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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.

Mason District Community,

As we head into the winter break, I wanted to provide a brief update regarding the Boundary Review process and to express my appreciation for the feedback and comments shared with me over the past few months from the Mason District community. Public input is an integral component to the Boundary Review process and I encourage the community to continue to share their perspective and concerns. 

As a reminder, the priorities set forth in Policy 8130 which drive staff activity for the boundary work are as follows:

• Access to Programming: Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities, and consider impact on school programs and populations.
• Enrollment/Capacity: Using student enrollment projections, balance available capacity and maximize efficient and effective use of school facilities for capacity utilization and program needs while eliminating or preventing the establishment of split feeders, whenever possible.
• Proximity: Promote contiguous attendance zones and maintain neighborhood groupings (to include condominium and apartment complexes) to eliminate and/or prevent establishment of attendance islands.
• Transportation: Provide for walking and busing safety, limit transportation times, and ensure efficient transportation routes with attendance area.

I also want to ensure the Bren Mar Park Elementary community is aware of the upcoming opportunity to learn more about what to expect as the school enters the construction phase of the renovation. Please see below for details.

As always, I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

As we enter the holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful break filled with warmth and celebration!

In this issue:

Boundary Review Updates •Community Meetings •Virtual Meetings •Meeting Presentation •Feedback Opportunity •Timeline •Advisory Committee Work •Stay Engaged   Bren Mar Park Construction •Community Meeting Information   Boundary Review Updates Community Meetings

The first set of in-person Community Boundary Review meetings, scheduled in each of the six regions, included the opportunity for parents/caregivers, employees, students, and community members to learn about the process and share their thoughts and concerns. I have been encouraged by the participation of the Mason District community in the Region 2 meeting at Glasgow MS on November 18 and the Region 6 meeting at Annandale HS on December 12. 

The final in-person meeting in this round is tonight. This meeting is located in Region 1, but all FCPS families are welcome:

Wednesday, December 18
6:30-8:00 p.m. 
Madison High School Cafeteria
REGISTER

Interpretation services will be available if requested on the registration form. Registration is not required but helps with planning.

Virtual Meetings

In addition to in-person community meetings during this first phase of the boundary review, FCPS is planning to host virtual community meetings which will follow the same format as the in-person meetings. Dates are being confirmed for January 2025.

Meeting Presentation

Each community meeting followed the same format using this slide presentation.

Feedback Opportunity

Your feedback and suggestions are important. Provide feedback and comments at the link provided below to ensure the consulting firm captures your concerns in the development of recommendations to the Superintendent's Advisory Committee and ultimately to the School Board.

Feedback Form

Additional opportunities for providing input will become available as the review process progresses.

Timeline

The Boundary Review work is currently in Phase 1 which includes the initial community engagement and data collection. Following an analysis of the data, the community will again be engaged during meetings and through surveys to review draft scenarios provided by Thru Consulting. Phase 2 is expected to begin in summer 2025. The timeline below provides a complete outline of planned activities.

Advisory Committee Work

The Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee includes a minimum of two parents/caregivers or community members from each of FCPS’ 24 high school pyramids, school-based and division administrators, teachers, operational staff, and other community representatives. 

The committee members representing Mason District students are listed below. Please note that the members serve as representatives of their community and should gather feedback to incorporate in the discussions. 

Annandale Pyramid: Lucas Castanos & Jacqueline Chevalier Mosely

Edison Pyramid: Laura Huerta & Pearl Prince

Falls Church Pyramid: Lorena Katsantonis & Charla Ouertatani

Justice Pyramid: Aaron Alford & Ann-Marie Ward

Woodson Pyramid: Mark Angres, Aaron Middlekauff, & Vanessa Hall

A full listing of committee members can be located HERE.

The committee has met twice, with updates provided publicly following each meeting:

December 6th Materials

December 16th Materials

Additional information can be found on the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee webpage.

Stay Engaged

• Visit the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
• Review the work of the Boundary Review Advisory Committee.
• Sign up to receive the School Boundary Review newsletter.

Bren Mar Park Construction

Bren Mar Park Elementary Addition Renderings

Bren Mar Park Elementary School will soon enter the construction phase and the community is invited to attend an in-person meeting to learn more about what to expect as this phase of the project begins. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

6:30 p.m.

Bren Mar Park Elementary School Cafeteria

Language interpretation will be provided based on the availability of interpretation staff.  

For updates, join the FCPS News You Choose subscription for this project. 

Learn more about the Bren Mar Park ES Addition and Renovation.

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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

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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.

JOINT STATEMENT BY MATEO DUNNE, RICARDY ANDERSON, AND RYAN MCELVEEN REGARDING NEXT STEPS TO ADDRESS THE FCPS FOOTBALL SITUATION

As School Board Members, we are compelled to address the latest developments in the Fairfax County Public Schools football situation. To be clear, we are speaking in our individual capacities and not on behalf of the Fairfax County School Board.

We have heard the voices of our constituents. We have been contacted by countless parents, families/caregivers, and community members across the county. We have also been contacted by booster clubs for Fairfax HS, Lake Braddock HS, Robinson HS, and South County HS. One booster club stated:

We believe that athletics in FCPS should strive to bring a spirit of competitive and fair play to instill in our students a sense of confidence, trust in teammates and coaches, and above all sportsmanship. This season has chipped away at this sense of fair play . . . We must strive to restore in our student athletes faith that FCPS – from leadership down – models integrity not only in our words, but in our actions. While individual transfers to Hayfield may have been in accordance with policy – it is impossible to not recognize that a collective action took place.

A coalition of booster clubs stated that FCPS has “failed to respond with the transparency, accountability, and urgency that this situation demands” and requested an independent investigation, “accountability measures” for “individual and entities found to be responsible for misconduct or poor oversight,” and policy reforms “to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.”

All student-athletes deserve the opportunity to compete on a level playing field in accordance with established rules that are consistently and fairly enforced. In our opinion, our student-athletes were denied that opportunity by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Virginia High School League (VHSL) this season. We believe that FCPS failed to protect its student-athletes and maintain the integrity of its athletic program. This situation has tarnished the reputation of FCPS and disrupted the lives of countless students, families/caregivers, and community members.

