Aggregator | Fairfax County Public Schools

Braddock District School Board News: 2024-25 Back-to-School Edition

School Board Braddock District 1 month 1 week ago

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Hello Braddock District Neighbors!

Welcome back to school! I hope you had a wonderfully fun and relaxing summer, even though it feels like it went by fast! I’ve enjoyed lazy summer nights hanging out with my neighbors in our cul-de-sac, at the Burke farmer’s market, and at the Lake Accotink summer concerts, visiting family out of state, watching the Olympics, and even shopping for back to school supplies (I have to admit, I love school supplies!).

As the Braddock District Representative to the Fairfax County School Board, I am honored to welcome all students, families and caregivers, teachers and staff back to school for 2024-25!

Click the image above to watch Rachna's back-to-school video on YouTube.

I hope you will look to your school community as a welcoming, nurturing place not just for your school-aged children but really for your whole family. FCPS is known for its quality academics, its sports, music and arts and theater, STEAM programs, and so many other great “things,” sure. But we’re also known for our heart and our place in our community.

I’m so glad we are a part of that together. I am really proud to represent the Braddock District where I raised my children and I’ve lived for more than two decades. I’m proud of the education my children received, spending pre-K through high school in Braddock-area FCPS schools. And I love the sense of community, kindness, and camaraderie that is the Braddock District. We truly look out for each other. Please know I am here to look out for you, to serve you, your families and your children, so reach out anytime.

My own priorities as a School Board member include encouraging greater consistency in instruction and grading across FCPS, continuing to work to close the gaps and ensure all of our students receive an excellent and rigorous education, expanding STEAM education, and supporting innovation in the classroom to ensure our students have the skills to thrive on their chosen path in this rapidly changing world. Supporting neurodiverse students is also a particular passion for me.

So, if there’s any room left in your Trapper Keeper, please find a place to jot down my email address - [email protected] - and let me know anytime during the school year if there are ways I may be able to assist you. I will be working closely with your PTA/PTO/PTSA/PTSO leaders and booster organizations this year, so I hope you will choose to be involved there or elsewhere as well.

But most of all, I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful year!

Yours very truly,

Rachna Sizemore Heizer
Braddock District School Board Member

Have something nice to say about an FCPS teacher or other staff? Share it with FCPS Cares.

IN THIS ISSUE …

Back-to-School Resources
Cell Phone Policy Update
Boundary Policy Update
Focus on Braddock
Neurodiversity News
More from the School Board
FCPS News
Out & About
Coming Up
More Stuff Parents Should Know

Back-to-School Resources

It’s almost here! The first day of school for the 2024-25 school year is Monday, Aug. 19. Here are some important resources to help get you and the students in your household off to the best start.

2024-25 School Calendar

If you know, you know! Save or bookmark the new school calendar, or print and hang it somewhere everyone in your family can easily find it.

Back-to-School Nights

Getting an early look at your child’s school and meeting their teachers can make a huge difference in their sense of belonging and future success. Every FCPS school is planning its own Back-to-School Night to welcome students and their families. You can find up-to-date schedules for every school Braddock District students attend, organized by FCPS region, at the links below:

Region 1: Mosaic ES
Region 2: Bailey’s Upper ES, Camelot ES, Falls Church HS, Mason Crest ES
Region 3: Bryant HS
Region 4: Bonnie Brae ES, Cardinal Forest ES, Cherry Run ES, Fairview ES, Irving MS, Keene Mill ES, Kings Glen ES, Kings Park ES, Lake Braddock SS, Laurel Ridge ES, Oak View ES, Orange Hunt ES, Ravensworth ES, Robinson SS, Rolling Valley ES, Terra Centre ES, West Springfield ES, White Oaks ES
Region 5: Canterbury Woods ES, Eagle View ES, Fairfax HS, Fairfax Villa ES, Frost MS, Katherine Johnson MS, Little Run ES, Mantua ES, Olde Creek ES, Rocky Run MS, Wakefield Forest ES, Willow Springs ES, Woodson HS
Region 6: Annandale HS, Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, Holmes MS, Key MS, Lewis HS, Lynbrook ES, North Springfield ES, Poe MS
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

I will be stopping by as many Braddock District events as possible, so please say hello if you see me there!

Bus Routes & Bell Schedules

Safety is FCPS’ top priority when establishing bus routes and bell schedules. The rules are firm but for good reasons.

FCPS selects bus routes that run on roads that are well-maintained and safe for school bus travel. Stops are not designed to drop students off in front of their homes. Parents are responsible for making sure that they choose a safe walking route for their children to get to and from the bus stop. Exceptions are made for students with special needs. Bus stop information is NOT published on any public website for safety reasons.

The Office of Transportation Services works in concert with school principals and program managers to develop the start and end times for each school.

For bell schedules and more information about bus routes, go here.

School Supply Lists

Each elementary school has posted supply lists to their own website. Middle and high schools often provide these on their websites or will provide them to students upon return to school. Find your student’s school website here.

Fueling Success: Student Meals Provide a Strong Start

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who participate in school meal programs consume more whole grains, milk, fruits, and vegetables during meal times and have better overall diet quality.

Caregivers can set their children up for school lunch success by providing their students with money to purchase meals at school, sending them with a nutritious packed lunch, or applying for free and reduced-price meal benefits.

Learn more about paying for meals, free and reduced meals, tips for packing a health lunch, and more.

Vaccines & Immunizations Benefit the Whole Community

As the new school year begins, please remember the entire community is dependent on all students having proper immunizations to keep everyone healthy! Learn everything you need to know here.

Cell Phone Policy Update Pilot Storage Program Starts this Fall

Two years ago, the school board voted to ban cell phone usage throughout the day at elementary and middle schools as well as ban cell phones in classes and in the bathrooms at high schools. Despite this two year ban, we continue to hear of issues regarding cell phone usage.

Starting in school year 2024-25, select middle and high schools at FCPS (see list below) will be phone-free during the school day in order to limit classroom disruptions and improve student engagement and learning. Middle school students will receive locked storage pouches. High school students will place their cell phones in central storage units located in each classroom.

The purpose of the pilot program is to create a more engaged learning environment for students, free of distraction from cell phones and social media. Studies show that students who use their cell phones during instructional time focus less, learn less, and achieve lower grades.

Middle School Pilot Program

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, students in the pilot program will receive a special cell phone storage pouch. The pouch is magnetic and stops students from using their phones, including for social media and text messages/phone calls. Each student will be responsible for their own personal pouch and will bring it to school each day.

When they arrive at school each morning, students must safely lock their cell phone in their personal pouch and put it in their backpack. Airpods must be secured in the pouch or placed in backpacks. Smartwatches must be off or on airplane mode. Students will unlock their pouches at the end of the school day. In case of a family emergency, parents/caregivers can contact the school’s front office.

Participating Braddock District schools: Frost, Irving, Jackson, Poe, Robinson, Thoreau and Twain.

High School Pilot Program

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, students must place their cell phones in a cell phone storage unit at the beginning of each class.

Participating Braddock District schools: Edison, Falls Church, Justice, Lewis, Madison, McLean, Robinson and Westfield.

For more information on either pilot program, we encourage you to read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact your child's school. Feedback is also welcome.

Boundary Policy Update

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The revised policy provides a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being. It helps address classroom and school overcrowding, and can lead to shorter bus rides with more sleep for students, and more.

It does not propose specific boundary changes, nor were specific boundaries considered during the policy review. Instead, the updates create a framework for the division superintendent to follow when considering any potential future adjustments, which must prioritize robust community engagement throughout the process. It continues to allow for the possibility of phasing at all grade levels to help with stability and transition.

Some major changes include board approval for all permanent boundary changes, significantly more public engagement in the process, and a five year cyclical review. Here is a link to the work session on the policy, which contains a PowerPoint covering major updates to the policy.

Focus on the Braddock District New Region 4 Assistant Superintendent

I am excited to share the appointment of Pablo Resendiz as the new Assistant Superintendent for Region 4, which includes 10 schools located in the Braddock District and eight others located outside the district but which Braddock District residents attend.

Mr. Resendiz brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. Born in Mexico, he immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, facing the many challenges that come with new beginnings, including language barriers and socioeconomic hardships. Growing up as a multilingual learner and immigrant, Mr. Resendiz's personal journey fuels his commitment to ensuring that all students have access to an equitable education.

Mr. Resendiz has served in various capacities, including teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and most recently as an executive director coaching and leading schools in the largest region in Houston ISD. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his work with at-risk students.

Mr. Resendiz earned a bachelor of science in applied learning and development from the University of Texas at Austin, a master of education in educational leadership from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston.

Mr. Resendiz replaces Penny Gros, who recently retired after serving as Region 4 assistant superintendent since 2021.

Welcome, Mr. Resendiz!

New Principal at Lynbrook Elementary School

Please join me in welcoming Heber Paredes as the new principal of Lynbrook Elementary School!

In announcing his appointment, Region 6 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Boyd noted Mr. Paredes brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to the community. He holds a master’s degree in education leadership from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor of arts in elementary education and special education from Washington Adventist University. He previously served as dean of students and assistant principal at Lynbrook.

“A dedicated leader and lifelong learner, Mr. Paredes values collaboration with all stakeholders,” Dr. Boyd said. “He is committed to working closely with teachers, parents, and the broader community to foster a welcoming and joyful educational setting. His compassionate approach and dedication to professional development, family engagement, and cultural competency ensure an inclusive and equitable environment at Lynbrook Elementary.”

While Lynbrook is physically located in the Franconia District, students who live in the Braddock District make up about 41 percent of the school’s population. Having strong leaders in place is a priority for me no matter where Braddock kids are receiving their education, so I am thrilled with this appointment for the 2024-25 school year!

Welcome, Principal Paredes!

Neurodiversity News Simple Ways to Transition Back to School With Autism

From Autism Parenting Magazine: “Returning to school can be stressful for all children, but especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. While summer activities such as visiting new places, staying with extended family, and attending school holiday care can be enjoyable, they can also be extremely disruptive for children with autism. We need to take this into account before we even start to plan how to help children transition back to school.

