K-12 Social Studies Basal Resource Review – Nominating Community Members

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)1 week 2 days ago

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

Welcome back!

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)2 weeks 6 days ago

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:

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

** 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

Wow! That was fast. Welcome to August. The school year is right around the corner

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)1 month 3 weeks ago

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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

I can’t believe August is already here and we’re only days away from the start of another exciting school year. For me, this year is quite a milestone having arrived this month 50 years ago as a 17-year- old immigrant from a poverty-stricken family in Korea with only my hopes and dreams in my suitcase! What an incredible journey it’s been for me and how grateful I am to have had the good fortune to pursue education and make public service a core part of my life’s work.

We have an exciting new year awaiting all of us. Our students will soon be here. Our teachers are starting in just a few short weeks…and classrooms will be bustling with activities and energy to kick off another year.

One amazing thing about being a teacher or a student in public school is that no two years are ever exactly the same. Teachers begin their year with a whole new group of students with all different expectations and capabilities for great outcomes. Students bring with them a whole new set of expectations and openness to a wealth of new knowledge to take in. And it’s an exciting time to be part of the School Board where we have the luxury of seeing the best of what our schools have to offer in so many ways, whether it’s STEM courses or students attending academies for courses in Career and Technical Education (CTE) – or composing beautiful artwork or poetry to inspire love and admiration for nature and all things in nature that surround us. It’s a chance for everyone at new beginnings and how exciting it is to be part of that year after year.

I would like to welcome to the team my new Staff Aide, Sarah Park. Sarah is a product of the Fairfax County Public Schools and brings to the position a lively spirit and a wealth of knowledge having worked in our Office of Communications and Community Relations along with the Office of the Chief Experience and Engagement over the past couple of years.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Chris Lewis, who has served as my Staff Aide for SY 23-24. He has been an invaluable colleague and has provided excellent support to constituents in the FCPS Community. Let us celebrate his retirement! Thank you for your thirty years of service in FCPS, Chris.

And finally – for those of you who also might want to continue to be part of the process for improving our schools, there are still a couple of Community Advisory Committees to which I have not yet appointed anyone from our community. Please read on for more information.

Here’s to a fantastic 2024-2025 school year!

Best,

Ilryong Moon

A Big Win: A Young Go Prodigy at Stenwood ES

A round of applause for Louis Yang! Louis is a fifth grader at Stenwood Elementary School who recently won the National Championship in the Elementary Division of a Go competition held in Korea!

Go is a game played by more than 20 million people around the world. Despite its relatively simple rules, it is extremely complex. Compared to chess, Go has a larger board (19x19) with more scope for play and, on average, many more alternatives to consider per move. Go is a Japanese terminology, and the game is known as Baduk in Korea and Weichi in China.

Some key benefits of playing include improved memory and concentration, problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, critical thinking, discipline, and adaptability. It also teaches humility, even when winning. 

I personally grew up playing this game from an early age, and it is a game that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy together.

I hope that Go becomes more widespread and that more people, including our students, are able to enjoy this amazing game.

The American Go Association is excited to help bring this incredible game to our schools as extracurricular activities. They're willing to provide faculty stipends, find teachers, and even supply game sets! 

Louis Yang, left, playing with Richard Duan of Cooper Middle School a few months ago in Fairfax. Richard founded a Go club at his school.

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

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

We are now accepting applications for my At-Large seat on FPAC. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

There are 13 members on FPAC, one representing each of the nine magisterial district School Board Members, three representing at-large School Board Members, and one representing the City of Fairfax School Board. FPAC members serve three-year terms and meet twice monthly in the evening during the school year. The appointment for 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.

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

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

AGAIN -- APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 13, 2024

Challenged Materials Interdepartmental Review Committee (Seeking Appointee)

The Challenged Materials Interdepartmental Review Committee consists of members representing School Board members, the student representative, and school division staff appointed by the respective Regional Assistant Superintendent. The committee meets twice a year to review challenged instructional materials. The committee will meet at the Willow Oaks Administration Center. For more information, individuals may call Noel Klimenko, the staff liaison, at 571-423-4510.