In our opinion, FCPS has not accepted full responsibility for its actions and errors, and has failed to commit to a course of action that will remedy current challenges and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. It is essential that a new direction be established for the school system.            

1. School Management:

The Superintendent has stated many times that FCPS should operate as a school system, not as a system of schools. We agree. In our opinion, this situation originated from a series of decisions made at the school level that have adversely impacted the entire school system.

Moving forward, we will advocate for:

• The establishment of a new policy to govern the hiring, reassignment, removal, and training of coaches;
• Increased controls and scrutiny of the hiring, reassignment, removal, and training of school-based administrators; and
• The establishment of a code of ethics and standards of conduct for FCPS leadership and school-based administrators, modeled on Federal ethics laws and regulations.

1. Student Transfers:

In April 2024, 14 football players transferred from Freedom HS to Hayfield HS. (Overall, 31 football players transferred to Hayfield HS from other schools in the DMV region.) By all accounts, the number and timing of the transfers was unusual and unprecedented. In our opinion, FCPS failed to investigate the student transfers in a timely manner.

We welcome the Superintendent’s decision to conduct a “comprehensive and independent external investigation and review of all student athlete transfers and eligibility practices across all sports and in all of our high schools.” In addition, we support the Superintendent’s decision to launch a “review of current practices in evaluating student athlete transfers both inside and outside the Division,” to include a “review and revision, where necessary, to FCPS athletic protocols and procedures.”

While we support these actions, they are insufficient to resolve the current crisis and prevent its repetition.

1. Independent Investigation:

In our opinion, FCPS conducted a flawed and limited internal investigation that was not credible—FCPS lacks the in-house resources to conduct a complex, multi-faceted, and objective investigation into its practices. Recent revelations have clearly highlighted the inadequacy of the FCPS  internal investigation.

On August 29, 2024, we voted to support a motion to “preserve the integrity of our athletic programs and provide a level playing field for FCPS athletes by directing the Superintendent to retain an outside law firm to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation of all allegations arising out of or relating to the recruitment and transfer of football players to the Hayfield HS football team from high schools outside of Fairfax County, to include involuntary reassignments of FCPS personnel, improper fundraising, improper expenditure of funds, cyberbullying and social media policy violations, and residency and eligibility of players.” Unfortunately, the motion failed by 9-3.

On November 17, 2024, the City of Fairfax School Board wrote a letter to the Fairfax County School Board:

We strongly disagree with FCPS’ decision to forego an independent investigation into these allegations . . . In our view, this represents a significant oversight in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability . . . The City of Fairfax School Board urges FCPS to engage an external firm to conduct a comprehensive, unbiased investigation into this matter. Such an effort would not only uphold ethical standards but also help rebuild trust among students, families, and community members. We also request that the findings of this investigation be published to ensure transparency, demonstrate accountability, and reaffirm the district’s commitment to fairness and integrity in both educational and athletic programs.

We strongly support the City of Fairfax School Board’s call for a “comprehensive, unbiased investigation.” We agree that “an impartial investigation initiated early in the season . . . could have prevented the current situation.”

Moving forward, we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive and independent investigation, to include but not be limited to:

• The involuntary reassignment of FCPS employees;
• The alleged recruitment of football players from other schools;
• The transfer of football players from other schools;
• The residency and eligibility of the football players concerned;
• Cyberbullying and social media policy violations;
• The conduct of the internal investigation from June to August 2024; and
• The handling of this matter by FCPS leadership since February 2024.

To rebuild public trust, the School Board should select an outside law firm without t any pre-existing relationship with FCPS or the Superintendent, and the outside law firm should report directly to the School Board’s Auditor General. The outside law firm should have free rein to examine relevant data and documentation, interview relevant parties and personnel, and make appropriate recommendations to the School Board.  There should be no restrictions on the scope of the investigation and recommendations. In addition, the School Board should commit to publishing the findings of the investigation and to expedite the implementation of recommendations.

We would like to be clear on what we regard as false equivalences:

• The ongoing litigation before the Fairfax County Circuit Court is not the equivalent of, nor a substitute for, a comprehensive and independent investigation. To date, the Court has focused only on whether VHSL complied with its rules when it enacted the playoff ban.
• The narrowly circumscribed “external review” performed by attorney Cynthia Hudson is not the equivalent of, nor a substitute for, a comprehensive and independent investigation. The Superintendent stated publicly that Ms. Hudson was contracted “to take a look at all of the investigation notes, the Auditor General notes, the residency check notes, the registration notes, and review those and provide recommendations to [the Superintendent] on whether there was any evidence, any substantiated allegation that would require [FCPS] to take action, either a personnel action or a program action.”
• The narrowly circumscribed audit performed by the Office of Auditor General is not the equivalent of, nor a substitute for, a comprehensive and independent investigation. The Superintendent stated publicly that the Auditor General reviewed only the allegations “around finances, use of fields, use of resources, sort of in that fraud, waste, abuse category,” which were tertiary to the core allegations of wrongdoing.

1. Freedom of Expression:

We have received reports of FCPS employees being disciplined for (or prevented from) sharing their personal views on this situation. In addition, we have received reports of FCPS restricting the lawful activities of professional journalists and student journalists.

Moving forward, we will advocate to:

• Direct the Superintendent to amend FCPS Regulation 7004.3 to enable FCPS employees to exercise their First Amendment rights and express their personal views (provided they do not speak on behalf of FCPS, do not use official time and resources, and do not infringe on the privacy rights of staff and students);
• Establish a dissent channel for dissenting or alternative views and policy proposals, modeled on the State Department’s Dissent Channel;
• Amend FCPS Policy 1106 to align with Federal laws protecting whistleblowers from retaliation for reporting an actual or apparent violation of any law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or censorship of educational data and research;
• Assign the School Board’s Office of Auditor General to receive any whistleblower disclosures and to investigate any reports of whistleblower retaliation; and
• Protect the rights of journalists to gather news and student journalists to make decisions regarding content without prior review or approval in accordance with established guidelines.