“When considering how to best start the transition back after each holiday break, you can help set your child up for success by creating a sense of safety amidst all the changes. It is also worth taking a moment to understand the two basic ways we can help to lessen a child’s anxiety.”

Counting Down to the First Day of School, MyPDE Deadlines Extended

Employee News1 month 1 week ago

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Welcome new teachers! More than 1,200 new faces met at the 2024 Great Beginnings Summer Institute, a four-day professional learning opportunity.

Join Our Back to School Countdown!

Thank you to all our employees who are hard at work kicking off another great school year! Are you ready? Join our countdown on the FCPS homepage, Facebook and Instagram!

Since Friday, we’ve encouraged caregivers to register their children, bookmark the school year calendar, update immunization records, and sign up for SIS ParentVUE.

Today’s reminder is to make sure you’re signed up for your school newsletter and following your school on social media.

Follow FCPS on social media to share in the countdown fun and make sure you, too, are ready for #FirstDayFairfax!

📅 First Day of School: August 19

The first day of the school year is Monday, August 19. FCPS staff, caregivers, and students are invited to share their favorite pictures and videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on the FCPS Facebook and Instagram pages.

✍️ Extended Deadlines for Required MyPDE Trainings

Due to technical issues with MyPDE last week, the deadline for required trainings has been extended. Most sessions originally scheduled for completion by Sunday, September 15, will now be due on Monday, October 7.

This adjustment provides teachers the flexibility to use the Friday, October 4, teacher workday for training purposes, if desired. FCPS is continuing to work with the vendor to prevent future disruptions.

These trainings provide information you need to start the year strong. It is part of your professional responsibility and an expectation noted in employee evaluations. Please go to your assigned training page in MyPDE and complete those labeled “Assigned.” For assistance, please email [email protected].

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

In FCPS, we are committed to supporting teachers in growing their capacity and leadership skills. Educational specialists in the Office of Professional Learning are offering several upcoming professional development opportunities. Please visit each link to learn more!

Compass Courses: Designed for current and aspiring leaders, each full or half-day course focuses on a topic such as coaching skills, building relationships, managing conflict, and having difficult conversations. These sessions are open to both school-based and operational personnel.

Teacher Leadership Cohorts: This fall, we will be offering two of our teacher leadership cohorts: Facilitation Skills for Leading in a Collaborative Culture and Becoming a Transformational Leader. These courses will be viewable in MyPDE on Tuesday, August 20, and registration begins Tuesday, August 27. Both courses will be held in person.

Instructional Coach Learning Cohort: The ICLC is designed to prepare teacher leaders for the role of an FCPS instructional coach. Teachers interested in becoming an instructional coach for the 2025-26 school year should consider applying. The application deadline is Friday, October 18.

☀️ What Did You Do on Your Summer Vacation?

For many of us, summer includes time to rest, recharge, and get inspired for another school year. How did you recharge this summer? Let us know by emailing [email protected]. And don’t forget to share photos! We’ll compile submissions for the Employee News blog.

📚 Every Teacher Deserves a Great Beginning

The 30th annual Great Beginnings Summer Institute (GBSI) kickoff event last week at Hayfield Secondary School welcomed 1,200 new teachers! The program has grown tremendously since it began in 1995 with 50 participants, two cohorts, and two coaches. This year, the large group consists of 40 cohorts and 78 coaches who were eager to welcome each new face to FCPS! Read more about their experience at GBSI.

✨ Strategic Plan Connection

GBSI is a great example of the important work guided by the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar C: a Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce. GBSI is a four-day professional development and orientation for new FCPS teachers. The program supports teachers who are new to the profession, whether recent graduates or career switchers, as well as experienced teachers who are new to FCPS.

Learn more about FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

💬 Superintendent’s Weekly Reflections

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid writes about great things that are happening around FCPS in her Weekly Reflections email. Among the activities she participated in last week were attending Great Beginnings and the Multilingual Learners Summit, and visiting several schools, including Braddock Elementary School (pictured above). View Dr. Reid’s latest Weekly Reflections.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day enhances our school environment and improves student focus and engagement. This school year, we’re asking our families to talk with their children about the importance of putting their cell phones away during instructional time.

We’re also asking teachers not to use cell phones for instructional activities unless approved by a principal or designee. We will be providing teachers and administrators extra support in enforcing FCPS’ cell phone policy, to help create learning spaces where our students are less distracted and more engaged.

Cell Phone Storage Pilot

At the May 9, 2024 School Board meeting, the School Board directed the superintendent to develop a pilot program for cell phone storage. Starting with the 2024-25 school year, select middle schools will be phone-free using personal storage pouches. Select high schools will be phone-free during all instructional times by using cell phone storage units in each classroom. Find more information on our cell phone storage webpage.

✅ Annual Verification for Current National Board Certified Teachers

The Office of Professional Learning is required to confirm the eligibility of all National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and counselors every year. This allows qualified staff to receive the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Incentive Award.

All NBCTs must provide the necessary information by completing the annual verification form by close of business Friday, September 20. The requirements for the stipend can be found on the form. Access the annual verification form.

Current NBCTs who are pursuing Maintenance of Certification are invited to join their NBCT colleagues in an Academy Cohort beginning in September.

Teachers interested in becoming certified can also register for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Candidacy Academy course when the window opens on Tuesday, August 27. Visit the FCPS NBCT website to learn more about the program and how FCPS can support you.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a connection to the FCPS network. If you have any questions, please visit the FCPS Tech Support Portal to search for self help articles or submit a ticket.

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!

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

School Board Mount Vernon District1 month 1 week ago

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

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

Ms. Paula Johnson-Tyler, Halley ES

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

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

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

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

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

Very respectfully,

Mount Vernon District Representative Mateo Dunne

Welcome Halley ES Incoming Principal Paula Johnson-Tyler

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

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

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

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

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

E-mail: Mateo Dunne | Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

September Webinars at the Family Resource Center

Family Resource Center1 month 2 weeks ago

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September Webinars at the Family Resource Center 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support

Siblings of children with disabilities play essential roles in their families and often experience similar concerns and opportunities as parents.

In this interactive, virtual session learn some common issues that siblings experience and seven simple ways parents and caregivers can help minimize sibling concerns and maximize opportunities to build close bonds with siblings.

Join Emily Holl, Director of The Sibling Support Project at Kindering for this exciting online webinar.

September 6, 2024 10-11:30 a.m.

Back-to-School Toolkit: Proven Systems for Solving Disorganization, Procrastination, and Missed Deadlines
with Ann Dolin

Unrelenting patterns of disorganization, procrastination, and late assignments wear down and discourage many parents of students (especially those with ADHD and other learning differences) as the school year grinds on. But it doesn’t have to be this way!

In this webinar, Ann will discuss:

What a system is and why sustainable systems are game changers for kids
Uncover which type of procrastinator your child is, from crisis-maker to dreamer, and get personalized solutions for each procrastination style
How your child can effectively use a calendar system to combat procrastination and meet deadlines head-on
Strategies to help your student maintain order with easy-to-implement organizational routines, like the Clean Sweep and Launching Pad
Communication starters to develop a relationship of trust at the start of the school year and how to nurture it for a smooth academic journey

Join Educational Connections Founder and President Ann Dolin, M.Ed., an experienced author, educator, and advocate for this important webinar.

September 13, 2024 10-11 a.m.

The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool:
Information for Families of Students With Disabilities

Join the FCPS Office of Special Education Instruction for a live, virtual training event providing an overview of the new Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool.

The overview will include background information regarding changes in the VAAP Participation Criteria Form, as well as information on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team's implementation of the new tool.

Webinar Highlights:

Learn about significant cognitive learning disabilities
Implications of VAAP participation on your child
The new VAAP Decision-Making Tool

Presented by: Join members of the Office of Special Education Instruction: Brittany Vigil: Senior Manager I; Extended School Year/Assessment, Michelle Henry, Educational Specialist, and Sarah Khalife, Educational Specialist

September 18, 2024 6:30-8 p.m.

September 19, 2024 10-11:30 a.m.

Setting Limits and Dealing With Dramatic Resistance

It's important to set limits, but sometimes when we try to set them, our kids don't follow them or it takes a tremendous amount of energy to enforce them.

In this webinar, you'll learn:

How to set effective limits to reduce the likelihood of resistance
How to deal with dramatic reactions that do occur -- in a way that boosts your influence and your child's resilience

Join Rachel Bailey, parenting expert and coach for this important webinar.

September 20, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.

Nurturing Adolescent Growth: A Comprehensive 4-Part Series on Teen Development and Well-Being

Join us for a series of insightful sessions focusing on the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of teen development. Learn strategies to support resilience, mental health, and healthy boundaries, fostering a nurturing environment for adolescents to thrive.

9/27/24 - Part 1: Understanding Adolescent Development: The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Changes in Teens
Gain Insights into physical changes and understand the emotional fluctuations teens experience.

Dr. Unnatti Jain is a certified Behavior Change Expert / TEDxspeaker /Author/Keynote speaker and studies behavioral patterns. She works with parents and youth who struggle with issues such as doubt, anxiety, low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of a growth mindset. Her target audience is parents/caregivers of 12-26 year olds.

FCPS Family Resource Center
Web | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 703-204-3941

Cell Phone Storage Pilot, Consent Forms, New SOL Tests, Back-to-School Events and Resources

School Board Mason District1 month 2 weeks ago

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Mason District Community,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! In just over a week, our students will return to begin another school year. I hope that Mason students were able to take advantage of the various summer offerings throughout Fairfax County over the last several weeks.

This fall, we welcome new leadership in several Mason District schools including Justice High School, Glasgow Middle School and Woodburn Elementary School. Changes to several FCPS practices will also be introduced to students and families including a revised school boundary policy and more structured plans to reduce cell phone access and use during instructional periods in classrooms. Please read below for these important updates.

Later this month, the School Board will review Policy 2418, Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians to revise the procedures used by teachers to grade students such as use of a rolling gradebook vs. quarterly grades, weighting of formative and summative assignments and re-assessment expectations. Please be mindful of these important discussions as they are of great consequence to our students and impact their post-secondary opportunities.

I look forward to seeing many Mason District families at upcoming open house and back-to-school events!

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.

Included in this issue:

Mason News:

•Justice HS Addition •Paid Parental Leave Program •Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program •Online Tutoring •Limited Early Release Mondays •Checking SIS ParentVue •Back-to-School Event Schedules •Consent Forms •2024-2025 School Year Calendar

School Board Work Updates:

•Updated Boundary Policy

Opportunities:

•Back-to-School Resource Fair

FCPS News:

•Governor's Student Advisory Board •2025 Graduation Schedule •Taste of Annandale •Immunization Requirements •Upcoming School Board Meetings •Accommodations: PSAT/NMSQT/SAT •New SOL Tests in Spring 2025 Mason News Justice HS Addition

The new classroom wing at Justice High School will be ready for students on the first day of school. Families will be able to tour the new space during Back-to-School Night on August 28th.

Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program

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

Limited Early Release Mondays

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requires that during the 2024–2025 school year, contracted teachers, including General Education, Special Education and ESOL teachers, receive 27 hours of evidence-based literacy instruction (EBLI) training. Initial training should be concluded by the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Early Release Monday Presentation

To accomplish this requirement, FCPS will release Elementary students three hours early on seven Mondays during the 2024-2025 school year. For example, if your child’s school day typically ends at 4:00 p.m., the early release time will be at 1:00 p.m. However, the early release schedule will NOT require students to leave the school. Supervised enrichment activities will be provided for ALL students who remain at school until the school’s regular dismissal time.

Please note that there will be NO impact to the daily schedule of 6th grade students attending Glasgow, Holmes and Poe middle schools.

For the first two months of early release days, buses will run their routes twice - once during the early release time for students who chose to go home and a second time at the school’s regular dismissal for students who remain at the school. FCPS will then evaluate whether double runs for buses is necessary. As per the Superintendent, this review is to determine efficiencies in FCPS routing and all students will continue to receive a choice of the two dismissal times from transportation services.

Mark your calendars: Early release dates for Mason District elementary students are scheduled for September 16, October 21, November 18, February 10, March 10, April 21, and May 12.

Important Family Feedback: Parents/caregivers of elementary students will receive a survey from their child’s school this week asking for their dismissal preferences regarding the first two Early Release days. Parents/caregivers will be asked to communicate whether their students will go home early or remain at school until the regular dismissal time.

Staff will make every effort to ensure responses are received from all parents and caregivers of FCPS elementary students. In addition to email, families will be engaged during Open House with laptops set up at the schools; school-specific QR codes with the survey link will be included in back-to-school communications. Office staff and/or a family liaison will reach out to individual families as needed and teachers will include the survey link in their welcome-back emails and communications. Outreach will also be conducted using Talking Points and upon registration of new students and via the school’s PTA and PTO.

Staff has confirmed that families will not be locked into their response and will have the flexibility to make changes. However, parents and guardians are asked to communicate their plans to schools.

Please be sure to respond as soon as possible to this request!

Back-to-School Events

Please check your school’s newsletter and/or website for any changes.

Open House Events

School

Date

Time

Elementary Schools

Annandale Terrace August 15 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Bailey's Primary August 15 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Bailey's Upper August 15 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beech Tree August 16 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Belvedere August 15 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Braddock August 16 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Bren Mar Park August 16 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Camelot August 15 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Columbia August 15 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Glen Forest August 16 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Mantua August 15 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Mason Crest August 16 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. North Springfield August 15 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Parklawn August 16 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sleepy Hollow August 16 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Timber Lane August 15 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Westlawn August 16 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Weyanoke August 15 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Woodburn August 15 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Middle Schools

Glasgow August 14 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Holmes August 15 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Jackson August 15 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Poe August 14 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

High Schools

Annandale August 15 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Edison August 15 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Falls Church August 15 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Justice August 15 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Thomas Jefferson August 15 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Woodson August 16 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Back-to-School Night Events

School

Date

Time

Elementary Schools

Annandale Terrace September 18 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bailey's Primary September 11 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Bailey's Upper September 18 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Beech Tree September 19 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Belvedere September 19 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Braddock Sept 10 & 11 (by grade) 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bren Mar Park September 5 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Camelot September 5 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Columbia September 5 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Glen Forest September 19 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. Mantua September 19 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Mason Crest Sept 18 & 19 (by grade) 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. North Springfield September 5 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Parklawn September 4 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Sleepy Hollow September 10 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Timber Lane September 5 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Westlawn September 19 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Weyanoke September 18 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Woodburn September 18 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Middle Schools

Glasgow September 11 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Holmes September 11 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Jackson September 17 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Poe September 12 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

High Schools

Annandale September 19 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Edison August 27 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Falls Church August 28 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Justice August 28 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Aug 27 & Sept 4 (by grade) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Woodson September 10 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. School Board Work Updates Updated Boundary Policy

The School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at the July 18 Regular Public Meeting. The revision serves to define the school boundary policy for the assignment of students to schools and programs, to close, open or consolidate schools and programs where appropriate, and to outline the considerations for such determinations. The policy further prioritizes access to programming, enrollment and capacity, proximity and transportation as primary factors.

The revised policy does not propose specific boundary changes. The Superintendent will present a detailed project management plan to the Board at a Regular Business Meeting in August.

The revised policy compels regular review of the school attendance zones which should result in timely and equitable response to school capacity challenges and access to various academic programming. However, the approved policy does not include language ensuring that middle and high school students would be guaranteed continued enrollment at their current schools.

The policy leaves a gap which could result in middle school students at Glasgow, Holmes and Poe to potentially attend those schools for grade 6 and then move to another middle school for grades 7-8. High school students are similarly impacted. As written, the policy could result in students in grades 10 and 11 to enroll in a new school in the middle of their high school career.

It is my position that the School Board should be clear in its direction to the Superintendent and should be explicit regarding non-negotiable factors as related to phasing students out of schools - especially at the middle and high school levels given concerns about student mental health, community and consistency.

Guaranteeing student attendance at schools in which they have begun would have resulted in a much stronger policy, increased community support while reducing anxiety and foster consistent practices across the division. As it currently stands, it is possible for some schools to be granted longer phasing allowances than others which directly contradicts our commitment to equity and the One Fairfax policy.

Unfortunately, a majority of the Board did not support these proposals and without such assurances in the final language, I was unable to vote in the affirmative for the updated policy.

Glasgow Boundary

In response to the strong advocacy to reduce capacity at Glasgow Middle School, I presented a motion for the School Board to “direct the Superintendent to adjust the boundaries/capacity at Glasgow Middle School during the implementation of the county-wide boundaries adjustment anticipated after the completion of the initial review of school boundaries to include a Regional community engagement in Region 2 and in the Justice HS pyramid.” This motion was passed unanimously by the Board and will guarantee a boundary adjustment plan for Glasgow Middle School.

FCPS News 2025 Graduation Schedule

School Date/Time Location

Annandale HS

June 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Edison HS

June 3, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Falls Church HS

June 9, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

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

Woodson HS

June 10, 2025, 9:30 a.m.

Eagle Bank Arena

Immunization Requirements

The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into FCPS. Effective September 30, 2024, students who were enrolled prior to SY 2024-2025 who do not provide acceptable immunization documentation will be excluded from school.

For questions regarding immunization requirements, visit the FCPS immunization webpage or contact your child’s school.

Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department is offering appointments to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations.

The Annandale District Office clinic hours are listed below. Schedule your appointment by calling 703-246-7100. Appointments are limited.

Monday, August 12, 2:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13, 2:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14, 2:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 16, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20, 2:00 - 6:30 p.m..
Friday, August 23, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

View a schedule for all clinics.

Accommodation Request Deadline for PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day

The College Board accommodation request deadline for this fall’s PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day exams is Monday, August 19. Please reach out to your child’s school directly with any questions regarding accommodation requests.

New SOL Tests in Spring 2025

The Virginia Department of Education has announced that new SOL tests will be administered in spring 2025 for all testing grades/courses in Reading and Mathematics. The new SOL Math tests will assess the 2023 Mathematics standards, and the new SOL Reading tests will assess the 2024 English standards.

Because spring 2025 will be the first time these tests are administered, reporting of student scores will be delayed due to post test equating requirements.

Paid Parental Leave Program

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

More information can be found on the PPL Program website.

Online Tutoring

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

Checking SIS ParentVUE

Parents and caregivers are able to view important information in SIS ParentVUE such as student attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores. Watch this video for help creating a SIS ParentVUE account.

Families with a current account are asked to update phone numbers and/or email addresses (in the Parent/Guardian section).

Consent Forms

Consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. Please take a moment at the beginning of the school year to review this information. If you are creating a new ParentVue account, you will need to wait 24 hours to use the PDC.

Forms available include:

School Counseling Opt-out
Digital Resources Consent: allows student access to various instructional websites.
SEL Screener Opt-out
Family Life Education Opt-out: guardians to decide student participation in Family Life Education.
SOL Retest Permission: allows students to retest an SOL assessment if their score falls between 375-399; 400 is the minimum passing score.
Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Please find more information about the Parent Digital Consent Application here.

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

The 2024-2025 FCPS School Year calendar includes important information about student holidays, early release days, and religious and cultural observance days. Monday, August 19, is the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year!

Opportunities Back to School Resource Fair

Visit the Back-to-School Resource Fair at Bailey’s Community Center for school supplies and other resources.

Saturday, August 10

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Governor’s Student Advisory Board

Are you a rising high school senior interested in state policy? Applications are open for the Governor’s 2024-2025 Student Advisory Board. Provide student perspective and ensure that student voices are heard in the creation of policies affecting education in the Commonwealth. Learn more and apply by September 15.

