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![A social worker talks to a student.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062301-5503.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=OkXkNp87)
Authenticity Leads to Trust and Respect for School Social Worker
March 3-9 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Read…
![Students raise their hands while a man in uniform answers questions standing by a helicopter](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022428-1181-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=KDD9O4CR)
FCPS This Week - February 28, 2024
In this issue, read about Student Achievements, Middle School Sports, and Where FCPS Funding Comes From.
![Dr. Reid with Shrevewood ES Principal Josh DeSmyter](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%202.23.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=eI6mXR2K)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she presented division updates during the School Board meeting, attended school events, and more!
![Generic news graphic - gold](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_arts-gold_2_6.png?h=26e46eba&itok=NfKRmCI-)
2024 Regional Scholastic Art Awards Recognize Creative Work of FCPS Students
The 2024 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools students in grades 7-12 a total of 714 awards for outstanding artwork, including 176 Gold Key awards, 172 Silver Key awards, and 366 Honorable Mention awards.
![Fiscal Year 2025 Budget graphic with elementary school students.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/FY25%20Hero%201600x600-Excellence_1.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=2m0VtRmL)
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2025 Advertised Budget Focused on Most Pressing Needs — Competitive Compensation and Excellence in Education
On February 22, the Fairfax County School Board adopted Fairfax County Public Schools’ Fiscal Year 2025 Advertised Budget.
![School Board Members join Fall 2023 Virginia High School League and Academic Team honorees](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022429-2011.jpg?h=88239855&itok=g1w1bDue)
School Board Meeting Highlights - February 22, 2024
February 22, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Generic award graphic - teal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_13.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=dCdJJYC7)
Three FCPS Schools Selected for 2024 First Amendment Press Freedom Award
Three Fairfax County public schools—Chantilly High School, McLean High School, and West Springfield High School—are among 28 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2024 First Amendment Press Freedom Award.
![Hayfield Elementary teacher Nicole Johnson chats with a student.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/HayfieldSELHero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=S04hOo9T)
“The Kids Just Light Up:” Hayfield Elementary Teachers Embrace Chat Challenge to Boost Students’ Sense of Belonging
Hayfield Elementary embraces a plan to increase a sense of community by challenging staff to have short daily chats with students who had self-reported not feeling like they belonged.
![Fairfax County School Board crest](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/school_board_crest.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=pklRQNya)
Application for the 2024 Student Representative to the School Board
The student representative voices the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply.
![A student studies the heart](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012435-2617.jpg?h=dc835715&itok=WXpiJKi5)
FCPS This Week - February 21, 2024
In this issue, learn about Black History at Woodson High School, CTE and Academy Courses, and the Supreme Court Decision regarding TJHSST.
![Carter G. Woodson](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/CarterGWoodson.jpeg?h=edcbb7b3&itok=BPPxXKkq)
Black History Month at Woodson High School Starts With the Story of Carter G. Woodson
Learn about the Black History Month lesson that hit close to home for students at W.T. Woodson High School.
![Exterior of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/tjhsstexterior_0.jpg?h=2ee3b79d&itok=vT_crXtr)
FCPS Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision Regarding TJHSST
The U.S. Supreme Court let stand an appeals court decision upholding the admissions policy for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), ending a three-year legal challenge by a group that claimed the policy was unfair.
![Dr. Reid with the Edison HS winter cheer squad](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%202.16.24%20Cheer.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=1xUFMMc4)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended a Math/STEM Night event, girls basketball games, met with community members, and more!
![Synnethia poses outside of her bus](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022418-1076-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=ja1DikQa)
🚌 Going Above and Beyond: Thank You School Bus Drivers
February 22 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,500 drivers and attendants who transport an estimated 131,000 students safely to and from school each day. Drivers spend several hours in the classroom and behind the wheel before they ever pick up…
![Students work on a robot.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012435-2706-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=-G9rB1nv)
Explore Careers, Prepare for College With Career and Technical Education
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! Learn from students how CTE courses and Academies are helping them explore and prepare for careers while still in high school and learn more about Fairfax County Public Schools CTE and Academy programs.
![A young student and his teen mentor](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022413-2146.jpg?h=a7acaff9&itok=IV0Tkfnn)
FCPS This Week - February 14, 2024
In this issue, learn about the FCPS budget, community conversations, and kindergarten registration.
![generic news graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_20%5B1%5D.png?h=26e46eba&itok=GG-DKVwS)
Approved Capital Improvement Program Adds New Schools, Advances Commitment to Student Success
The Fairfax County School Board approved an annual update to the capital improvement program (CIP) that includes new school construction and/or repurposing, capacity enhancements, and renovations.
![Officer Brian Sehrer](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022403-1043.jpg?h=bde8c640&itok=SNN8EnVI)
Building Relationships and Increasing Safety Every Day: Thank You School Resource Officers
February 15 is School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day. The SROs who work in Fairfax County public schools are sworn police officers with the Fairfax County Police Department. Thank you, Officer Brian Sehrer at Frost Middle School, and all our SROs, for the work you do in our schools every…
![Students at Centreville Elementary School tend to the young trout they're raising in a classroom tank.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012429-1100-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=xjq8p7-m)
With “Trout in the Classroom,” Centreville Students Take a Crash Course in Environmental Science
Students in suburban Centreville raised trout to release in a rural Virginia stream. Through it all, they learned a valuable lesson in caring for the environment.
![Dr. Reid celebrates Korean New Year at Kilmer MS](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%202.9.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=PLkvbdHI)
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, presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 proposed budget, shared a Fairfax Inspires moment at Mount Vernon High School, and more!
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School Board Seeking Applicants for Facilities Planning Advisory Council (February 2024)
The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) for an At-Large member, Providence District member, and a Sully District member. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the…
![Smith Family](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Greenbriar%20Family_0.jpg?h=1d6696f8&itok=mT8oZpDU)
We 💗 FCPS Families
FCPS is home to many families who have multiple members working for the district. We invited employees to be celebrated this Valentine's Day for their love and dedication not just to each other, but also to FCPS. Read some of their stories in this blog.
![teacher and students work on project](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Budget-FY2025-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=0UJhKX5T)
Superintendent Proposes Needs-Based Budget Focused on Educational Excellence for All Students and Competitive Compensation
The Proposed Budget of $3.8 billion marks an increase of 8.6% over the FY 2024 Approved Budget.
![School Board Members join custodians, Food and Nutrition Services personnel, staff, community members, and guests in attendance for the "Custodians and Food and Nutrition Services Appreciation" proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022412-2109.jpg?h=a6d90f9c&itok=cmixmrXP)
School Board Meeting Highlights - February 8, 2024
February 8, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
Sharing Culture and Wishing Every Young Person Well
Sara Tae has worked in the Family and School Partnerships office for more than 18 years. In her role as a cultural outreach team member, she enjoys supporting families and the community by providing connections and resources. In her cultural outreach role, Sara has led many cultural initiatives and…
![Kindergarten students in Angelica Feldman’s class collaborate on a math assignment at Riverside Elementary School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012421-1051-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=P9QVdoxy)
FCPS This Week - February 7, 2024
In this issue, learn about summer camps and learning opportunities, magnet schools, and how to find teacher-referred tutoring for your student.
![Generic news graphic - teal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_12.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=fiaRUAgg)
FCPS Student Teams Win Five of Seven Top Awards in Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition
Student teams from Fairfax County Public Schools won five of the top seven awards in the Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition, held recently at Chantilly High School.
![Three girls play drums](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072307-1511.jpg?h=4b450044&itok=Vtx_NfA0)
Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. From Tech Adventures for elementary students to self-directed economics and personal finance for high-schoolers, the learning doesn't have to stop during the summer…
![Dr. Reid at the Woodson HS Student Leadership Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%202.2.24%20.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=3RWmoGkx)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she celebrated Annandale High School's Annie Ray, winner of the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award, visited schools, and more!
![A counselor hugs a student](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012408-1210-heroweb.jpg?h=180df6c5&itok=8-RRh_0u)
School Counseling Week - Thank You to Our Counselors!
February 5-9 is National School Counseling Week, highlighting school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. Read about some of our exemplary school counselors.
![Twenty-year FCPS math teacher Paul Malc shows off his Green Bay Packers autographed helmet.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Mantua-MalcHero.jpg?h=204fdaf9&itok=w9f1VJLA)
"Math Is All Around Us," FCPS Teacher Uses Football to Teach Pythagorean Theorem
A Mantua Elementary School teacher draws on his NFL past with the Green Bay Packers to help teach geometry.
![A father and son view an art exhibit.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Submitted-Airportart5-IMG_9308-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=iwYSR-ls)
Student Art on Display at Dulles Airport. Art for Art's Sake? No.
Hear students describe art pieces they submitted for the Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards that are now on display at Dulles International Airport.
![wilson harvey and kirsten solango justice high school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/wilson-harvey-kirsten-salonga-justice-high-school.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=HnOieYah)
FCPS CARES - February 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of February 2024.
![Annandale High School music teacher Annie Ray celebrates with her family as she learns she will receive the GRAMMY Music Educator Award.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Annie%20Ray%20Grammy-134151881-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=lWvI_zyd)
Beloved Annandale High School Music Teacher Scoops Prestigious Educator GRAMMY
Annandale High School Orchestra Director Annie Ray will accept the award, recognizing her work with children with disabilities, on Sunday in Los Angeles.
