FCPS This Week - November 10
FCPS Calendar Survey Coming Soon!
In an annual planning process, Fairfax County Public Schools uses input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. The Calendar Survey will be sent to parents/caregivers, FCPS employees, and students in grades 7-12 next week. In an annual planning process, Fairfax County Public Schools uses input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. The Calendar Survey will be sent to parents/caregivers, FCPS employees, and students in grades 7-12 next week. Visit our website for help filling out the survey. Our framework for creating the calendar is also available on that page to ensure transparency as we work to build a calendar that is inclusive and equitable.
Transportation and Daylight Saving Tips
On November 6, we turned our clocks back an hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST), resulting in darker evening commutes for students and families. With the change in time, extra safety measures should be taken when traveling home from school.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) encourages “active” transportation to school. Fewer students being dropped off via Kiss-n-Ride, means fewer cars at schools, resulting in a safer school zone and less pollution.
Regardless of your transportation method, consider these safety and daylight saving tips.
School Board Approves Rooftop Solar Power Purchase Program
Since June, FCPS has worked with IpSun Solar to develop a proposal as part of a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Fairfax County, FCPS, Housing & Community Development, and the Park Authority. Last week, the School Board approved the implementation of the solar power purchase program.
Annandale High School will serve as the pilot project for FCPS to develop a working knowledge of these installations. The installation at Annandale will begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
School Board to Discuss Framework for Special Education Enhancement Plan
At the request of the School Board, the FCPS Office of Auditor General engaged American Institutes for Research® (AIR) to conduct an independent, third-party review of FCPS’ special education program in October 2020. AIR presented their final report during the School Board’s October 4 work session. View their key findings. Next steps include working with a diverse stakeholder group to develop a comprehensive Special Education Enhancement Plan to address areas of need.
The School Board will discuss a framework for the plan at their work session on Tuesday, November 15, at 1:30 p.m. Watch it live on FCPS’ YouTube Channel or Channel 99. For more information on the Special Education Review, visit FCPS’ Office of Auditor General webpage.
Academic Matters
At the last School Board meeting, a new feature was introduced called Academic Matters. During this portion of the Board meeting, updates will be provided on important academic topics. At the November 3 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared some common misconceptions concerning the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment. Watch the presentation on YouTube.
Is Your Child Using Tutor.com?
Does your child need homework help or feedback on writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on demand, 24/7, at no cost to families! Tutors are available in multiple languages. Learn more.
Student Performance in Language Arts (Grades 1-6)
In the past, progress reports have indicated if a student has been assessed using materials below, on, or above grade level. This year, teachers will report student progress using the scale of 1-4 on the grade level language arts standards.
This change will help ensure that caregivers understand how students are progressing toward grade level standards and reading skills. It will also help teachers communicate about each student’s strengths, and in what areas they need to improve as they progress through elementary school.
Learn more about grading and reporting on our website. Parents/caregivers with elementary school students in grades 1-6 may also refer to the email sent from FCPS yesterday.
Translations of progress reports are also available online.
FCPS Strategic Planning That Reaches All
The strategic planning process is a community-wide endeavor. Over the next few months there will be regular updates and many opportunities to share feedback or be involved in a community meeting. We want to be sure our community stays informed and has the opportunity to be involved. You can help! If you are a member of a community organization or group, consider signing up to be a key communicator during the strategic planning process.
Key communicators are active members of the community who people turn to for information. FCPS key communicators have an interest in sharing information about the school division and encouraging involvement. Key communicators will:
- Receive regular updates including news, information, future events, and engagement opportunities. These updates may be in the form of an email or may include toolkits and other collateral for public use.
- Share the information they receive with their group in a timely manner.
- Encourage group participation in engagement and feedback opportunities where appropriate and possible.
If you or someone from your organization would like to serve as an FCPS key communicator during the strategic planning process, please complete and submit this form by Monday, November 28.
November Is National Family Engagement Month
National Family Engagement Month is a time when we are reminded that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. More than 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their child. Strong parental and family support is vital to the well-being and success of students. FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
The national standards for family-school partnerships include welcoming all families, communicating effectively, supporting student success, speaking up for every child, sharing power, and collaborating with the community.
