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![Dr. Michelle C. Reid](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Reflections-Oct1-Beech-Tree-092318-1115.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=WDc9QrWn)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. Read about the many schools she visited this week.
![students posing](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%28223%29.png?h=c78e314c&itok=_dViOxaI)
FCPS This Week - September 27, 2023
In this issue, learn about more upcoming community conversations, how one middle school is celebrating Blue Star Welcome Week, and tips on consistent attendance.
![A student in a Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology artificial intelligence class works through possible coding solutions to a problem at a whiteboard.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/AI-TJHSST-StudentWhiteboard_0.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=vVV8Yown)
Thinking Like A Computer
AI Courses Challenge Students to Go Beyond ChatGPT and Build Their Own Algorithms.
![Generic news graphic - green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_10.png?h=26e46eba&itok=trTgM0AP)
Virginia Board of Education Honors 25 FCPS Schools with Exemplar Awards
Twenty-five Fairfax County public schools have been awarded a 2023 Virginia Board of Education Exemplar Award. Four schools received the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award, and 21 received the Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award.
![generic news image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-teal-7_8.png?h=26e46eba&itok=0pO0r9k8)
Fairfax County Students Continue to Outperform SAT State and Global Averages
Fairfax County seniors in the class of 2023 continued to perform well above state and global averages on the SAT, according to results released by the College Board.
![Julia Kim](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092310-1057.jpg?h=ffd9219f&itok=lyMbYOp2)
🎖️ Blue Star Welcome Week at Frost Middle School
Moving to a new city can be a challenge for anyone, but it is a way of life for military families. There are approximately 14,500 military-connected students enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools, and the school division has developed numerous resources to welcome them and help them adapt to…
![Leonard Roberts points to the Bull Run logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062301-5738.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=fK5_Rnbv)
Mr. Leonard: Coach, Mentor, and Custodian
Monday, October 2, is National Custodian Appreciation Day. Thanks to our colleagues on the custodial team, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors to maintain our more than…
![Dr Reid with staff at Belvedere ES](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%209.22.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=-bKxfbU9)
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 for Back to School Night events and sporting events.
![Generic press release graphic - teal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_9.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=gzD2YUDU)
Students Earn AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificates
Eighty-six FCPS students earned the Advanced Placement (AP) ® Capstone Diploma and sixteen students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2022-23 school year.
![Message from the Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_16_0.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=bY3f97po)
Gun Violence Prevention Letter
Keeping our students and staff safe in schools is a team effort. We must all work together to support and educate our children.
![A young girl wearing a head scarf smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092302-1272-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=sEdvppgq)
FCPS This Week - September 20, 2023
In this issue, learn about upcoming community conversations with Dr. Reid, a family of educators at FCPS, and a reminder about how to sign the SR&R (which is due September 29).
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FCPS Reaches Settlement in Juul Litigation
Fairfax County Public Schools has settled a class-action lawsuit against vaping company Juul Labs, Inc. The money will be allocated to supporting student wellness programs across the division.
![Students at Luther Jackson Middle School meet to train for cross country.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Submitted-AfterSchoolSports1-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=E9XVJ-kC)
On Your Marks: Middle School Athletics Is Off to a Flying Start at Schools Across the County
Middle school athletics began for the first time this week giving students across Fairfax County the opportunity to join extracurricular, cross-country teams.
![Mr. Haapapuro stands in front of his science class.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082325-1087-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=74GCos_9)
Teacher Honored by Fred Rogers Institute with Helper Award
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood at Katherine Johnson Middle School. Science Teacher Eric Haapapuro, known as Mr. H by his students, was honored this week by the Fred Rogers Institute with a Helper Award. Inspired by the legacy of Fred Rogers — a children’s television host and icon of the…
![Student presents design sketch to Miss Virginia USA](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Cover.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=we8etkdD)
Fairfax Academy Fashion Careers Classes Partner with Miss Virginia USA
Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Careers students collaborated with Miss Virginia USA Ashley Williams, in project-based learning aimed at pitching original designs for her state costume portion of the upcoming Miss USA pageant.
![Edison High School Principal Amanda Burke, with her son, Woodson High School teacher Zachary Foley, and daughter, South Lakes High School teacher Corinne Burke.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/650097c60f22ed000ebbfa80.big_.jpg?h=72e0a577&itok=D2QOM5Nk)
Passing the Torch: Edison High School Principal’s Children Start their Teaching Careers at FCPS
Like mother, like daughter and son - the children of Edison High School's principal are now starting their own career journeys within FCPS.
![Dr. Reid and FCPS’ Office of Auditor General meets with Vietnamese Treasury Office](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%209.15.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=HZuGfIBL)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited Back to School Night events, attended a meeting between FCPS’ Office of Auditor General (OAG) and the Vietnamese Treasury Office, and more!
![A young boy smiles going down a slide](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082330-1147-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=eD5OOI55)
FCPS This Week - September 13, 2023
In this issue, read about National Merit Semifinalists, tips to stay healthy, and an upcoming college and career fair.
![National Merit Semifinalists graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Hero%20Image_Semi%20finalists%201600x600_1.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=Mw4SA1ua)
264 FCPS Students Named 2024 National Merit Semifinalists
Two hundred sixty four FCPS students from 15 high schools have been named Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2024. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern Virginia, has 165…
![vivi](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Webpage%20Hero%20Image%20%283%29.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=1jmoR6pG)
📓 My First Year Episode 1: Lessons in Learning
Ms. Vivi is a first-year, third-grade teacher at Shrevewood Elementary School. Get a glimpse of what it's like to be a first-year teacher at FCPS with the My First Year docu-series. In our debut episode, Lessons in Learning, witness Ms. Vivi as she prepares her classroom and meets some of her…
![Cameron ES mural](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%209.8.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=QZfg0Eku)
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 elementary school classrooms to sit in on STEAM, literacy, and math lessons. She attended Back to School events at Timber Lake, Chesterbrook, Hunt Valley, and…
![generic image for news](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-teal-7_7.png?h=26e46eba&itok=oyIO46bO)
Fairfax County Public Schools Accreditation and SOL Data Remain Steady for School Year 2023-24
All 195 Fairfax County public schools are accredited, one with conditions, for accountability year 2023-24. Annual Pass Rate data remains steady and in line with state and local post-pandemic data trends.
![Several girls read books](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082326-1088.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=airhgx92)
FCPS This Week - September 6, 2023
In this issue, read about important forms to complete, health and safety guidance, and an update on immunizations.
![A Global Exchange Program teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School gives a student a fist-bump.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/GlobalTeacher-Woodlawn_Hero.jpg?h=6d67e3c2&itok=ATPeR84z)
31 Ambassador Teachers Bring Energy, Experience and Sometimes PhDs to FCPS Classrooms in New Global Exchange Program
A new Fairfax County Public Schools initiative this year brought 31 “Global Exchange” teachers, all of whom have bachelor’s degrees, some of whom have doctorate degrees, and who have a combined 274 years of teaching experience between them, straight into FCPS schools.
![fcps cares chesterbrook elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-september-2023.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=J8EwhHjF)
FCPS CARES - September 2023
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of September 2023.
![Dr. Reid at the Great Falls ES Back to School event](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%209.1.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=aW7h5_Ju)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she shared updates on FCPS' 2023-30 strategic plan, attended several back to school events throughout the division, and more!
![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: Positive Relationships
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![A girl eats corn dog nuggets in a school cafeteria](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082321-1865.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=nqy9xbZR)
FCPS This Week: August 30, 2023
In this issue, find information on mental wellness for high schoolers, Social-Emotional Learning Screening updates, and how to watch the first school board meeting of the year.
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Six FCPS High Schools Rank Among Virginia’s Best in U.S. News & World Report
Six FCPS high schools rank in Virginia's top ten in U.S. News & World Report's annual assessment of high schools nationwide.
![generic image for "Message from Superintendent"](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_16.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=UvrulM44)
Letter from Superintendent Reid to Virginia Secretary of Education 8/29/23
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid responded in a letter to questions asked by the Virginia Secretary of Education.
![generic news image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_19.png?h=26e46eba&itok=-P7ONLia)
Response to Questions by Virginia Secretary of Education
FCPS responded to questions by Virginia Secretary of Education Guidera.
![Dr. Reid meets with Hernon HS students on the first day of school year 23-24](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%208.25.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=iSTUnORr)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. For the first week of the 2023-24 school year, Dr. Reid had the opportunity to tour the new library at Frost Middle School, visit the Willow Springs Elementary School garden and podcast studio, see…
![Two boys greet each other outside a school bus](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082321-1197%20%283%29.jpg?h=90a60bd8&itok=XIizFWP_)
FCPS This Week - August 23, 2023
In this issue find Updates on Grading, School Safety Information, Technology Tips, and how to sign required forms like the SR&R updates and Digital Consent forms.
![First day pep rally at Fairfax high School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082321-2368-heroweb%20%281%29.jpg?h=a0d3b522&itok=8R85nw-A)
FCPS This Week - Special Edition! The First Day of School 2024
Welcome back to all our students! See highlights from the day.
