Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
As I think about all the work we are each engaged in, all the work we have done, and all the work we have yet to do, I remain resolutely grateful for the opportunity to do the work with each of you. As a division, we have not taken the easy path; instead we have boldly struck out on our own path, framed and focused by our decision to embark on a new strategic plan -- one that is justice-centered, future-focused, and student outcome driven. This is work that must be done, and must be done together.
In celebrating the wonders of our work together, I am reminded of the wise words from one of my daughter's favorite stories (read to her and her class many years ago by her beloved first grade teacher, Ms. Geddes). “At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.” ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden.
My visits and conversations this week have provided me inspiration and insight as we begin our journey to create a new student-centered Strategic Plan for 2023 and beyond. As I’ve traveled across the division, I’ve kept top of mind the two key questions that will drive our conversations, “How are the children?” and “How is our household?”
Thursday evening, military-connected families joined me virtually and in person at Gatehouse Administrative Center to discuss how we can support the unique needs of their students. I was encouraged that the conversation focused on ways that we can work together to share resources between our schools and military services. We also talked about building community and relationships that support military-connected students, while building understanding of the military-student experience among their peers. Each month, the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends out a newsletter for military-connected families. Families can sign up for that newsletter (under “Division Administration News and Updates” then “Family Engagement”, then "Military Families").
Thanks to the Oakton Pyramid community for joining me at Tuesday evening’s Community Conversation. I was so excited to hear from Carson Middle School students Nethra and Ariya, who discussed their campaign to get solar panels at Carson MS, as well as the overall importance of renewable energy. The students continue to lead us! If you haven’t yet, I would love for you to attend an upcoming conversation. You can register on our website. I will be at Fairfax HS Monday evening.
Thank you to Liz Noto, Kambar Khoshaba, Margaret Barnes, Ashley Castillo, Dustin Wright, and Tammy Silipigni (not pictured) for joining my inaugural Superintendent’s Roundtables with School-Based Administrators this week. I also hosted my first Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council (STAC) meeting with more than 200 teachers from across the division who asked important questions and shared meaningful concerns. I am committed to reflection and action on the important issues that impact our teachers’ ability to do the important work of leading our students to realizing their unique hopes and dreams; together all things are possible.
This week, School Board Member Dr. Ricardy Anderson invited me to visit Justice High School and one of its feeder schools, Glasgow Middle School. Glasgow’s principal, Victor Powell, invited me to the English classroom of Karis Lee, where students were learning about determining the theme of a story. In Kelly Greenshields’ Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) class, the lesson of the day was defining active listening, which will help the students to improve their communication skills. I was impressed by the brave students in Katelyn Hannel’s chorus class who sang solos in front of their classmates. And, because you should know by now that I cannot resist a stop in a math classroom, we jumped into an Algebra I class before we moved on to Justice High School!
Justice High School Principal Tiffany Narcisse took me to Eric Welch’s 10th grade Honors Government class, where students were learning the history of how our nation came to have two political parties. Each student also shared their favorite flavors of ice cream, and the class participated in four rounds of voting. Students lobbied after each round to get the class to vote for a specific flavor that they will enjoy the next time the class meets. It’s a sweet reward for creative and critical thinking! I also had an opportunity to share my favorite ice cream, actually I think any ice cream is a treat, though I do prefer spumoni ;>)
Friday morning, I rode along with bus driver Barbara Davis (back row) and bus attendants Karen Walton and Sharon Roberts (left to right). Barbara and her team drive mostly transport students who receive special education services. The staff members’ level of compassion, attention, and kindness is truly a model of what it means to be a caring culture! It was also an opportunity to watch the sun rise in our Mt Vernon region, a beautiful sight and reminder that each new day provides an opportunity to make amazing things happen for our students, staff, and families here in FCPS; together all things are possible.
Thursday evening, I did manage to briefly attend the Oakton HS Dig Pink event. This was a volleyball event for athletes, coaches, parents, and communities to unite in a collective effort to raise awareness and fundraise to support metastatic breast cancer research through the Side-Out Foundation. Oakton High School hosted crosstown rival Madison HS. It definitely was a memorable, inspirational, and impactful experience. The gym was full of players and spectators wearing pink, Oakton High School teams and clubs performed, and funds raised through the sale of baked goods and raffle tickets support the Side-Out Foundation. The buzz, electricity, and energy in the gym were indeed palpable and unforgettable! Great job Cougars!! There is also a special feature coming up in my reflections next week related to the inclusive Madison HS volleyball team, stay tuned!!
This week was National School Lunch Week. Shout out to all of our wonderful Food and Nutrition Services staff who prepare and serve more than 70,000 lunches every day! FCPS school lunches contain whole grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk. The menus are planned by registered dietitians to meet and exceed federal nutrition guidelines and regularly offer student favorites such as Orange Chicken with Brown Rice. Sounds delicious! Thank you for keeping us healthy; it matters!!
Thank you, Coreen, a lead teacher at Transition Support Resource Center (TSRC) Graham Road, for writing to me to share this reflection on the teacher who made a difference in her life. “My biggest influencer was my 11th grade history teacher Kurt Waters. He retired a few years ago. He had a smile on his face to greet us in the hall. He was kind, energetic, funny, and he just oozed excitement about what he taught. He let me sit on the radiator in the back of the room so I could see the board. He was always there to answer questions in class or after school about history or about life in general. He knew everyone’s name and a few details about each student. I work every day to bring the same energy and love of history to my students. I was fortunate to work with him when I became a teacher and shared with him how he inspired my love of history and how he shaped me as a teacher.” Who are your influencers? Maybe it wasn’t a teacher but another trusted educator or adult who gave you the space to become the person that you are today. Let me know! Thank you Coreen for the reminder what a difference each of us make every day!!
Finally, as the creator of the Dilbert comic strip once said, “You don’t have to be a person of influence to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” We have so many opportunities to shape our present and future; together all things are possible.
I hear next week we’ll be deep into “sweater weather” across Northern Virginia. I might even break out my ‘lamb chop’ mittens ;>) Stay warm and stay in touch! Wishing each of you an abundantly joyful fall week ahead.
Warmest regards,
Michelle Reid, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools
