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FCPS CARES - June 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of June 2024.
![Participants at a Family Vision Group meeting](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%206.3.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=jXf7u8hJ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended student graduations, theater performances, athletic events, and more!
![Shante smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042416-2007-Shante%20Freeman.jpg?h=d1d355c8&itok=2RKgXULE)
🏈 A “Professional” On and Off the Field
Shante started her professional journey with FCPS as an assistant principal at Whitman and was there for six years. At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, she transitioned to her current role in the Hearings Office.
Shante has another impressive stat on her resume. She played for three…
![a smiling first grader](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052408-1062-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=TjIlUUFf)
FCPS This Week - May 29, 2024
In this issue, read about the 2025 Approved Budget, International Science Fair winners, and Summer Camps and Classes.
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33 Students Receive Scholarships from FCPS Hispanic Leadership Alliance
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance — a certified employee group of Fairfax County Public Schools employees — presented scholarships to 33 students on Tuesday, May 28.
![College Penants](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SAT_101712-1391-heroweb%5B1%5D.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=2T5YnEcX)
Digital SAT Replaces Paper in 2024-25
The district will offer access to the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and SAT School Day for 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9. Both the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT School Day will be…
🚧 FCPS Rounds Up Bus Drivers and Attendants to Test Their Skills at Road-eo Competition
The Office of Transportation Services recently hosted its annual Bus Road-eo competition. Stonecroft Transportation Center, typically used as a bus lot with a modular office for transportation staff, was transformed for the day into a space for friendly sport, team-building activities, and community…
![Annandale High School senior Samiullah Luddin tries on his cap and gown as he prepares to graduate.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SamiSenior-Hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=i0vOJLRA)
Grit: Afghan Refugee Conquers Virtual Learning, 14 SOL Attempts to Graduate in June, Head to College
Samiullah — whose family left Afghanistan after his father survived being kidnapped by the Taliban — began his American public school experience in 2020 on a laptop computer. He persevered through pandemic virtual learning, summer classes and many SOL attempts to graduate this June and go on to…
![Dr. Reid and participants at the “Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation" event](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%205.27.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=NB2jN4oJ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited elementary schools, celebrated student achievements, and more!
![Kathleen works with students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112227-1325-heroweb.jpg?h=b529be35&itok=3KO1kkOZ)
Virginia 2024 Computer Science Educator of the Year: Inspiring Students to Explore Technology and Coding
Congratulations to Kathleen Fugle, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and computer science resource teacher at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School! She was announced as the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) 2024 Computer Science Educator of the Year!
![budget image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Budget-FY2025-Hero_0.png?h=648b6813&itok=2CY0g5Cg)
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2025 Budget, Focusing Available Resources on Staff Compensation Toward Goal of Educational Excellence
The FY 2025 Approved Budget focuses on providing educational excellence for all students, and ensuring that employees’ hard work and dedication are acknowledged through competitive compensation.
![The Sangster ES 6th Grade Advanced Class, under the direction of Jessica Kusdarman and Diana Chou, performs the National Anthem.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052424-1069.jpg?h=98670ba8&itok=fq90V8p-)
School Board Meeting Highlights - May 23, 2024
May 23, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Large group of students from FCPS that participated in the 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/ISEF2024grouppic2.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=BZDjPCd7)
FCPS Students Win Special and Category Awards at 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair
Thirteen students from Fairfax County Public Schools won awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair that took place recently in Los Angeles.
![Students in Chantilly Academy's Engineering and PT/OT classes pose, smiling, with Liam Bruen, who is laying on the medical bed that the students worked to design and build.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052410-1874-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=aih_ztL3)
A Gift for Liam: Chantilly Academy Seniors Help Student with Disabilities Return to Class
Two classrooms studying two different disciplines come together to help an incoming Chantilly High School student return to in-person class.
![A student dressed in cap and gown holds up a sign that says "I love school" next to a photo of him as a fourth grader holding up a similar sign.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052413-1054.jpg?h=6f694d52&itok=wVdN8D6G)
FCPS This Week - May 22, 2024
In this issue, learn about the School Board vote on the 2025 Budget, student testing results, and school lunch balances.
![Josh runs through jump rope with students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Image20240522155225.jpg?h=aa560a08&itok=iAv6sq77)
My First Year Episode 6: Teacher Sick Day
Just like the rest of us, Ms. Vivi gets sick, too. While she spent the day at home recovering from a cold, we had the opportunity to shadow the proud leader of Shrevewood Elementary School, Principal Josh DeSmyter.