![Dr. Reid with cheerleaders](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/First-Day-Hero-resized-082321-2358%20%281%29.jpg?h=4759b16c&itok=AZJwszi9)
First Day Photos
A collection of first-day-of-school photos captures the excitement of a new beginning and the sense of anticipation as students, accompanied by school staff, start the school year.
![Superintendent Reid with students and staff at the Chantilly HS Open House](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%208.18.23%20Hero2.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=UEffki9M)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended Chantilly High School's Open House, an advisory meeting for Think Big for Kids (a nonprofit which has partnered with FCPS, local businesses, and the Fairfax County…
![generic image for superintendent's message](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_14.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=4hOooJLY)
Welcome Back!
We are very excited to welcome students back to our buildings this Monday, August 21! Our staff have been working tirelessly to ensure our buses and buildings are clean, safe, and welcoming spaces where students will be able to reach their greatest potential.
![Two teachers work on a laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082308-1106.jpg?h=5d5e6827&itok=zZoZxQHx)
FCPS This Week - August 16, 2023
In this issue, count down to the first day of school, review traffic safety tips, and learn how to get critical information from FCPS and your school.
![Students smiling after arriving to school by bus.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032220-1382-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=ysaOnPSD)
Managing Back-to-School Anxiety
Healthy Minds Feature - While a new school year brings many feelings of excitement, it often brings along feelings of worry as well. Learn some tips for helping your child overcome this back-to-school anxiety.
![A group of Dogwood Elementary School teachers and administrators stand in front of a home they built for a family in Guatemala.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Image.jpeg?h=df86a402&itok=sLdvcNkM)
Making Connections, Building Relationships: Dogwood Elementary School Administrators & Teachers Take on Summer Service Project in Guatemala
Teachers and administrators from Dogwood Elementary School spent part of their summer vacation building a house for a family in Guatemala - and learned something about the students they teach along the way.
![generic image for Message from Superintendent](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_13.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=8sGLfWJ7)
Model Policy Update
We have concluded our detailed legal review and determined that our current Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) policies are consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws as required by the new model policies.
![New FCPS teachers pose at Great Beginnings Summer Institute 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%208.11.23%20Hero.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=2u8DIRVD)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended the Fairfax Association for Elementary School Principals luncheon, FCPS' Great Beginnings Summer Institute 2023 to welcome new teachers, and more.
![teachers smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%28111%29.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=qrq6rU7X)
🍎✏️ New Teachers, Great Beginnings
Nearly 1,300 new and new-to-FCPS teachers turned out for the annual Great Beginnings Summer Institute (GBSI) at South County High School. Read why they said yes to FCPS.
![teacher smiling with two students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%2520%28213%29%5B1%5D.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=P-pDbLaz)
Central Tutoring: Meeting Student Needs and Watching Students Grow
“The most fulfilling part of tutoring is working with students and watching their growth. All the students I worked with were receptive to receiving extra help and that made the experience very gratifying.”
![students with laptops outside](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Technology-laptop-052326-1390.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=DylvqUvc)
Student Technology Resources: Tools and Guidelines for 2023-24
FCPS students who need a device are issued a laptop or tablet at no cost. Learn about technology support, password recovery, and other tech topics.
![Independence Hall](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/7f78b5f4-6a05-4885-af23-89c28d3631cdHiResProxy.jpg?h=c1742f02&itok=VWmSEx07)
How You Spent Your Summer
FCPS staff share highlights of their summer breaks.
![A girl in a graduation robe holds up her diploma](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082304-1342.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=DtD8FRuJ)
FCPS This Week - August 9, 2023
In this issue, learn about Starting the School Year Strong: How to Read the School Calendar, Paying for Meals at School, and Free Resources for Families.
![Teachers on a safari in Africa](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Frances-Coffey-3.jpg?h=9ca5c681&itok=vk6a0h0E)
Orphaned Elephants and African Geography: How One Teacher Spent Her Summer Vacation
Petting baby elephants and learning how they can coexist with humans. That’s a highlight of this summer’s break for Frances Coffey, an AP Human Geography teacher at Chantilly High School.
![Colombia students welcome FCPS teachers to the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom program](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%208.7.23.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=tCmGG0Q5)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she delivered a keynote at the Teacher Educators Association Summer Conference in Washington, D.C., attended the Summer Graduation at Marshall High School, and helped kick off FCPS'…
![girl holding up a peeled orange](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Meals-Free-or-reduced-August-2022-042215-1019.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=nRquhn8d)
FCPS Announced Policy for Providing Free or Reduced-Price Meals
Fairfax County Public Schools announced its policy for providing free or reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast programs.