If you are interested in serving on this very important committee, please contact me and include a resume and brief summary of why you're interested in serving on this committee.

For a little more context on this committee, see the notes in BoardDocs from the most recent Regular Meeting

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

  • August 27, 10:30am - School Board All-day Work Session
  • August 29, 7:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting
  • 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:

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

** 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

Congratulations Graduates! Celebrating Your Achievements & Continuing Our Commitment to Mental Health

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)2 months 3 weeks ago

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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

First a quick apology for links not working in the newsletter sent yesterday evening. Now, onto the good stuff...

Greetings to all of you and congratulations to our 2024 graduates! I was honored to attend many of your graduations and am always amazed when I hear about the accomplishments so many of our students are achieving and their plans for their futures, whether that be attending a university, pursuing a passion in technology or trade, serving our Country in one of the branches of the military, or volunteering with an organization that helps others throughout the Country or globally. And let's remember to thank our parents for all the hard work they put in raising such great kids and to the teachers who facilitated their successes!! Fairfax has AMAZING students! There is no doubt and I wish all our graduates continuing success in whatever professional endeavors they pursue.

This is also the time of year that our School Board benefits from hearing our annual reports of our citizen advisory committees and receiving recommendations on ways that we and our Superintendent can continue making progress in a variety of aspects of the school system.

This newsletter will be a little longer than my traditional communication. In this edition, I want to highlight the incredible work one of our citizen advisory committees, the School Health Advisory Committee, accomplished this past school year and the recommendations recently presented to the School Board. Below I will provide more detailed links to the report and School Board presentation but I want to share with you a high level summary.

First, our students today are coping with school in ways that were inconceivable 20 or more years go by their parents. The ubiquity of cell phones and social media has transformed the way our children interact with each other and not always in ways that are good for the child because of the “disconnect” when kids are deprived of face to face interactions and connections.

One way our advisory committee recommended coping with this is to broadly make more extracurricular activities available – to give all students more extracurricular or volunteer activities to strengthen connections with other students while also giving them more face to face interactions with other students to build relationships and learn skills in communicating and collaborating such as with team play, etc. This is only one aspect of the report recommendations but one that is very meaningful and potentially impactful in improving the mental health of our kids.

If you research this issue, you’ll find a number of ways that parents can also build good mental health habits for children. Some of those ways include:

  • Advocating for balanced technology use and modeling responsible use
  • Staying in regular contact with teachers so that you understand the workload and stressors your child is facing (encourage a balanced approach to homework and projects that consider students' overall well-being and promotes effective time management)
  • Continue advocating for our anti-bullying programs and teach your child to report bullying incidents to school authorities and provide them with the support needed to do so
  • Demonstrate that you value inclusivity and that all voices matter regardless of their differences, especially with regard to gender identity or sexual orientation
  • Promote mental health resources such as increasing access to counseling and raising awareness about mental health issues to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help
  • Encourage a healthy school-life balance that includes time for students’ extracurricular activities that they enjoy and that can provide a break from academic stress
  • Creating that loving, supportive home environment that all children needs throughout their development (remember to listen and validate -- providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for them to share their concerns is the best way to stay connected and involved in their world)

I hope you’ll take something away from this short essay. And I hope all of you and your families can take the summer to enjoy some time relaxing with family and friends while we do the hard work preparing for our next outstanding school year!

All the best,

Ilryong Moon

Check out the work of our Citizen Advisory Committees and Consider Volunteering

The work of our citizen advisory committees is incredibly valuable to not only us School Board Members but to our Superintendent and her staff. It's the way that we complete the feedback loop and get input from our communities, parents, staff and teachers.

I hope you'll take an opportunity to review the great work that our committees performed this year. The links below will send you to the meeting agendas where you can select and view the committee report as well as the presentations made to the School Board:

Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments

I am currently seeking individuals interested in serving on one of the following citizen advisory committees for next school year. If you're interested, please send me a communication with your resume and statement of interest detailing why you're passionate about serving the school system community:

  • Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities
  • Facilities Planning Advisory Council
  • Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee
  • Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee
  • School Health Advisory Committee

For all of the full descriptions of these committees, please visit the Citizen Advisory Committee section of the FCPS Webpage.

