2025 Family Summit
Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging
We are pleased to announce the 2025 FCPS Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging, an in-person event hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of internal and external community partners.
Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
Location: South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, VA 20191
Register for the Family Summit
General Information
Our in-person conference promises to cover a variety of topics designed to benefit all families. Drs. Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, best-selling authors, inspirational speakers, and inclusion advocates will join us to share work they have done around inclusive schooling. After the opening session, families will have the opportunity to participate in two breakout sessions.
Participants can expect engaging discussions on special and general education topics around the following themes:
Advocating for your student,
Supporting your student,
Partnering with your school, and
Understanding your students' learning.
Alongside a variety of exhibitors offering resources and details on community events and services, our student showcase will provide a platform for students to showcase their creativity and leadership by sharing projects and initiatives they've designed or led.
We invite you to join us as we come together to create a safer, more supportive, and inclusive community for all. Your participation is invaluable as we work toward this common goal.
Featured Presenters
Dr. Julie Causton
A best selling author, inspiring speaker, and inclusion advocate, Dr. Julie Causton began her career as an educator and then 14 years as a tenured professor at Syracuse University. In 2012 she founded Inclusive Schooling, a premiere company solely devoted to delivering professional development which transforms schools and lives. She has spent the past 25 years nearly obsessed with discovering innovative practices and teaching others about inclusive education through her wildly engaging presentations.
Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak
A highly sought-after speaker, accomplished author, and educators’ educator. Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak began her career as an early interventionist and then spent 16 years as a tenured professor at Kent State University. Since 2013 she has followed her true passion for designing and delivering transformative professional development. As a result, she has accumulated over 50,000 hours of helping educators and leaders work from a place of compassion, hope, and love in locations from Cincinnati to Singapore.
Learn more about Dr. Julie Causton's and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak's work on inclusive schooling by visiting the Inclusive Schooling website.
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30-8:40 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions |
| 8:40-8:50 a.m. | Pledge of Allegiance & National Anthem |
| 8:50-9 a.m. | Student Performance |
| 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Opening Session |
| 11:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. | Exhibitor Hall |
| 12 p.m.-1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:10-2:10 p.m. | Breakout Session #1 |
| 2:10-2:20 p.m. | Transition |
| 2:20-3:20 p.m. | Breakout Session #2 |
Event Support
General Conference Information
For general conference information, questions, or accommodations to attend or access the conference materials or presentations, please email [email protected].
Interpretation and Multilingual Support
Language interpretation will be provided.
FCPS offers telephone support to parents who do not speak English as their first language. Participants can access the Family Information Phone Lines and a school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Childcare
Childcare will be provided during both the morning and afternoon sessions. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You will be able to sign up for childcare during the registration process.