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![Teacher appreciation notes written on colorful plastic flowers.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052201-1004-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=NHGZjpHD)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - May 4, 2022
Check out this week's issue for information on Teacher Appreciation Week, a video recap of an event with incoming superintendent Dr. Reid, FCPS schools on the Most Challenging U.S. high schools list, and the School Board Trust Policy.
![Mount Vernon students performing in Matilda the Musical](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MV_Matilda_c2.jpg?h=5a70a859&itok=b-bv2GA_)
Cappies Review of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical at Mount Vernon High School
Elliot Baird of Lake Braddock Secondary School gives us his review of Mount Vernon High School's production of Matilda the Musical.
![Michelle Reid](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Reid-table-042211-2014.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=zhcRI-HK)
Reminder: Register Now to Meet the Incoming Superintendent on May 3
Register for an in-person event with Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS' incoming superintendent, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3.
![Mount Vernon High School orchestra practice Free Fall](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042214-1176-heroweb%20%281%29.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=aXMpNlVw)
From Phoenix, Az., to Mount Vernon High School: The Performance of a Lifetime for Orchestra Students
Mount Vernon High School orchestra has teamed up with a young composer from Arizona who is flying out later this month to see the world premiere of Free Fall, a piece of music written especially for the students.
![Employee News blog](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog1_8.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=skh8HTqD)
Employee News for the Week of 5/2/22
Employee news for the week of May 2, 2022
![fcps cares woodburn elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-woodburn-es_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=F9K0Up-d)
FCPS CARES - May 2022
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of May 2022.
![Close up of a student hand playing a violin](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032214-1085-heroweb_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=gTjBdG-R)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - April 27, 2022
In this issue, get information on an in-person event with incoming superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS high schools being ranked by U.S. News and World Report, National Merit Scholarship winners, and resources offered by Tutor.com.
![Stratford Landing Elementary School reading specialist Jill Norris holds up letters that students have written to her](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032232-2233-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=wgArWD0L)
You Got Mail: How One FCPS Elementary School is Reviving Letter Writing to Help Improve Literacy Rates
At Stratford Landing Elementary School, reading specialist Jill Norris connects with students through a letter-writing program.
![Student playing a violin.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032214-1085-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=zfFex4RP)
FCPS Students Selected for 2022 All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus
One hundred ninety students from Fairfax County Public Schools high schools have been named to the 2022 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra.
![Employee News](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog1_7.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=wmuR0io9)
Employee News for the Week of April 25, 2022
News for employees for the week of April 25, 2022
![Student holds a card she wrote for a refugee child.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042218-1121-heroweb.jpg?h=c53f3717&itok=9Tw9N6Cv)
Message of Hope: FCPS Principal Travels to Europe with Students’ Handwritten Cards for Refugees
Freedom Hill Elementary School students wrote cards of encouragement to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
![South County High Librarian Ronielle Romney chats with a student.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/RonielleBoyBooksHero.jpg?h=0907ca3e&itok=r77gB8m0)
Beyond Books: South County High Library Serves as Hub for Community Outreach
Students use the library as a meeting spot to knit winter hats for the homeless, make pet blankets for animal shelters and turn to librarians as sponsors of the Elder Outreach Club, a group formed during the pandemic to send letters to senior citizens to combat loneliness.
![Student ambassador pointing at her t-shirt.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022221-1254-1600x600.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=B_8ZW2jd)
Student Ambassador Programs Help Welcome New Students to FCPS
Student Ambassador Programs are school-based student leadership programs that bring together military and civilian peers to support all students' transition to school, helping create an accepting school culture and welcoming environment.
![Dr. Michelle Reid and FCPS staff members](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042210-2016-2-heroweb.jpg?h=f11350ed&itok=i97-UgvB)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - April 20, 2022
In this week's issue, get to know incoming superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and learn about middle school recess starting in 2022-23, student awards, and an Instructional Job Fair on April 30.
![Dr. Reid takes questions from student journalists representing McLean High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, Churchill Road Elementary School, Luther Jackson Middle School and London Towne Elementary School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/ReidStudentJournoHero.jpg?h=6735077d&itok=sQ7FGgVF)
Incoming Superintendent Reid Tells FCPS Journalists She’ll Prioritize Student Voice, Agency
Dr. Reid speaks with student journalists spanning all grade levels Friday afternoon to introduce herself and her goals to the 180,000 students enrolled in FCPS.
![Dr. Reid listens to students.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042210-2147-2_0.jpg?h=ca061a33&itok=Xg_KBgf3)
New Chapter: Incoming FCPS Superintendent Connects with Students and Staff
Dr. Michelle Reid visited two schools Friday to meet students, see teachers in action, and greet principals.
