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![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).
![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!
![Gratitude Challenge poster.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/image003-1024x682.png?h=6b3f69ac&itok=PcU9jWdX)
Frost Minds Matter Hosts a Gratitude Challenge and Food Drive
Healthy Minds Feature - Gratitude is not only a gift that helps others, but it makes the giver feel connected to something greater than themselves.
![three high school students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Budget-hero-082215-1051_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=lgT9zaeQ)
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2024 Budget With Focus on Student Achievement
The School Board unanimously voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Approved Budget . The budget focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students, and maintaining a world-class public school division by recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
![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…
![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.
![FCPS Winter Olympians Maame Biney and Ilia Malinin.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WinterOlympiansHero_0.png?h=1339f3b6&itok=FqU0d3L2)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - February 9, 2022
Learn about FCPS students in the Winter Olympics, health and safety updates, the Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo event for high school students, ESSER III funding, magnet school information nights, and a Substitute Teacher Job Fair.
![fcps cares frost](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-october-2019.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=1P2MrQB4)
FCPS Cares - September 2020
FCPS Cares for the month of September 2020.
![Cox Education Hero Kathleen Mehari, a First Grade Teacher at Wolftrap Elementary School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Cox%20Education%20Hero%20Kathleen%20Mehari%20052235-1073.jpg?h=26e46eba&itok=QqZhUJ6a)
Meet Four FCPS Cox Education Heroes
Meet the four teachers selected for 2022 Cox Education Hero awards. The teachers receive $1,000 for classroom makeovers.
![Teacher getting valentines from principal.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022213-1131-heroweb-16x6_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=uh77P7MN)
FCPS This Week - February 16, 2022
This week's issue of FCPS This Week has information on how we measure community transmission, kindergarten registration, completing the FAFSA, the Back 2 Fairfax operational seminar, and becoming a 2022 Science Fair judge.
![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.
![A line of students cheer with their arms up.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012434-2027-1600x600-97c7d88.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=f041J3F4)
FCPS This Week - January 31, 2024
In this issue, learn how to see the superintendent present next year's budget, a career exploration event for students, and the Here Comes the Bus app.
![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.
![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!
![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 dranesville elementary](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/dranesville.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=IEfLPNTk)
FCPS CARES - September 2022
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of September 2022.
![Photo of Student Smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/112237-1378-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=0YY6e0ZK)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools.
![Dr. Reid with three bus drivers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Oct-16-hero-bus-102217-2078-heroweb.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=pmSRk8IJ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog to keep people up to date with all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited Oakton HS, Justice HS, and Glasgow MS. She also did a bus ride along and hosted the inaugural Superintendent’s Roundtables with School…
![Girl petting an alpaca.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052207-1045-heroweb%20%281%29_0.jpg?h=b529be35&itok=fioVLq28)
FCPS this Week e-newsletter - May 25, 2022
This week's newsletter has a statement on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, information on an opioid trends webinar, therapy animals in schools, and sharing graduation and promotion ceremony photos and videos.
![A student feeds an alpaca at Woodson HS.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052207-1045-heroweb%20%281%29.jpg?h=14ff4620&itok=vMtsmKoO)
Cute and Calming: Animals at FCPS Help Students Unwind
Some schools are utilizing ESSER III funds to help pay for therapy animal visits, while others rely on teachers going above and beyond to care for and feed the animals.
![Military Dad with kids.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/military2_2_0.jpg?h=744ec7d4&itok=JiM4BXVc)
FCPS This Week - April 7, 2021
Check out this week's issue of FCPS This Week for information on the expansion of in-person learning, the Superintendent's Town Hall on April 7, Month of the Military Child, and the Virtual Career Exploration Fair.
![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.
