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![2023 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Grand Prize Winners](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/2023%20science%20fair%20winners_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=qLb6ZGrt)
Ten FCPS Projects Earn Grand Prize Award in 2023 Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 68th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased over 300 high school science projects. Ten FCPS projects received Grand Prize awards and are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May and many others are eligible to compete…
![Five community liaisons](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032318-2013.jpg?h=62854c4f&itok=ZsJUuCEM)
🏀 FCPS This Week - March 22 🏆
In this issue, learn more about updating your contact information, student awards, heard start, and the parent phone lines.
![Robinson SS Wrestling - 2023 Class 6 VHSL Champions](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/RobinsonWrestling2023.jpeg?h=71976bb4&itok=hYn3fNLt)
Six FCPS Teams, 40 Individuals Win 2022-23 VHSL Winter Sports Championships
Congratulations to all the FCPS student-athletes who participated in the 2022-23 winter sports season. This year, six teams and 40 individuals won the Virginia High School League Class 6 championship in their respective sports.
![Swati Mohan, guidance and controls operations lead on the Mars 2020 mission](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/0222_mohan1.jpg?h=0808bdec&itok=FWgcubcP)
Full Orbit: From Science Fair to Mars Mission
Twenty-five years ago, Swati Mohan presented a science fair project on what it would be like to grow plants on Mars. Little did she know she would eventually be working as an aerospace engineer with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). She was the Guidance and Controls Operations lead on the Mars 2020…
![Jasmine Piernas talks to students while crouching on the floor](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092218-1007-heroweb.jpg?h=204fdaf9&itok=JXkDehP8)
Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone into a Career
Learn about what inspired Jasmine Piernas to teach for FCPS.
![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: Self-Regulation
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![basketball team](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Webpage%20Hero%20Image%20%281%29.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=qSS7cZ0l)
Four-peat for Madison Girls Basketball
With an "and-one" layup in overtime, the Madison Warhawks Girls Basketball Team defeated the Manchester Lancers (49-46) last week, making this their fourth consecutive state title. This was Madison’s ninth state final appearance—now the most in the history of Class 6 and the former Group AAA.
![A Justice High School Arabic language instructor confers with a student at her desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Arabic-Justice-Hero.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=55YiIeP1)
FCPS Nearly Doubles Arabic Language Course Enrollment Over Decade
Teachers credit the spike in Arabic course enrollment to parents who’ve lobbied for more access to language offerings, keeping coursework fun and instruction that can begin in elementary school and continue through the international baccalaureate level.
![Dr. Reid with Fairfax police officer](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/drugs-meeting-hero_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=n3s6WBKU)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she attended the FCPS-hosted community meeting on the opioid crisis. She visited Annandale Terrace ES, Saratoga ES, Lemon Road ES, and Westbriar ES.
![Students pick out prom dresses.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/041920-2246-HP.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=GCChrBnC)
No Money Needed for Prom Dress Shop at Centreville High School
Marketing students from Centreville HS and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program will open their Prom Dress Shop on Friday, March 24, at Centreville HS. The shop helps financially challenged students attend prom by providing dresses and accessories at no cost.
![Luke Pierce, teacher at West Potomac](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122112-2311.jpg?h=60bb0b9e&itok=Eegu0mjz)
Spring Professional Development Opportunities
Looking to grow in your career? Explore these professional development opportunities.
![Teachers attend Great Beginnings](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082203-1095.jpg?h=0049cf1e&itok=cM8b3_lp)
What Brought You (Back) to FCPS?
Thank you to all the employees who have shared their stories over the last few months. We’ve compiled some of the inspirational stories we’ve received, and continue to encourage you to share your story of why you work for FCPS and/or who has inspired you on your journey.
![students play with playdoh](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032309-2225.jpg?h=7037576e&itok=61gPJFtD)
FCPS This Week: March 15
In this issue, learn about No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for Students, VGA Assessment Reports, the Dangers of Fentanyl, and more.
![Science symbols](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%286%29_0.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=-_xlDFHe)
McLean High School Student Places in Top 10 of Regeneron Science Talent Search
Ethan Zhou, a student at McLean High School, placed 7th in the national 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
![2023 National Board Certified Teachers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/NBPTS2023.jpg?h=23dc22d1&itok=pamq69Go)
Thirty-Six Teachers Earn or Renew Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
FCPS teachers who achieved or renewed certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards were honored by the Fairfax County School Board.