Taste of Annandale

Celebrate community at the 2024 Taste of Annandale on September 21, 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

This FREE, family-friendly festival will be at a new location this year – the Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).

The Taste of Annandale features live music and dance performances, a chili cookoff, 5K race, children's events, a pet contest, and of course food from local restaurants and food trucks.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

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

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

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

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

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

Reminder: FPAC Applications Due by 8/13 - Interested in facilities planning and school renovations?

School Board Providence District 1 month 2 weeks ago

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Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

Dear Providence District Families,

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 13

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

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

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

E-mail: Karl Frisch | Phone: 571-423-1084

Start the School Year Off Right!, MyPDE and Professional Development Opportunities, Go for Gold with Wellness

Employee News1 month 2 weeks ago

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Ines Gianella, left, and Clarissa Rogers, right, both with the Chief Experience and Engagement Office, learn about artificial intelligence at the Department of Information Technology’s Velocity 2024 conference at Oakton High School.

✍️ Employees Start the Year Strong, Too!

Professional development supports FCPS’ ability to provide the best education for students. Required training is due by Wednesday, September 15, for most employees.

In accordance with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) mandates, certain staff members have been assigned additional training courses. Please note that some state-required training — including Seizure Training for School Personnel, Meaningful IEP Meetings, and Understanding the Regulations Governing the Use Of Restraint and Seclusion (De-Escalation Level 1) — are from external vendors and cannot be modified by FCPS.

Completing the assignments will ensure you have all the information you need to start the year strong. It’s also part of your professional responsibility and an expectation noted in employee evaluations. Please go to your assigned training page in MyPDE and complete those labeled “Assigned.” For assistance, please email [email protected].

🖥️ FCPS.edu Has a New Look!

Have you visited fcps.edu lately? Take a look around our newly redesigned website! Improvements were made with users in mind. Thank you to the many staff and community members who offered their input and feedback during the redesign process.

✨ Strategic Plan Connection

Our website redesign project was completed with FCPS Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships in mind. To build trusting partnerships with families, we share the responsibility to be transparent about our policies and procedures, and provide families with important information and resources to support their child’s success. Visit the new fcps.edu today!

Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools: Steering Committee Update

As a reminder, FCPS is implementing limited early release Mondays for elementary students during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act and other professional training.

The Early Release Mondays Steering Committee held their first meeting on July 29. Topics included the supervision of students, transportation logistics, schools’ master schedules, and setting the afternoon schedule for school staff.

Family Survey

Elementary schools will be sending a short survey to families, asking if they plan for their child to return home at early dismissal during the first two early release Mondays. This information will be a big help in planning activities (and staffing) for students who will need to stay at school.

We realize there are many details to be finalized before our first early release Monday in mid-September. Thank you for your patience, as we strive to create a positive and successful experience for students, teachers, staff, and families. View the list of early release dates and other information.

🚀 Supporting the Mission Applications Due August 21

Would you like to gain a better understanding of how the offices, departments, and schools within FCPS work together to support the mission of our division? Are you interested in building your knowledge and skills around core leadership competencies to better lead for equity? Consider applying for the 2024-25 cohort of Supporting the Mission!

Teacher leaders, school-based administrators, and schedule B & C scale employees are encouraged to submit interest and recommendation forms by Wednesday, August 21. Visit the Supporting the Mission site for more information or contact Tu Phillips with questions.

💼 Develop Leadership Skills at Middle Managers RoundTable

The Middle Managers RoundTable (MMRT) is a seven-month collaborative leadership development program for both operational and school leaders conducted by the FCPS Office of Professional Learning and the Fairfax County government.

Participants from FCPS and Fairfax County government will engage in learning experiences that strengthen leadership capacity. They will also collaborate on a group capstone project.

The program is seeking senior managers, managers, and school-based administrators (not principals) who have a supervisory or management role and want to develop their leadership skills.

If you are interested, submit the application by the close of business Friday, September 20. Supervisors of MMRT applicants will need to complete a recommendation form on the applicant’s behalf. Visit the MMRT site (@fcpsschools.net login required) for more information or contact Tu Phillips with questions.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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.

🥇 Go Gold with the Physical Activity Challenge

Boost your health and school spirit with the FCPS Employee Wellness Program’s Go Gold Physical Activity Challenge. Employees can register to participate individually or in teams of up to five. Register by Wednesday, August 14, for a chance to win a custom sport-tek T-shirt.

The challenge takes place September 3 to 30. Every week, five participants on a team with the highest completion rate will win a $25 Amazon gift card. The highest participating teams of five from 80 schools and one center will win custom-designed sport-tek T-shirts.

In the spirit of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Go Gold Challenge promotes fitness through an easy-to-use mobile app. For more information, email [email protected].

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: First Day of School

We look forward to welcoming returning teachers on Monday, August 12, and our students on Monday, August 19 — the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year! See the school year calendars for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27. View the 2024-25 Employee Calendar.

✏️ Help Students Who Need School Supplies

Educate Fairfax is excited to continue its yearly campaign to support FCPS students. Thanks to business partnerships and the community, Educate Fairfax helps students begin the new school year prepared for academic success.

This year, they will provide basic supplies to thousands of students in need, from school supply kits and backpacks to gift cards for essentials such as food and basic hygiene items.

Every donation through Educate Fairfax goes directly to students in need and is tax deductible. Thank you for any support you can offer to our students.

✅ Karl Frisch Re-Elected Fairfax County School Board Chair; Sandy Anderson Elected Vice Chair

The Fairfax County School Board confirmed its leadership for the 2024-25 school year at its July 11 regular meeting. Karl Frisch (Providence District) was re-elected chair, and Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) was elected vice chair. Learn more about your School Board members. Their terms run until December 31, 2027.

Staff Staples

Note: Some links in this email require a connection to the FCPS network. If you have any questions, please visit the FCPS Tech Support Portal to search for self help articles or submit a ticket.

Submit an Employee News request. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!

Web | Facebook | X | YouTube

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

School Board Mount Vernon District1 month 2 weeks ago

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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

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

School Attendance

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

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

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

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

Back to School Resources

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

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

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

Pyramid Advisory Councils

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

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

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

Back to School Events

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

Mount Vernon District School Open Houses

School Name

Open House Date

Start

End

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

Quander Road School

Monday, August 12

8:30 AM

1:30 PM

John R. Lewis HS

Tuesday, August 13

5:00 PM

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Wednesday, August 14

3:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Wednesday, August 14

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, August 14

2:30 PM

6:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

TJHSST

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:00 PM

Bucknell ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Edison HS

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Fort Belvoir Upper School

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:00 AM

Riverside ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

5:30 PM

Stratford Landing ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Waynewood ES

Thursday, August 15

9:00 AM

11:30 AM

Woodlawn ES

Thursday, August 15

1:30 PM

3:30 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

South County HS

Thursday, August 15

1:00 PM

3:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Island Creek ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, August 15

11:00 AM

1:00 PM

Lorton Station ES

Thursday, August 15

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, August 15

4:30 PM

5:30 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, August 15 &

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Cameron ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Friday, August 16

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Sandburg MS

Friday, August 16

12:00 PM

3:00 PM

Washington Mill ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

West Potomac HS

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

Whitman MS

Friday, August 16

1:00 PM

2:30 PM

Halley ES

Friday, August 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Friday, August 16

8:30 AM

9:30 AM

Silverbrook ES

Friday, August 16

9:30 AM

12:00 PM

Gunston ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

Hayfield ES

Friday, August 16

9:00 AM

12:00 PM

Mount Vernon District Schools Back to School Nights

School Name

BTSN Date

Start

End

Bryant HS

Monday, August 12

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

TJHSST

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Edison HS

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Stratford Landing ES

Tuesday, August 27

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Silverbrook ES

Tuesday, August 27 &

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Cameron ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Mount Eagle ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Waynewood ES

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

South County HS

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Island Creek ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:45 PM

7:00 PM

John R. Lewis HS*

Wednesday, August 28

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Lorton Station ES

Wednesday, August 28

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Newington Forest ES

Tuesday, September 1 &

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

8:30 PM

Bucknell ES

Tuesday, September 3

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

TJHSST

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Bush Hill ES

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Sandburg MS

Wednesday, September 4

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Primary

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

Twain MS

Thursday, September 5

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Washington Mill ES

Thursday, September 5

6:45 PM

8:00 PM

West Potomac HS

Thursday, September 5

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

South County MS

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Gunston ES

Thursday, September 5

6:00 PM

7:30 PM

Saratoga ES

Thursday, September 5

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

Whitman MS

Tuesday, September 10

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Halley ES

Tuesday, September 10

5:30:00 PM

7:30 PM

Fort Hunt ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Woodlawn ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Woodley Hills ES

Wednesday, September 11

6:00 PM

7:45 PM

Key MS

Wednesday, September 11

5:00 PM

8:00 PM

Hayfield Secondary

Monday, September 16

5:30 PM

7:30 PM

Hollin Meadows ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Riverside ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Laurel Hill ES

Wednesday, September 18

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Belle View ES

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

Mt. Vernon HS

Thursday, September 19

5:00 PM

7:00 PM

Pulley Career Center

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

8:00 PM

Quander Road School

Thursday, September 19

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

Hayfield ES

Thursday, September 19

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Fort Belvoir Upper School*

Wednesday, September 25

5:30 PM

7:00 PM

Key Center School

Thursday, October 17

5:00 PM

6:30 PM

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

Honoring Our Graduates

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

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

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

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

Mount Vernon HS 2024 Honor Graduates

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

South County HS 2024 Honor Graduates

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

West Potomac HS 2024 Honor Graduates

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

Hayfield SS 2024 Honor Graduates

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

Edison HS 2024 Honor Graduates

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

Lewis HS 2024 Honor Graduates

Michael Banks
Trung Doan
Rafah Iftikhar
Taofia Mehzabin
Kaitlyn Nguyen

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

Very respectfully,

E-mail: Mateo Dunne | Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

Reminder: School Backpack Giveaway, 08/03/2024, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

School Board Mount Vernon District1 month 3 weeks ago

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E-mail: Mateo Dunne | Phone: 571-423-1086

Staff Aide: Nelda Brown, 571-423-1049

August 2024: Boundary Policy Work and Other Updates

School Board Dranesville District 1 month 3 weeks ago

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Dear Dranesville Families:

First and foremost, I want to update you on the boundary policy work. During our last meeting prior to a brief summer recess, the School Board passed Boundary Policy 8130. Prior to voting on it, several board members proposed amendments to the phasing in the original draft. Ricardy Anderson and Melanie Meren proposed that the phasing include the following:

Two years in elementary school (grades 5 and 6)
Full phasing in middle school (no movement)
Full phasing in high school (grades 10-12)

Unfortunately, only Mr. Moon, Dr. Anderson, Ms. Meren, and I voted for all three of these amendments. On the contrary, Kyle McDaniel and Rachna Sizemore Heizer proposed a limited phasing of ONLY the final year at each level.

One year in elementary (grade 6)
One year in middle school (grade 8)
One year in high school (grade 12)

Their amendment allows for the superintendent to propose MORE than the above, but the above represents the minimum requirement.

While I am disappointed in this outcome, I will advocate for more phasing, especially at the high school level, as I believe that once a student begins at a high school, they should be able to remain at that school (if they choose) through graduation. I will share all Boundary Policy updates as they become available in my newsletter.

In other exciting news, I attended our Summer 2024 graduation and am extremely proud of our Dranesville graduates.

Some of our school staff is already back in our buildings while others are returning soon to prepare for our students. Thank you to everyone getting our schools ready. I hope you and your family enjoy the last weeks of summer vacation before the first day of school on August 19.

Regards,

Robyn

Meeting Lynette Faight, Herndon MS's School Based Technology Specialist, at the FCPS Department of Technology's Velocity Conference on AI

In this newsletter,

Updates
Opportunities

Calendar Reminders

August 19: First Day of 2024-25 School Year

August 30- September 2 - Labor Day Holiday, FCPS holidays

Complete school year 2024-25 calendar

Updates School Board Updates Fairfax County School Board Updates Policy to Guide Future Boundary Considerations

Community Engagement Remains Central to Any Future Adjustments

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.

The revised policy does not propose specific boundary changes, nor were specific boundaries considered during the policy review. Instead, the updates create a framework for the division superintendent to follow when considering any potential future adjustments, which must prioritize robust community engagement throughout the process.

According to the School Board’s updated policy, the division superintendent must conduct a comprehensive review of division wide boundaries every five years, in part, to minimize the need for future adjustments. When recommending changes, the division superintendent shall consider several criteria, including (in alphabetical order):

Access to Programming: Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities across the school division and consider the impact on school programs and populations.
Enrollment/Capacity: Use student enrollment projections to balance available capacity across the school division and maximize efficient and effective use of school facilities, per best practices for capacity utilization and program needs, while eliminating or preventing split feeders whenever possible.
Proximity: Promote contiguous attendance zones and maintain neighborhood groupings (to include condominium and apartment complexes) to eliminate or prevent attendance islands (when a geographic area is assigned to a particular school boundary that is not adjacent to the rest of the school's boundary).
Transportation: Provide for walking and busing safety, limit transportation times, and ensure efficient transportation routes with attendance areas.

Any permanent adjustment recommendations from the division superintendent will be informed by robust community engagement and must ultimately be approved by the School Board. Community engagement will include surveys of impacted communities and community meetings throughout the process.

“We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously. These revisions address long standing community concerns about our schools, including the use of temporary classrooms, overcrowding, facility renovation timelines, and transportation, to name a few,” said Fairfax County School Board Chair and Providence District Representative Karl Frisch. “This long overdue policy update will help ensure every student has access to our world-class instructional programs so they can achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential.”

Benefits of Policy Update

According to educational research reviewed by the FCPS Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI), sound boundary adjustment decisions may be linked to better student achievement through instructional quality, budget optimization, and enhanced student well-being.

Instructional Quality

A comprehensive review of boundaries can help provide every student with exceptional educational experiences. A clear roadmap for potential adjustments can:

Provide ideal class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios, as over and under-enrollment in schools is better managed.
Expand access to opportunities, facilities, and learning equipment and materials in a school that is not overcrowded.
Decrease overcrowding and allow for a more balanced enrollment-to-space ratio, which can enable new and expanded program placement that is dependent on need instead of available space.
Allow for reduced busing, commute time, and transportation costs.

Budget Optimization

A thoughtful review of boundaries can positively impact the school division's financial sustainability. A clear roadmap for potential adjustments can:

Provide more timely and cost-effective results. While adding capacity to or renovating existing buildings is an attractive option for some, it is cost-prohibitive and time-consuming.
Prioritize available funding for maintenance work, safety and security needs, and the most needed school renovations. It could also reduce the time schools wait between major renovation projects (currently more than 40 years).
Maximize transportation routes, which can also reduce equipment costs and help alleviate driver shortages.

Student Well-Being

This work can support students’ physical and mental well-being, which is important to their educational experience.

Shorter Commutes and Positive Sleep Impact

The updated policy could result in shorter bus/car commute times (a top priority in the 2021 parent/guardian survey). This could also reduce earlier mornings and later evenings for some students.
If slight boundary adjustments are made on an established, consistent basis, larger and more disruptive adjustments can be avoided.
Students could have the ability to stay in neighborhood schools AND receive their desired programs. This could also result in fewer students transferring and parents/caregivers having to provide transportation.
Ultimately, this can positively affect the amount of sleep students get:
According to the National Sleep Foundation, children ages 6 to 13 need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep, and teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep every night.
Children who get insufficient sleep show reductions in motivation, engagement, concentration, and problem-solving skills, all of which influence student achievement and behavior in school.

Stronger Social Connections

This work can reduce “split feeders” that divert students from remaining with a cohort of peers as they move on to high school.
Split feeders are not uncommon in FCPS due to legacy boundaries, which result from development, new schools, and previous boundary changes.
In the 2021 survey, parents and caregivers prioritized students' ability to stay with friends or in their community.
Living close to a neighborhood school allows for stronger bonds between families and their school community.
With a shorter commute, families find it easier to engage with the school, participate in school activities, attend conferences, and take part in volunteer opportunities.
Families and schools can build stronger relationships and networks within the community to enhance the student educational experience.

Policy Review Timeline

The School Board began its public review of the Boundary Policy in 2018, which included information gathering and four public work sessions between 2018 and 2019. In 2019, the School Board directed the superintendent to hire experts to identify boundary policy best practices and engage the community. In 2021, MGT Consulting Group (MGT) held three public virtual community meetings to share information about the boundary policy review and collect community input. Later that year, MGT presented its report to the School Board at a public work session.

In February 2024, at a public School Board forum discussion, the Board voted to resume its review of the Boundary Policy by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee held multiple public meetings over the last 5 months: February, March, April (twice), May (twice), and June. They concluded their work and sent a draft revised policy to the full School Board for consideration on June 18. The School Board held a public work session on June 25 to consider and discuss the draft revised policy. The draft revision was then posted on the School Board’s June 27 and July 11, Regular Public Meeting agendas as New Business for a scheduled vote at the July 18 Regular Public Meeting.

July 18, 2024

The School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades.

Any potential future boundary changes will include robust community engagement, as required by the policy and the Code of Virginia.

For more information, visit FCPS' School Boundary Adjustments webpage.

Key Votes at July 18 School Board Meeting

Policy 8130

The School Board voted to amend Policy 8310 (Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings), as detailed in the agenda item. View more information on Boarddocs.

Certifying Election Results for Fairfax Education Union (FEU)

The School Board voted to certify the results and recognize and certify the FEU as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Operational and Licensed Instructional bargaining units. View more information on Boarddocs.

Policy 2418

The School Board voted to direct the Governance Committee to revise Policy 2418, Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians, and provide recommendations to the School Board for discussion no later than November 1, 2024. View more information on Boarddocs.

Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 2 Baseline Report

The School Board approved the Addendum to Goal 2 Baseline Report as the Division's starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our Strategic Plan 2023-30.

SY 2024-25 Community Advisory Committee Membership Structure, Staff Liaison, and Committee Charge Process

The School Board voted to continue the 2023-24 Community Advisory Committee membership structure and staff liaison appointment process to determine Community Advisory Committee membership and Staff Liaison appointments for the 2024-2025 Community Advisory Committee Term. View more information on Boarddocs.

Contract Notification and Approval During School Board's Recess

The School Board voted to give the Superintendent authority on behalf of the Board, after consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair, to sign on behalf of the Board, emergent contracts that need to be authorized during the summer recess.

Watch the full meeting.

2024-2025 Student School Board Representative

Megan Sawant, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is the 2024-2025 student representative to the Fairfax County School Board. She participates in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member. She will be the 54th student representative to the School Board.

Read the news about Megan Sawant's election to the School Board.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Tuesday, August 27, 10:30 am: Work Session
Thursday, August 29, 7 pm: Regular Meeting

All times and topics subject to change.

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99.
Recordings of Meetings: Work Sessions and Regular Meetings are recorded and available here after the meeting.
To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
For information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings, click here.
Latest schedule of School Board Meetings

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.

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee Position

CTEAC provides recommendations to the School Board on current job needs and the relevancy of career and technical education programs offered and to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the local plan and application. The Dranesville representative will serve August 2024- July 2025. See the CTEAC website for more information.

Please fill out this form by Friday, August 9 to share why you would like to be a representative and why you would be a great fit for this committee. Please email my Staff Aide at [email protected] if you have any questions.

FCPS Updates Summer Meals for Children

FCPS is providing meals free of charge to all children and teens 18 and under through Friday, August 16. Meals will be provided to children on a first-come first-served basis. Visit the Summer Meal Service webpage for distribution locations and times.

