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![Students learn teaching skills at Chantilly Academy.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122117-2049-heroweb.jpg?h=e3fb9c55&itok=tToiX-9q)
Teachers for Tomorrow Prepares Students for Careers in K-12 Education
The course allows students to explore different methods of teaching and develop several skills in their path to becoming a teacher.
![Photograph of stacks of wrapped gifts](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/dogwood_gifts_20211216_105910.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=KkZ2wf1U)
FCPS Families in Need Receive Holiday Care Packages
'Hope for the Holidays' care packages were gifted to 50 families from Dogwood Elementary.
![Green news release graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_7_0.png?h=26e46eba&itok=jSVMOXHw)
School Board Supports Creation of Lewis Leadership Program
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously supported the creation of the John R. Lewis Leadership Program at Lewis High School at their work session on December 14, 2021.
![EMT students at Falls Church practice their skills.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102131-1036-heroweb.jpg?h=f5c05c20&itok=_WrrKgHd)
Ride-Alongs Return to EMT Course after Pandemic Paused Hands-On Learning
For two years, EMT students at FCPS were not able to do ambulance ride-alongs with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now, students are getting valuable patient experience once again, and learning skills to propel their future careers.
![Colorful paper trees and snowflakes.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/121915-2004-heroweb.jpg?h=cb98fde5&itok=X60F7Gon)
FCPS This Week - December 15, 2021
In the last issue of 2021, get information on winter break, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, the superintendent search, 2022 summer learning programs, and new magisterial districts for some schools.
![Churchill Road Fourth-Grader Finley Sheers showcases the baking skills that landed her on the Food Network.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/FinleyHero.jpg?h=74371974&itok=TfLO7nnN)
FCPS 4th-Grader Turns Pandemic Pastime Into Food Network Debut
Churchill Road Elementary Student to Appear on Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship.
![A student with her laptop open looking at the camera.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122113-1251-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=_vv7gk1j)
Benchmarking Data for Students at the Start of the 2021-22 School Year
Given the 18 months of disrupted learning caused by the pandemic, FCPS expected to see a decline in performance across all grades. While this proves true when looking at iReady mean scaled scores in grades 2-6, declines in FCPS are generally less substantial than were seen nationwide pre- and post…
![Green news graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_6.png?h=26e46eba&itok=7qg2rO37)
How New Fairfax County Magisterial Districts Affect Schools
Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted its redistricting plan. School boundaries remain the same, but some schools may change their School Board Member representation.
![Student art work.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/121601-1315-heroweb_4.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=DHjTiP8D)
Giving the Gift of an Experience
This holiday season, it may be better to focus on special experiences and time with loved ones rather than the latest toys or gadgets.
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CIP and Bi-Annual Public Hearings - CANCELED
Capital Improvement Program and Bi-Annual Public Hearings have been canceled.
![volunteer stocking shelved of a refrigerator in a school food pantry](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WFCM-Heroweb.jpg?h=ed072df2&itok=CFwFG20w)
Partnership Update - December 2021
Check out the updates in Business and Community Partnerships.
![Dr. Brabrand](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/brabrand%20for%20message.jpg?h=26e46eba&itok=-yEm1jC8)
Message from Superintendent Regarding School Safety
In this video message, Dr. Brabrand outlines the strategies and tools FCPS uses to keep schools safe, including a nationally recognized emergency response plan, 24/7 security operations, and state-of-the-art equipment.
![Teacher in front of a elementary school classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/back-to-fairfax_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=JR-pOgBp)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - December 7, 2021
This week's issue has information on a new seven-day quarantine, the superintendent search, the fourth annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar, and multilingual podcasts for parents.
![Four kids in masks.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102108-1146-heroweb.jpg?h=4823a671&itok=OVU-zqul)
Supporting the Development of Life Skills in Students
In the coming weeks, parents and guardians of students who participated in the Fall 2021 screening window will be mailed a letter with their student’s self-reported ratings.
![fcps cares celebration from Cedar Lane School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-january-2022.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=cB1bS-AK)
FCPS CARES - December 2021
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of December 2021.
![two volunteers standing together holding a laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/AALEAD-2.jpg?h=14fe3c2f&itok=t5iL2TOT)
Partnership Update - November 2021
Find out what's happening In Business and Community Partnerships.
![Ashley Salas, substitute teacher and military mom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SalasSubHero_0.jpg?h=5edb8280&itok=D-9233VU)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - December 2, 2021
Learn about COVID-19 diagnostic tests for students, a distribution change for meal kits, vaccine clinics, inclement weather communication, and a military mom who is working as a substitute teacher.
![Fairfax High eSports team members practice.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/EsportsTrueHero.jpg?h=9fb20a8c&itok=lP2LS7tG)
Fairfax High Esports Team Preps for Spring Season Debut
Video game enthusiasts say they’re eager to show value of once slighted activity.