Fairfax County School Board Seeks Audit Committee Applicants

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from persons interested in serving on the School Board Audit Committee. Applications will be accepted from June 24, 2024, until July 9, 2024; applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City. The Board will be appointing one committee member for a term ending June 30, 2026. Get more information and submit an application.

 

I want to thank award winning Claire Kim from Centreville High School for a humbling artistic drawing she provided to me recently. Congratulations to all of the FCPS award winning artists!!

Heading 2

Click to edit this placeholder text.

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: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296

Congratulations Graduates! Celebrating Your Achievements & Continuing Our Commitment to Mental Health

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)2 months 3 weeks ago

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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

Greetings to all of you and congratulations to our 2024 graduates! I was honored to attend many of your graduations and am always amazed when I hear about the accomplishments so many of our students are achieving and their plans for their futures, whether that be attending a university, pursuing a passion in technology or trade, serving our Country in one of the branches of the military, or volunteering with an organization that helps others throughout the Country or globally. And let's remember to thank our parents for all the hard work they put in raising such great kids and to the teachers who facilitated their successes!! Fairfax has AMAZING students! There is no doubt and I wish all our graduates continuing success in whatever professional endeavors they pursue.

This is also the time of year that our School Board benefits from hearing our annual reports of our citizen advisory committees and receiving recommendations on ways that we and our Superintendent can continue making progress in a variety of aspects of the school system.

This newsletter will be a little longer than my traditional communication. In this edition, I want to highlight the incredible work one of our citizen advisory committees, the School Health Advisory Committee, accomplished this past school year and the recommendations recently presented to the School Board. Below I will provide more detailed links to the report and School Board presentation but I want to share with you a high level summary.

First, our students today are coping with school in ways that were inconceivable 20 or more years go by their parents. The ubiquity of cell phones and social media has transformed the way our children interact with each other and not always in ways that are good for the child because of the “disconnect” when kids are deprived of face to face interactions and connections.

One way our advisory committee recommended coping with this is to broadly make more extracurricular activities available – to give all students more extracurricular or volunteer activities to strengthen connections with other students while also giving them more face to face interactions with other students to build relationships and learn skills in communicating and collaborating such as with team play, etc. This is only one aspect of the report recommendations but one that is very meaningful and potentially impactful in improving the mental health of our kids.

If you research this issue, you’ll find a number of ways that parents can also build good mental health habits for children. Some of those ways include:

* Advocating for balanced technology use and modeling responsible use

* Staying in regular contact with teachers so that you understand the workload and stressors your child is facing (encourage a balanced approach to homework and projects that consider students' overall well-being and promotes effective time management)

* Continue advocating for our anti-bullying programs and teach your child to report bullying incidents to school authorities and provide them with the support needed to do so

* Demonstrate that you value inclusivity and that all voices matter regardless of their differences, especially with regard to gender identity or sexual orientation

* Promote mental health resources such as increasing access to counseling and raising awareness about mental health issues to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help

* Encourage a healthy school-life balance that includes time for students’ extracurricular activities that they enjoy and that can provide a break from academic stress

* Creating that loving, supportive home environment that all children needs throughout their development (remember to listen and validate -- providing a supportive and non-judgmental space for them to share their concerns is the best way to stay connected and involved in their world)

I hope you’ll take something away from this short essay. And I hope all of you and your families can take the summer to enjoy some time relaxing with family and friends while we do the hard work preparing for our next outstanding school year!

All the best,

Ilryong Moon

Check out the work of our Citizen Advisory Committees and Consider Volunteering

The work of our citizen advisory committees is incredibly valuable to not only us School Board Members but to our Superintendent and her staff. It's the way that we complete the feedback loop and get input from our communities, parents, staff and teachers.