![Employee News blog](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog1_6.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=DYal2CWT)
Employee News for the Week of April 18, 2022
Employee news for the week of April 18, 2022.
![Michelle Reid](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Michelle-Reid-042210-2015-blog.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=H_Ju1bYJ)
Meet the New Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools
In a video, Dr. Reid shares more about her background, her passion for education, and what she thinks makes FCPS a world-class school division.
![School board seal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/School-board-seal-white-background-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=oC4NzjMA)
Fairfax County School Board Announces National Superintendent of the Year As Next Leader
The School Board voted to appoint Michelle Reid, Ed.D., as the next superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
![Four military families with parent in uniform.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MOMC-Hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=RC2OzpTE)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - April 13, 2022
This issue has information on a School Board vote on the new superintendent, Tutor.com launching on April 14, Month of the Military Child, student awards, and FCPS COVID-19 testing ending on April 22
![Whitman Middle School Eighth-Grader Diego Orendain hashes out plans for the day with other Virginia Senate pages in Richmond.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Diego-Hero.jpg?h=62f136ca&itok=RdGfpAnT)
Whitman Eighth-Grader Finds Own Voice as Virginia Senate Page in Richmond
Diego Orendain, an eighth-grader at Whitman Middle School in Alexandria, served as his school’s first-ever Virginia Senate page during the recent state legislative session, according to Principal Craig Herring.
![Employee News blog](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog1_5.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=0njbdQ90)
Employee News for the Week of April 11, 2022
News for employees for the week of April 11, 2022.
![fort hunt elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-april-2022.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=lFtgepcL)
FCPS CARES - April 2022
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of April 2022.
![students from the firefighting class at Chantilly Academy](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112124-4863-heroweb.jpg?h=2aa300aa&itok=dDxFpBcl)
Partnership Update - April 2022
Learn about the latest partnership activities in FCPS
![2022 Regional Science Fair winners.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032229-1133-heroweb_0.jpg?h=a8c61a23&itok=OWCH19WI)
FCPS This Week - March 30, 2022
In this week's issue, get information on the 2022 Regional Science Fair winners, FCPS' winter 2022 sports champions, free classes at NOVA for graduating seniors, the deadline for completing the Family Engagement Survey, and a Cappies review of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play.
![A Healthy Me is Drug Free sign.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/051706-1199-1600x600.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=TT8t0nNT)
Keep Your Child Safe from Substance Abuse
It's important to talk with your child about substance abuse.
![The Parent Orchestra practices at Annandale High School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032214-1069-heroweb.jpg?h=623ecc24&itok=ieDMlfGh)
It's Never Too Late: Parent Orchestra Teaches New Skills and Brings Families Closer
Parents from across FCPS come together to challenge themselves by learning a new instrument. As they learn new skills, they can help their own students realize and achieve their musical goals.
![Generic news image - green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-green_2_4.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=wpS6LNn2)
Student Writers Receive 2022 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools student writers won 50 Gold Key awards in the 2022 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 226 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students.
![Hayfield Secondary School students performing in Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/HA_Mr%20Burns_d.jpg?h=32fee249&itok=2WNeCBhS)
Cappies Review of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play at Hayfield Secondary 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. Catherine Kane of Falls Church High School gives her review of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play as performed by Hayfield…
![Frances Ivey](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Frances%20Ivey%20at%201600%20pixels.jpg?h=4759b16c&itok=e-K0xuFi)
Video: FCPS's Deputy Superintendent Talks about Women's History Month
In a video interview conducted during Women's History Month (March 2022), Frances Ivey shares her “sheroes” who influenced her journey to success.
![Hayfield Secondary School Boys Basketball team.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/basketball%20champions%2022cropped.jpg?h=b5153f03&itok=Q-GDYdz3)
Congratulations to FCPS' Winter 2022 Sports Champions!
This year, eight FCPS teams and 26 individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) championships in their respective sports, and five teams and 17 individuals were the state runners-up.
![Young Student using an iPad.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032233-1094-heroweb.jpg?h=f11350ed&itok=4zPQgF4R)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - March 23, 2022
This week's issue has information on an iPad pilot program for prekindergarten and kindergarten students, a change to meal kit distribution due to spring break, student awards, and a calendar reminder.
![Student completing an assignment.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032127-1490-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=C8J3QDB5)
Teaching Children How to Accept Mistakes and Disappointment
Healthy Minds Feature - We all want to see our children succeed. However, making mistakes and learning how to handle disappointment is a valuable experience for children.
![Student taking a picture with an iPad.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102140-2439-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=3QklW6gg)
FCPS Begins Pilot Program Testing iPads for Its Youngest Learners
FCPS is beginning a pilot program at Lake Anne Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and Bailey’s Primary on the use of iPads for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students in the classroom.