![an elementary school teacher with students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/back-to-fairfax.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=TCmBcTxM)
Annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar - Growing Our Future Teachers!
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host the Fourth Annual Back2Fairfax Teacher Seminar virtual event on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 5-8 p.m.
![row of books in library](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Library%20Book%20Decisions%20News%20from%20Donnie%20031720-1414.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=DVsNtmCG)
FCPS Reinstates Two Books, Reaffirming Commitment to Supporting Diversity in Literature
Two books that were subject to a formal challenge have been deemed appropriate for high school readers following a two-month review process and will be reinstated to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) libraries.
![School News graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SchoolNewsgenericdefaultblue2_179_1.png?h=c919b641&itok=zRuuud99)
FCPS Music Groups Perform at Virginia Music Educators Association Conference
Four FCPS band and chorus groups performed at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, held November 18-20 in Norfolk.
![Falls Church High culinary students observe their instructor preparing a crust.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/PieHero.jpg?h=88283bd4&itok=HuDNVabQ)
Falls Church High Culinary Students Sell Pies Ahead of Holiday
Students offer staff, family the opportunity to skip Thanksgiving baking this year and instead buy their pumpkin, pecan, old fashioned apple or Dutch apple pies from them.
![Kids with vaccinations](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Vaccine%20NL.jpg?h=65eda783&itok=7ZyY61d5)
FCPS this Week e-newsletter - November 17, 2021
This week's issue has information on pediatric vaccine opportunities, optional COVID-19 screening testing, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and a reduction in the quarantine period for unvaccinated students.
![Military Mom and photographer Ashley Salas assists a Ft. Belvoir ES student while susbtituing in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SalasSubHero.jpg?h=e5e298b3&itok=tG-I_0-O)
Military Mom Saves the Day as a Substitute Teacher in Her Spare Time
Freelance photographer Ashley Salas contributes to her children’s school community during time of increased need for substitutes.
![The Heidi Chronicles at Lake Braddock Secondary School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/LB_Heidi%20Chronicles.jpg?h=825c298c&itok=fDeWPN8E)
Cappies Review of the Heidi Chronicles at Lake Braddock Secondary School
Read this review of the Heidi Chronicles at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
![Generic News graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_5.png?h=26e46eba&itok=C0QBpUCe)
Former School Board Members Janie Strauss and Ilryong Moon Honored with Facilities Renaming
Former School Board Members Janie Strauss and Ilryong Moon were honored with the renaming of a Theater at McLean High School and a Gym at TJHSST.
![First Lady Jill Biden and students.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112106-1653.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=cEgqKoYr)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - November 10, 2021
Get the latest information on vaccinations for children ages 5-11, meal kits for Thanksgiving break, the TJHSST application deadline, and November's Walking Wednesday.
![Students and parents walking to school.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092103-2072.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=Fgz-ZMNM)
Students, Families Encouraged to Participate in Walking Wednesdays
Students and families are being encouraged to take part in monthly Walking Wednesdays during the 2021-22 school year to help promote mental and physical health. November’s event is dedicated to Ruby Bridges, the first African American student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New…
![Picture of bass instruments](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011719-2011.jpg?h=4041db81&itok=RQXEuAcK)
Senior Regional Orchestra Event Returns After COVID-19 Hiatus
One-hundred-three students representing eighteen Fairfax County Public Schools high schools have been named to the 2021 Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra. Twenty-eight FCPS students were selected as alternates. The public is invited to the group’s performance at Westfield High School on…
![Jill Biden](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Jill%20Biden%20112106-1577.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=i1x-8Fu7)
Fairfax County Public Schools Kicks Off National 5-11 Vaccination Rollout
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) kicked off the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5-11 today, welcoming First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to a clinic at the school where the first Polio vaccine was administered in 1954.
![graphic of news](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-blue-3_8.png?h=26e46eba&itok=SN70GnQq)
Statement on the Approval of the 2021 School Construction Bond from FCPS School Board Chair Stella Pekarsky
On behalf of the Fairfax County School Board, I want to convey our appreciation to the voters of Fairfax County who approved the 2021 School Construction Bond Referendum.
![FCPS Graduate and Polio Pioneer Gail Adams Batt displays memorabilia, including a signed note of appreciation from former President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's granddaughter, tied to being part of a 1954 FCPS push in which thousands of students were among the first in the country to participate in Salk vaccine field trials.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/GailBattHeroMemorabilia.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=M3b9_sDn)
After 67 Years, Fairfax County Public Schools Reprise Role in Vaccine History
McLean’s Franklin Sherman ES kicked off polio vaccine field trials in 1954, will lead the way on COVID-19 pediatric vaccination push in 2021.
![Students work on a puzzle at Luther Jackson](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102139-1081-heroweb.jpg?h=7fb0e0e1&itok=2f2NSuVz)
Students or Superheroes? Unique Escape Room Teaches Teamwork and Critical Thinking
An empty space at Luther Jackson Middle School has been transformed into a universe all its own. When students step into the brand new escape room, they’re faced with a monumental challenge: work together on a series of puzzles to rescue their beloved school mascot. Can they do it?
