FCPS This Week - January 30, 2025
Tenth grade students display their turbidimeter project during the Global STEM Challenges program at Edison High School.
Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.
As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “the budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”
The proposed budget reflects the needs of — and FCPS’ commitments to — Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.
Learn more on the Budget webpage.
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration
FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick- Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event begins with a light reception, followed by a formal program, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
🏆 TJHSST Student Named Finalist in 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search
Ray Zhang, who attends Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), has been named a finalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
He is among 40 finalists announced from a group of 300 scholars. Each finalist will receive a minimum $25,000 award and be invited to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000. Winners will be announced on March 11. Read more about Zhang and his project.
🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation and any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
💻 Try Online Registration
Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.
When registering, parents/caregivers will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards
First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.
Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.
Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.
✨ Ensuring every student experiences an equitable school community is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2.
🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families
In February, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host the following webinars and events for families:
- Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges, and Implement Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6)
- Comprendiendo el Trama en su Hijo (presented in Spanish: Understanding Trauma in Your Child)
- FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Part 1 Risk Prevention
- SibShops
- FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Suicide Prevention – Supporting Your Child
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.
🎼 FCPS CARES Recipient Helps Students Find Joy in Music
FCPS CARES allows parents/caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Among the CARES of the Month recipients for November 2024 is Michael Secchi, band teacher at Woodburn Elementary School (pictured with Kanchana Iyer, principal).
Secchi was nominated by a parent, who described him as a “kind-hearted” teacher who made a big impact when he helped rekindle a struggling student’s love for music. “Mr. Secchi offered an extra before-school, one-on-one jam session to make sure my son not only was able to get back on track with playing but also to find his joy in music again.”
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Kenyetta McNeil, Lawrence Randolph, and Noelle Titus – Willow Oaks
- Kerrie Turner – Thoreau Middle School
- Samantha Vivian-Beck – Twain Middle School
- Lisa Fields, Susan Kane, Sheila Bartley, Barbara Fleck, Justin Quincy, Susan Waring, Caitlin Schifter, Natalie Schmid, Megan Counts, Gretchen O'Donnell, Mariama Diallo, and Cathy Wood – Laurel Ridge Elementary School
- Christina Bruch and Courtney Cottrell – Deer Park Elementary School
- Alex Winiewicz – Braddock Elementary School
Read about all the recipients.
👩🏫 Join Our Teacher Team!
Are you interested in teaching for Team FCPS? If so, attend our job fair for teachers and other instructional positions on Saturday, February 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
Attendees will have the chance to network and interview with representatives from our schools. Employment offers for the current school year may be presented during the fair.
Register to attend by Friday, January 31. Questions? Contact the Department of Human Resources through their web portal or call 571-423-3000.
📱 Survey Closing Soon: SR&R and Cell Phone Policy
Click here to take the parent/caregiver survey for proposed options relating to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage. The survey will be closing on Monday, February 3. Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping shape policies that reflect and support our community!
📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
The final virtual Community Boundary Review meeting will take place Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. (Click the date to register.) Participants will follow the same format as the previous in-person meetings and have access to the same information.
Each registrant will receive a unique Zoom link. Language interpretation will be available.
Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
🍱 Student-Driven Lunch Menus
In the Strategic Plan update portion of the last School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed positive school climate, such as inclusion and sense of belonging, which is part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. Part of this goal is to help every student experience an equitable school community where student health and well-being are prioritized, and student voice is centered.
Dr. Reid presented this video about student-driven menu options, in which Food and Nutrition Services Director Shaun Sawko provides more details on how we are working to make menu decisions through the lens of what is best for students, recognizing their unique preferences.
🔆 Piloting New Technology at Lighthouse Schools
During the Academic Matters segment of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid also discussed Lighthouse Schools. These schools are trying out new teaching practices and technologies to see how well they work so that the best ideas can be shared across the whole school district.
Watch as teachers in the Lighthouse program elaborate on helping students to be creative, work together, and learn in meaningful ways.
Read more about her presentations in Weekly Reflections.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