I hope you'll take an opportunity to review the great work that our committees performed this year:

Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments

I am currently seeking individuals interested in serving on one of the following citizen advisory committees for next school year. If you're interested, please send me a communication with your resume and statement of interest detailing why you're passionate about serving the school system community:

  • Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities
  • Facilities Planning Advisory Council
  • Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee
  • Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee
  • School Health Advisory Committee

For all of the full descriptions of these committees, please visit the Citizen Advisory Committee section of the FCPS Webpage.

Fairfax County School Board Seeks Audit Committee Applicants

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from persons interested in serving on the School Board Audit Committee. Applications will be accepted from June 24, 2024, until July 9, 2024; applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City. The Board will be appointing one committee member for a term ending June 30, 2026. Get more information and submit an application.

I want to thank award winning Claire Kim from Centreville High School for a humbling artistic drawing she provided to me recently. Congratulations to all of the FCPS award winning artists!!

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: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296

Welcome to my June Newsletter - Graduation Season is Here and Opportunity is Everywhere

School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon)3 months 2 weeks ago

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.

Our Monthly School Board News Message from Ilryong Moon

As we enter the exciting graduation season, it’s a time of celebration and accomplishment for our students across Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). This year, we are thrilled to recognize the achievements of over 13,000 graduating seniors. Did you know that FCPS boasts a graduation rate of nearly 92%? This remarkable milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and families.

As I look at our graduating seniors, I feel an immense sense of pride and joy. These young individuals have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a commitment to their communities. Many of our graduates have balanced rigorous coursework with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or learning English as a second language. Among them are future scientists, artists, engineers, and leaders who are ready to make their mark on the world. 

I am continually inspired by the stories of our students overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. Whether it’s the student who started a community garden, the athlete who led their team to victory, or the artist whose work moved us all, each graduate has a unique and powerful story. Their journeys remind us of the incredible potential within every young person.

Let's join together in celebrating the Class of 2024. As they move on to the next chapter of their lives—whether that is a potential first generation college attendee, a professional career, military service or another path—I am confident that all our students will continue to shine brightly. Let’s celebrate with pride, joy, and excitement as we wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

All the best,

Ilryong Moon

Summer Learning and Enrichment Opportunities

While the school year may be ending, the learning and fun don’t have to stop! FCPS offers a variety of summer learning programs designed to keep students engaged, curious, and prepared for the next academic year. Here are some exciting opportunities:

...and more! Explore the full range of educational enrichment options available this summer by visiting our Summer Learning Programs page

Have you considered serving Fairfax County Public Schools on one of our Citizens Advisory Committees?

Are you passionate about our Fairfax County schools and want to contribute to our improvement and success? If so, I invite you to consider applying to join one of our Citizens Advisory Committees and become an active participant in shaping the future of education in our community!

We recognize the invaluable input and perspectives that community members like you can provide. That's why we established Citizens Advisory Committees covering a wide range of topics, from career and technical education to students with disabilities and every thread in between. These committees serve as essential channels for community engagement, allowing residents to offer feedback, insights, and recommendations directly to the FCPS administration and the School Board.

Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of students and families in Fairfax County. Together, let's work towards a brighter future for education in our community!

A description of all of the Citizens Advisory Committees is available on our Website. If you are interested in serving on one of the committees, please indicate your interest by connecting with me via Lets Talk. Be sure to include your reason for wanting to serve and include a resume, if possible.

I look forward to connecting and welcome your involvement to ensure great outcomes for our students! 

And finally...I am hiring! Join Our Team: Help Shape the Future as a School Board Staff Aide

After a long career with Fairfax County Public Schools, my Staff Aide, Chris Lewis, is retiring soon and I am actively looking for a suitable candidate to provide a full range of professional responsibilities to support projects, initiatives, communications related to the School Board, and research and preparation for upcoming Board meetings. My Staff Aide will be the liaison on my behalf in communicating with constituents, community organizations, Division leadership and staff, and varied elected officials.

If this sounds like something you will excel at, the links below allow you to review the full job description and if you're so inclined, apply for the position:

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: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296

6 minutes 42 seconds ago
At-Large Member - Ilryong Moon - Recent Updates
http://www.fcps.edu/ Subscribe to School Board Member at Large (Ilryong Moon) feed