FCPS This Week - September 22, 2022
Mosaic Elementary School Named 2022 National Blue Ribbon School
Mosaic Elementary School has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The Fairfax County public school is among seven schools in Virginia receiving the honor this year.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors high performing schools and schools making exemplary progress toward closing achievement gaps. Mosaic was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School based on its high achievement in reading and mathematics during the 2018-2019 school year. More specifically, Mosaic was recognized for ranking near the top in its overall reading and mathematics performance rate, and its performance rate for English Learners, students with disabilities, white students, and Asian students.
More information about Mosaic’s Blue Ribbon Award is available online.
Superintendent’s Opening of Schools Report
On September 15, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented her Opening of Schools Report to the School Board. The presentation reviews the status of FCPS schools, programs, and projects for the 22-23 year.
238 FCPS Students Are 2023 National Merit Semifinalists
Representing 18 high schools, 238 students were announced last week as National Merit Semifinalists.
All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $28 million, to be awarded in spring 2023. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official. View the full list of semifinalists on our website.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! We All Belong Here
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance.
Wheel of Fortune Teacher’s Week Features McLean Teacher
Tune in to Wheel of Fortune on Monday, September 26, to watch McLean High School Physics Teacher Jeff Brocketti. The episode airs at 7 p.m. on ABC7. Good luck, Mr. Brocketti!
Calendar Reminder: Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 26, is a student holiday (no school for students, professional work day for teachers).
It is also Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year. “Shanah tovah” to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur.
Looking Ahead: Yom Kippur, October 4 and 5
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4, Tuesday is noted as a ½ religious/cultural observance date on the FCPS calendar.
Wednesday, October 5 is a holiday for teachers and students (only 12 month employees report).
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
ESSER III Funding Supports Student Success: Your Voice Matters
In the fall of 2021, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
ESSER III focus areas have included resources for prevention and mitigation of COVID, academic services, multilingual engagement, support for students’ social emotional needs, and professional development. Watch the video above to see the impact ESSER III funds are having in our schools, or learn more about FCPS’ plans on our website.
We want to hear from you! A feedback form will be live on the ESSER III webpage Friday, September 23. Your input will inform the Fairfax County School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.
Athletic Event Spectator Expectations
We appreciate all of our fans who attend high school sporting events. Before attending any games, we ask caregivers review the following, and discuss relevant information below with their children:
- No backpacks or other bags are allowed in stadiums. (Students and Adults)
- No outside food or drinks. Concession stands are available.
- We cheer FOR our teams and not against our opponents. All cheers should be positive.
- All students should pre-arrange for transportation and plan to leave immediately after the game.
- All elementary and middle school-aged children should be supervised by an adult.
- Anyone who leaves must pay to re-enter.
- Whistles and similar noisemakers are prohibited.
- Anyone caught trying to enter the game without paying will be removed and can be banned from attending future games.
Our goal is to create a positive community event. Any behaviors that take away from this goal may result in being removed from the game and not being allowed to attend future games.
Boost Up! Updated COVID Boosters Available for Ages 12+
The Fairfax County Health Department is now offering bivalent boosters for COVID-19.The bivalent vaccines, also known as “updated boosters,” target Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, as well as the original COVID-19 strain.
Appointments are recommended through the COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Scheduling site, but walk-ins are available. Use the Fairfax Health District VAMS link to register.
College Fair and Post-Secondary Week
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS College Fair and Postsecondary Week events.
The College Fair, which will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad, will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. Postsecondary Week will be held virtually Monday, October 17, to Thursday, October 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. Postsecondary week will feature virtual workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities.
Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
Preparing for the Future
By enrolling in a CTE course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. Learn more in the video above.
Academies are located at the following high schools:
- Chantilly
- Edison
- Fairfax
- Falls Church
- Marshall
- West Potomac
Learn more about program offerings and schools where they’re available on the CTE website.
Fitness, Free Health Screenings, and Fun in Fairfax
Join a fun, free, interactive community event focused on healthy and active living at Healthy Together Fairfax on Sunday, October 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at Lee District Park (6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310).
The event includes free health screenings, access to community services and resources, fitness classes, hands-on activities, and workshops for all ages. Participants can also explore the trails and playgrounds at Lee District Park and enjoy a ride on the carousel.
The event will include activities and organizations that focus on active living, sustainable living, connectedness among older adults, and children’s mental health.
For more information and to register, visit Healthy Together Fairfax’s website.
Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry Website
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Website, which includes the Public Notification Database, provides access to publicly available information about persons convicted of specified violent and sexual offenses. Members of the public can use this website to educate themselves about the possible presence of such offenders in their local communities.
FCPS Policies and Regulations
Virginia’s Standards of Quality require all school divisions to notify the public annually of the availability of the school system's policies. Policies, regulations, and notices are available on our website.