![A graduate hugs an administrator](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062201-1414-heroweb.jpg?h=6115b5dd&itok=5HlgB0SE)
Graduation Celebrations 2024
As we celebrate the class of 2024, we invite you to look back at your high school graduation.
![students hold their awards](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Webpage%20Hero%20Image%20%282%29_1.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=hBgygZJ2)
🎌 Virtual Victory at the Junior Japan Bowl
FCPS recently hosted the 8th National Junior Japan Bowl, a quiz-bowl-style Japanese language and culture competition. The virtual event showcased spirited participation from 517 elementary and middle school students representing 26 schools and 10 states.
![Pamphlet titled "Are You Feeling Lonely?"](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012406-2002-1600x600-5ab0449.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=oWL6BXi6)
2024 School Counselor of the Year Offers Mental Health Tips
Valerie Peters, middle school counselor at Robinson Secondary School, was chosen by the Virginia School Counselor Association as the 2024 Secondary School Counselor of the Year. Read about what inspired her to enter school counseling, and get some tips for Mental Health Month.
![Dr. Reid with Eagle View ES students and staff](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Eagle%20View%20ES.jpg?h=5421b6f9&itok=BBsc353v)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she hosted a Community Conversation, attended a graduation ceremony, and more!
![Carson Middle School seventh grader Ankita Balaji sits at a table in her school library, chin resting on her hand. On the table in front of her are a stack of dictionaries and her Fairfax County Spelling Bee trophy.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Image20240520093632.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=MixhAggZ)
Spelling Is in Her G-E-N-E-S: Carson Middle School Student Follows in Sister’s Footsteps Competing in Scripps National Spelling Bee
Ankita Balaji will be the only FCPS student competing in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
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FCPS Receives Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from Association of School Business Officials
Fairfax County Public Schools received a certificate of excellence in financial reporting award from the Association of School Business Officials International.
![An employee works closely with a student](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052409-1095-1600x600-5bb0fdf.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=nXStjzNC)
Celebrating 55 Years With FCPS
Andrea Bregstone, speech language pathologist at Woodley Hills Elementary School, “just loves kids.” How do we know? She’s in her 56th year of employment with Fairfax County Public Schools!
![A music teacher and 8 students stand on risers before a performance.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052405-1013-2.jpg?h=0082f6d7&itok=jPY1q5FB)
FCPS This Week - May 15, 2024
In this issue, read about Family Life Education materials, free student bus passes, and the special education teacher job fair.
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FCPS Annual Financial Report Recognized by Government Finance Officers Association
Fairfax County Public Schools received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada.
![sun](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/OG-summer-sun.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=H9FILFmd)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Let's talk openly about mental health and take action to support ourselves and others.
![Melanie Dunn-Chadwick and Dr. Reid](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052401-2625-2.jpg?h=50495953&itok=EDHU7s3D)
Retiree Is Thankful for ‘Good People Doing Good Things’
Melanie Dunn-Chadwick will retire in June after 42 years at FCPS! Melanie is a family services specialist with PreK/Early Head Start. The most rewarding part of her job has been supporting a child or their parents through a really hard time and seeing them come out on the other side and saying,…
![A collage of Dr. Reid with FCPS students and staff at various events](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%205.10.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=kwdhsoHl)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she provided an update on the FY 2025 Approved Budget, visited several elementary schools, and more!
![The School Boards joins those in support of the Educators Appreciation Week proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SB_Educator%20Appreciation.jpg?h=fe5cd20f&itok=pofOKhhg)
School Board Meeting Highlights - May 9, 2024
May 9, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![a student gives a teacher a flower.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042414-2008.jpg?h=588c1a3b&itok=UfesuSAu)
FCPS This Week - May 8, 2024
In this issue, read about student, teacher, and nurse celebrations; help raise awareness of fentanyl; and the 2025 FCPS budget.
![Two Bush Hill Elementary School students practice together for upcoming Little Feet Meet.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/BushHillLittleFeetMeet-Hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=_6iryHCM)
“Jump, Jump, Jump, Jump!:” Bush Hill Elementary Student Pairs Compete in Special Olympics Track Meet
On May 17, special education students and their peer partners from several Northern Virginia schools will compete in the Little Feet Meet's running/walking events as well long jump, softball throw, and other activities.
![National Merit Scholarship winners graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/National%20Merit%20winners%20graphic_13_10.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=HVuM5RDE)
27 FCPS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Winners
Twenty-seven students from seven Fairfax County high schools have been named winners of $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
![Shahenil Grealish](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052402-1050-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=0wDxy7Rl)
Thank You, School Nurses, for Making a Positive Impact
Wednesday, May 8, is School Nurse Day! Thank you to all the public health nurses who take care of our students.