1. VHSL:

In our opinion, VHSL failed to act in a timely manner to enforce its rules. It is unacceptable that VHSL intervened on the eve of the playoffs, causing maximum disruption for our student-athletes, families/caregivers, and community members.

Going forward, we will advocate for FCPS to collaborate with VHSL to:

• Clarify VHSL rules and eliminate any loopholes;
• Require VHSL to act in a timely fashion on potential rule violations; and
• Strengthen VHSL enforcement protocols to ensure consistent and fair implementation of VHSL rules.

1. Hate Speech:

We have received reports of racist comments directed toward student-athletes and families on social media. We wholeheartedly condemn these vile remarks. Such comments are reprehensible and hurtful, and they contradict the core values of the school division. Hate has no home in our community. We will not tolerate hate in any form.

All students—whether in the classroom or on the football field—deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage all members of our community to  rise above hate and work toward a more inclusive future for everyone in our county.

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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

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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.

Region 2 Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings have been scheduled in each of the six regions. All meetings will follow the same format are open to the entire FCPS community. Registration is not required but is helpful in planning for childcare and language interpretation.

Region 2 Meeting
Monday, Nov 18, 2024
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Glasgow Middle School
REGISTER HERE

 

Visit the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage for additional details and ongoing updates. 

Wolfpack Madness is Tuesday!

Justice Basketball Wolfpack Madness!
November 19, 2024
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the new season with games, prizes, giveaways, 3pt contest, food and more! Admission is FREE. Donations are appreciated.

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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.

Mason District Community,

The School Board approved the FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on February 8, 2024. The approved CIP included an amendment which I presented to allow staff to address the capacity and temporary classrooms at Parklawn Elementary School:

"I move to amend the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to add Parklawn Elementary School to Table 4: Priority Recommended Boundary Adjustments on page 39 of the Proposed CIP with a Potential Scoping of Fall 2024/Spring 2025. This will allow staff to address the number of temporary classrooms and projected capacity deficit at the school."

At the time, Parklawn Elementary had enrolled almost 200 international students since the 2021-22 school year – an occurrence which could not have been predicted by Facilities staff. This rapid and unexpected increase in student enrollment created an urgent need at Parklawn Elementary resulting in the installation of 29 trailers.

To that end, two community meetings have been scheduled in the coming weeks to explore ways address the matter at Parklawn Elementary.  Please join us to learn more about the process and share your thoughts and comments.

 

Parklawn ES Boundary Community Meetings

Virtual Meeting: Monday, November 25, 2024
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Watch for information and Zoom links to be emailed by the school 

 

In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Parklawn Elementary Cafeteria

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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.

Mason District Community,

Thru Consulting presented an overview of the plan for the FCPS Comprehensive School Boundary Review at the October 8th School Board Work Session. 

Community engagement and feedback is key to meaningfully informing boundary review efforts. Engagement activities will include in-person and virtual community sessions, targeted surveys, and advisory committee work sessions.

The first six in-person community meetings have been scheduled and details are listed below. I encourage you to attend a meeting to learn more about the boundary review process and provide your input.

Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings have been scheduled in each of the six regions. All meetings will follow the same format are open to the entire FCPS community. Registration is not required but is helpful in planning for childcare and language interpretation.

• Region 2
  Monday, Nov 18, 2024
  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  Glasgow Middle School - REGISTER
• Region 5
  Monday, Dec 2, 2024
  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  Westfield High School - REGISTER
• Region 4
  Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024
  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  Lake Braddock Secondary School - REGISTER
• Region 3
  Monday, Dec 9, 2024
  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  Mount Vernon High School - REGISTER
• Region 6
  Thursday, Dec 12, 2024
  6:45 - 8:15 p.m.
  Annandale High School - REGISTER
• Region 1
  Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024
  6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  Madison High School - REGISTER

Visit the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage for additional details and ongoing updates. 

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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.

Mason District Community,

Fall has arrived with shorter days and cooler temperatures - mostly! As we finish the first quarter this week, there is much to celebrate in the Mason District and to look forward to in the coming months. 

As a reminder, Daylight Saving time ends on Sunday Nov. 3rd so be sure to adjust your clocks and enjoy the additional hour.

I was pleased to witness the beautiful performance of the National Anthem by the Annandale Singers at the September 12th School Board meeting.

The Annandale Singers, under the direction of Pat Vaughn, perform at the September 12, 2024 School Board meeting.

Trio from Glasgow Middle School performed a lovely rendition of the National Anthem at the October 24th School Board meeting.

Glasgow Middle School Chorus Trio, under the direction of Caleb Caldwell, perform at the October 24, 2024 School Board meeting.

A few weeks ago, several colleagues and I joined students from Holmes Middle School to attend a Back-to-School Night Event hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House. Students were invited to bring photos of their first day of school for display at the White House the following week.

It was a wonderful event with a welcome from the First Lady and the celebration of national teachers of the year.

White House Visit with Holmes Middle School for Back-to-School Night Event

Boundary Review Community Meetings are currently being scheduled for each region and will begin in November. Watch for details in the coming days for these opportunities to hear more about the process and to ensure your voice is heard.

Keep reading for more information about student successes, community events, and even more opportunities to stay involved.

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

In this issue:

Mason Moments   •VMEA Performances •Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report •Special Olympics Champion School •C.G. Woodson HS Dedication •Field Hockey District Champions •FCPS 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame •Excellence Awards •Federal Impact Aid Survey •National Merit Semifinalists     Opportunties Mason District News •Falls Church HS Renovation Update •National Principals Month •Student Experience Survey •Minnie H. Peyton Community Center •TJHSST Freshman Application •Fall Theatre •Student Scholarship Website •2025 Graduation Dates •Artist Teacher Exhibition   •Wolfpack Madness! School Board Work Updates •Immunization Clinics •School Board Legislative Program •Become a Special Education Teacher •Secondary Grading Practices •SEPTA Programs   •Upcoming School Board Meetings FCPS News   •Stadium Bathrooms   •Varsity Tutors       Mason Moments VMEA Performances

Mason District musicians will have the honor of performing at the Virginia Music Educators Association conference in Norfolk, Virginia next month.

