A student participates in a building project in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) summer camp class.

🥗 Summer Meals for Children    

FCPS is providing meals free of charge to all children and teens 18 and under through Friday, August 16. Meals will be provided to children on a first-come first-served basis. Visit the Summer Meal Service webpage for distribution locations and times. 

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost.

Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

🗺️ School Board Updates Boundary Policy

The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.

The revised policy does not propose specific boundary changes, nor were specific boundaries considered during the policy review. Instead, the updates create a framework for the division superintendent to follow when considering any potential future adjustments, which must prioritize robust community engagement throughout the process. Read more about the updated policy. 

⏰ Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools

During the Academic Matters segment at the June 27 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed limited early release Mondays for elementary students during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act and other demands on their time.

A Steering Committee of school leaders, teachers, and families is working to support both families and teachers in this effort. See the list of early release dates and other information. 

 

📖 Reading on Grade Level by the End of Third Grade

Reading is one of the most important skills students can learn. Research shows that students who are reading at grade level by the end of third grade are more likely to be successful in school and in life. That’s why we included that goal in FCPS’ strategic plan—Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. We focus on early reading skills for younger students and help older students strengthen their literacy skills. Watch third graders in action at Woodlawn Elementary School, as they practice sounding out letters — an important part of becoming great readers!

Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE 

Parents and caregivers can view important information in SIS ParentVUE such as student attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores. Watch this video if you need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account. 

You will keep the same SIS ParentVUE account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same account. An app is also available for Apple and Android devices. 

If you already have an account, be sure to update your phone numbers and/or email addresses (in the Parent/Guardian section), so your child’s school can send you important information. Get more information on SIS ParentVUE. 

Latest Updates from Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid writes about the great things happening around FCPS all year long in her Weekly Reflections. Find out about the 70th anniversary celebration for Luther Jackson Middle School, updates on the Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and other topics in the latest Weekly Reflections.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy 

The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Our goal is to strengthen partnerships in support of each and every student’s success. 

Explore our wide range of resources; tools; and virtual and in-person webinars, workshops, and programs. The FCPS Family Academy helps you become a key part of your child’s education! Learn more about the FCPS Family Academy.

Our Voices, Our Future: Inspiration for Multilingual Learners

Jose Luis Zelaya will share his motivating life story at an event for middle and high school multilingual learners. Born in Honduras, he migrated to the United States and was the first in his family to graduate from high school — and attend college and earn a doctorate degree.  

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit will take place on Thursday, August 8, 5-8:30 p.m., at Annandale High School. Information will be available on colleges and career planning. 

Registration is not required, but it will help us plan. Language interpretation services will be available. 

Pre-K Program Accepting Applications for 2024-25

The FCPS Pre-K program serves 3- and 4-year-olds who are either income-eligible or who face certain educational challenges. Programs are in place in 73 FCPS elementary schools. Apply for Pre-K online or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) for more information and to apply.

🖥️ FCPS Website Redesign Update 

FCPS is redesigning our central website, fcps.edu, and preparing for the redesign of school websites. Our primary purpose for this work is to improve user experience — helping families quickly find the tools, information, and resources they need. 

We plan to launch the redesigned central site on Thursday, August 1. School sites will be rolled out in phases at a later date. Learn more about the web redesign project. 

Mental Wellness Summer Support

The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services is offering free virtual mental wellness consultations from Monday, July 22, to Friday, August 2. Caregivers and secondary students can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or online: 

• Parents/caregivers of students in any grade level can receive information on community resources and/or guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success.
   
• Students in middle or high school can 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/caregivers and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Request consultations online or call 703-503-2520 and leave a message.

💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students this summer at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.

🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades. Visit FCPS’ immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their child's immunization record to ensure they have received these required immunizations. Get more details on student immunization requirements.

Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department is offering appointments to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations. Appointments are limited. View a schedule of the clinics. 

Come Work With Us! Teacher Recruitment Job Fairs

FCPS is dedicated to supporting the success of our schools and offices by recruiting the best candidates to fill open positions. Join us for an instructional job fair on Tuesday, July 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or Wednesday, July 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Take advantage of networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various Fairfax County public schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair!

Click on the dates above for more information or to register to attend. 

🗓️ Calendar Reminder: First Day of School

We look forward to welcoming back all of our students on Monday, August 19, the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year! See the school year calendars for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27.

Tax-Free Weekend

Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, will be a sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details.

✏️ Help Students Who Need School Supplies

Educate Fairfax is excited to continue its yearly campaign to support FCPS students. Thanks to business partnerships and the community, Educate Fairfax helps students begin the new school year prepared for academic success. 

This year, Educate Fairfax will provide basic supplies to thousands of students in need, from school supply kits and backpacks to gift cards for essential needs such as food and basic hygiene items. 

Every donation through Educate Fairfax goes directly to students in need and is tax deductible. Thank you for any support you can offer to our students.