in many areas. Recently, we published our SAT scores and compared them with the state's scores. I am glad that our scores well exceed the state numbers. However, that is expected and does not surprise me at all. What we really should strive to achieve is to stay as the top school district, and that is where we may be falling short in a number of aspects. 

I am sharing our SAT scores and graduation data, compared with a couple of school districts around us. The SAT scores are compared with the scores from Arlington, Loudoun County, and the state, while the graduation data are compared with the Loudoun County's. We still have lots of work to do.

Figures from 2020-2023 SAT Average Scores are from WABE (The Washington Area Boards of Education Guide) and Arlington County Public Schools Quick Facts for 2022, and for 2024 numbers are Total Mean Scores provided by Superintendent Dr. Reid.

Figures from VDOE - VA School Quality Profiles and Annual reports of Graduates & Completers.

Figures from VDOE - VA School Quality Profiles and Annual reports of Graduates & Completers.

You may already know that November 22 is officially designated as Kimchi Day here in Virginia. Thanks to Delegate Irene Shin (D), who brought the resolution to the House of Delegates in 2022, we now have an official day to celebrate this delicious food! The resolution was a resounding success, passing both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously!   

We're celebrating this year at the Fairfax County Government Center on November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.! Learn how to make it, enjoy lunch, and take home your own batch. There will also be traditional Korean arts performances, and it promises to be a wonderful event where you can experience Korean culture firsthand.

Come and join us!

RSVP by calling 703-509-5010 or 703-939-5527.

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

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

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386

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 We’ve Learned in the First Month! Message from Ilryong Moon

I hope you had a fantastic start! Are you thrilled for another month of adventure? 

I'm so excited to share that earlier this month, I was invited to the Chantilly High School Homecoming Parade. Some of my colleagues and I were lucky enough to join in on this wonderful day. We had an absolute blast!

We were on a truck marching in the parade with the rest of the Chantilly students and families.

Thank you for your invitation, Chantilly Chargers! 

(With School Board Members Seema Dixit, Sandy Anderson, and Ryan McElveen and their families)

Wishing you all to have a pumpkin-blast October!

Best,

Ilryong Moon

Former FCPS Intern Teacher visits Home School

I was pleased to welcome a special guest, You Jin Lee, from Korea.
She was an intern teacher for a semester at West Potomac High School in 2012.

You Jin was a college student back then and is now a dentist married to a military spouse. Her husband is a dentist, too!

On her belated honeymoon, she came to Washington, D.C. with her husband Dr. Cho to visit her school. We were fortunate to have Principal Jessica Statz and Assistant Principal Brian Valentine show us around.

While on our tour, You Jin met her former mentor teacher Kathy Bowdring, who is a retiree working as an interim assistant administrator at school now.

This was a huge surprise to You Jin and Kathy!

It truly was a remarkable moment to see them reunite.

(Assistant Principal Brian Valentine, Former Teacher Intern Lee, Principal Jessica Statz, Lee’s husband Cho, and her former mentor teacher Kathy Bowdring)

Dunn Loring Welcome Center

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting our Dunn Loring Welcome Center with my Staff Aide Sarah.

The Welcome Center is the first and most important step in enrolling in Fairfax County Public Schools.

The center is the central hub for families new to the district or seeking to register their children for school. It offers a range of services, including student registration assistance, information about FCPS schools and programs, immunization clinics, health services, language support, and technology assistance.

The Welcome Center provides a one-stop shop for essential resources, helping families navigate the enrollment process smoothly and effectively. Annually, the Student Registration Welcome Centers at Dunn Loring and other 2 satellite sites welcome approximately 5,000 students from outside of the U.S. (enrolling from international schools).

While visiting, I stopped by MAPS (George Mason and Partners) clinic.
About 90% of students who register at the Welcome Centers need access to healthcare services to meet the FCPS school health entry requirements. Options include the FCPS health department and the MAPS clinic, one of which is located at Dunn Loring Center.

In front of MAP Clinic at Dunn Loring Welcome Center

FCPS has an MOU with MAPS clinic, which specifies the types of healthcare services to FCPS students, including:

• Physical exams
• Immunizations
• Mental Health counseling
• Sports Physicals
• Chronic Disease Management and Education (Ambulatory Clinic)

Immunizations help prevent the spread of contagious diseases within schools and the community. By ensuring that students are vaccinated, FCPS can create a healthier learning environment for all. Vaccinations protect individual students from serious illnesses that can have long-lasting consequences. Many of these diseases are preventable through immunization.