Dranesville schools providing free meals over the summer:

Coates ES- now through 8/16/24
Herndon HS- now through 8/16/24

Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

During the Academic Matters segment at the June 27 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed limited early release Mondays for elementary students during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act and other demands on their time.

A Steering Committee of school leaders, teachers, and families is working to support both families and teachers in this effort. See the list of early release dates and other information.

New Student Registration

FCPS is accepting new student registrations, K-12! If new neighbors are moving this summer, please remind them to register immediately. Having the most up-to-date registration information helps us plan for appropriate class sizes. To register for kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 30th, 2024.

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.

Immunizations for Rising 7th &12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.

School and Immunization Clinic Opportunities

INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs

Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children ages 5+ with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs for children on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m.:

Saturday, August 17: at ICC for Children - Falls Church

Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.

Fairfax County Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

Back to school season is a busy time, which is why the Health Department is holding several immunization clinics on evenings and weekends during the month of August. These clinics will offer school required immunizations at no cost to all Fairfax County students regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, are new to the country, or need a follow-up to be up to date.

Call today! Appointments are limited and required. Schedule your appointment by calling 703-246-7100. See the full extended hours clinics schedule.

Click image to learn more.

HealthWorks Free School Physicals

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is hosting two free school physical events for children without health insurance. To qualify, students must attend a Virginia school and age 3- 18 years old. HealthWorks will provide immunizations, tuberculosis screenings, and vision and hearing exams. Sports physicals will not be available. Learn more about the school physicals here.

August 7: 1- 5 pm at HealthWorks Leesburg (163 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg)
August 14: 1- 5 pm at HealthWorks Herndon (1141 Elden St, Herndon)

Click image to learn more.

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for HS Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available at no cost to FCPS high school students to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss; anxiety, worry, fears; social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships; and academic stress.

Students may then be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. Refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information

Multilingual Family Information Line

Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.

Tutoring Changes for SY 24-25

Varsity Tutors – Online Tutoring Services

Fairfax County Public Schools 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, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Tutors can provide instruction in English and Spanish. Learn more about Varsity tutoring and their services here.

They provide:

On demand 24/7 chat tutoring
Live group classes
Essay review
College and career readiness
Assessment and self-study

High Impact, in-person Tutoring SY 24-25

In addition to online tutoring, FCPS will continue to provide high impact, in-person tutoring to identified students in grades 3-8, funded by the All In Virginia Tutoring Initiative. Schools may contact families of students identified for this program after school begins.

Student News Herndon HS Students Run Robotics Camp at Clearview Elementary School

Clearview ES Robotics Camp

The main focus of the camp is teaching students how to work together, aligning with two of the five goals in FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate: Communication and Collaboration. Volunteer camp instructor, Spencer Allain, a software engineer by trade and a volunteer mentor to Herndon High School’s robotics team, with the team, plus a student from South Lakes High School, volunteered to run the week-long summer camp. Herndon senior Addison Thompson said she started the effort to launch the new camp after talking with a Clearview teacher.

“Something our team is really big on is giving back to the community and finding ways to provide affordable, accessible STEM education to schools around us,” Thompson explained. Read more about the Robotics Camp

Summer 2024 Graduation

Congratulations to all our Summer 2024 graduates.

Summer 2024 Graduation Journey

Some FCPS grads are walking across the stage on July 31 instead of next June, almost a full year ahead of schedule. These students took advantage of FCPS summer offerings to graduate early and get a jump start on their future goals. Shuhei Tajima, an 18-year-old Langley High School student from Japan and aspiring marine biologist, is one of those students. Read about Shuhei's journey to early graduation

National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

FCPS students received 30 national awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. FCPS students were recognized for original art and writing with one American Visions Medal, eight Gold Medals, 20 Silver Medals, and two portfolio Honorable Mentions.

Congratulations to these Dranesville winners:

Gold medals

Michelle Lin, Longfellow MS
Renee Shi, Langley HS
Anya Huang, Sunberry Art Studio

Silver medals

Laura Zhang, TJHSST
Aileen Zhao, McLean HS
Venita Wang, Sunberry Art Studio

Portfolio Honorable Mention

Aileen Zhao, McLean HS

Cappies Winners

FCPS students are talented actors, musicians, and visual artists. The Cappies is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers. There are fifteen Cappies chapters across the United States and Canada. Find all the Cappie winners here.

Congratulations to all the Dranesville student school Cappies winners:

Andy Mays Rising Critic- Alden Walcott, Langley HS
Maryland Theater Guide Returning Critic- Ellen Lawton, Herndon HS
Critic Team- Thomas Jefferson HSST
Vocalist in a Male Role- Ethan Hardy, Herndon HS,
Stage Management- Charly Olsen, Herndon HS
Stage Crew- Amelie Aubouin and Hailey Klein, Herndon HS

Click image to learn more about the FCPS Tipline.

Other Updates Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter

Please sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Dranesville Dispatch newsletter here to keep up-to-date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.

Virginia Executive Order #33- Cell Phone-Free Education

Executive Order 33 directs the Virginia Department of Education to provide guidance to school boards on cell phone-free education policies and procedures. School boards will establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures before the end of this year that will be implemented in 2025. Opportunities to provide public input coming soon.

4-H Fair and Carnival

Through Sunday, Aug. 4

Celebrate Fairfax County's agricultural traditions and enjoy some old-fashioned fun at our 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Enjoy carnival games and rides, live entertainment, food, farm animals and more. Learn more about the 4-H Fair and Carnival here.

Virginia's 3-Day Sales Tax Holiday: August 2-4

During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax.

Drought Watch in Northern Virginia

A drought watch has been issued for our region. Please continue to take voluntary measures to conserve water wisely as part of your daily routines. Get wise water tips at Fairfaxwater.org/Conservation.

Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities and events offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Our Voices, Our Future: Inspiration for Multilingual Learners- August 8

Jose Luis Zelaya will share his motivating life story at an event for middle and high school multilingual learners. Born in Honduras, he migrated to the United States and was the first in his family to graduate from high school — and attend college and earn a doctorate degree.

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit will be Thursday, August 8, 5-8:30 p.m., at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale). Information will be available on colleges and career planning. Registration is not required, but it will help us plan. Language interpretation services will be available.

Back-to-School Military Fair- August 10

Register by August 3, 5 p.m.

Blue Star Families and Fairfax County Public Schools invite you to join our Back-to-School Military Fair August 10, 2024 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the cafeteria at West Springfield High School. FCPS and community resources will be available to families and school supplies will be provided for students in grades 7-12. Please note there is a limited amount of supplies.

This opportunity is open to Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Veteran families with students grades 7-12. Parents and students must attend the event in person to receive the school supplies. Please visit Blue Star Families register deadline August 3 at 5 p.m. Please email [email protected] to connect with FCPS military resources

Metro Travel Training- August 16

Interested in travel training? Join the Tech for Independent Living (TFIL) team on a Metro trip! Individuals with disabilities and a designated adult are invited to join our TFIL team on a short Metro trip. During this practice trip, individuals with disabilities will learn basic travel skills and will become more comfortable traveling on the Metro. SmarTrip cards will be provided. These in-person travel training events are FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Seniors Apply for Student Advisory Board

The Student Advisory Board is a highly competitive group comprised of one student from every Virginia Superintendent’s Region in the Commonwealth. Selected students will work closely with the Virginia Department of Education to present their policy ideas to Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Board of Education. The Student Advisory Board is key in providing student perspectives and plays a vital role in ensuring that student voices are heard in the creation of policies affecting education in the Commonwealth. Applications are due September 15. Don’t miss this great opportunity! Learn more about the Student Advisory Board here.

Student Program with Coursera Career Academy

Did you know that the FCPS Department of Information Technology has partnered with Coursera to provide an exclusive opportunity for high school students to access the Coursera Career Academy Catalog? Students may explore exciting career paths and gain access to over 30 professional certifications from industry leaders, all at no cost. Browse the FCPS Student Academy Catalog and join the program. First, obtain permission from parent/guardian to access Coursera and complete the Student Interest Form FCPS student email/log-in required for this form. Questions? Contact Scott Simmons at [email protected]

Note: These courses are not VDOE-recognized industry credentials and do not contribute to high school graduation requirements. This limited program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Math Resources for Summer

MathSpace - this summer, current middle school students and high school students will continue to have access to Mathspace through Schoology. Students are encouraged to practice their mathematics through utilizing the Mathspace Skills Check-Ins.

Family Resource Center - family webinars are posted on the FCPS Family Resource Center site with specific mathematics webinars posted under academics. Click the academics tab and the list of mathematics webinars are listed from middle school through High school in multiple languages.

VDOE - Virginia Department of Education has provided resources for families. You will find a list of online resources, eMediaVA online playlists, suggested offline activities for math and much more. VDOE Mathematics Resources for Families

Free math sites -The following resources are free and available for anyone to use. Please note that FCPS does not have a paid subscription to either service.

Zearn online summer math

Khan academy summer site

Old Firehouse Center Afterschool Program

SY 2024-25 registration is now open for 5th–9th graders from August 19, 2024 to June 11, 2025, 2:30- 6 p.m.

Membership benefits include daily snack and drink; themed clubs; monthly pet therapy; laptop usage for homework; and discounted Friday night trips and dance fees. Transportation from Cooper MS, Langley HS and local elementary schools, Longfellow MS and McLean HS. Learn more about the OFC and register here.

2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award

Nominate an athlete, coach, or parent for the 2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award. The awards program honors extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship, and community service. To nominate an athlete, coach, or parent, visit the Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions webpage. The application deadline has been extended to September 15, 2024.

NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest

Calling all student artists! The 2024 Conservation Poster Contest theme is "May the Forest Be With You, Always." This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year features a digital poster contest open to students in grade 7-12. The application deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024. Learn more about the 2024 Conservation Poster Contest and contact Ashley Palmer with questions.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

E-mail: Robyn Lady | Phone: 571-423-1087

Staff Aide: Wendy Biliter | Phone: 571-423-1068

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

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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)

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

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:

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

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

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

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386

August 2024 Newsletter - 2024-25 SY Calendar, School Board Updates, Student Opportunities and more!

School Board Sully District1 month 3 weeks ago

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Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,

Summer is flying by and I hope you are all finding time to relax and have fun with family and friends! 🌞

The School Board concluded its official meeting schedule for the 2023-24 school year last month, electing a new Chair and Vice Chair and is now busy planning for the 2024-25 school year. Congratulations to my colleagues Karl Frisch (Providence District) who was re-elected chair, and Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) who was elected vice chair! Staff has been hard at work getting our buildings ready to welcome back students and preparing for a wonderful year ahead. FCPS has not been immune from the national teacher shortage, but Dr. Reid and our HR staff continue making strides to fill vacancies district wide and to ensure our students all start with a qualified educator in the classroom.

At our July 11 Regular meeting, I was thrilled to present a proclamation on behalf of the School Board honoring Laura Senturia, fourth grade teacher from our very own Sully District’s Colin L. Powell Elementary School, named Washington Post's Teacher of the Year. This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. She was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The Fairfax County School Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Senturia, and its deepest gratitude for her long-standing service and profound impact on our students and FCPS community.

Teacher of the Year Proclamation honoring Ms. Laura Senturia - celebrating with family, friends, students and staff!

At our July 18 Regular meeting, the School Board voted to direct the Board’s Governance committee to revise Policy 2418, Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians, and provide recommendations to the School Board for discussion no later than November 1, 2024. View more details here. I look forward to working on these important revisions as a member of the Governance committee.

We also voted to amend Policy 8310 (Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings), as detailed in the agenda item. View the details here and below in this newsletter! This is an important step towards a holistic boundary review designed to address many of our community's concerns including overcrowding in many of our high schools in Sully District, under-utilization in some of our middle schools, attendance islands, temporary classrooms (trailers), instructional program locations, and transportation. Please note that there are no specific boundary changes under consideration as part of this policy work. Comprehensive community engagement will take place before any potential future boundary changes. For additional information, please visit the Boundary Policy Review webpage.

Inside this newsletter:

2024-25 School Year Calendar
Sully District Happenings - Volunteers needed!
School Board Updates Boundary Policy
Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
Help Students Who Need School Supplies
Free Summer Meal Service Program
Student Opportunities
Mental Health Resources for Families
Upcoming School Board Meetings

I am excited about meeting our families and students at Back to School nights and during school visits. If you see me around, please introduce yourself!

As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community. I am always happy to address questions or concerns via email, phone, or in person meeting, as well.

Have a lovely the rest of summer. See you soon!

In partnership,

Seema Dixit 2024-25 School Year Calendar

View a printable version of the 2024-2025 calendar or find a list view of the calendar on the FCPS Calendar webpage. The 2024-2025 FCPS calendar below includes important information about student holidays, early release days, and religious and cultural observance days. Monday, August 19, is the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year!

See the school year calendars for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27.

Tax-Free Weekend

Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, will be a sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details.

Sully District Happenings Sully District Citizen Advisory Committee Volunteers Needed!

Every year, the School Board appoints members to numerous Citizen Advisory Committees to increase community input on a host of important issues.

We still have openings on the two committees below for the 2024-25 school year. If you are interested in serving for Sully District on this committee or other future committees, please forward a paragraph outlining your interest in the position and your qualifications to my staff at [email protected] by August 12th, 2024. Please consider being my Sully District representative!

Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC):The purpose of the HRAC is to advise the Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) on achieving and maintaining a premier workforce within a caring culture. HRAC will make recommendations to improve practices used by FCPS leadership personnel at school and district levels to promote a rewarding workplace environment. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about HRAC, please view their website.

Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC): Brings to the School Board’s attention resource and programmatic issues associated with adult education. You will collaborate with staff to maximize FCPS, Fairfax County, and external resources and support structures to ensure ACE, Adult ESOL, and Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS) programs increase accessibility and best meet the needs of county residents. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about ACEAC, please view their website.

Summer Fun at the 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park August 1 - 4!

Bring the whole crew out to the Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park. Come out to Herndon, VA for four days of fresh air, farm fun, and good times for you, your family, friends, and neighbors. Watch livestock and see 4-H exhibits, enjoy delicious fair food, enter your own creations in the fair, and try your hand at milking a cow or goat.

Come see live entertainment, tractor demos, carnival rides, and adorable farm animals. And don't miss Big Truck Night on August 2 for a Friday night filled with fun! Find all the carnival details here.

5K Run/Walk with Chantilly based nonprofit Asha-Jyothi is Saturday, September 15th!

As in previous years, FCPS schools are invited to participate in the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi 5k at Fairfax Corner on September 15. To sign up, participating staff, students and/or their families visit the webpage to register: (https://asha-jyothi.redpodium.com/2024fairfax5k).. Simply enter the code “AJ4schools” and select your school from the drop down menu. A discounted price of $10 for the 5K will be given to all participants. Schools get 100% of the money if you use the school coupon code AND:

An additional $500 for 25+ registrations
An additional $1000 for 50+ registrations
An additional $2000 for 100+ registrations

Asha-Jyothi, a volunteer-based global nonprofit organization based in Chantilly is dedicated to supporting the community through health care and education initiatives and has given over $350,000 to FCPS through their Educate and Innovate Program Grants. Schools like Deer Park Elementary , Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly High School have received grants for innovation labs and technology education.

School Board Updates Boundary Policy

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.

Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

A Steering Committee of school leaders, teachers, and families is working to support both families and teachers in this effort. See the list of early release dates and other information.

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

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.

Help Students Who Need School Supplies

This year, Educate Fairfax will provide basic supplies to thousands of students in need, from school supply kits and backpacks to gift cards for essential needs such as food and basic hygiene items.

Every donation through Educate Fairfax goes directly to students in need and is tax deductible. Thank you for any support you can offer to our students.

Free Summer Meal Service Program

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost.

Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

AI Bootcamp for High School Students

The Mark Cuban AI Foundation and Booz Allen are offering the AI Bootcamp again. The boot camp will be hosted at the Booz Allen McLean office this year at 8283 Greensboro Dr., McLean Virginia.

Application deadline is September 30, 2024. High School students apply here.

LearnServe Fall Fellows Program for High School Students!

Overview: This is our first-year, introductory in-person entrepreneurship program that takes young changemakers through the entire process of researching, brainstorming, creating, and pitching their own social action project to solve an issue in their community!

Time Commitment: The program runs from October-April (exact dates TBA), where students will meet in-person or virtually every Thursday at a location in central DC (location TBA).

Program Cost: Sliding scale tuition of $50-$1250/student, depending on the student's financial ability to pay. Families will complete the Sliding Scale survey during the application process to determine their individual tuition.

Application: Rolling admission - Click here to apply!

LearnServe is a Washington DC based nonprofit that offers leadership and social entrepreneurship training for high school students from across the Washington, DC region. Programmatically we bring students together from diverse backgrounds, and guide them through the process of designing and launching social ventures -- action projects to serve their schools and communities. In the process they learn the skill-set and mindset of being a changemaker, a blend of social and emotional skills, global competencies, and business and professional skills that will set them up for success in their college and careers.

Technology Youth Empowerment (TYE) Opportunity

TYE, a student-led nonprofit in FCPS, aims to bridge the gap between students and STEM fields. They are currently seeking more volunteers and representatives at high schools. If you are passionate about teaching and promoting STEM, consider applying to their organization:

For more information, email them at [email protected] or explore the TYE Representative presentation.

FCPS Job Certification Student Program with Coursera Career Academy

High school students now have the opportunity to access the full contents of the Coursera Career Academy. This program is designed to open doors to digital career pathways and provide invaluable learning experiences directly from industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.

Program Benefits:

Explore a variety of popular digital careers from marketing to data science.
Learn from experts at leading global companies.
Earn valuable micro-credentials that can enhance your resume.
Access over 27 professional certificates, expanding your skill set in multiple fields.

Interested? Here's how to get involved: Complete the Coursera Student Interest Form.

Mental Health Resources for Families This month's theme: Altruistic August Let's create a wave of kindness to spread around the world.

Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.

Mental Health and Resiliency

Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

FCPS Family Resource Center

Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email [email protected] to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.

No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers

School's out, but mental health support is still available! High school students can access free teletherapy services over the summer. Schedule your sessions Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Families must opt-in before requesting service. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. They will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.

Learn how to opt your students in to this service.

George Mason’s Center for Community Health

George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.

The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website .

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Tuesday, August 27- Work Session.
Thursday, August 29 - Regular Meeting: School Board Organization, School Board School Year 2024-25 Annual Work Calendar, FY25 Fiscal Assessment and Audit Topics, etc.

Please note, times and topics are subject to change.

Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

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

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.

Contacting Me

To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.

Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.

Quick Links

Email: Seema Dixit | Phone: 571-423-1085

Staff Aide: Shaheen Khurana | Phone: 571-423-1072

Read my Update on the School Board's Boundary Policy

School Board Springfield District1 month 3 weeks ago

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Hello, Springfield District

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer! I wanted to drop you a quick note to check in about how things are progressing with the boundary work, advise you of a number of upcoming opportunities, and provide an update on the new FCPS website.

As explained below, the Board voted 9-2 in favor of the revised boundary policy at the July 18 regular meeting. I was proud of the work our board did to conclude the revision of this policy that started in 2018.

I also want to share why I personally voted no to my colleagues’ motion locking in phasing for up to seven grades depending on the school. My colleagues knew of my concerns that their proposal would cause increased crowding at some of our schools that are currently overcrowded. I supported the substitute language that was ultimately taken from the existing policy.

The amendment for the substitute language doesn't change the policy significantly from the draft I worked on in the Governance Committee over the last six months, and it does not lock the county into something we don't know is possible. It does, however, give enough flexibility to take advantage of the possibility of allowing ALL students to finish where they start if we can, which the original amendments would not have been able to ensure for elementary students.

The next phase of the process will take place with our Superintendent, Dr. Reid. She will use the updated policy to review and propose any future changes to school boundaries. One of the strongest aspects of this new policy is the required robust community engagement. No boundaries will be changed without the Board’s approval unless it’s a temporary emergency adjustment (i.e. fire, flood, etc). Not only will there be initial discussions in each region, but there will also be pyramid-level meetings once we determine if schools in a pyramid have a proposed change.

The School Board will vote on any recommended, permanent boundary changes, and there will eventually be an implementation date for the changes. All this to say, there is no set date for potential boundary changes. Whatever the timeline or the path forward, I know that all the School Board members feel strongly about keeping the public informed.

I will continue to keep you updated on the Board’s work regarding the Policy 8130 review in my monthly newsletters. I would encourage those looking for more information to be careful about where you are getting your information. Some articles and sources are posting false information meant to rile up members of our communities for their own gain. I will continue to work hard to keep you informed as I find out more about the plan.

For now, please see and continue to check the FCPS website for current information. You may also find more information about School Board meetings on our website. You may follow our work on the 2024-25 School Board Annual Work Plan.

I will be in touch soon!

Sandy Anderson

School Board Work Boundary Policy Update

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.

School Board Seeking Applicants for Facilities Planning Advisory Council

The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) for the the Springfield District. The Springfield District representative’s term expires June 30, 2027.

FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities. The Facilities Planning Advisory Council consists of 13 members, one from each Fairfax County magisterial district, three At-Large representatives, and one representative from the City of Fairfax, each appointed for three-year terms. The end date of these council member appointments is listed above and FPAC members are eligible for reappointment.

FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. The deadline to apply is August 13, 2024. Applicants must reside in the in the Springfield magisterial district if seeking the Springfield representative seat. More information about FPAC and an application is available online. Applications must be submitted to [email protected] by the deadline to be considered.

FCPS News 🖥️ FCPS Website Redesign Update

FCPS is redesigning our central website, fcps.edu, and preparing for the redesign of school websites. Our primary purpose for this work is to improve user experience — helping families quickly find the tools, information, and resources they need.

We plan to launch the redesigned central site on Thursday, August 1. School sites will be rolled out in phases at a later date. Learn more about the web redesign project.

Superintendent Updates Upcoming Job Fairs

Fairfax County Public Schools wants you to be a part of our team! We are seeking educator talent with strong student engagement skills and a passion for having a positive influence on our school communities. We are hosting a job fair on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at Glasgow Middle School and Wednesday, July 31, 2024 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair.

During a recent Job Fair, over 150 offers were extended to qualified candidates! You could be next!

In-person Job Fair Details

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Mount Vernon High School

Registration is required to attend. Register and find more information online.

Our Voices, Our Future: Inspiration for Multilingual Learners

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit will take place on Thursday, August 8, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at Annandale High School. Information will be available on colleges and career planning.

Registration is not required, but it will help us plan. Language interpretation services will be available.

Community News Tax-Free Weekend

Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, will be a sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details.

Quick Links

Newsletter Subscription Preferences
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
FCPS Family Resource Center
Safety Tip Line
Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
FCPS CARES
Educate Fairfax
Job Openings
School Year Calendars

2024-2025 | 2025-2026

Contact: Sandy Anderson | 571-423-1080

Executive Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Sheridan | 571-423-1065

Blue Star Families Back-to-School Military Fair

Military Families1 month 4 weeks ago

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Back-to-School Military Fair

While summer is in full swing, it is never too early to start preparing for the upcoming school year!

Blue Star Families and Fairfax County Public Schools invite you to join our Back-to-School Military Fair on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m in the cafeteria at West Springfield High School. FCPS and community resources will be available to families and school supplies will be provided for students in grades 7-12. Please note there is a limited amount of supplies.

This opportunity is open to Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Veteran families with students grades 7-12. Parents and students must attend the event in person to receive the school supplies. Please visit Blue Star Families to register. Registration for the event closes at 5 p.m., on August 5, 2024.

To connect with FCPS military resources, please email [email protected].

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Interested in facilities planning and school renovations?

School Board Providence District 2 months ago

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Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)

Dear Providence District Families,

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

QUALIFICATIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 13

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

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

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

E-mail: Karl Frisch | Phone: 571-423-1084

Citizen Advisory Committees - Volunteers Needed for 2024-25 School Year!

School Board Sully District2 months 1 week ago

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Sully District Citizen Advisory Committee Volunteers Needed!

Every year, the School Board appoints members to numerous Citizen Advisory Committees to increase community input on a host of important issues.

We have three committees that have openings for the 2024-25 school year. If you are interested in serving for Sully District on this committee or other future committees, please forward a paragraph outlining your interest in the position and your qualifications to my staff at [email protected] by August 12th, 2024. Please consider being my Sully District representative!

School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

This committee assists with the development of health policy and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about SHAC, please view their website.

Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)

The purpose of the HRAC is to advise the Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) on achieving and maintaining a premier workforce within a caring culture. HRAC will make recommendations to improve practices used by FCPS leadership personnel at school and district levels to promote a rewarding workplace environment. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about HRAC, please view their website.

Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC)

This committee brings to the School Board’s attention resource and programmatic issues associated with adult education. You will collaborate with staff to maximize FCPS, Fairfax County, and external resources and support structures to ensure ACE, Adult ESOL, and Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS) programs increase accessibility and best meet the needs of county residents. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about ACEAC, please view their website.

Contacting Me

Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.

Email: Seema Dixit | Phone: 571-423-1085

Staff Aide: Shaheen Khurana | Phone: 571-423-1072

July Newsletter

School Board Franconia District2 months 1 week ago

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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,

I hope that you and your family are enjoying your summer and recharging your batteries.

I’m looking forward to attending the FCPS Leadership Kickoff this week, as we start to get ready to welcome staff and students for the 2024-2025 school year.

For now, make the most of your summer break, stay cool, and find joy in your summer reading list.

Below please find resources for you and your family.

Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,

Marcia St. John-Cunning

Franconia District School Board Member

Summer Meal Service Program

As part of its efforts to ensure children have access to healthy meals during the summer months, Fairfax County Public Schools is pleased to announce it will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program.

Find a location and times to get food.

INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs

Saturday, July 20, at ICC for Children - Herndon
Saturday, August 17, at ICC for Children - Falls Church

Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.

Mount Vernon Pyramid Resource Fair FCPS Presenting at Smithsonian Education Summit

The Smithsonian 2024 National Education Summit hosts several exciting free presentations.

The session on Nurturing Multicultural Voices Through Art is a result of a decade-long collaboration between the Fairfax County Public Schools Office for ESOL Services’ Family Literacy Program, National Portrait Gallery, and Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology. Workshop participants of all ages have used museum objects, artmaking, and storytelling to explore issues of migration, belonging, and community-building, while developing empathy, confidence, self-expression, and self-advocacy. You will learn about the research and results of these programs and leave with a Smithsonian Learning Lab toolkit of resources and activities designed to foster in multigenerational English language learners’ important skills including visual literacy, public speaking, creative writing, art appreciation, collaborative learning, and advocacy.

Registration to the summit is free!

This session is scheduled virtually Tuesday, July 16 from 12:00 -12:50pm.

Mental Wellness Consultations

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Any FCPS parent or secondary student will have an opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference.

Parents of students in any grade level can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
Students in middle or high school can request a consultation to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:

Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
Anxiety, worry, fears.
Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
Academic stress.

In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE, and they must provide consent for their student to access therapy services.

Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

School Board Meetings

Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to tune in or attend FCPS School Board meetings. Visit BoardDocs for meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Upcoming Meetings

Thursday, July 18, 7:00 pm: Regular School Board Meeting

How to Watch Live

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

How to Watch Recordings

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

How to Attend In-Person

Regular School Board Meetings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Work Sessions and Forums are held at Gatehouse Administration Center.
Public Hearings are scheduled around the county.

How to Speak at a Regular Board Meeting

Visit the community participation webpage and fill out the form.

Helpful Links

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning | Phone: 571-423-1081

Staff Aide: Mara Kaiser Braunger | Phone: 571-279-1691

Blue Star Families Back-to-School Military Fair

Military Families2 months 1 week ago

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Back-to-School Military Fair

While summer is in full swing, it is never too early to start preparing for the upcoming school year!

Blue Star Families and Fairfax County Public Schools invite you to join our Back-to-School Military Fair on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the cafeteria at West Springfield High School. FCPS and community resources will be available to families and school supplies will be provided for students in grades 7-12. Please note there is a limited amount of supplies.

This opportunity is open to Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Veteran families with students grades 7-12. Parents and students must attend the event in person to receive the school supplies. Please visit Blue Star Families to register. Registration for the event closes at 5 p.m., on August 3, 2024.

To connect with FCPS military resources, please email [email protected].

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Deadline for FPAC Application is this week - Apply Today!

School Board Providence District 2 months 3 weeks ago

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Dear Providence District Residents,

Do you have experience with and/or expertise in disciplines such as construction; engineering; architecture; land use planning; development; demographics; government operations; financing? If so, I encourage you to apply to represent the Providence District on the FPAC committee and take this opportunity to get involved with FCPS, elevate your leadership skills and make an impact on your community. The deadline to submit your application is this Friday, July 5th.

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
Providence District

Apply for the committee appointment. Learn more about FPAC. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, July 5, 2024.

Audit Committee (Community Member)

The School Board also invites interested Fairfax County community members with business and/or auditing expertise to apply for an upcoming community member vacancy on the School Board Audit Committee.

Learn more about the Audit Committee here. The deadline to submit your application is Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

In service,

Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence Representative
Fairfax County School Board

E-mail: Karl Frisch | Phone: 571-423-1084

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

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

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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!!

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Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Chris Lewis | 571-536-9296