FCPS This Week - June 12, 2024
They did it! Congratulations to the FCPS class of 2024. Watch this video for more highlights from graduation.
🏆 FCPS Students Named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Winners
Thirteen Fairfax County Public Schools students from six high schools have been named winners of 2024 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The students are part of a group of more than 2,900 National Merit® Finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by higher education institutions. See the list of students.
Middle School and High School Grading Updates
FCPS has been reviewing our secondary grading and reporting policies. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, there will be some new policies in place for all middle and high school classes aimed at improving consistency and clarity of grading practices across the division.
Visit the FCPS website for additional information about these secondary grading policy updates.
🗳️ Students Lobby Congress to Boost Youth Voter Registration
Marshall High School students are lobbying Congress to pass legislation they helped draft. It would allow voter registration at secondary schools, just months ahead of this year’s presidential election.
Samad, a junior, says the effort is necessary because studies show only half of eligible youth voted in the 2020 election. He and a group of other Marshall juniors have met with more than 250 congressional offices and the White House’s counsel to the vice president about their legislation, which is sponsored by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) and Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif). Read more about their work to increase voter participation.
☀️ Extravaganza Showcased Learning, Fun, and Community
The FCPS Summer Extravaganza welcomed more than 900 attendees to learn from our offices, departments, and community partners. Each booth included a fun activity for kids, and children also enjoyed a moonbounce, face painting, and snacks. Families learned about robotics and nature, made crafts, and received books. Visit the Extravaganza webpage for summer resources.
🏫 Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten!
Families play an important role in helping children prepare for kindergarten and to have a successful year. The following resources provide families with strategies to support their kindergartener:
- Success in Kindergarten Parent Strategies: See how families can support their children to help ensure a successful transition to kindergarten. Tips are available in nine languages.
- Kindergarten Year at a Glance: Get a general overview of the skills kindergarten students will learn throughout the year.
It’s not too late! If your child has not been registered for kindergarten yet, follow this easy process.
Before- and After-School Care Registration for the 2025-26 School Year
Do you have a child entering kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year? Are you looking for a before- or after-school program for them?
Fairfax County government’s School Aged Child Care (SACC) Program registration begins Tuesday, July 9. Visit the SACC website to see when registration opens for your school and for more information.
🌹 ‘Mr. Rose Hill’ Has Been Helping Students Bloom for Decades
Danny Adams was in sixth grade Cameron Elementary School when he first considered becoming a teacher. Danny accomplished his goal in 1987 when he started teaching at Rose Hill Elementary School, the school where he continues to teach to this day! Read about what has inspired Danny to remain dedicated to his school and profession.
🏃 FCPS CARES: PE Teacher Really Goes the Extra Mile
FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Joshua Antoncic, a physical education (PE) teacher at Virginia Run Elementary School (in white shirt above), is one of the April CARES of the Month recipients.
Antoncic hosts an annual basketball challenge between 5th and 6th graders and an annual volleyball game against Cub Run Elementary School for students and staff. He has hosted sports camps and supported the Viking Dash school fundraiser.
“Additionally, he rewards students with a pizza party for their successes throughout the year in physical education,” the parent who nominated him said. “My kids are always trying to meet whatever goal he has set, so they can get an invite to that party.”
Congratulations to Antoncic and other April FCPS CARES of the Month recipients:
- Daniel Gray, Forte Center
- Christina Hunel, Great Falls Elementary School
- Joel Harrop, Falls Church High School
- Christopher Roeseler, Robert Tucker, and Juliana Abouraad; Bucknell Elementary School
- Laura Monahan, Terra Centre Elementary School
- Kyoko Vaughan, Hayfield Secondary School
Read about all the recipients.
🎭 Spooky Fun and Dark Humor Shine in The Addams Family at Mount Vernon High School
The Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, otherwise known as the Cappies, is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers.
This review of Mount Vernon High School’s production of The Addams Family is written by Ella Clarke of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Students Honored for Outstanding Achievements in High School Theatre
The Cappies of the National Capital area held its annual awards gala honoring excellence in high school theater on June 10 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. See a list of those honored.
Summer Wellness Resources
🏥 Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs
Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children 5 years old and older with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs if they are on Medicaid or uninsured.
Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades in the fall. Students registering for kindergarten (or who are new to the division) also need to provide proof of immunizations. Visit FCPS’ Immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.
The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, June 29, at ICC-Children - Manassas
- Saturday, July 20, at ICC-Children - Herndon
- Saturday, August 17, at ICC-Children - Falls Church
Appointments are required; no walk-ins will be allowed. Please call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.
Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer 45-minute virtual Mental Wellness Consultations Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 2. Phone or videoconference consultations are available with a school psychologist or school social worker.
- Parents of students in any grade can request a consultation to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success.
- Students in middle or high school can request a consultation to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes.
Request a consultation online or call and leave a message at 703-503-2520.
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost. Caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE, and they must provide consent for their student to access therapy services.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information on how students can be referred for a session.
📝 Support Still Available for Seniors Applying for College Financial Aid
College Access Fairfax will hold free clinics to help parents and students complete or correct the FAFSA or VASA financial aid forms. Clinics are currently scheduled on:
- Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Fairfax High School.
- Tuesday, June 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Apple Federal Credit Union in Fairfax Corner.
- Wednesday, June 26, 6-8 p.m., at Sully District Government Center.
- Wednesday, July 10, 6-8 p.m., at Mason District Government Center.
Both the student and a parent/guardian must attend the clinic. Applicants should bring a laptop to all clinics except Fairfax High School. Spanish translation will be available. For more information, to register for a clinic, or to request a one-on-one appointment, please visit College Access Fairfax’s website. These services are free of charge.
🚌 Become a Bus Driver, Get up to $2,000 Signing Bonus!
FCPS is providing a signing bonus of up to $2,000 for new school bus drivers who meet eligibility requirements and complete the new driver employment criteria. Learn more by attending a job fair this summer. The job fairs will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the dates and locations below. No pre-event registration is needed to attend:
- Friday, June 14, at Stonecroft Transportation Center
- Tuesday, June 25, at Oakton High School
- Friday, June 28, at Lorton Center
Apply today! Contact 571-423-3000 or [email protected] with questions.
🧩 Get Clued in to the FCPS and Park Authority Puzzle Hunt!
FCPS’ Safe Routes to School and the Fairfax County Park Authority present the Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt, which begins Saturday, June 15. The activity will offer online puzzles that lead to a park in Fairfax County and additional clues toward the final puzzle. Participants who submit the final answer will be entered into a chance to win a prize.
Pride Month
In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of every member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
🗓️ First Day of the 2024-25 School Year
Mark your calendars! The first day of school for the 2024-25 school year is Monday, August 19. See the 2024-25 school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Scheduled for June 13 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m.
Topics on the agenda include:
- VHSL Recognitions
- FY 2025 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan Presentation
- Awarding of Contracts
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
The School Board will also hold meetings on Thursday, June 27, and Thursday, July 11. Visit BoardDocs closer to those meetings for the agendas.
📰 FCPS This Week Is Taking a Summer Break!
This is the last scheduled weekly issue of FCPS This Week. We will publish over the summer only as needed to share important information. See you again next school year!
Have a great summer!