![WSHS Orchestra at the White House](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Submitted-WSHS-Orchestra-WH-EggRoll-3245.jpg?h=c07d18c5&itok=oVq4bXhx)
FCPS This Week - April 12, 2023
In this issue, find information on Month of the Military Child, the Dangers of Fentanyl, and Summer Camps
![FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Observance-Design-Challenge-website-hero.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=6RuGB1Ie)
Calling All FCPS Student Artists and Designers: Observance Design Challenge
Create a design to be featured on FCPS social media and newsletters
![a smiling first grader](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052408-1062-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=TjIlUUFf)
FCPS This Week - May 29, 2024
In this issue, read about the 2025 Approved Budget, International Science Fair winners, and Summer Camps and Classes.
![Green news release header](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_4.png?h=26e46eba&itok=T9AAD6R8)
FCPS Students Awarded Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships
Abia Zahir, a senior at Annandale High School, and Tanisha Tarin, a senior at Westfield High School, have been named two of 100 Amazon Future Engineer scholarship recipients.
![School Board Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011709-2002-Heroweb.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=AT4OGJmU)
Student School Board Representative Announced for 21-22 School Year
Pranav Choudhary, a junior at Langley High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
![Educate Fairfax 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052022EducateFairfax-186.jpg?h=1baeedd3&itok=KQ9PXAmL)
Partnership Update - February 2023
Learn more on the latest happenings with partnership activities in FCPS
![Heman Bekele, winner of 3M's America's Top Young Scientist challenge, stands in front of W.T. Woodson High School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Heman-Hero.jpg?h=e2e02870&itok=TqTQ0WqP)
“America’s Top Young Scientist” Heman Bekele Was Born in Ethiopia, Educated by FCPS
Fourteen-year-old Heman won 3M’s annual challenge with his design of a soap that aims to treat skin cancer.
![Students dressed in traditional Korean clothes celebrate Lunar New year](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012316-2219-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=-ubeKJss)
FCPS This Week January 25
In this week's issue, learn how to submit feedback on the school calendar drafts, see how to use the new text-to-speech feature on our website, and learn more about summer camp options.
![Two Chantilly High School seniors look over AutoTrem, a specialized walker they created during the pandemic.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SharkTankHunched2.jpg?h=742bd69d&itok=gGp_nrJS)
Chantilly High Seniors Seek Patent for Automatic Walker Designed to Help Parkinson's Patients
FCPS students capitalized on downtime during the pandemic to create specialized walker that won Fairfax Area Student Shark Tank Challenge.
![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.
![FCPS grants team sitting together at a table](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Grants%20team%20-%20hero%20image.jpg?h=d8e04d2b&itok=sFPYqzJ0)
Partnership Update - August 2021
Check out the updates with Business and Community Partnerships
![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'…
![Generic news graphic - teal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-teal_8_1.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=YvhBRWql)
FCPS Students Named 2022 Student Peace Award Winners
Students from 23 Fairfax County public schools have been named recipients of the 2022 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Recipients will be recognized at a reception in March.
![Dr. Reid with Twain MS students for the Girls Leading Change convening](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%2010.13.23%20WH.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=Qm_21dIe)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended FCPS' Excellence Awards, hosted USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack at Annandale Terrace ES, visited the White House, and more!
![graphic about 2022-23 calendar](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SY22-23-Calendar-Hero%20%282%29.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=Ju6-zOq-)
Fairfax County School Board Approves Calendar Based on Data and Community Input
The calendar for the 2022-23 school year is aligned with neighboring school districts and adds additional key observance days.
![Michael Astudillo checks out a student's work.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072130-1194-heroweb.jpg?h=2512a009&itok=ZOZWU5DV)
From Student to Proud Principal: Meet the New Columbia Elementary School Leader who Once Walked the Halls as a Child
He was a floppy haired five-year-old when he first walked through the doors of Columbia Elementary School in Annandale, now, Michael Astudillo has returned — this time, as the principal.
![Student in mask with hands raised.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/masks.jpg?h=ada05aa9&itok=iHUzdJnQ)
FCPS This Week - May 26, 2021
This week's issue has an update on masks in schools, meal distribution for the Memorial Day weekend, approval of the FY 2022 budget, and the Come Back for 5 Days campaign.
![Graphics of News](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/genericdefault_Greenheroimg_10%5B1%5D.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=yp_SiuPT)
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates Cell Phone Use at Schools
The "Updates to the FCPS SR&R" web page outlines changes to cell phone use for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit the SR&R web page to learn more and to log on to your SIS ParentVue account to acknowledge review of this document OR print, sign, and return the form to your child’s school by September…
![fcps cares presentation from frost middle school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-summer-2021_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=eNHRmx5J)
FCPS Cares - June 2021
FCPS Cares for the month of June 2021.
![Charley wears her mother's Navy cap.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032305-2398_HP.jpg?h=c7ab9535&itok=UjdofCbf)
FCPS This Week: April 19
In this issue, find information on a Safety Town Hall, Fentanyl Community Conversation with Narcan Training, and Spring Assessments.
![Superintendent Scott Brabrand giving the Outstanding Principal Award to Lindsay Trout.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062111-2016-honors-newsrelease.jpg?h=391eb171&itok=rLia3DlG)
FCPS Honors Recognizes 2021 Outstanding Employees
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) recognized exceptional employees from across the division at the FCPS Honors event held Wednesday, June 9. Sponsored by the Foundation for FCPS, the 2021 celebration was hosted outdoors at Jiffy Lube Live, for the first time.
![A teacher in training works with students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012420-1118.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=KiaoZCgb)
Offering Students Love, Empathy, and Compassion
FCPS MentorWorks program helps eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement through mentoring. Every student in FCPS should be able to name an adult in their community they can talk to. MentorWorks is looking for non-school-based staff to offer at least 30 minutes of their time a week to…
![A student greets a teacher at a welcome walk.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082207-1150-heroweb.jpg?h=e8671265&itok=FYRRwPzw)
Putting Students’ Needs First at Parent-Teacher Conferences
Martha Paz-Espinoza, resource teacher at Willow Oaks, shares what it was like to be an English learner and have to interpret for her father at parent-teacher conferences. She offers a few tips for teachers to help put students first and better partner with parents during conference sessions and…
![The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition) at Westfield High School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WF_Play%20that%20Goes%20Wrong_a.jpg?h=bb0d6421&itok=eFANz980)
Cappies Review of Westfield High School's The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition)
Cappies critic Sean Smith of Edison High School reviews Westfield High School's production of The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition).
![Akshita Balaji, 14, was the first Fairfax County Public School student in at least a decade to make it to the final 30 spellers in the contest.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/AkshitaHero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=BlttHgxB)
Queen Bee: Fairfax County Teen Places 21st in National Spelling Contest
Akshita Balaji, 14, was the first Fairfax County Public School student in at least a decade to make it to the final 30 spellers in the contest.
![little girl with pink mask](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/return%20to%20school%20march.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=_jpMaeU4)
FCPS Plans Five Days of In-Person Learning for Fall 2021
FCPS has successfully completed the month-long return of students and staff to in-person learning and is announcing that it will be returning to five days a week of in-person learning in the fall.
![newspaper with arts icons](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_arts-green_3.png?h=26e46eba&itok=bp3fCdTg)
South Lakes High Art Teacher Named 2021 Southeastern Region Secondary Art Educator
Matt Ravenstahl, who teaches art at South Lakes High School, has been named the 2021 Southeastern Region Secondary Art Educator by the National Art Education Association.
![A student smiles as he lowers a cup containing a young trout into the stream he's standing in.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042422-1085-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=2ed8m8xg)
Hard Work Pays Off: Centreville Elementary School Releases Classroom-Raised Trout
After spending months raising trout in classroom fish tanks, students at Centreville Elementary School see the results of their environmentally-conscious work when they release the trout into a natural stream.