Sadly, it typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks for a student to get an appointment at a free/low-cost clinic. That is a too long a time to wait for students as they are not permitted in schools until they receive the shots first. 

Even a day lost in a child’s schooling is too long.

We need to find ways to do better than now.

Lastly, during my visit I have heard some of our staff share their experiences, which have been bittersweet. They have dedicated a great deal of time to FCPS, yet most of them are still only considered hourly workers, even after 25 years for some.

FCPS also enrolls some students who are considered ‘unaccompanied youth’. There are also students in the district without a parent as a caregiver. They require significant support and resources.

Dunn Loring Center has a team of language community liaison specialists who are dedicated to helping students and families from abroad. 

(Samuel Ramatowski, Kendra Dyer, Christina Mendoza, Rodrigo Aviles, Helen Ko)

The FCPS Welcome Centers offer essential resources to new students and their families, including snack packs, clothing, and school supplies. With the help of local partners, the centers have distributed over 1,000 snack packs and provided clothing items to families. Additionally, through Educate Fairfax, a recent donation of 2,000 school supply kits from the Mahan Hope Foundation has been distributed through the centers.

I would like to express my gratitude to all staff members who have provided invaluable support to our new students. 

Thanks Samuel and Kendra for inviting us over!

Workforce Readiness

As a School Board Member At-Large, I am fortunate to be invited to many events and meetings across Fairfax County.

I had the privilege of joining our School Board Member Kyle McDaniel and Superintendent Dr. Reid at the Mason District Government Center with the County Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Kathy Smith to discuss the current state of workforce development and potential areas for improvement in our efforts to support students and families in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Our goal is to identify ways to enhance these efforts and create more promising opportunities for both employers and job seekers.

I emphasized on the need to provide more support for the English language training for those County residents who are new to our country. 

Many of them are underemployed because of lack of sufficient language training.

The next meeting will be in January 2025.

Workforce Readiness Working Group

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

• Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:30 a.m. - Work Session

• Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting

• Tuesday, October 22, 2024 5:00 p.m. - Work Session (HOLD)

• Thursday, October 24, 2024 7:00 p.m. - Regular School Board Meeting 

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386

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.

Special Newsletter 2025-2026 Basal Resources Adoption: Social Studies Nominating Community Members

Are you interested in participating in the review of potential K-12 social studies resources? FCPS is engaging the basal resource (e.g. textbooks, online materials) adoption process for Social Studies, and I am seeking a community member to participate on the review committee. The process, governed by Regulation 3004.5, includes a 30 day public review period and a deep review by an Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC), made up of representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups - teachers, administrators, and community members. The process may lead to identified social studies resources (e.g. textbooks, digital materials) for some or all grade levels and courses in school year 2025-2026. 

The review process is constructed to ensure:

•       Resources align with Virginia Standards of Learning and FCPS Learning Model 
•       Resources meet the educational needs of a variety of learners
•       Resources reflect culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy
•       Students gain equitable access to high-quality, dynamic resources
•       Input from multiple stakeholder groups is collected and valued 

IRRC members must be able to meet on the following dates and times for a total commitment of 20 hours. All the meetings will be held at the Pimmit Hills Adult Education Center located in Falls Church.

•       October 29, 2024, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
•       November 6, 2024, 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm
•       November 13, 2024, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Participation on the committee requires the following:

•       Attendance at all meetings.
•       Review of submitted resource materials.
•       Email communication. 
•       Confidentiality of information reviewed and recommendations made.

If you are interested in serving on the Social Studies Instructional Resource Review Committee, please send an email to [email protected] no later than September 30th.

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386

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! Message from Ilryong Moon

Welcome back to school for the 2024-2025 academic year! I hope you all had a wonderful summer break! As we start this new chapter together, I wish you the best of luck in starting it off on the right foot. Speaking of new beginnings, I recently had the chance to visit Korea for two weeks.

Whenever I travel abroad. I try to meet with other educators there and learn from and share with them. While in Korea this time, I learned that one of the biggest worries they shared was the declining enrollment across the country due to a low birth rate.

Sadly, this was also affecting the number and caliber of students choosing teaching as a career. Korea has for many years prided itself for having the very top college graduates going into teaching; but, that is now at risk.

Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators is a challenge they're facing, just like many other countries, including our own, are addressing.

