FCPS This Week - February 8, 2023

Fun and Learning on the Calendar This Summer!

FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps are now open for registration. Visit the websites below for more information on schedules and fees (tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced lunch). 

Career and Technical Education

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM); culinary; health; trades; and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register. 

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register. 

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register. 

School Year Calendar Vote on February 9

Thank you to the nearly 38,000 community members who provided feedback on the draft calendar options! A summary of your feedback and the draft calendars are available on the BoardDocs site. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the 2023-24 school year calendar during their meeting on Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m. View the meeting agenda. 

Future Construction and Renovations

The School Board is also scheduled to approve the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan, to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of building projects over five years. 

Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings. 

Magnet School Information Nights

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Parents/caregivers interested in sending their students to an elementary magnet school program are encouraged to attend school-based information nights on Monday, February 13, at Hunters Woods Elementary School; Wednesday, February 15, at Bailey’s Primary School; and Thursday, February 16, at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School. Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and available transportation.

FCPS will be accepting applications for its elementary magnet school programs on Wednesday, March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Get more information about parent information nights and the magnet school lottery, or on the schools, their programs, and locations.

Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity

Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from families, employees, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives. 

Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.

Equity, Excellence, and Opportunity

At Fairfax County Public Schools, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for each and every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined.

Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.

Your Voice Matters! Have Your Say in Our Future 

What is the ONE promise our school division should make and keep regarding learning, growth, and success for every student? Tell us and help shape FCPS’ future.

Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forums

If you haven’t been able to make it to an in-person strategic planning forum, virtual events will be held Thursday, February 9, noon-1:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 11, 9-10:30 a.m. Click the date to register for that forum. Visit FCPS' Community Forums page for more information. 

Targeted and High Impact In-Person Tutoring

FCPS Department of School Improvement and Support (DSIS) is working with principals across the region to best identify where there is the most need for in-person tutoring to benefit students. The district is recruiting qualified tutors who will be matched to schools based on need. 

Are You Interested in Tutoring? 

FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide academic support in-person to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible, and the number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as the needs presented throughout FCPS. Apply now! Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours. 

Tutor.com Is Still Available and Free for All FCPS Students

Online tutoring through Tutor.com is available to ALL FCPS students as a resource for both support and enrichment. As of January 2023, approximately 8,000 students have participated in approximately 34,000 tutoring sessions. Tutor.com remains available to all FCPS students at no cost. Find out more about Tutor.com.

Historical Marker Update

In 2022, area students submitted historical marker proposals to highlight the contributions of Black Americans in our communities. Six markers were chosen to be installed over the next year, and a committee is currently working on refining the language for the markers. 

The six markers to be installed will recognize:

• Louise Archer, an educator, who supported numerous students over her time.
• Lillian Blackwell, who sued successfully to ban segregation of public accommodations.
• Annie Harper, who challenged the constitutionality of Virginia’s poll tax.
• Gunnell’s Chapel, which was built on land donated by once enslaved Robert Gunnell. The chapel was also used as a school house.
• Colin Powell, a long-time county resident, four-star General, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, founder of organization America’s Promise, and the first African American Secretary of State. There is an elementary school named after him in Centreville.
• The West Springfield 16, who were enslaved persons who labored and lived where West Springfield High School is located today.

The historical marker project was a joint effort between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County History Commission, and Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.

Teens and Substance Abuse: Panel with Local Schools

A virtual panel on teen substance abuse will be hosted on Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m., by Formed Families Forward and the Northern Virginia Family Network. The panel will feature representatives from Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County, and Prince William County schools. Stefan Mascoll, coordinator of Student Safety and Wellness, will represent FCPS.  

Caregivers and community members can join to learn more about current challenges, how they are being addressed in schools, and how families can help. Please register in advance. 

Industry Pros Offer Career Advice in Virtual Event

A career fair will be hosted February 13-16 by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region. Instruction 2 Industry is a live, virtual event and is free to all Northern Virginia high school students. For more information about the schedule and to register, please visit the Instruction 2 Industry event page.

Interested in Becoming a Teacher?

"I became a teacher because I like to help others discover their own fascination with science," says Kirsten Salonga, biology teacher at Justice High School. "I love my students and all that they have taught me. Every day they teach me what it means to be resilient and dedicated, and they are the reason I continue to teach."

Do you think you might find teaching to be fulfilling? We are searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference. Attend our job fair on Saturday, February 11. The fair will be held at Oakton High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A virtual option will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more information on the job fair. Find out how to become a teacher and read teachers’ stories.

Calendar Reminders: National School Counseling Week

February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, which highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for a career.

School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Presidents Day

As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.

Eating Disorder Awareness and Resources

The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2, requires Virginia public schools to provide, on an annual basis, parent educational information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades five through twelve. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022):

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.

FCPS has created a webpage, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, containing detailed information and resources about eating disorders.