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![National Board for Professional Teaching Standards](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/051813-2007.jpg?h=5f8bce74&itok=KasG7qpl)
35 Teachers Earn or Renew Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Thirty-five Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers have achieved or renewed certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
![Generic news graphic - teal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_11.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=kkvCfJuE)
Eight FCPS Students Among Nation’s Top 300 Teen Scientists
Eight FCPS students have been named among the nation's top 300 teen scientists in the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
![A principal talks with a student.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062301-5213.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=-ZMkMLbu)
Thank You, Outstanding Principals!
Virginia School Principals Week is Sunday, January 14, to Saturday, January 22. In this blog, read about two of FCPS' outstanding principals!
![A student looks inside an aquarium at Bailey’s Elementary School’s science lab.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012402-1661-2.jpg?h=09981a1d&itok=fADjpfBj)
FCPS This Week - January 10, 2024
In this week's issue, learn about Tutor.com, the Gap Year Fair, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
![Oakton Band brass section](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Oakton-High-Parade-to-Black-2023-8.jpg?h=4bede4b6&itok=dV0rtZaE)
🥁 Oakton Marching Cougars Win Metallica Band Competition
The Oakton High School Marching Cougars, a prestigious 25-year Virginia Honor Band, has been chosen as the winner of Metallica's inaugural marching band competition, For Whom the Band Tolls. Members of the band Metallica, a heavy metal group formed in the 1980s, chose the overall winner from among…
![Four students smiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032242-1116-heroweb_0.jpg?h=21ca9992&itok=hzFoXdxC)
Happy New Year, Happy Healthy Minds!
Let's make 2024 the year of healthy minds! We can start by making use of the power of gratitude.
![West Coast sunset photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%201.5.24%20Sunset.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=kd3cU6pI)
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 girls varsity basketball game, shared a Fairfax Inspires moment, and more!
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School Board Seeking Applicants for Facilities Planning Advisory Council
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…
![A student uses a microscope in biology class at McLean High School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112302-1248-5011x3301-62d63f2.jpg?h=1a6fc366&itok=2bY9wL3J)
FCPS This Week - January 3, 2024
In this week's issue, read about Dual Language Immersion lottery registration, a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs, and college resources.
![Generic News Release Graphic - Yellow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/genericdefault_heroimg_92_18.png?h=30cf5b69&itok=bAgXw7Qn)
Registration for 2024-25 Dual Language Immersion Programs to Open January 22
Registration for Dual Language Immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year will open on January 22.
![Cappies logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Cappies%20062316-5000-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=G-abijoL)
Cappies Review of Much Ado About Nothing at South County High School
Josephin Friedrich of Langley High School provides her review of South County High School's production of the Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing.
![A Cedar Lane student repaints a chair during an internship in which students get support while working outside of school.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/JobsCedarLaneHero12.23_1.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=R2UZA42W)
Learning Life Skills On the Job: Student Interns Get School Support for Success at Work
Cedar Lane School students gain skills through supervised internships at local businesses.
Middle School Band Director Inspires Students to “Feel the Magic”
When Tiffany Hitz was in high school, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a music or math teacher. In the end, a practical decision helped her decide. “As it turns out, there are not a lot of math education scholarships and there are a lot of music scholarships … especially if you play the French…
![Dr. Reid with retired FCPS educator Billie Myler](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2012.22.23%20Myler.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=jlt0xus_)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she met with FCPS alum James Wrobeh, celebrated retired FCPS educator Billie Myler, and shared her wishes for a happy New Year!
![image of a child's hand holding a number 5 block](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/i-gjN34Bg-XL_4.jpg?h=d28b8abe&itok=8ouvflnF)
5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Picky Eating!
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![a child's hand holding a number 5 puzzle piece](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/i-gjN34Bg-XL_5.jpg?h=d28b8abe&itok=c8zC4WHQ)
5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: STEAM
5 things to know or do, 4 children's read alouds, 3 links to visit, 2 points to access research, 1 video to view!
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FERPA Disclosure Investigation Concluded
The external independent investigation, relating to the inadvertent Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) disclosure to a parent, has concluded. A summary of the investigation findings and recommendation is available.