Congratulations to the following Mason District ensembles selected to perform:

Glasgow Middle School Wind Ensemble

One of only two middle school ensembles invited to perform at VMEA this year! You can listen to their program at a preview concert on November 18th at 7 p.m. at Justice High School.

Glasgow Middle School Wind Ensemble

Falls Church High School Chamber Orchestra

This is the first time an ensemble from Falls Church High School has been invited to perform at VMEA. Their program celebrates AAPI composers from across the Asian Diaspora. A preview concert, combined with the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra, is scheduled for November 6th at 7 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School.

Falls Church High School Chamber Orchestra

Special Olympics National Unified Champion School

Congratulations to Annandale High School - recognized as a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School for outstanding commitment to inclusion and the promotion of unified sport and leadership! Annandale is one of nine Virginia schools that earned this national recognition.

To achieve this distinction, Annandale High School demonstrated dedication to fostering an inclusive school environment by fulfilling 10 standards of excellence which emphasize key activities such as:

• Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where students with and without disabilities train and compete together as teammates.
• Inclusive youth leadership, promoting student voices and encouraging collaboration across diverse student groups.
• Whole school engagement, ensuring that the entire school community actively participates in creating an inclusive culture.

View the FanQuest Video of the Annandale Special Olympics team in action.

Team Introductions Video at FanQuest 2024

Field Hockey District Champions

Congratulations to the Annandale High School Field Hockey team for winning the National District Championship! Good luck to the Atoms as they move on to the Occoquan Region Tournament!

Excellence Awards

The annual FCPS Excellence Awards celebrate exceptional work performance by employees in support of the mission and vision of FCPS. Congratulations to the Mason District employee recipients of this recognition:

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness
Aida Joranko, Family Liaison at Glen Forest Elementary School

Student Achievement and Success 
Kirsten Salonga, Biology Teacher at Justice High School

Collaboration and Partnerships
The IB & POG Working Group, including Camille Burden (Glasgow MS), Darcy Malone (Poe MS), and Ellen Rogers (Belvedere ES)

Find more about the recipients of this year’s Excellence Awards.

National Merit Semifinalists

One hundred ninety-one FCPS students are among the semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2025. All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded in spring 2025. 

Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.

Congratulations to Mason District resident Leonardo Valli from TJHSST who was selected as a Semifinalist! View the complete list of FCPS Semifinalists HERE.

Mason District News Happy National Principals Month!

Please join me in celebrating the incredible work of our Mason District school leaders!!  We are grateful for their vision, dedication, and focus in promoting the success of our students.

Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s

I was pleased to attend the renaming and dedication ceremony for the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s (formerly known as the Bailey’s Community Center).

The informative program included remarks from Willie Coleman, President of the Springdale Civic Association and Alyce Pope, great-granddaughter of Minnie H. Peyton.  

Ms. Peyton had been a long-term resident of Springdale, a historically Black community in Bailey’s Crossroads that originated as a home to freedmen after the Civil War. Minnie Peyton was affectionately known as “mom” in the Springdale community where she lived for over 50 years until her death in 1985 at the age of 96.

Fall Theatre

Hold the dates for Mason District fall theatre productions!

Annandale Theatre Company presents                                           
Peter Pan & Wendy
November 15-16
Get tickets

Edison Theatre Company presents
Peter Pan & Wendy
November 13-16
Get tickets

FCHS Spotlight Theatre Company presents
Phantom Tollbooth
November 18 - Dec 7 at multiple venues
Get tickets

Glasgow Middle School Theatre Group presents
Trouble in Paradise Junction
November 22-23

Holmes Middle School Theatre presents
Disney’s Newsie’s Jr.
Dec 6-7

Jackson Middle School Drama presents
Aesop Live!
November 14-16
Get tickets

The Wolfpack Theatre at Justice High School presents
Addams Family
November 14-16
Get tickets

Poe Middle School's Raven Theatre presents
Addams Family
January 23-25

TJ Theatre Arts presents
Antigone
November 21-23

Woodson Drama presents
Lear by Shakespeare
November 8-9 & 15-16
Get tickets

2025 Graduation Dates

 

School Date/Time Location Annandale HS June 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena Bryant HS (winter) Feb. 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Bryant HS Bryant HS May 29, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Bryant HS Cedar Lane May 30, 2025, 3:30 p.m. Cedar Lane Davis Center June 9, 2025, noon Marshall HS Edison HS June 3, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena Fairfax County Adult HS Juen 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Thomas Jefferson HSST Falls Church HS June 9, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena Interagency Alt Schools June 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Lake Braddock SS Thomas Jefferson HSST June 11, 2025, 9:30 a.m. Eagle Bank Arena Justice HS June 5, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Eagle Bank Arena Key Center May 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. Key Center Kilmer Center May 30, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Kilmer Center Mountain View HS (winter) Feb. 13, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Mountain View HS Mountain View HS/AIM June 3, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Centreville HS Pulley Center May 30, 2025, noon West Potomac HS Quander Road May 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Quander Road Woodson HS June 10, 2025, 9:30 a.m. Eagle Bank Arena School Board Work Updates School Board Legislative Program

The School Board annually adopts a legislative program and legislative priorities to inform local, state, and federal public officials and others of its positions on legislative policy and budget issues of potential importance to Fairfax County Public School students, teachers, staff, parents, and the broader Fairfax community. The program contains the School Board’s positions on state and federal issues of both current and ongoing significance.

The Board adopted the 2025 State and Federal Legislative Program at the September 26 regular meeting.

I also had the opportunity to meet with several legislators on Capitol Hill last month to discuss School Board concerns regarding IDEA funding, cybersecurity funding, mental health supports and school accountability measures.

Meeting with Representative McClellan, Representative Spanberger, Senator Kaine, and Senator Warner

Secondary Grading Practices

The Governance Committee continues its work to revise Policy 2418. Grading and assessment practices should be transparent, predictable and consistently applied across our schools.

Please review the grading policy and share your feedback. 

The Governance Committee meetings are held at the Gatehouse Administration Center and broadcast live on the FCPS School Board YouTube channel. 