![Student in a mask picking up school food.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102138-1028_0.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=OC2dl4a6)
FCPS this Week e-newsletter - November 3, 2021
Check out this week's issue for information on COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11, results of the 2021 Bond Referendum, how to give feedback on the 2022-23 school year calendar, and the reasons for recent school meal menu changes.
![fcps cares from hunt valley elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/january-2022.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=90x_3gMW)
FCPS CARES - November 2021
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of November 2021.
![The Calm Cafe at Robinson Secondary School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Calm-Cafe-6-768x576.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=F0c0o_xX)
Rams Minds Matter Creates Calm Cafe
The students and staff at Robinson Secondary School definitely understand that sometimes we all need a place to decompress from stress.
![Principal Monica Mohr and Librarian Wendy Beaumont](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_19.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=dW1ZqsTN)
FCPS CARES - October 2021
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of October 2021.
![Electric bus and chargers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102114-2025-heroweb_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=FvN2zk2f)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - October 27, 2021
This week's issue has information on COVID-19 testing and student vaccinations, the development of the 2022-23 calendar, new electric school buses, and next week's School Bond referendum.
![photo from inside window at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/TJHSST%20New_3.jpg?h=eb151966&itok=EpopAjLY)
Applications for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Open for Class of 2026
Students interested in applying for admission to the Class of 2025 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) can do so beginning Monday, October 25. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 19, at 4 p.m.
![News graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_4.png?h=26e46eba&itok=Pak4zI1s)
FCPS Solicits Public Comment on K-6 Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources Under Consideration for Adoption
Fairfax County Public Schools is soliciting public review and comment on basal instructional resources under consideration for K-6 Language Arts.
![Generic news graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_7.png?h=26e46eba&itok=nxzn8-Em)
FCPS Named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence for 2021
Fairfax County Public Schools has been named a 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence, the highest honor among ENERGY STAR awards. This is the fifth consecutive year that FCPS has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy…
![A student giving two thumbs up.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022123-2149.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=LyMKKTMr)
Let's Get in Gear
Schools will celebrate National School Psychology Week during the week of November 8-12, 2021 to highlight the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.
![graphic with superintendent search on computer](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Superintendent%20Search%202021.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=YTOkGQ26)
Fairfax County School Board Selects Superintendent Search Firm
The Fairfax County School Board has contracted a human resources recruitment firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of Schools. Parents, staff, students, and community members will be deeply involved in the process.
![Student newscast operation at London Towne ES.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102110-1089-heroweb.jpg?h=4ea67981&itok=-MQ5HoRs)
Students Using New Technology to Produce Daily News Show, Connecting Classrooms like Never Before
London Towne Elementary School’s “Morning News” is using upgraded software to create high-tech newscasts that stream into classrooms every morning. A team of sixth-graders work together to share the important news of the day, while learning real-world news industry skills.
![Needle being prepared for a vaccination.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082106-1127-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=c4ZaySvI)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - October 20, 2021
All the latest information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination rollout, how snow days will work in 2021-22, upcoming student holidays, and the opening of TJHSST applications.
![Electric Bus and Charging Station](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102114-2025-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=thHJyjpi)
Go For Green: First Electric School Bus Fleet Rolled Out to Support FCPS Carbon Neutral Goal
Fairfax County Public Schools officially launched its first fleet of electric school buses as part of a commitment to providing carbon neutral student transportation by 2035.
![School Buses in snow.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011911-2042-heroweb.jpg?h=f20d73d8&itok=zFhC5YZg)
Snow Days Will Stay in 2021-22
The first five inclement weather days during the 2021-22 school year will be traditional inclement weather days. These five days may occur consecutively due to a single weather event or may take place as several individual events.
![South Lakes High School students turn up in droves sporting school colors -- blue and green -- during spirit week.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/HoCoHero_1.jpg?h=4832d76d&itok=PY6Ibdoj)
Homecoming Returns: FCPS Uses Football Fields, Fire Pits and Parking Lots to Encourage Outdoor Gathering
After a two-year absence, Fairfax County Public Schools embrace the return of Homecoming festivities while looking to encourage outdoor gatherings wherever possible.
![A student working on his computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022108-2020-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=_wwfBgm1)
Test Anxiety
Learn about test anxiety and strategies to relieve the stress.
![Students help with an eye exam.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102117-1082-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=a2b09112&itok=q6T4dt9O)
Students Helping Students: Aspiring Medical Workers Get Hands-On Practice Performing Vision and Hearing Tests across FCPS
Medical Assistant students from Falls Church Academy are learning on the job by helping out the Fairfax County Health Department perform vision and hearing screenings on fellow FCPS students.