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FCPS Adapted Physical Education Teacher Named National Teacher of the Year by SHAPE
Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, has been named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
![National Merit Scholarship winners graphic.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/National%20Merit%20winners%20graphic_13_9.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=16G6VRTh)
Seven FCPS Students Named Winners of 2024 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Seven Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2024 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
![Laura Senturia, Washington Post 2024 Teacher of the Year](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/LauraSentura-hero_0.png?h=de4749b0&itok=uAMNYuA7)
Colin Powell Elementary School Teacher Named 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year
Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
![students gathered around raised garden beds](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Green%20Team%20Photo.jpg?h=d1e9385f&itok=qvMgemt4)
Get2Green Leader Enjoys All the Possibilities of Connecting Students with Nature
Erika Thompson has always loved spending time outside and growing plants. As an advanced academic resource teacher at Forest Edge Elementary School, she has found a way to combine that interest with her role as an educator through Get2Green.
![Alexa Pugnetti and a student arrange trophies](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062301-5518.jpg?h=52e2c016&itok=59fuv_Jw)
The Spirit of Woodson High School
Wednesday, April 24, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you to all the FCPS employees who support our schools and offices and keep things running smoothly. Read about Alexa Pugnetti, named the 2023 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee at FCPS Honors.
![Energy Star logo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Energy%2520Star%5B1%5D.jpg?h=fbc7178b&itok=bEPV_-0Z)
FCPS Named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year
Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected as a 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence. This award is reserved for ENERGY STAR® partners demonstrating outstanding leadership, year over year.
![Dr. Reid celebrating the Clean School Bus Program](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%204.19.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=En_qO4hz)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended several student performances, hosted a Community Conversation, and more!
![students on swings](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/unnamed%20%2821%29.jpg?h=ada05aa9&itok=D8A6Sejy)
FCPS This Week - April 18, 2024
In this issue, learn about spring assessments, the Family Summit, and community forums on middle school start times.
![school building for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Thomas-Jefferson-0923101-1220.jpg?h=72e0a577&itok=I0NuREjd)
Offers Extended to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Class of 2028
Offers for admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology went to 550 students, including students from each of FCPS’ middle schools.
![Student playing a saxophone](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011812-1472.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=I7IWBV4b)
FCPS Students Selected for 2024 All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus
One hundred eighty-one FCPS students have been selected to perform at the 2024 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event which will take place April 18-20 in Richmond.
![Dr. Reid with FCPS staff and students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%204.12.2024.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=clWydSOz)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended an inclusion track meet, hosted an Employee Conversation, and more!
![The School Board joins students, staff, and community members in support of the Month of the Military Child proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042409-2065.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=2hEa8Oz-)
School Board Meeting Highlights - April 11, 2024
April 11, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Vivi and her students look at a fish tank](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/unnamed%20%2817%29.jpg?h=302fb8ac&itok=_Hwskdeu)
🏛️ My First Year Episode 5: A Day at the Museum
Though each day may feel full of discovery for students in Ms. Vivi’s third grade classroom, that feeling of discovery was taken up a notch when the class took their first field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
![A man in military dress adjusts his hat on his daughter's head.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022431-2693-HP.jpg?h=699337c8&itok=6BshF6KB)
FCPS This Week - April 11, 2024
In this issue, learn about an upcoming school health survey, events and webinars for families, and recent awards granted to FCPS.
![four students handle a bearded dragon](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042304-1059-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=doNE_HFT)
Bearded Dragon Helps Everyone Feel Welcome at Katherine Johnson Library
This week is National Library Week. In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Read how Katherine Johnson Middle School welcomes the…
![Dr. Reid with employees](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Reflections-hero.jpg?h=26e46eba&itok=5HUbj3AJ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she attended association leadership meetings for the Middle School Principals Association and High School Principals Association. She also hosted two Employee Conversations.
![Elementary students playing in an orchestra.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032419-1031.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=wflSJcpz)
FCPS Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education by NAMM
Fairfax County Public Schools has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.
![Students display prom dresses](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042309-2209.jpg?h=78ef9ba0&itok=HNxif4a5)
Centreville Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses
Marketing students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program will open their Prom Dress Shop for the prom season on Friday, April 5, at Centreville High School.
![a military family](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022431-1295.jpg?h=fb26d154&itok=g0itEHxy)
FCPS This Week - April 3, 2024
In this issue, read about Month of the Military Child and how schools are prioritizing attendance and teaching real-world math skills.