FCPS News Stadium Bathrooms

At the September 12 School Board Meeting, the Board approved the contract for the construction of stadium bathrooms at 14 high schools, including Annandale , Edison, TJHSST, and Woodson. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2025. 

Varsity Tutors

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report

On October 8th, the Superintendent presented the 2024-25 Goal 1 Report which focuses on availability of Pre-K programs, Kindergarten readiness and Multilingual learners (formerly English language Learners) growth.

Measurable Progress:

The actual results for the target goals established in the Baseline report which was presented in December 2023 and the target goals for the 2024-25 school year are shared below.   

• Increase the percentage of all students with Pre-K experience from 75% to 80%. All subgroups* are expected to increase Pre-K at least 5 percentage points, except for Students with Disabilities who are expected to maintain the current percentage of 90% and White students for whom the goal is from 88% to 90% or more; (Measure A) 
• SY 2023-24 results: 78% - did not meet target;
• SY 2024-25 Target: TBD
• Increase percentage of students meeting grade level expectations for reading, mathematics and executive functioning in the fall from 71% to 76% and by 5 percentage points for 8 of the 9 reported subgroups; (Measure B)
• SY 2023-24 results: 69% - did not meet target;
• SY 2024-25 Target: 78%
• Increase percentage of English Learners who meet the state criteria for growth from 45% to 50%. (Measure D of Goal 1 – page 49 of full report)
• SY 2023-24 results: 56% - met target; (page 52 - Table 26)
• SY 2024-25 Target: 59%

Goal 1 Report Highlights:

• The percentage of kindergarten students who have a Pre-K experience continues to increase, with students being served both within and outside of FCPS. 
• There are significant differences between the percentage of kindergartners with and without Pre-K experiences meeting grade level expectations in the fall. The gap between the two groups widened in SY 2023-24 when compared to the baseline.
• FCPS saw significant increases in the percentage of Multilingual learners (MLs) meeting state standards for progress towards English language proficiency overall and across multiple intersectionality groups. 

Notable Data:

• 78% of FCPS students entered with Pre-K experience.
• Of the 78% of FCPS students with Pre-K experience in the 2023-24 school year, Multilingual/English Learners continue to have the lowest rates of participation at 57%, Hispanic students at 60% and Economically Disadvantaged students at 63%; (page 16 of full report)
• Of the students entering FCPS without Pre-K experience, the data by pyramid show Mason District schools as follows: AHS pyramid: 34% (decrease of 3%); FCHS pyramid - 23% (decrease of 10%); and JHS pyramid: 31% (decrease of 10%) - (page 22 of full report)
• 69% of FCPS Kindergarten students met grade level expectations at the beginning of K for reading, mathematics and executive functioning; (page 32 of full report)
• 68% of kindergartners met grade level expectations in reading, mathematics and executive functioning in the spring, with 39% of English Learners (increase of 4 percentag points), 51% of Economically Disadvantaged students - increase of 12 percentage points; 47% of Hispanic students (+ 7 percentage points); and 44% of Students With Disabilities - (+ 4 percentage points) meeting these expectations; (page 37 of full report)

Carter G. Woodson High School Dedication

C.G. Woodson High School students and community of the former W.T. Woodson High School gathered on October 23rd to rededicate the building and reflect on history.

Based on concerns raised by students and others, the School Board voted in December 2023 to rename the school which opened in 1962 and originally named after the second-longest serving FCPS superintendent, W.T. Woodson, who led the division from 1929-1961. 

W.T. Woodson’s opposition to the desegregation of schools has since been revealed in historical documents leading to requests from the community to rename the school.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, widely considered the ‘Father of Black History Month,’ founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the scholarly Journal of Negro History (now called the Journal of African American History), and the creator of “Negro History Week,” the precursor of Black History Month. A journalist and an educator, Dr. C. G. Woodson later became Dean of Howard University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

FCPS 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame

The 3rd Annual FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame event was held on September 25, 2024, celebrating outstanding FCPS alumni and their contributions to the community. Sponsored by Educate Fairfax, the event also included a silent auction benefiting the Educate Fairfax Student Scholarship Fund.

This year's class of inductees spans five decades and represents a broad range of professional experience and expertise. The honorees are:

• Amanda Andere, Herndon High School Class of 1998
• Michael Batt, Marshall High School Class of 1982
• Callie Brownson, Mount Vernon High School Class of 2007
• General James R. Clapper, Annandale High School Class of 1959
• Gavin Myers, Madison High School Class of 1993
• Tony Perkins, Mount Vernon High School Class of 1977
• Sumeet Shrivastava, Robinson High School Class of 1984
• Todd Stottlemyer, West Springfield High School Class of 1984

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking parents and caregivers to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey which is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in).  Paper copies of the form will be provided starting Wednesday, November 13 and should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page. Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account HERE to submit the survey.  

Opportunities Falls Church HS Renovation Update

Join the Falls Church HS Renovation Update Community Meeting on November 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Falls Church High School cafeteria.

Learn more about this FCPS capital project and sign up for a project-specific mailing list on the Falls Church High School renovation project webpage.

Student Experience Survey

This fall, FCPS will pilot a Student Experience Survey in select schools to better understand how students view and experience school. The ultimate goal of the survey is to elevate student voice to identify strategic improvement opportunities for FCPS. 

Mason District schools selected to participate in the pilot are listed below. Parents and caregivers of students attending these schools should have received an email notification on October 28th with information about the pilot and the opt-out process.

• Annandale HS
• Annandale Terrace ES
• Bailey’s Upper ES
• Bren Mar Park ES
• Edison HS
• Falls Church HS
• Glasgow MS
• Mason Crest ES
• Poe MS

The Student Experience Survey Pilot webpage includes additional information about the survey, links to view the surveys, and opt-out instructions.

TJHSST Freshman Application

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Freshman Application process for the Class of 2029 is now open. Applications must be started before November 13th at 4 p.m.

Find additional details and information on the TJHSST application process HERE.

NEW! FCPS Scholarship Website

In addition to Naviance, a new webpage is now available to share scholarship information with FCPS Students. High school students are encouraged to regularly review and monitor Naviance and the public website for opportunities.