![Amanda Manno](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092216-2073-heroweb.jpg?h=421b6507&itok=ECusJ7go)
I Hope I Can Make an Impact
Find out who influenced this teacher at Woodburn. Who had an impact on you? Tell us more!
![DECA awards and trophies](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/DECA_0.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=iwNc98Jl)
FCPS Students from Fifteen High Schools Win Awards at Virginia DECA Conference, Earn a Trip to DECA International Conference
A total of 203 students earned the right to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 22-25.
![four students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Mar10-Reid-four-students-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=z5acTBK2)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited Rolling Valley ES, West Springfield HS, and McNair ES. She watched the Madison HS girls basketball team win the state championship and participated in a panel as part of a…
![Generic news graphic - dark green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_9.png?h=26e46eba&itok=IP8uKkTQ)
FCPS School Board Approves Collective Bargaining
At their March 9, 2023, meeting, the Fairfax County School Board voted to approve a collective bargaining resolution.
![Generic news graphic - lime.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_7_6.png?h=26e46eba&itok=Azh_4gle)
New Virtual Mental Health Services Begin April 10
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to begin offering virtual mental health services to all FCPS high school students.
![Social worker holds flowers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032311-1010-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=93c6c0dd&itok=18EmEJAg)
Happy National School Social Work Week! 💐
March 5-11 is National School Social Work Week!
![James Monroe and Nicole Anderson-Morgan](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2813%29.png?h=8634f941&itok=ADBidYMc)
Celebrating Arts in Our Schools - And the Heroes Who Support Them
This month, we celebrate all art and music programs in our schools—and the FCPS Heroes who help our students learn and appreciate all forms of art
![students working together in a music studio](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Submitted-Triology-IMG_0070-NL%20%281%29.jpg?h=d946c125&itok=mMIkpDTk)
Partnership Update - March 2023
See what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships
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School Board Meeting Highlights - March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023 - Regular Meeting
![Students grow spinach and lettuce in towers.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012324-2053.jpg?h=cf068cc2&itok=7Wiapb7_)
Out of This World Idea with a Local Impact: Middle School Students Use Vertical Farming System to Feed Families
Engineering students are using a futuristic farming method to grow food for the Luther Jackson Middle School food pantry.
![Three students smiling.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052212-1015-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=dTb-i9o4)
Sleep Matters in Children and Youth
HEALTHY MINDS FEATURE --- Learn about the importance of sleep in children and youth leading healthy, happy, and productive lives...along with strategies to use to improve sleep if needed.
![A student dressed up as a lion](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032301-2200.jpg?h=bdf69feb&itok=CEFrbBGA)
FCPS This Week - March 8
In this week's issue, find information on an upcoming Opioid Awareness Meeting, Kindergarten Registration, SACC Registration, and more.
![Mary Fernandez](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112232-1034-heroweb.jpg?h=cef75163&itok=jLAWcBtS)
Inspired by "ah-ha!" Moments
Initially, Mary Fernandez wasn't considering become a teacher. Learn about what inspired her.
![Students performing Pippin at Justice High School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/JT_Pippin_a3.jpg?h=71661d61&itok=R8SGtgyi)
Cappies Review of Pippin at Justice High School
Justice High School's production of Pippin is reviewed by Cappies critic Andrew Landrum of Herndon High School.
![Dr. Reid during Read Across America Day](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Mar6-hero-read-032304-1048.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=-ASXjgbW)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she attended an art awards ceremony, a student technology fair, a celebration for social workers, and a meeting with members of the Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.
![Symbols denoting news](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2811%29.png?h=26e46eba&itok=8W911e99)
Two FCPS Middle School Teachers Head Abroad on Fulbright Awards
Shannon Evans, French teacher at Thoreau Middle School, and Sulekha Subhash, emotional disabilities teacher at Luther Jackson Middle School, received Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program awards.
