FCPS This Week - June 7, 2023
A graduate hugs Principal Shawn DeRose at Annandale High School’s graduation.
Calling All FCPS Alumni!
We are thrilled to invite all FCPS graduates to join our alumni network. Whether you are in the Class of 2023, the Class of 1972, or even earlier, your participation is crucial as we lay the groundwork for an inclusive network that will serve as a valuable resource for all alumni. You are an essential part of our effort to build a strong and interconnected community. By filling out this form with your contact information, you will help us create a directory of our graduates, facilitating connections and providing opportunities for collaboration and engagement with FCPS.
Lewis High School Hosts Vice President for School Safety Event
The Lewis High School community, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid, and the Lewis High School band welcomed the United States Secretary of Education and the Vice President of the United States to talk about keeping schools safe. Lewis High School senior Jada Hughes (above) introduced Vice President Harris to a gymnasium with more than 1,000 students and community participants. Read more about the event.
💻 Digital PSAT Replaces Paper in 2023-24
This October, the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) will be administered in Fairfax County in a digital format. Some testing accommodations are administered differently for digital tests than for paper/pencil tests. See information about accommodations for students with disabilities.
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day
The district will offer access to the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day for rising 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 11.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and English Learners
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or supports. If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; or have an English Learner (EL) student entering 12th grade; please review the accommodations request process and/or EL support request process and return forms to the high school by Tuesday, August 8.
Find out more about SAT assessments and PSAT assessments.
🏆 23 FCPS Students Named 2023 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship Winners
Twenty-three Fairfax County Public Schools students from 10 high schools have been named winners of 2023 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. See the list of students.
FCPS Students Are “Silent No More”
On Thursday, June 1, the junior class at McLean High School took part in an assembly about drug prevention and awareness called “Silent No More.”
Guest speakers included health experts, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, a federal prosecutor, and those who have been personally touched by the national opioid epidemic that has reached Fairfax County. Students heard stories from family members who have lost loved ones to unintentional overdoses, as well as young people who suffered from substance use disorder themselves.
Read more about the event and see a list of resources.
Student Representative Elected to School Board
Rida Karim, a sophomore at Woodson High School, has been elected by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
Rida has three main focuses as student representative: ensuring equity in education, empowering students to recognize their self-worth, and making learning enjoyable for students so they can understand the significance of their education. Read more about Rida.
🎓 Twilight Program Helps At-Risk Seniors Graduate on Time
For some seniors, graduating comes down to a tough reality—attending school or helping to support their family. To combat this, FCPS began a pilot program to provide instruction outside of traditional school hours. Read more about twilight school.
Mental Wellness Summer Supports
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual mental wellness consultations from June 26 to August 4. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:
- Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
- Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.
All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Consultations can be requested online or by calling 703-503-2520 and leaving a message.
Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services for High School Students
Teletherapy services will continue to be available for all FCPS high school students at no cost this summer. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hazel’s highly-qualified therapists specialize in speaking “teen.”
Caregivers must first opt in their students to access Hazel Health. Then, a caregiver or school counselor, social worker, or psychologist can refer the student to Hazel for services. Learn more on the FCPS teletherapy webpage.
Thank You, Fairfax Citizens, for Supporting Our Schools!
Fairfax County Public Schools recently celebrated the completion of renovations and additions at seven schools. These projects were funded by voter-approved school bonds. Thank you, Fairfax citizens, for supporting safe and welcoming schools. Enjoy a recap of all the ribbon-cutting fun!
💛 Care, Love, and Compassion Recognized at Laurel Ridge
“Since the start of this school year I have watched these amazing staff members provide an extraordinary level of care and love for a child with severe traumatic stress to ensure he feels safe,” a colleague said about April’s FCPS CARES recipients recognized at Laurel Ridge Elementary School.
The staff she’s referring to include Morgan Martin, multiple disabilities teacher; Katie Yost, emotional disabilities teacher; Diane Crockett, instructional assistant; and Sheila Bartley, administrative assistant.
“This child has gained such trust with this staff, as has the parent,” the nominator said. “He was available, present and in the moment, connected to others."
Also recognized in April as FCPS CARES recipients of the month were:
- Do Mafuta, Stonecroft Transportation Center
- Candice Johnson, South Lakes High School
- Beth Schinstock, Longfellow Middle School
- Alexandra Soria-Galvarro, Mount Vernon High School
- Amanda Lockhart, Frost Middle School
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. Read more about all the recipients. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
🏃♀️ Pre-Participation Physicals for Athletes
FCPS will offer middle school students a chance to participate in cross country this fall and track in spring 2024. Any students who would like to participate in athletics will need to have a Virginia High School League (VHSL) pre-participation examination (PPE). The physical exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
Fairfax County public high schools are offering PPEs at a cost of $50 per student through Saturday, June 17. Students who receive free and reduced-priced meals are eligible to receive an exam at no cost. Learn more about middle school athletics and sports physicals.
⚾ Enjoy Our School Grounds This Summer
School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled.
Please keep the following in mind when using these facilities:
- Use is allowed from dawn to dusk, except during school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs.
- Facilities must be shared with anyone else who wishes to use them.
- Please leave the facilities as you found them. Remove waste or debris from the property.
Visit our Availability, Fees, and Hours webpage for details on using school grounds and facilities. See our Community Use webpage for a list of items community users are prohibited from having in school buildings, on playgrounds, and on fields, and additional information on reserving facilities. Groups interested in formally reserving school facilities should contact [email protected] or call 571-423-2340.
Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation
The Family Resource Center (FRC) has recently published a list of summer camps available for students with a variety of needs, including physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, grief, and children of military personnel. They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.
The FRC provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. For more information, call 703-204-3941, email [email protected] or visit their webpage.
📘 Summer Reading Matters!
The Fairfax County Public Library understands the importance of summer reading. Summer learning loss, or the summer slide, is when children forget learned reading skills because they are no longer using them regularly. Reading and participating in engaging reading activities throughout the summer are two effective ways to combat summer learning loss.
Fairfax Library will kick off their annual summer reading program with Summer Reading Festivals:
- Lorton Library: Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Chantilly Regional Library: Saturday, June 24, 4-7 p.m.
Families can enjoy games and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, a mini zoo, caricatures, food, and other activities.
More information on Fairfax Library’s Summer Reading Program will be available on June 16.
What Is the Foundation for Applied Technical Education?
The Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE) works to empower students with occupational and employability skills across several industry trades. Students access the resources, support, and career opportunities through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. FATE programs include residential construction, student auto sales, and entrepreneurship.
FATE President Kayvan Jaboori recently presented an annual report to the School Board that included a summary of FATE’s sponsorship of CTE programs. Report highlights include:
- Completion of two single family homes in Spring Village Estates with our HVAC, Electrical Engineering and Construction, and Construction Technology programs.
- Continued the Commonwealth of Virginia’s only high school automotive dealership.
- Financed grants to enhance the entrepreneurship programs and provided seven scholarships to students pursuing careers in entrepreneurship and trade and industry.
Impact of Educate Fairfax in 2022-23
Educate Fairfax is a non profit working to help students and the FCPS community. This year, with donor support, Educate Fairfax was able to provide funding for 52 grants totaling more than $82,000 for classroom projects. It is also providing five books each for 165 students to read over the summer through a new literacy program. Educate Fairfax helped the Family Resource Center acquire more materials for their library as well. Since 2018, more than $315,000 has been provided in grants to teachers to support work-based learning for all students.
Collecting for Kids in Need
It’s the time of year when Educate Fairfax begins collecting funds for school supply kits, so every student can start the next school year strong with the tools they need to be successful. Educate Fairfax donates 2,000 to 4,000 kits to students annually.
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
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 affirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of all people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. See more about how FCPS provides a safe and respectful environment for all.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Last Day of School/First Day of School
The last day of the 2022-23 school year is Friday, June 16. Students will be dismissed early. The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21. See the school year calendar.
Last Issue of FCPS This Week for the 2022-23 School Year
The last scheduled weekly issue of FCPS This Week will be Wednesday, June 14.