Despite advancements in technology, including AI, I firmly believe that teachers play an irreplaceable role in the classroom. They are the ones who truly inspire and guide students. Their dedication, guidance, and inspiration are invaluable.

I would like to extend my gratitude to our teachers and staff for opening another year of school in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for our students. 

As we enter autumn, the season of harvest, I'm looking forward to watching our students and teachers grow and succeed together. Let's make this year one to remember!

Best,

Ilryong Moon

Click to watch Ilryong Moon's Back To School Video Message

Find your Back To School Info Here

All Back to School dates are listed on the individual school websites and each Region website. 

Region 1 Back to School Night

Region 2 Back to School Night

Region 3 Back to School Night

Region 4 Back to School Events

Region 5 Back to School Events

Region 6 Back to School Events

TJHSST Back to School

School Year Calendars

2024-2025 | 2025-2026

Cell Phone Storage Pilot

In today's world, information is readily available at our fingertips, and smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. I understand that some students and families may initially feel reluctant to give up their mobile phones during class. However, I am confident that this pilot program will enhance students' focus and engagement during class. I am hopeful that it will bring positive results for our students in the years to come.

The policy for middle schools is as follows: Cell phones are prohibited from being used at any time between the first and last bells. This is referred to as a bell-to-bell ban. An exception to this rule is made for students with approved accommodations (i.e., medical, IEPs, and 504s).

In high schools, the policy is as follows: Cell phones are permitted during lunch, in the halls between periods, and in class with the express written authorization of the principal or a designee, provided that such use is necessary for academic purposes. Please note that students with approved accommodations (i.e., medical, IEPs, and 504s) are exempt from this rule.

Participating Schools

Middle Schools                                                 High Schools

Frost Middle School                                           Edison High School

Irving Middle School                                          Falls Church High School

Jackson Middle School                                      Justice High School

Poe Middle School                                             Lewis High School

Robinson Middle School                                    Madison High School

Thoreau Middle School                                      McLean High School

Twain Middle School                                          Robinson High School

                                                                           Westfield High School

Once the pilot program results are presented in spring 2025, the School Board will decide whether to make any changes to the SR&R document and whether to implement secure storage across the board.

For more information on the pilot program, click here.

Student Leadership Program: Applications Now Open! 

Are you a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in a future in law, government, or public policy?

The Fairfax County School Board is now accepting applications for the Student Leadership Development Program. This unique program offers students the opportunity to work closely with School Board members and learn firsthand about how FCPS is governed.

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on Experience: Participate in various School Board advisory committees and even seek election as the student representative on the Board.
• Leadership Development: Attend and participate in group orientation, School Board meetings, mock forums, and work sessions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with School Board members and other community leaders.

Application Process:

1. Obtain Application: Applications are available on the FCPS website under the School Board.
2. Submit Application: Submit the application, program requirements form, and a one-page statement of interest to your principal by September 30, 2024.
3. Principal Submission: Principals will submit applications to the School Board Office by October 15, 2024.

Selection Process:

• School Board Selection: Each district school board member will select one student from his/her magisterial district. At-large members will select one student each from all applications received.
• Notifications: Selected student leaders and remaining applicants will be notified by email by November 15, 2024.

For questions, please contact Kevin Jackson in the School Board Office at 571-423-1075. 

Don't miss this opportunity to develop your leadership skills and make a positive impact on your community!

Photo with Ryan, his father Alan and I

Aspiring young geographer Ryan Minton

In August, Ryan Minton from Langley High School achieved an admirable top-12 finish at the prestigious 2024 International Geography Championships in Vienna, Austria. The competition included students from 21 states, 16 countries, and Hong Kong. We met and talked. Ryan expressed a deep interest in geography.  We even talked about the size of Korea as compared to Virginia, and to my amazement, he knew about the Sejong Special Self-Governing City launched in 2012. Ryan and his father Alan kindly brought a U.S.-ROK flag pin to share with me. 

Ryan mentioned a possibility of inviting me to speak at the Langley World Affairs Club. I will be delighted to share my insights with the club if invited.

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) (Seeking Appointee)

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 my At-Large vacant FPAC seat will end on June 30, 2026, with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a full three-year term. For more information about the FPAC, click here.

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

• September 10, 10:30am - School Board All-day Work Session
• September 12, 7:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting

School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:

• FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11),
• FCPS YouTube Channel, and
• FCPS website

If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:

• FCPS YouTube channel (English), and 
• FCPS en Español YouTube channel (dubbed in Spanish)

** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386