Visit the links below for workshops and classes for families, and digital and printable resources for early childhood, mental health, military families, special education, multilingual supports, and wellness topics.
- Digital Citizenship Resources
- Multilingual Podcasts
- Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
- Parent Information Phone Line (available in eight languages for parents who do not speak English)
- Parent Resource Center Digital Resources
- Parent Resource Center Webinar Registration and Schedule
- Parent Resource Center Workshops and Webinars on YouTube
- Quick Tips Family Engagement Library (English and Spanish)
- Social-Emotional Learning Resources
- Student Safety and Wellness Resources
Family Liaisons
Did you know that every school has a family liaison? Family liaisons welcome families who are new to the school and community, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can also help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit the Family Liaison webpage for a list of region representatives.
Calendar Reminders
National School Psychology Week
This week, we are celebrating the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. Visit the National Association of School Psychologists website.
Celebrating Veterans Day
As a reminder, Friday, November 11, is a student holiday/school planning day for the Veterans Day holiday. Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf. We thank them for their service. Learn about the history of Veterans Day.
Thanksgiving Holiday
Schools and offices will be closed November 23-25. Classes will resume on Monday, November 28.
See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Community Review Begins for Secondary World Languages Basal Resources
FCPS will adopt new Secondary (Grades 6-12) World Languages Basal Resources for the 2023-24 school year. Basal resources are the primary instructional resources used to teach a given subject. The process for selecting new resources includes an opportunity for the public to review the instructional materials being considered. Public review will run through Thursday, December 8. A review committee made up of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December to evaluate the materials under consideration as well as feedback from the community. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
Congratulations to Our September FCPS CARES Winners
FCPS CARES 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.
"Not only is she such a tremendous part of why our building sparkles, but she is also a major reason why we all smile,” said the nominator of Sam Ibrahim from Dranesville Elementary school (pictured above, surrounded by students). “Sam takes the time to get to know about us, our lives, and our students. Her hard work is seen and appreciated by both staff and students!"
Winners for September include:
- Central Office: Jay Bagley, Information Technology, Sprague Technology Center
- Region 1: Ebtesam (Sam) Ibrahim, Dranesville Elementary School
- Region 2: Katherine Zacur, Haycock Elementary School
- Region 3: Annette Garrett and Kathryn DeVille, Woodley Hills Elementary School
- Region 4: Stephanie Broyles, Robinson Secondary School
- Region 5: Jason Sachlis, Westfield High School
Get more information about all the winners and learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
Governor Honors Two FCPS Volunteers
A student from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and volunteer athletic trainers from OrthoVirginia were honored last month by Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin as recipients of the 2022 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards.
Jay Rachakonda (pictured above, to the Governor’s right) fell in love with robotics and engineering from a young age, and wanted to make sure his peers had the chance to see the fun in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well. Through a leadership role in Funbotics, Jay secured new funding, connected with community partners, and inspired others to join as co-leaders and volunteers to expand availability of a summer camp and regular school year programming.
OrthoVirginia was honored for decades of service for providing medical services to school athletic teams in Northern Virginia. Physicians at OrthoVirginia volunteer as athletic trainers and team physicians. As a result of their priority to support the local sports leagues and school systems, they serve as team physicians to 18 public high schools, taking time to answer questions, provide guidance, and help in the care of the students.
The annual awards program spotlights the outstanding efforts of individual volunteers and organizations that have aided our communities, Virginians, and the Commonwealth.
TJHSST Applications Due November 18
Are you a talented middle school student with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math? If so, apply for admission to the Class of 2027 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)!
Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, with a deadline to submit the completed application by Friday, November 18, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration website for more information.
School Board Meeting on November 14 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, November 14, at 7 p.m. See the complete regular meeting agenda (English only). The meeting can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, and on the FCPS website. Agenda highlights include:
- An update on the Strategic Plan by the Superintendent.
Recordings of School Board meetings and work sessions can be viewed on the FCPS YouTube channel. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
If you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the Board clerk.
Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.