Public Health Nurse Shahenil Grealish has always loved working with and caring for people. She became a nurse nearly 25 years ago, in 1990, because she felt that she could both “help…
![A room of presentations](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/large%20room.jpg?h=9c4c0580&itok=xlMzgUdQ)
FCPS Staff Celebrate Innovation at Artificial Intelligence Share Fair
On Friday, May 3, FCPS facilitated a Share Fair to celebrate the learning and innovations of this year’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovator Cohort. The cohort included approximately 200 FCPS staff representing 95 schools and the central office. Their focus was to learn about AI, reflect on its…
![Students from Chantilly High School performing the musical Anything Goes.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Chantilly_Anything%20Goes-2024.jpg?h=167dc73d&itok=LdTLulEV)
Cappies Review of Anything Goes at Chantilly High School
The Cappies is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers. There are fifteen Cappies chapters across the United States and Canada. Courtney Butts of Woodson…
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FCPS Students Receive 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student writers won 31 Gold Key awards in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 259 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students.
![A collage of Dr. Reid at events with FCPS students and staff](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%205.3.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=GW64b4lf)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she helped host the FCPS Retirement Ceremony, attended several student theater productions, and more!
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School Board Seeking Applicants for Facilities Planning Advisory Council (May 2024)
The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) for a Providence District member, Springfield District member, Sully District member, and At-Large member (McElveen). FPAC advises and informs FCPS…
![School Board emblem](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SB-emblem-032218-1030-heroweb-16x6_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=U2cV2dKQ)
Megan Sawant to Serve as 2024-25 Student School Board Representative
Megan Sawant, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
![fcps cares logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares_0.png?h=4b1810ef&itok=Pwk3S84M)
FCPS CARES - May 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of May 2024.
![Health is in our hands painted on wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/031717-1197%20web.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=K7EpXM3K)
Important Immunization Requirement: Do You Have a Student Entering Seventh Grade or Twelfth Grade This Fall?
Seventh grade students cannot begin school in August without documentation of the Tdap booster and Meningococcal vaccine, and twelfth grade students also need documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.
![A smiling student posts next to a tray of growing sprouts.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042410-1224-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=7Lj4_VLj)
FCPS This Week - May 1, 2024
In this issue, find resources for how to finish the year strong, no-cost therapy for high schoolers, and required immunizations for rising 7th and 12th graders.
![Mijin Lee holds apples](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042429-2031.jpg?h=e6851548&itok=paPZLPrG)
School Lunch Hero Makes Lunch Awesome
Friday, May 3, is School Lunch Hero Day. Between preparing healthy meals for America’s students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals — like Mijin Lee, food services kitchen manager at Oakton…
![A student smiles as he lowers a cup containing a young trout into the stream he's standing in.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042422-1085-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=2ed8m8xg)
Hard Work Pays Off: Centreville Elementary School Releases Classroom-Raised Trout
After spending months raising trout in classroom fish tanks, students at Centreville Elementary School see the results of their environmentally-conscious work when they release the trout into a natural stream.
![Female high school students in front of a sign that says FBLA.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/FBLA-webhero_0.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=KearohZ1)
FCPS Students Take Top Honors at Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference
Twenty four FCPS students won first place awards at the 2024 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held recently in Reston. More than 100 students placed in the top four in their event and qualified to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in…
![Generic news release - yellow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/genericdefault_heroimg_92_20.png?h=30cf5b69&itok=C9657u7b)
Fairfax County Public Schools Names New Chief Human Resources Officer
Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid has named William Solomon, who currently serves as executive director of Talent Acquisition in Houston Independent School District, to the role of chief human resources officer, effective June 3.
![Generic news release graphic - green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_17.png?h=26e46eba&itok=W-3d4K0L)
Madison, Marshall, TJHSST Students Win Grand Prizes at Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair
Students from Madison High School, Marshall High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology captured grand prize awards at the 2024 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair held at Old Dominion University.
![Dr. Reid at the official Arbor Day proclamation at Annandale Terrace ES](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%204.26.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=Zoh0lytU)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended an Arbor Day proclamation, visited several schools, and more!
![School Board Members join Members of the Fairfax City School Board, Superintendents Reid and Platenberg, the Leadership Team, and 2023-2024 National Board Certified Teachers.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042425-2065_0.jpg?h=4c14fa39&itok=xX39LUFp)
School Board Meeting Highlights - April 25, 2024
April 25, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![student rides a bike](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/unnamed%20%286%29.jpg?h=16cf3c86&itok=zSLrGYZ4)
FCPS This Week - April 25, 2024
In this issue, read about the winners of National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships, the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year, online registration, and more!