FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 5, 2022
We’re Eager to Welcome You Back to School!
As August begins, summer is winding down here at Fairfax County Public Schools. Our schools and staff are preparing for the return of our students and to welcome any new students to our school communities.
Any children new to the county or who are turning 5 on or before September 30 should be registered for the 2022-23 school year. Schools are planning popsicle playdates, screenings, teacher visits, and back-to-school nights for students to get to know their teachers and each other. Register soon to make sure you don’t miss out!
If you have not already, be sure to sign up for your school’s newsletter and social media channels to learn more about events, celebrations, and deadlines. Find the sign up links and information on back-to-school events on each school’s website.
The schedule for back-to-school nights are also available online by region: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5.
Don’t know your school’s region? Do a search for your school in the Schools and Centers Directory, then click on the school name.
Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space This School Year and Beyond
FCPS is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The Fairfax County School Board recently approved a Trust Policy that solidifies our commitment. It aligns with Fairfax County Government’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy to ensure that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit our Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.
Eager to Start: Newly Hired Teachers Share Excitement About Making a Difference for FCPS Students
Read the stories of four new hires joining FCPS this year and learn more about why they’re eager to teach, and teach here in Fairfax County.
Considering Teaching or School Counseling? FCPS Is Hiring!
If you’re looking for a job in a school setting, FCPS currently has many opportunities available for teachers, counselors, and operational jobs within the school system.
All opportunities are listed online. For more information, contact HR Connection online, or at 571-423-3000.
FCPS Seeking Outstanding Substitutes!
Are you or somebody you know interested in working as a substitute with FCPS? FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants! You will find information about the application process online. You can also attend one of our Wednesday information sessions to learn more about the application and hiring process. To sign up for an information session, please visit our substitute information page.
Be Wise, Immunize! Required Immunizations for 2022-23 School Year
Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood vaccinations over recent years because of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and ready for school.
While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ health care providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.
Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of clinics or schedule with your family’s health care provider. Appointments are required for most clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. More information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.
Request PSAT and SAT School Day Testing Accommodations and Supports by August 9
FCPS high schools will give the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to 10th- and 11th-graders on October 12. That same day, 12th-graders will participate in SAT School Day. Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or supports.
If you have a student with disabilities in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by August 9 if you wish to request new College Board testing accommodations.
If you have a 12th grade English learner (EL), please review the EL support request process and return forms by August 9 if you wish to request EL supports for the October 2022 SAT School Day.
For questions about accommodations and supports for the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day, contact your high school.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available
For the past two years, the federal government has provided no-cost meals to all public school students without the need to complete the annual Free and Reduced-Price Meal application.
Important: Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year. The application for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program is now available online.
However, some schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). All students enrolled at these schools will be offered breakfast and lunch each day at no charge. Households with students attending these schools will not be required to submit a meal application form for these students to receive meals at no charge. Each household with students attending these schools will receive communication about the CEP, including contact information for any questions.
A list of schools participating in the CEP is available online, along with eligibility guidelines for families and students applying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals from other schools.
Calendar Reminders
Tax-Free Weekend
August 5-7, 2022 will be a three-day sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. For more information, visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage.
First Day of School
As a reminder, the first day of the 2022-23 school year is Monday, August 22.
FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on the FCPS Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
View the 2022-23 school year calendar.
Donate to the Collect for Kids School Supply Drive
To ensure that every child in the school district is prepared for school, Fairfax County Public Schools and Educate Fairfax are once again leading the Collect for Kids effort, a consortium of not-for-profit, for-profit, and government entities providing school supplies to benefit FCPS students who otherwise might go without them.
More than 56,000 (31%) FCPS students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and struggle to afford basic necessities. Your donation will help provide the school supplies these students need to be successful at school.
Contributions can be made online through Educate Fairfax. Donations will be used to purchase bulk school supply kits at highly discounted pricing. For more information, visit the Educate Fairfax website.