![Sean Miller talks to his African American history class](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022324-2045-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=KJxhNlBB)
FCPS This Week - March 1
In this issue, learn about the FY 2024 Advertised Budget, PreK Registration, Magnet School Lottery
![Students learn hands only CPR](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022318-1054-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=360e24fa&itok=MMh-c6kQ)
Lifesaving Lessons Learned at Longfellow Middle School
Last week, Longfellow Middle School took part in an all-day CPR training event organized by Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. The foundation was created in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of Gwyneth, their oldest daughter. Gwyneth collapsed unexpectedly during her middle school field day in 2012…
![James Hargrove, PE teacher](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022317-1146-heroweb.jpg?h=a0d3b522&itok=Z5x6aH2w)
Teacher Loves Friendly Atmosphere and Community of Bucknell
What do you enjoy about working at your school? Share with us!
![hayfield secondary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-march-2023.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=dl_xmlmN)
FCPS CARES - March 2023
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of March 2023.
![a child's hand holding a number 5 puzzle piece](/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: Music and Movement
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![grace and her first billboard](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%28257%29.png?h=61788fc4&itok=9vwf_Uul)
From FCPS Theater to HBO Max Series Regular
As part of Black History Month, FCPS staff recently interviewed Grace Duah, West Springfield High School Class of 2016 graduate and series regular on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot.
![Students enjoy games.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022324-2182.jpg?h=cebaec04&itok=F4wIaEUv)
Students Celebrate Black History Month with Family Reunion Event
The project focused on community and connections through art, music, and food.
![Teacher Michelle McCarten conducting her choiresters during rehersal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022310-1109-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=TxKBqOUD)
“When I Sing, It Feels Like I Am Floating in a Space of My Own.”
Nine Daniels Run Elementary School students have been invited to perform at a national music teacher convention in Jacksonville, Florida.
![Picture of Warehouse Workers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/pic5.jpg?h=08b866d1&itok=OihZfyr-)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited several schools, the FCPS warehouse and attended a community meeting with Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators (FABSE).
![Journalism](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012028-1037.jpg?h=2866ce38&itok=YNA1RgeC)
FCPS High Schools Honored for Press Freedom
Three Fairfax County high schools—Chantilly, McLean, and West Springfield—are among 16 schools nationally that have been selected as 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award winners.
![Three smiling students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SM%20Budget%20FY2024-hero%201600x600%20B%20rev6.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=OPPuZ2da)
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2024 Advertised Budget Focused on Student Success and Teacher Recruitment
The Fairfax County School Board adopted the FY 2024 Advertised Budget which prioritizes student achievement, and recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
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School Board Meeting Highlights - February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023 - Regular Meeting
![Destinee Freeman](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112237-1193.jpg?h=18f69768&itok=7P_KMiov)
"I want to make a difference"
Destinee Freeman, a fourth-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School, shares why she became a teacher.
![trevor with olympic rings](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%28246%29.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=ABIwcNk1)
"Be Unhealthily Optimistic," Says FCPS Alum and Olympic Gold Medalist
Olympic gold medalist and South County High School alum Trevor Stewart is a talented track star who wants to help youth. We are thrilled to spotlight this remarkable FCPS alumnus as he discusses how FCPS has aided his success. Read more about Trevor's time in the Tokyo Olympics and his aspirations…
![Danielle McNamara](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032238-1126-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=ijYtYkny)
FCPS This Week - February 22
In this issue, read about earthquake relief, kindergarten registration, and a national mental health town hall.
![Cooper Middle School Students aid Syria and Turkey](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022314-1162.jpg?h=04d3517f&itok=NpJhxdaG)
Cooper Middle School Students Demonstrate Empathy, Compassion, Respect
Students at a number of FCPS schools are using their ethical and global citizen Portrait of a Graduate skills to aid those who were affected by a recent devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
![FCPS school bus](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092211-2297.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=vSjK2Mxq)
Bus Drivers, We Appreciate You! 🚌
Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
![Blue news graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_6.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=Pez9ZWx-)
FCPS Students Receive 2023 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools student writers won 35 Gold Key awards in the 2023 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 213 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students.
![Heather Murphy](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%289%29.png?h=3251f71b&itok=E_3doPhv)
Dr. Heather Murphy, an "Institution" at TJHSST
"Our Heroes" celebrates Dr. Heather Murphy, certified athletic trainer at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.