![Students with hands raised in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011312-1089-1201x799-779f864.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=YsCyCxGY)
Seeking Help Is a Learned Skill
Encourage young people to reach out for help, proactively tell them where to find it, and be available when they need it.
![A line of students cheer with their arms up.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012434-2027-1600x600-97c7d88.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=f041J3F4)
FCPS This Week - January 31, 2024
In this issue, learn how to see the superintendent present next year's budget, a career exploration event for students, and the Here Comes the Bus app.
![Ms. Vivi standing in front of a screen.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/My%20First%20Year%20Hero%20Image.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=3rXzr6Oz)
🎃 🎄 My First Year Episode 4: The Seasons of Learning
Ms. Vivi is back and ready to celebrate the seasons of learning. Watch how Ms. Vivi keeps the magic of the holidays alive in her classroom. Stay tuned for an insightful look into how Ms. Vivi celebrates the holidays and nurtures a passion for learning among her students.
![Inclusive pre-K students at Belvedere ES](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%201.29.24%20inclusive%20pre-K%202.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=jjk3ANVi)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she highlighted student successes, shared updates on inclusive pre-K at Thursday's School Board meeting, and more!
![Award winners stand before a conference room](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012433-1101.jpg?h=c333bb10&itok=JcNet1Ij)
Eleven Schools Receive FCPS School Communications Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools presented 11 schools with awards for outstanding school communications at the School Communicators Conference. The 2023 Awards of Communication Excellence celebrate the creation of excellent website, newsletter, and social media content that informs and engages readers…
![School Board Members join the family of Michelle Leete, FCPS Leadership Team, Planning Commissioner Evelyn Spain, and Guests in attendance for the "Honoring Michelle Leete" proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012434-2047.jpg?h=c3af31a9&itok=p0dQQD66)
School Board Meeting Highlights - January 25, 2024
January 25, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![United States Capitol](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/USCapitol_0.jpg?h=377863aa&itok=aZvVVXSg)
West Springfield High School Student Named to U.S. Senate Youth Program
Caleb Quiroga, a senior at West Springfield High School, is one of two Virginia high school students named to the U.S. Senate Youth Program.
![Cappies logo.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Cappies%20062316-5000-heroweb-16x6_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=eMdkzgGg)
Cappies Review of "Annie" at Falls Church 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. Take a look at this review of Falls Church High School's production of Annie, written by Malyha…
![A young teacher stands in a high school hallway.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012423-1121-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=0ZDHOvpd)
Once an Atom, Always an Atom: Annandale Graduate Returns as a Teacher
Last August, Sandra Benitez excitedly started her first day of school as a high school teacher. However, some of the usual anxieties were at bay because she was returning to a familiar environment. Four years after graduating from Annandale High School, Sandra returned to the school as a U.S…
![A teacher in training works with students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012420-1118.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=KiaoZCgb)
Offering Students Love, Empathy, and Compassion
FCPS MentorWorks program helps eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement through mentoring. Every student in FCPS should be able to name an adult in their community they can talk to. MentorWorks is looking for non-school-based staff to offer at least 30 minutes of their time a week to…
![FCPS employee Ever Menjivar-Diaz with a snow plow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%201.19.24%20Snow%20Plow.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=C1fEXR5k)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited several schools, met with families, and more!
![A teacher works with a student while sitting on the floor](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012413-1050-heroweb.jpg?h=f11350ed&itok=gqKeCOP4)
FCPS This Week - January 18, 2024
In this issue, learn about Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements; More Electric Buses; and a Teacher Job Fair.
![generic news graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_20.png?h=26e46eba&itok=OcYV7kPV)
Proposed Capital Improvement Program Supports Students and Environmental Sustainability
FCPS’ proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) represents a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality public school environments for all students.
![Dr. Reid speaking at a Community Conversation about opioids](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%201.12.24%20Opioid.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=dxAWtI0a)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited several schools, shared divisionwide information at Thursday's School Board meeting, and more!
![School Board Members, Superintendent Reid, and Student Representative Rida Karim participate in the January 11, 2024 School Board meeting.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012414-2086.jpg?h=9455919f&itok=qM0a1lWN)
School Board Meeting Highlights - January 11, 2024
January 11, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Fairfax County School Board seal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032218-1030-heroweb-16x6_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=vI9YzqWL)
Karl Frisch Becomes Fairfax County School Board Chair; Melanie Meren Elected Vice Chair
The Fairfax County School Board elected Karl Frisch (Providence District representative) chair and Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District representative) vice chair.