![Generic news release graphic - green](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_awards-green_2_14.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=JvxuCCXV)
Two FCPS School Counseling Programs Awarded 2024 RAMP Designation
Two Fairfax County Public Schools school counseling programs have been recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as model programs and were awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2024 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school…
![fcps cares at virginia run elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-april-2024.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=sOcesRzd)
FCPS CARES - April 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of April 2024.
![Dr. Reid at the spring '24 opioid crisis Community Conversation](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%203.29.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=pWePCQV-)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited schools, hosted a Community Conversation focused on addressing the opioid crisis, and more!
![Clermont Elementary students engage in a relay race as part of the school's Military Kids Club program.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Clermont-MKC-Hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=e_m2hYT9)
Military Kids Club Helps Students Bond Over Moves, Parent Deployment Stress and Shipping Pets Across Country
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community.
![Karen Hertel stands in the Bryant school office](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/062301-5885.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=94BHU9vh)
Bryant Administrator Leads With Her Heart
April 1-5 is National Assistant Principals Week, honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success. Last year, Bryant High School Assistant Principal Karen Hertel was selected as the Outstanding School-Based Leader at FCPS Honors, the annual celebration of outstanding…
![Kids play with balloons.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032401-1280-2.jpg?h=6b3a96ea&itok=w-BcyfPv)
FCPS This Week - March 27, 2024
In this issue, learn about the extension of the family engagement survey, online registration, and upcoming holidays.
![graphic for Superintendent's Messages](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/supt-message-2021-hero-image_21.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=rRgmC-iX)
Act of Violence in Our Community
I’m sure that many of you have seen news reports of a shooting Wednesday afternoon that tragically and senselessly took a young life. This incident has deeply impacted our Herndon and Westfield school communities, as well as our community as a whole.
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School Board Seeking Applicants for Facilities Planning Advisory Council (March 2024)
The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) for a Providence District member and a Sully District member. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of…
![The School Board joins librarians and library services staff in support of the Read Across America and Library Recognition Month proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032419-1189.jpg?h=2829a9a8&itok=auOM8Z8l)
School Board Meeting Highlights - March 21, 2024
March 21, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Kristen Salonga](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122206-1112-heroweb%20%281%29.jpg?h=21ca9992&itok=wWd1J426)
Justice High School Teacher Receives Award From National Science Teaching Association
Kirsten Salonga, an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) environmental science and biology teacher at Justice High School, has been named one of six winners of the National Science Teaching Association’s (NSTA) 2023 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award.
![Fourth grade students at Union Mill Elementary School work on leprechaun traps. The project combined science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) and Portrait of a Graduate attributes of creativity and collaboration.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032410-2135.jpg?h=e60aeb09&itok=21sH_sCP)
FCPS This Week - March 20, 2024
In this issue, read about student award winners, updated COVID recommendations, and community forums on middle school start times.
![Katherine Johnson working at NASA](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/unnamed%20%282%29.png?h=c110d300&itok=qpUdsoFj)
🚀 Honoring the Legacy of Katherine Johnson and Women’s History Month
In honor of National Women's History Month, we are celebrating Katherine Johnson, an American mathematician and aerospace technologist.
![Teacher Matt Ravenstahl watches student Nora Patterson as she glues fabric to canvas.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032409-2122-heroweb.jpg?h=b4d0ed1a&itok=V5s5PAaD)
Making a Masterpiece: South Lakes Students “Find Their Language” in Inclusive Fine Arts Class
It's a special Fine Arts class — it's calming and encouraging, and it's for anyone.
![2024 Regional Science Fair Winners](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/2024%20Regional%20Science%20Fair%20Winners.jpg?h=9af6177c&itok=QJFfSidS)
Nine FCPS Projects Earn Grand Prize Award in 2024 Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 69th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased more than 300 high school science projects. Roughly 400 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Nine FCPS projects received Grand Prize awards.
![Dr. Reid with Fort Belvoir staff and students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%203.15.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=bqZnMrYo)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she attended a Pi Day celebration, visited Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper for Month of the Military Child, and more!
![A student at Virginia Run Elementary School practices playing the recorder.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022430-1415-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=446sz4SL)
FCPS This Week - March 13, 2024
In this week's issue, read about the county's funding of the FCPS budget, literacy development, and measles prevention.
![Students performing Pride and Prejudice at Robinson Secondary School.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/RB_Pride%20and%20Prejudice_a.jpg?h=8cdbf4b7&itok=8BDjtX8l)
Cappies Review of Pride and Prejudice at Robinson 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 in local newspapers. There are fifteen Cappies chapters across the United States and Canada. Addie Harris of McLean High…
![Sam poses for a picture](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022435-1016-heroweb.jpg?h=df67fb46&itok=bedaxw83)
“Look at My Capabilities and Talents” — Instructional Assistant Dedicated to Lifelong Learning
Sam Kang, instructional assistant (IA) at Stone Middle School, is constantly thinking about “how [he] can develop [himself] and help other people.” Sam is self-taught in playing guitar, singing, and sketching, and loves to write. He believes in lifelong learning and sharing that gift with others. On…
Four FCPS Teams, 36 Individuals Win 2023-24 VHSL Winter Sports Championships
Congratulations to all the FCPS student-athletes who participated in the 2024 winter sports season. This year, four teams and 36 individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and five teams and 36 individuals were the state runners-up.
![A group of women walking in a hallway.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Celeste%20Peterson%20Hero%20Image.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=NDCEHmY-)
Honoring Erin: A Student’s Legacy Lives on in the Westfield Pyramid
A former FCPS parent is committed to making a difference in the Westfield High School pyramid after experiencing tremendous grief. Celeste Peterson lost her daughter, Westfield graduate Erin Peterson, in the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007.
![Generic news release image - yellow](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/genericdefault_heroimg_92_19.png?h=30cf5b69&itok=bAgwGNDe)
FCPS Students Named 2024 Student Peace Award Recipients
Students from 26 Fairfax County public schools have been named recipients of the 2024 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers.
![Jackson MS students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/March-8-2024-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=aKkzszmZ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she met with the Special Education Parent Teacher Association, watched the South Lakes HS boys basketball team win the state championship, and more!.
![Family photo](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/1000045633.jpg?h=e514ad9b&itok=es2WZiPs)
Building Cultural Bridges Between Families and Schools
Because of some of her experiences as a child of an immigrant family, Raheel Ahmed-Litz feels passionate about helping families “who don’t feel seen or heard,” she said. “I feel called to be the person who supports them and gives them a voice. I remind them that they are not alone. I want all FCPS…
![a boy on his bike](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052212-1031-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=7xB89_Kd)
The Importance of Play
Play builds healthy minds and bodies for children.
![The School Board joins students, staff, and community members in support of the Disability Acceptance/National Disability Awareness Month proclamation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032403-2043.jpg?h=ee03d089&itok=piQx5NYs)
School Board Meeting Highlights - March 7, 2024
March 7, 2024 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![A young student holds an apple slice.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/012311-2153.jpg?h=f7fe71e6&itok=AMX-lYjU)
FCPS This Week - March 6, 2024
In this week's issue, learn about a New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces, Summer Camp Resources, and How to View the Upcoming Solar Eclipse Safely.
![A ribbon cutting ceremony in a library](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Bussey%2010.jpg?h=bd89baa8&itok=OV8s5xUd)
Family Resource Center Library Named for Education Advocate
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Family Resource Center (FRC) has formally named its library the Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Library, honoring the legacy and commitment of Bussey to education and equipping families to effectively advocate for the educational rights and needs of their…
![Students at the Edison Academy prepare food for guests](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/heroculinary.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=VdnkWTMf)
Be Our Guest: Edison Culinary Students Provide Fine Dining Experience for Community Members and School Staff
Culinary Arts students get real-life experience at Bistro 1093 where they host community members and school staff for a three-course, fine dining experience at a pop-up restaurant inside Edison Academy.
![two students high-fiving](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022413-2111-heroweb.jpg?h=f11350ed&itok=vXSrj5hM)
“Not Like Any Other Class” — Peer Mentor Program Practices Relationship Building
Each day, students from Westfield High School’s Peer Mentor class travel to a different feeder elementary school to bond with their younger mentees. The high schoolers have buddies at Deer Park, London Towne, Virginia Run, Cub Run, and Bull Run elementary schools that they meet with during their…
![fcps cares of the month recipient and principal from herndon middle school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-march-2024.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=9S1wDvqe)
FCPS CARES - March 2024
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of March2024.
![Dr. Reid at the dedication of the Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Library](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/WR%20hero%203.1.24.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=r2t6o_Og)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This past week, she visited several elementary schools, attended the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge, and more!