Superintendent's Weekly Reflections

Hello Team FCPS,

What an amazing week as the calendar turns the page again given the arrival of November. And, a beautiful first of November week it has been to be sure. It also marks the end of daylight savings time, so I hope you have remembered to set your clocks back an hour this weekend. While only 40% of the countries in the world observe this tradition, we have since President Roosevelt reestablished daylight savings time back in 1942 to save energy. How exciting to have the gift of an extra hour this weekend – hoping you used it wisely ;>) 

Here’s another beautiful sunrise, courtesy of a former Board Chair of mine in Washington state. He’s an ultra-marathon runner and snapped this photo of the Olympic Mountain range in Washington State on one of his recent early morning runs. No word on how early he had to get up to capture this view ;>)!

In recent news, the Fairfax County School Board adopted the FY 2024 Revised Budget on October 26, 2023, which included a 2% compensation increase for all FCPS employees effective January 1, 2024. Monthly paid employees will see the additional pay on their January 31, 2024 paycheck. Biweekly paid employees will see the additional pay on their January 26, 2024 paycheck. This action is the result of the General Assembly’s final budget adopted on September 14, 2023. It is also a recognition of your commitment to support this critical mission driven work in shaping our future. Thank you.

On Wednesday morning, I attended another Principal Roundtable meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to answer questions, hear concerns, and discuss our myriad initiatives. It was a great opportunity to hear about a number of topics and dialog about the many ways to support our teaching and learning work in FCPS.

On Friday evening I attended the varsity football game at South Lakes High School to watch South Lakes’ Seahawks face off against the Westfield High School Bulldogs. I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with principals of both schools and the boosters who support our athletic endeavors. It was also great to visit with our students, cheer members, and marching band and dance team members. It was a great FCPS evening under the Friday Night Lights. 

The 2023 School Bond Referendum will be on the ballot this Tuesday, November 7. Taxpayer-approved bond referendums fund FCPS facilities renovations and new construction through our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

These projects, including the Fox Mill Elementary School renovations pictured above, do not receive funding through our general budget. The projects in the November 7 bond package will ensure that each and every FCPS student has an opportunity to learn and grow in world-class facilities by enabling us to break ground on three new schools and renovate 25 others through 2028. You can learn more about by checking the progress of our currently funded projects and watching our video explaining how school bonds help keep our schools safe, healthy, and up-to-date.

In the current segment of We are Listening, we are pleased to announce the addition of Sick Leave Donation to our current Leaves policy. This leave-sharing program will allow eligible FCPS employees to donate up to a maximum of 160 hours of their accrued sick leave to other FCPS employees for medical necessities associated with FMLA, and STD. This policy update is effective November 1, 2023. Please contact the Office of Benefits Services at 571-423-3200 to find out more. This work is a direct result of the input you have provided and supports each and every one of us moving forward. 

This coming week I’ll be participating in several events to honor those who have served in our nation’s military, including Silverbrook Elementary School’s second annual Veterans Day remembrance and a birthday ceremony for the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. As superintendent, it’s my honor to help commemorate these special occasions and to celebrate all of FCPS’ military-connected students, staff, and volunteers. 

Congratulations to the 628 FCPS students who have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)! Our Commended Scholars came from nearly every high school and secondary school across FCPS. This recognition is a significant achievement which speaks to the academic rigor that these students will bring to their postsecondary education. The full list of winners is available here. 

Saturday brought more opportunities to appreciate our FCPS students and staff. My first event was at Rachel Carson Middle School and I was thrilled to be able to share a musical morning with so many of our FCPS students and staff.

Devyn Wilcox, Orchestra Director at Rachel Carson Middle School shared that Carson and Hughes middle schools teamed up for a fun filled Panther Orchestra Day, inviting and providing future strings “panthers” the opportunity to make music with their future middle school orchestra teachers and peers! During the rehearsal current Carson and Hughes students paired up with the elementary students, serving as their mentors for the day and providing them a warm welcome to the middle school orchestra community. The day ended with a stellar performance put on together by the elementary and middle school students. I continue to be so proud of our students and staff and all that they accomplish each and every day that makes such a difference for so many. 

Following the orchestra event in the morning, I attended the musical Carrie at West Potomac High School for the Saturday afternoon matinee performance. Wow, it was an incredible performance and a reminder of the importance of the arts in our education. The students performed admirably in a story so poignantly told and thoughtfully performed. I continue to be impressed and inspired by all that our students and staff achieve; it matters. 

And so in closing, as I contemplate my excitement over the possibilities associated with my extra hour this weekend, I am reminded of a quote recently shared with me; “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking, don't settle.” — Steve Jobs (1955-2011) Co-Founder Apple Inc. I am loving what we are doing here and so grateful to be doing it with you ...

Enjoy your extra gift of time,

Michelle Reid, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools