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FCPS Graduation Rates Remain Strong for the Class of 2022
After seeing record high rates last year, the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Class of 2022 continued to report strong on-time graduation rates at 94.2 percent, according to data released today from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
![A teacher sits in a rocking chair with her hand raised talking to students with their hands raised.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082221-1135-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=ninspErL)
Upcoming Instructional Staff Learning Opportunities
Professional development opportunities available for teachers, starting during September.
![Our Voices, Our Future](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/strategic-plan-hero-circle_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=42M-BM8-)
FCPS This Week - September 28, 2022
In this issue we say "Thank you Custodians!" introduce a new Strategic Planning process, and share some results of a Special Education Review
![generic image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_10.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=H8aB80MD)
Glasgow Update From the Superintendent
As promised, I am following up with you on the situation regarding the independent investigation that has now been completed into the circumstances regarding a counselor who was employed at Glasgow Middle School.
![Frank Sarfo, a custodian, stands in a school cafeteria](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032225-1596.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=LaGdqqYy)
Thank you, Custodians!
October 2 is Custodian Appreciation Day. Thanks to our custodians, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work. Across the division, Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors.
![Employee News Blog](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/employee-news-blog%20%284%29.jpg?h=6db473ae&itok=rseNkavj)
Barking Buddies—More Top Dogs
Thank you for the responses to the Employee News Blog on the Pet Gazette! We’re starting to wonder if all FCPS employees are dog people, or if there are any cat (or fish, or reptile) lovers too…
![Superintendent with bus passes information on projected image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Sept-26-superintendent-weekly-reflection-092229-1045.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=olOCEgZX)
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 Marshall High School to celebrate the expansion of a program that offers free Metrobus access to students. She was also at Powell ES…
![A teacher reads to students who have their hands raised.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/041912-1115%20%281%29.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=d1cXtJkY)
FCPS This Week - September 22, 2022
Congratulations to Mosaic Elementary, National Merit Semifinalists, and a McLean teacher who will appear on Wheel of Fortune.
![Laurel Ridge Elementary teacher Lesliean Luna, recruited from Puerto Rico, and her daughter, Bailey's Upper Elementary teacher Gabriela Muriente, embrace in a school hallway.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/MomDaughterHero.jpg?h=c9cfd158&itok=XUlsJYeG)
Puerto Rico Recruitment Brings Mother-Daughter Teaching Pair to FCPS Immersion Program
A Laurel Ridge ES Spanish immersion teacher was one of the first hires through FCPS outreach to Puerto Rico. Now her daughter is one of the most recent recruits.
![A teacher reads to students sitting around her.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/041912-1107-HP.jpg?h=2aa300aa&itok=oORwUXpe)
Mosaic Elementary School Named 2022 National Blue Ribbon School
Mosaic Elementary School has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The Fairfax County public school is among seven schools in Virginia and 297 schools in the country receiving the honor this year.
![Superintendent with Mount Vernon Students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Superintendent%27s-Weekly-Reflections-Sept-19.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=Wz1GpCCi)
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. "Not all heroes have capes, but this one does," says Dr. Reid about one student who is highlighted this week. Also, hear about stops at Whitman MS and Mount…
![Ice skates lay on ice](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/ice-skating-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=9WWVrfyM)
Marshall Senior Lands First Quad Axel
“HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!” tweeted U.S. Figure Skating as Ilia Malinin, a senior at Marshall High School, successfully landed the first quadruple axel in competition.
![National Merit Semifinalists](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Hero%20Image_Semi%20finalists%201600x600_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=WWVH2AOs)
Two Hundred Thirty-Eight FCPS Students Are 2023 National Merit Semifinalists
Two hundred thirty-eight students from 18 Fairfax County Public Schools are among the semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2023. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), which also serves as the Governor’s Regional School for Northern…
![Dr. Reid is presented with a cookie bouquet made by students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092206-2024.jpg?h=6cc34cbc&itok=5W6Q3JQU)
FCPS This Week - September 14, 2022
This week's issue contains information on community conversations, attendance policies and when students should stay home, and Tutor.com resources.
![father and daughter on way to school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Family-Engagement-Father-Daughter-082223-2162-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=O4lv6Uu3)
Results of 2021-22 Family Engagement Survey Offer Positive Feedback
Ninety-one percent of those who responded to the survey said their child felt safe at school, and 90% feel their school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures. Read more about the survey results.
![Dr. Reid Serving Donuts to Bus Drivers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092211-2367.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=1vsbLj9w)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog to keep families, staff, and community members up to date with all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools.
![Dr. Reid greets a bus driver.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092211-2358.jpg?h=485c8f55&itok=PCoOKHHB)
A Sweet 'Thank You' for Hardworking FCPS Bus Drivers
See how Superintendent Reid and FCPS leadership got drivers off to a great start before their morning routes.
![two students and a volunteer working together](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Submitted-Partnerships-IMG_2449-NL_0.jpg?h=ce94693f&itok=nJCPxVmH)
Partnership Update - September 2022
Learn about the latest activities with Business and Community Partnerships in FCPS
![Students at Davis Career Center with their cookie bouquet.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092206-1074-heroweb.jpg?h=195d542b&itok=NnOF_oBj)
Special Delivery! Davis Career Center Students Bring Handmade Cookies and Joy to Superintendent Reid
Young adults with disabilities created colorful cookies to welcome Dr. Reid to a new school year at FCPS.
![Rashida Green enjoys kisses from her goldendoodle puppy Willow Wiggles.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/IMG_3798.jpg?h=0f47bdf6&itok=eB9o3kRX)
Top Dogs
The Mount Vernon Gazette recently published a Pet Gazette, featuring more than a dozen of the most principled pets in the county…and their owners, FCPS principals and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Do you have a pet who helps calm you after a stressful week? Tell us about them! We may feature…
![A smiling young boy walks into school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082222-1012-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=Wh9_AeDN)
FCPS This Week - September 7, 2022
This week's issue contains information on building strong attendance habits, COVID testing, and a reminder to sign the SR&R form.
![Dr. Reid at Chantilly HS Community Conversation](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Weekly-Reflections-9-3-22-092201-2043.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=whBt88LX)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog to keep families, staff, and community members up to date with all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools.
![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.
![Dr. Reid talking with am audience member at a community meeting.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082218-1101.jpg?h=078132e9&itok=NOMr79pr)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 31, 2022
This week's newsletter has information on Community Conversations with Dr. Reid, the Labor Day holiday, COVID-19 testing, and FCPS' anonymous safety tip line.
![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.
![Dr. Reid at the First Day of School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082215-1631.jpg?h=7346c6f9&itok=zjI_JMJ3)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes a weekly blog to keep families, staff, and community members up to date with all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools.
![Happy students get off the bus on the first day of school.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082215-1353-heroweb.jpg?h=37567656&itok=jbDU7HOT)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 24, 2022
The first issue of the 2022-23 school year has first day of school photos, ways to promote strong attendance habits, how to get technology help, and how to sign up for upcoming Community Conversations with Superintendent Michelle Reid.
![Forestdale Principal Gives Hugs to Students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082215-1571.jpg?h=b3041ffa&itok=xHvsdf66)
First Day of School Video - Sights and Sounds Around FCPS
Sights and sounds of the First Day of the 2022-2023 School Year.
![Fairfax County Public Schools Welcome Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082215-1697.jpg?h=5e06d058&itok=H6aj8nK8)
First Day of School Photos 2022-2023
Enjoy a selection of photos from the first day of school on August 22, 2022.
![Teachers Welcomes Student Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082209-1362-HP.jpg?h=2aa300aa&itok=7xaQzPOb)
Welcome Back!
Welcome Message from Dr. Reid about the First Day of School!
![Generic science graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_science-green_1.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=HaEt9C4z)
Monkeypox Guidance and Information
With the emerging concerns regarding the monkeypox virus, we want to provide you with information about the precautions that FCPS is taking in partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD).
![two high school students in library](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SOL-data-012209-1082-HP-2.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=sBsAWPJK)
Fairfax County Public Schools Sees Steady Growth Toward a Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in Standards of Learning (SOL) Data
The Virginia Department of Education has announced 2021-22 Standards of Learning (SOL) data for school divisions that shows students in Fairfax County Public Schools made promising gains in reading, mathematics, and science over the course of the 2022 school year.
![Superintendent Reid meeting a young a student at their home.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082207-1211-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=a33eaacf&itok=M38Yd6PP)
FCPS This Week - August 17, 2022
Get information on the countdown to the first day of school on August 22, community conversations with Dr. Reid, health and safety updates, and Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) updates.
![Picture of Dr. Reid with Fairfax County Public School Students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042210-2124-2.jpg?h=eeb615fe&itok=v4Llizkm)
Sharing Our Success
Sharing Our Success from 2021-2022 school year and looking forward to 2022-2023.
![A crossing guard holds up a stop sign as two students cross the street](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022013-1020.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=i2SEnhGy)
Traffic-Related Back-to-School Safety
Together with the Fairfax County Police Department, FCPS would like to remind everyone how we can work together to ensure that everyone has a safe school year.
![Generic news graphic with lime background.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-lime-1_7_2.png?h=26e46eba&itok=g0xblbTu)
Return to School Health and Safety Letter
See a back to school letter that discusses health and safety guidance for the 2022-23 school year.
![A young girl smiles as she works on an open laptop.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/121940-1087.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=kBXDILM_)
Student Technology Resources: Tools and Guidelines for 2022-23
To ensure equitable access to learning experiences and technology, all FCPS students are issued a laptop or tablet for no fee. Check with your school on specific timelines for checking out an FCPS device. Some schools issue them before school begins, others will do so during the first week or so of…
![generic image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_11.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=rty2hCFr)
Staffing Update From the Superintendent
Our classrooms are now close to 99% staffed, and we are anticipating that we should have an instructor in every classroom who is either currently licensed, or working to attain their licensure through our innovative Teacher Residency program.
![A student selects food for their lunch in a school cafeteria.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082126-2343%20%281%29.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=Sm3fbg5J)
Student Meals
As of July 1, the US Department of Agriculture pandemic program to provide no-cost meals to all public school students has ended. This school year, parents will either need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for…
![Superintendent Reid shaking a student's hand in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072202-1005-heroweb.jpg?h=a0d3b522&itok=Rh6mF56H)
FCPS This Week - August 12, 2022
This week's issue has all the information you need to know about the start of school on August 22.
![Students sitting together working on a project](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/121908-1355-NL%20%281%29.jpg?h=40abecb2&itok=c4LrmlTy)
Partnership Update - August 2022
Read about the newest partnership activities in FCPS
![generic image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_12.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=RUdyWO5-)
Letter from the Superintendent: Student Rights and Responsibilities
It is our goal that every child is fully engaged, academically challenged, and prepared for success in school and beyond.
![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…
![Catherine Coulter, a new hire through the FCPS Teacher Residency program, sits on a desk in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/ResidentCatherineHero.jpg?h=b5aa72d7&itok=X6S-6tsM)
Want to Teach?: Residency Program Helps Get Qualified Educators in the Classroom
A new FCPS program will assist qualified educators by enabling them to fulfill classroom teacher duties while following a fast-tracked educational route to obtaining a Virginia teaching license.
![Seven new teachers smile for a photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082203-1166-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=jsMfhfFP)
The Benefits of Working for FCPS
As a reminder, the 2022 Employee Benefits Handbook is available online. It includes information on health and life insurance, retirement, disability, and health and dependent flexible savings accounts. Be sure to read Employee News regularly for updates on Open Enrollment, which begins in November.
![Elementary school age girl holding an orange popsicle and flashing a thumbs up.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082119-1074.jpg?h=90c34187&itok=tpJbLv37)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 5, 2022
This summer edition of FCPS This Week includes information on the first day of school, Back-to-School Night schedules, required immunizations, and a profile of some newly hired teachers.
![artwork of children playing](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/121608-1367-heroweb_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=2yifnr8G)
FCPS Mental Health and Additional Resources
Healthy Minds Feature - Additional resources related to the FCPS Healthy Minds Blog
![Two people shake hands at a FCPS instructional job fair.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/041933-2004.jpg?h=70ef5175&itok=714iYUqZ)
Eager to Start: Newly Hired Teachers Share Excitement About Making a Difference for FCPS Students
Four teachers from all walks of life share why they chose FCPS as their new home and why they encourage others to start a career in this community.
![graphic of open envelope with letter](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_1.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=e3QAU1Cg)
Message from the Superintendent Regarding Fall Planning
As we prepare to open school in a few weeks, I want you to know that our classrooms are 97% staffed and ready to welcome our students back from summer break. We are working hard to continue to fill those remaining vacancies and to ensure that we will have a licensed educator in every classroom.
![Three female students sit outdoors in the grass talking and reading.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052212-1022-heroweb_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=NDPffjG_)
Update on Students’ Spring Assessment Results
Individual students’ score reports are now available for most assessments that students took this spring.