![A teacher greets children as they enter a school.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092318-1026-HP.jpg?h=ca96bcd7&itok=MdT-H4K7)
Celebrating the Best of 2023 in FCPS
Fairfax County Public Schools students, teachers, and staff continued to be shining examples this year. Join us as we look back at some of the best stories shared throughout 2023. Fairfax County Public Schools students, teachers, and staff continued to be shining examples this year. Join us as we…
![Dr. Reid with students and staff at Halley ES](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2012.15.23%20Halley%20ES.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=iHky5T8C)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited Halley Elementary School, welcomed new Fairfax County School Board members, and more!
![generic graphic for Message from the Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_19.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=grMi3-K6)
An FCPS Family Speaks Out in Hopes of Saving Lives
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid interviewed the Fosters, a family who tragically lost their son Cayden to a half pill of fentanyl mistaken for Percocet. This heart-wrenching yet essential discussion aims to save lives by raising awareness among students about the dangers of fake painkillers.
![Generic news graphic - green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_16.png?h=26e46eba&itok=46wg5YRo)
Cooper Middle School Band Selected to Play in International Band and Orchestra Conference
The Cooper Middle School Band has been invited to perform at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, December 21-22, and is the only band from Virginia invited to perform.
![School board seal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032218-1030-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=QYKnd7c9)
FCPS School Board Members Sworn In
Recently elected members of the Fairfax County School Board took the oath of office on Wednesday, December 13, at Jackson Middle School. The 12 members of the Board, who were elected for a four-year term on November 7, begin their terms on January 1, 2024.
![Preschoolers play in sand.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112316-1263-2.jpg?h=e3c26d4a&itok=q8Drtcrf)
FCPS This Week - December 13, 2023
In this issue, read about winter resources for families, academy open houses, and math week.
![James in uniform](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052338-1071.jpg?h=c6aa71c9&itok=1gG10XOi)
🎓 Destined For Great Things: Student Overcomes Obstacles With Support from FCPS
In May, James Wrobeh received his diploma from Virginia State University (VSU) and was pinned a second lieutenant in the Army.
James wanted Bryant High School Principal Karen Hertel and Chief Equity Officer Nardos King to be involved in his pinning because “without them, going to college was not…
![Students work on a laser catapult kit at the grant award ceremony held at Herndon Middle School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/GoogleGrant-HerndonMS.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=fit5nNPV)
Herndon Middle to Gain After-School Robotics Club Via Google Grant, FIRST Robotics
U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly, Fairfax County School Board Member Elaine Tholen, and Google employees visited Herndon Middle School this week to announce funding to create extracurricular robotics clubs at many middle schools across Virginia.
![graphic saying Message from the Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_18.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=7TrqqBG_)
Update on FERPA Disclosure
In a letter to the community, the superintendent followed up on an earlier, inadvertent Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) disclosure to a parent.
![A family posing for a picture.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092238-5017.jpg?h=310e3a5b&itok=vSdpSfEK)
Promoting Mental Wellness Over Winter Break
Healthy Minds Feature - The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for young people and families. Here are three tips to promote mental wellness during winter break.
![Lora Lewis and her gingerbread Scottie dog she painted.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Gingerbread%20Scottie.jpg?h=d9fb72da&itok=9bV7vw7b)
Bonnie Brae Librarian Inspires Happiness Across the School
Even if they haven’t stepped foot inside the library, visitors to Bonnie Brae Elementary School have probably been positively impacted by the talents of Librarian Lora Lewis. From the entrance of the school to the windows on the main office, the doors that lead to “Scottland Yard,” and the library…
![Dr. Reid with students and staff at the South County HS Sensory Stallion mural tribute](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2012.8.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=P6Kj8pIh)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she presented updates to FCPS' 2023-30 strategic plan, highlighted student achievements, and more!
![students posing for photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/EdisonHS%20Latin.jpg?h=967e5769&itok=KTSZpZvz)
Multae Laudes! 320 FCPS Latin Language Students Receive Honors
Three hundred twenty Latin language students from 10 Fairfax County public schools competed at the 71st annual Virginia Junior Classical League (VJCL) State Convention in November, in Richmond.
![image of a child's hand holding a number 5 block](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/i-gjN34Bg-XL_4.jpg?h=d28b8abe&itok=8ouvflnF)
5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Resilience!
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![Generic news graphic - gold](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_arts-gold_2_5.png?h=26e46eba&itok=ZKlB9wPq)
FCPS Students Recognized in National YoungArts Award Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students received 10 awards in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition.
![Students running outside](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112324-1095-2.jpg?h=e3c22151&itok=OqL4QQF6)
FCPS This Week - December 6, 2023
In this issue, learn about this year's snow day guidance, fall sports champions, and get resources for over Winter Break.
![Students at Haycock Elementary School get a lesson on posture from Ford's Theatre Teaching Artist, ChelseaDee Harrison.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Haycock%20Hero%20Image.jpg?h=52c39512&itok=677TZxxL)
Haycock Elementary School Students to Recreate History Performing at Ford’s Theatre
It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience: fourth-grade students at Haycock Elementary School will recite famous American speeches on the stage at Ford's Theatre.
![snow plow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/snow-days-2023-012201-2028_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=0kj3KFen)
FCPS Announces 11 Snow Days for 2023-24
FCPS has 11 snow days built into the current calendar. For the 2023-24 school year, there will be no virtual learning during inclement weather days.
![Rachel Clausen](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102319-1028-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=42d0da94&itok=CtMFdaGZ)
Proving Kermit Wrong Every Day, Clausen Gets2Green
In her 12th year of teaching, Rachel is now working for Get2Green as a resource teacher, helping to connect students with teacher-leaders to build sustainability programs and learn about the environment. Learn more about what inspires her.
![fcps cares celebration at bull run elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-december2023-january-2024-b.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=oD1Wcjwz)
FCPS CARES - December 2023/January 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of December 2023.
![FCPS educators at the '23 AVID Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%20AVID%2012.1.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=CqHkKiB7)
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 athletic and performing arts events, shared an update on FCPS' inclement weather policy, and more!
![a child's hand holding a number 5 puzzle piece](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/i-gjN34Bg-XL_5.jpg?h=d28b8abe&itok=c8zC4WHQ)
5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Self-Care
5 things to know or do, 4 children's read alouds, 3 links to visit, 2 videos to view, 1 point to research!
![Rachel Grover](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112323-1086.jpg?h=cd8fd912&itok=hrGLo61T)
Librarian of the Year Helps Students Find Their “Authentic Self”
Rachel Grover was named Librarian of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) in November. Read more about what inspired her to become a librarian. Three other FCPS librarians were also honored: Katie Bruechert, Thoreau Middle; Heather Baucum, Crossfield Elementary; and…
![Students play instruments](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112318-1142.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=PH-9BIqb)
FCPS This Week - November 29, 2023
In this issue, find information on how we communicate weather closings, SEL Screener results, and the upcoming Gap Year Fair.
![Robinson Secondary School Fall 2023 State Golf Champions](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/RobinsonSS-Fall2023StateGolfChampion.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=BORQ6RBt)
Three FCPS Teams, Four Individuals Win VHSL 2023 Fall Sports Championships
Congratulations to all the FCPS student-athletes who participated in the 2023 fall sports season. This year, three teams and four individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and three teams and one individual were the state runners-up.
![The Cappies logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Cappies%20Logo_2.jpg?h=4ab408cd&itok=lEwmF3cJ)
Cappies Review of Deadwood Dick, or A Game of Gold at Madison 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. Check out this review of Madison High School's production of Deadwood Dick, or A Game of Gold.
![Students in the Langley HS Delivering Hope club](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2011.24.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=zXRba4h9)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she shared what schools are doing across our division to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving!
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November 20, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting - CANCELED
The November 20, 2023 meeting of the Fairfax County School Board has been canceled.
![Dr. Reid at a thank you event for FCPS Transportation and Food and Nutrition Services teams](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2011.17.23%20.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=qX27SIuc)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she celebrated FCPS' Transportation and Food and Nutrition Services teams, attended a student food show, and more!
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November 30, 2023 School Board Public Hearing on McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary
The School Board will hear community comments on proposed capacity/boundary adjustments for McLean Elementary Schools (formerly Kent Gardens ES Capacity Issues) at a Public Hearing.
![Message from the Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_17_0.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=O44cMqrL)
FCPS Addresses Antisemitism
FCPS was recently made aware of an antisemitic incident. Superintendent Reid is committed to ensuring that Fairfax County Public Schools values all students' identities and creates a safe learning environment.
![Boy in band hat with plume plays trumpet](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112309-1014.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=Jq4aeZh0)
FCPS This Week - November 15, 2023
In this issue, read about Veterans Day celebrations, a School Food Show for Students, and State Music Honors.
![Message from the Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_17.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=o3BVVF3m)
FCPS Addresses FERPA Disclosure
FCPS was recently made aware of an inadvertent Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) disclosure to a parent. Superintendent Reid has requested an external legal investigation.