![Employee News blog graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog2_2.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=vMqSgh8y)
Employee News Blog for the Week of March 21, 2022
The latest news for employees for the week of March 21, 2022.
![Pravalika Gayatri Putalapattu displays her award-winning program.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032228-1009-heroweb.jpg?h=623ecc24&itok=3b9G7ndb)
TJHSST Student Honors Lost Cousin with Award-Winning Surgical Monitoring Program
Pravalika Gayatri Putalapattu's program verifies a surgeon's actions and flags errors so corrections can be made in real-time.
![Afghan refugee Eltaf Samim became part of Fairfax County Public Schools in May 2021.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/EltafHero.jpg?h=42d0da94&itok=qWJ6-mIg)
`Set a Goal and Work Like Hell:’ Afghan Refugee Graduates FCPS in Under a Year With College Scholarships
Mountain View High graduate Eltaf Samim traversed six countries, completed seventh, eighth and ninth grade multiple times in different nations and turned in coursework in three languages on the way to get his high school diploma this year.
![Nardos King](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Nardos%20King.jpg?h=c2cbeadf&itok=fGe8Eknh)
Video: FCPS' Interim Chief Equity Officer Talks About Equity in Education
In a video interview conducted during Equity in Education Month (March 2022), Nardos King talks about about what equity means in FCPS.
![Student firefighters wearing their gear](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112124-3915-16--x6--_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=4WpvGClo)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - March 16, 2022
This week's issue has information on free online tutoring for students, the Family Engagement survey, kindergarten registration, and the Teen Job Fair on March 19.
![EPA visit at Flint Hill Elementary.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032220-1321.jpg?h=97fbeda4&itok=J2l5GI1P)
EPA Administrator Michael Regan Visits Flint Hill Elementary to Highlight Electric School Buses
Fairfax County Public Schools currently has eight electric school buses and is poised to get ten additional electric buses this spring.
![Employee News blog graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog2_1.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=668ShCns)
Employee News Blog for the Week of March 14, 2022
News for employees for the week of March 14, 2022.
![group of students standing together](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/071919-2468%20%281%29.jpg?h=51fb7c96&itok=VfXtpQAV)
Partnership Update - March 2022
Find out what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships
![FCPS students put on gear before a drill.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112124-3915-16--x6--.jpg?h=6fb94775&itok=I_c6V2Ba)
To the Rescue: Chantilly Academy Students On Track to Help with Virginia Firefighter Shortage
Departments across northern Virginia are desperate to hire firefighters. These FCPS seniors are learning alongside Fairfax County Fire and Rescue recruits, working with state-of-the-art equipment.
![Family engagement survey graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Engagement%20survey%20hero%201600x600_0.jpg?h=648b6813&itok=9PpZqYPG)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - March 9, 2022
Get information on the upcoming Family Engagement Survey, the National School Social Worker of the Year, Teen Job Fairs, and the Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
![Students and parents attend a fall Saturday session at Glasgow Middle School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/GlasgowSaturdaySchool.jpg?h=4521fff0&itok=VEKQW8zA)
Saturday School Draws 260 Students, Parents to Glasgow This Weekend
Glasgow Middle School to use some federal pandemic relief funds to hold sessions designed to boost reading, math and social-emotional skills, as well as get students and parents alike inspired to think about college and goal-setting for the future.
![Community Schools help families with a variety of needs.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/community-schools-082209-1377-heroweb.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=hnVw4ZHm)
Tying Community to Schools: Holistic Support Helps Students and Families Find Success
FCPS Community Schools are going the extra mile to reach families in need through the pandemic and beyond.
![Employee News blog graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero-image-blog2_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=Pcv_C6ie)
Employee News Blog for the Week of March 7, 2022
The latest information for employees for the week of March 7, 2022.
![fcps cares celebration at carson middle school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/march-2022.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=TQRio820)
FCPS CARES - March 2022
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of March 2022.
![Student holding up a shoelace practice tool.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022227-2043-1600x600_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=yPzeKFVb)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - March 2, 2022
Get the latest health and safety guidance, information on the FY 2023 Advertised Budget, the Trades for Tomorrow Program, and the 2022 Special Education Conference in this week's issue of FCPS This Week.
![Students in a "Current Affairs" class at Langley High evaluate a map of post Soviet Union nations.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Langley-UkraineHero.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=OBulgGYq)
Reliable Sources: Langley High Students Separate Fact from Fiction Amid Ukraine Conflict
A week after Russia invades Ukraine, Langley High School students in a "Current Affairs" class assess history as it unfolds in real-time.