Artist Teacher Exhibition

Workhouse Arts Center and Fairfax County Public Schools are proud to present the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality. This exhibition explores how artists use materials to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and create meaning.

Materiality features artworks in a wide variety of media by art teachers who teach K-12th grade students from Fairfax County Public Schools. Works from several Mason District teachers are on display. 

The exhibition runs until November 30 at the Workhouse Arts Center, located at 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton, VA.

Mark Your Calendars - Wolfpack Madness!

Justice Basketball Wolfpack Madness!
November 19, 2024
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the new season with games, prizes, giveaways, 3pt contest, food and more! Admission is FREE. Donations are appreciated.

Immunization Clinics

Does your child need school-required immunizations? If so, please check out the options below.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) 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.

November 18, 2-7 p.m.

Joseph Willard Health Center

Mount Vernon District Office

Springfield District Office

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.

Remaining clinics scheduled for Mason District students: 

• Annandale High School - December 11
• Falls Church High School - November 21
• Jackson Middle School - December 4
• Justice High School - November 6
• Poe Middle School - November 18
• TJHSST - December 10

Visit the Immunization Resources page for consent forms required at least one week prior to the school’s clinic date.

Become a Special Education Teacher

Become a special education teacher with FCPS! Join the informative virtual session on Thursday, November 14 to learn more about different special education positions, the pathways to licensure, and the support FCPS provides for teachers. Register for the virtual session.

SEPTA Programs

IEP Palooza and Resource Fair
November 16, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Luther Jackson Middle School
Register today!

Teacher & Staff Mini-Grants available
Application deadlines November 3 and January 31
Information and Applications

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• November 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• November 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are also broadcast and recorded for future viewing on the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

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

@masonfcps

@masondistrictsb

@MasonDistrictSB

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]

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Mason District Community,

School is back in session and I hope your students have had a fantastic first two weeks. Open houses were busy and well-attended in the Mason District as families and students met their teachers and toured their schools and classrooms. Back to school nights have begun which provides another opportunity for parents to gather in-depth information about the curriculum, grading and school practices. Many schools also have the Family Life Curriculum on display, so be sure to review those materials to determine your child's participation by completing the opt out form.

Students are now engaged in a full slate of activity from settling into this year’s curriculum to participating in senior sunrise breakfasts and fall sports. Please be sure to register your middle school student for cross country and for after-school programming. Elementary schools have been provided funding to establish Math and Science Olympiad enrichment opportunities in which our families are looking forward to having their students participate. 

I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at [email protected] to arrange a time.

First Day of School 2024 in the Mason District

Included in this issue:

School Board Work Updates   •Legislative Program •Routines and Homework Help •VDOE Accreditation/Accountability •Fentanyl Awareness •Secondary Grading Practices   •FY 2024 Year-end Review Opportunities   •SR&R Stakeholder Engagement FCPS News •TJHSST Information Session •Lightspeed Parent Report •Student Leadership Development  •Consent to Share Information •Community Conversations w/ Dr. Reid •Cell Phone Storage Pilot •Basketball Clinic •Bus and Traffic Safety •2024 Congressional App Challenge •Bus Delay Information •Bailey's Center Renaming/Dedication •Safety Drills and Safety Training •LWV Youth Council •Pacing Guides •Upcoming School Board Meetings School Board Work Updates Legislative Program

Each year, the School Board updates its legislative program to inform state and federal public officials and the community of its positions regarding various legislative policies and budgetary issues.

These statements speak to a number of regulations that impact the work of the school division, its students and staff. For example, a long-standing federal position (page 14) requests that the federal government address the chronic underfunding of special education by fulfilling its stated commitment to fund 40% of the costs of special education programs. Since the adoption of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, the federal government has only funded approximately 9 - 12% of special education costs.   

In the FY 2025 Budget, FCPS expects to receive just over $41M in IDEA funding. That allocation covers only 9.5% of special education costs in FCPS.  At the 40% funding level, FCPS would have received an additional $127.9M in FY25.

During this period in which the state will be revising the accreditation and accountability program, in section T, the School Board outlines its support for an accountability program based on a system of balanced measures of student achievement, student academic progress, engagement, and outcomes toward college and workforce readiness goals.

During the August 27th work session, the FCPS Office of Government Relations (OGR) presented the draft of the 2025 state and federal legislative positions that covers topics such as:

• Educational Technology: support for artificial intelligence (AI) regulations and ethical use standards that provide appropriate safeguards against misuse but that do not overly restrict local school division flexibility to leverage the educational and instructional promise of this emerging technology. 
• English Learners: support for additional funding resources for the provision of appropriate academic and English language instructional programs and supports, including reduced classroom staffing ratios, and for appropriate content area and language proficiency assessments for English learners.
• Student Safety: supports for additional local authority and flexibility to address traffic and pedestrian safety issues in and around school zones, including flexibility in setting speed limits, the use of speed cameras, or other traffic calming measures.
• Teachers and Instructional Personnel: support for dedicating state resources to assist local participation in Virginia’s planned implementation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Next Generation Identification (NGI) Noncriminal Justice Rap Back Service.

Final action by the Board is expected at the September 26th regular business meeting. Please review the full agenda and share your comments with me.

VDOE Accreditation and Accountability

The Governor’s appointed State Board of Education voted Wednesday, August 28, 2024 to change the established standards that measure school and student performance. The new plan which is still under development is referred to as the Virginia School Performance and Support Framework.

The proposed revisions include:

• New summative performance category indicators: Distinguished, On-track, Off-track and Needs Intensive Support;
• New Performance Components: Mastery, Growth and Readiness with varying weighting for elementary, middle and high schools;

A significant concern of this plan is the timeline that will require students for whom English is a second language (English Language Learners/Multilingual) to demonstrate proficiency in various areas within three semesters of instruction instead of the previous allocation of 11 semesters. This means that students learning English will have 270 days to perform proficiently in a new language. This approach is inconsistent with research which purports that more time is needed to master a new language.

Please review a summary of the revisions as presented to the School Board on August 27th.

At this time, the State Board is expected to adopt a final revised performance and support framework later this month, pending U.S. Education Department approval of the proposed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. 

It is important to note that the current 2017 Standards of Accreditation will be used when reporting school outcomes in fall 2024, based on data from school year 2023-24. The new system will not be fully in effect until its initial outcomes are reported out in fall 2025, based on data from the current 2024-25 school year.

Like all school divisions in Virginia, FCPS continues to evaluate the new state directives in anticipation for implementation in the next school year. Options are limited to counteract this change at this time; however, you can support our public schools in these ways:

1. Provide feedback to the VDOE during the final comment period which ends on September 25, 2024.
2. Contact your state elected officials to share your concerns and request their help. You can locate your state elected officials by entering your address into My Neighborhood and viewing the results on the left side of the page.
3. Share information about what is happening with your community members and networks. 
4. Review forthcoming information from FCPS.

Secondary Grading Practices

Grading is an important aspect of the student experience. Effective assessment evaluates content knowledge and provides constructive feedback for continuous improvement. The impact of grading travels beyond FCPS classrooms to influence college admission and scholarship opportunities etc. It is with this gravity that I approach the School Board's work on the grading policy.  

The School Board’s Governance Committee will be working on revisions to Policy 2418. It is my hope that the final version will reflect research-based practices, increase clarity for staff to facilitate implementation and provide consistency for our students. Grading and assessment practices should be transparent, predictable and consistently applied across our schools. 

Please review the grading policy and share your feedback. You are also invited to observe the Governance Committee’s work on this topic during these times: 

• September 24 at 3 p.m.
• October 1 at 3 p.m.
• October 15 at 3 p.m.
• October 29 at 3 p.m.

The meetings will be held at the Gatehouse Administration Center and broadcast live on the FCPS School Board YouTube channel. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

FY 2024 Year-end Review

On August 29th, the School Board approved the FY 2024 Final Budget Review Summary of the year-end funds. At the conclusion of the fiscal year, unspent funds available totaled $92.3M. These funds are primarily from increased revenue (such as $8.0 in tuition and fees - see page 2) and carryover (such as fuel reserve $2.0M).

In addition to a set aside for the Fiscal Year 2026 beginning balance in the amount of $28.1M, the School Board approved the allocation of the funds to the following as one-time expenditures:

• Special Education Extended Day contracts ($24.2M). These funds will be used to extend the contracts of special education teachers by an additional 30 minutes each day for one year (see page 3).
• $16.0M will be used for staffing reserve of 140 positions to account for the fluctuations between the projected and actual student enrollment. This reserve ensures the division has the funding to hire additional staff as needed to address student enrollment increases.
• Other planned expenditures include $7.1M for major maintenance to address the backlog of maintenance projects, $4.5M for incentive and bonuses for substitutes, $3.5M to upgrade the current mobile data terminals for the FCPS buses, $3.0M for strategies to close the achievement gap, $2.0M for security vestibules, $1.3M for the ERFC DROP program, $0.8M for athletic expansion, $0.7M for elementary school early release Mondays; $0.5M for softball field upgrades; $0.5M for middle school late buses, and $0.2M for the Woodson High School renaming. 

FCPS News Lightspeed Parent Report

FCPS has provided tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

Free and Reduced Lunch and Consent to Share Information

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications are available online! Click the language link in the top right for seven additional language options for this form.

If your children are eligible for the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) program, they may also qualify for FCPS fee waivers or additional benefits. Be sure to also complete the Consent to Share Information for Benefits for Other Programs form. This form is available in seven languages from the FRM webpage.

Families at schools participating in the CEP program (free meals for all students) will need to complete an income eligibility form to determine eligibility for fee waivers and other benefits.

Cell Phone Storage Pilot

On July 9, 2024, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order #33 requiring public school districts to adopt policies banning cell phones in class by January 2025. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has posted the proposed policy around cell phone use in schools and provided opportunity for public comment.  The final guidance is expected by September 16. 

The VDOE proposal recommends the following:

• High School: students “should not have an easily available cell phone or personal electronic communication device during the bell-to-bell school day. Outside of the bell-to-bell instructional time, cell phones and personal electronic communication devices may be used on a high school campus before or after school.” 
• Middle School: students “should not have an easily available cell phone or personal electronic communication device during the bell-to-bell school day. School divisions should establish local policies that determine cell phone and personal electronic communication device use within the school building or on school grounds outside of bell-to-bell, including before and after school.”
• Elementary School: “the phone must be stored, off, and away from the student during the school day.  It should not be used in the school building or on the school grounds before or after school.”

However, during the School Board meeting on May 9th, the School Board directed the Superintendent to "develop a plan for consideration by the Board, for a 2024-25 school year pilot program within each region for secure cell phone storage to include the potential use of classroom cell phone lockers, magnetic pouches, or other similar devices," which resulted in the current cell phone storage pilot at middle and high schools.

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

Cell Phone Storage Box and Hanging Pouch System - High School Pilot

Please review additional information and provide feedback to the Cell Phone Policy and the Cell Phone Storage Pilot program.

What can parents/caregivers do to help?

If your child has an iPhone, follow these steps to set up Screen Time and Downtime. Screen Time provides a report of how a device is used, while Downtime blocks apps and notifications for a specific period of time.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Screen Time
3. Tap Turn On Screen Time
4. If the device is for a child, tap This is My Child's iPhone
5. Select the child's name
6. Tap Turn On Screen Time again
7. Tap Turn on Restrictions (customizable)

 

After this initial setup or if you have used Screen Time previously, follow these steps to schedule time away from the screen:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Screen Time
3. Tap App & Website Activity
4. Tap Turn on App & Website Activity
5. Tap Downtime
6. Move the Scheduled toggle switch to the right to turn it on
7. Tap Every Day or Customize Days and set Time
8. Select the apps you want available during Downtime

There are several tools that allow some apps to be available at all times such as calls and messages. You may also elect to limit the time spent on specific apps. Be sure to set the passcode that is not shared to protect your selections.

You can also use Family Sharing to set up Screen Time for a child's device from your own device. Family Sharing allows you to view reports and adjust settings remotely.

Bus and Traffic Safety

Fairfax County has over 1,600 school buses operating daily. Drivers must stop in both directions when encountering a stopped school bus, unless a median separates the lanes. Failing to stop is a criminal offense. There will soon be 50 bus camera systems installed to issue citations to offenders. This initiative aims to protect students by changing driver behavior.

Additionally, school zones have reduced speed limits, and speeding will result in penalties. The Fairfax County Speed Camera Pilot Program resulted in a countywide expansion, with 50 additional cameras to be distributed between school and work zones in FY 2024 and 30 more planned for FY 2025.

Please also be sure to follow the directions of school crossing guards. Review the road rules for school buses, school zones, and crossing guards.

Bus Delay Information

If a bus is delayed, parents/caregivers may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus Mobile App to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce bus delays of 30 minutes or more. Visit the Transportation Services contact webpage for a list of contacts regarding transportation questions.

Please update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to ensure receipt of email messages about bus delays. 

Safety Drills and Safety Training Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is our priority. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools must also notify parents and caregivers at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools do not have to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

By law, the first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students do not participate in the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with them about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your student before and after school lockdown drills.

Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, parents/caregivers, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

If you have concerns about programs, regulations, policies or other topics that do not impact the safety of our schools, please contact the FCPS Ombuds at 571-423-4014 or [email protected].

Pacing Guides

FCPS provides online access to the curriculum for each core subject area to provide families with an overview of what students are learning and when they are learning it.

With just a few clicks, parents and caregivers will be able to access each grade level or course page which will include the objectives and outcomes for each unit, and the pacing by quarter and by week.

Routines for Success and Homework Help

The new school year usually requires a routine adjustment for the family. Fairfax County offers some helpful tips and tricks for back-to-school routine success. 

The Fairfax County Library has resources to help students with their homework, projects, studying, and more. Check out the library’s Homework Resources homepage to view the full list. 

Fentanyl Awareness

All Virginia public schools are required to distribute this Fentanyl Education and Awareness Informational One-Pager to all students in grades 9-12 within the first two weeks of the 2024-2025 school year.

Opportunities Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) - Stakeholder Engagement

During the month of September, the Chief Equity Office will be hosting two focus groups; each group will have a separate topic: 

Focus Group #1 - SR&R Practices. During this session, staff will gather feedback from school staff and administrators on September 10 and from middle and high school students and FCPS parents and caregivers on September 11.  

Focus Group #2 - Clarity of Enforcement - During this session, staff will gather feedback from school staff and administrators and from middle and high school students on September 25 and from FCPS parents and caregivers on September 26.

Parents/caregivers should have received an email from K12 Insight with information on how to participate in a focus group. School-based and central office staff who work directly with students, and middle and high school students have also been invited to participate.  

Your voice is essential to delivering an SR&R that supports a caring and inclusive climate and culture in every school community. If you have questions, you can submit them on our website or contact Kathleen Walts, executive director of Equity and Student Relations.

The data gathered during these sessions will be synthesized and included into the report due to the Board on November 1, 2024.

TJHSST Information Session

Do you have a student who is interested in applying for enrollment at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) next year? Would you and/or your student like to learn more about TJHSST? Representatives from TJHSST will be at Glasgow Middle School on September 11th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to present on the programming/curriculum and application process in our lecture hall. All are welcome. 

Student Leadership Development Program

The School Board is accepting applications for the Student Leadership Development Program, open to any high school freshman, sophomore, or junior in good academic standing. The program is for students interested in a future in law, government or public policy. Twelve students will be chosen to work closely with the School Board to observe how FCPS is governed. 

The Student Leaders attend and participate in:

• Group Orientation (December 2024)
• School Board Forum or Committee Meeting (January – March 2025) 
• School Board Work Session (January – March 2025) 
• Mock Forum (Spring 2025)
• Mock Work Session (Spring 2025) 
• Program Completion Ceremony (June 2025)

Applications for this year’s program are available on the FCPS website. Students should submit the brief application, program requirements form, and one-page statement of interest to their principals by September 30, 2024. Principals will submit applications to the School Board Office by October 15, 2024. Each School Board member will select one student from their magisterial district, and the at-large members will select one student from all the applications received. The selected student leaders and remaining applicants will be notified by email by November 15, 2024. 

Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

Take advantage of the opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS with Superintendent Reid. The first conversation is scheduled at Holmes Middle School on September 9th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Registration is not required. But helps with planning for language interpretation and child care.

September 9th at 6:30 p.m. at Holmes Middle School 

Additional locations and dates are posted on the Community Conversations webpage and included below. 

• Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary School
• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School

Basketball Clinic

The Justice HS boys basketball coaching staff and varsity players are hosting a fall basketball clinic for boys and girls in grades 5-8.

Registration is open for the September 14th clinic. 

2024 Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge offers middle and high school students who are interested in coding a chance to develop and demonstrate their skills and interests in computer science and STEM. Students may register as individuals or in teams of up to four. 

The deadline to enter the Congressional App Competition is October 24, 2024.

Bailey's Community Center Renaming & Dedication

Attend the renaming and dedication ceremony for the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s (formerly Bailey’s Community Center) on September 14 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and tours of the facility.

League of Women Voters (LWV) Youth Council

The LWV Youth Council is open to ages 16-21. Their goal is to introduce young people to the programs and projects of the League that will benefit our youth and local communities.

Projects of Youth Council members may include:

• Assisting with local leagues voter registration.
• Social media videos, graphics
• GOTV on their campus at their schools
• Pre-registration of 16-year-olds and registration of young people
• Conduct youth candidate forums in conjunction with their local or State League.
• Website update – they will have a page on the website to share information
• Visits to legislators during Session – learning the legislative process – and helping with advocacy.
• Partner with youth groups that are working with our partner organizations
• Outreach to other youth groups regarding the League
• Assist with ongoing programs for which we may need assistance on state level.

Find more information and the application on the LWV webpage.

Contact Erni Bridges at [email protected] with any questions.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

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

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• September 10, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
• September 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (tentative)

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff?  Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

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

We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

@masonfcps

@MasonDistrictSB

@masondistrictsb

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: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, [email protected]