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![Teacher in front of a classroom of students.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102116-2304-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=DPzBb3i4)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - October 13, 2021
Get the latest news about the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, social and emotional learning, a Community Vaccination Clinic, and graduates who received IB Diplomas and Career-related Certificates in this week's issue of FCPS This Week.
![News graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_6.png?h=26e46eba&itok=E67P4Pp_)
FCPS Students Earn International Baccalaureate Diploma and Career-Related Certificates
Four-hundred-eight FCPS students earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and 58 students earned the IB Career-related Certificate during the 2020-21 school year.
![female student reading book at desk](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Equitable%20Access%20to%20Literacy%20092134-2014-heoweb_1.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=NDZHSyEL)
Equitable Access to Literacy Will Transform Learning for Every Child
Fairfax County Public Schools is launching an ambitious initiative that will provide students with the education and support they need to develop the reading and writing skills necessary for success in school and life.
![student standing in auto shop](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Superior%20Auto%20Care-2-resized.jpg?h=0c7369ca&itok=HoPEsprB)
Partnership Update - October 2021
Find out what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships including some new and upcoming partners, a new name for the foundation, and opportunities for substitute teaching.
![Students in an outdoor classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/083134-1064.jpg?h=c1b7ad05&itok=sA54HM3_)
FCPS this Week e-newsletter - October 6, 2021
This week's issue has information about FCPS' record high graduation rate; Bryant High School's Howard Brewer being chosen as the Region 4 Teacher of the Year; a reminder of the upcoming Indigenous Peoples' Day (Columbus Day) holiday; and athletics vaccinations.
![Saja Abduljabbar](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/210916_BacktoFairfax_SajaAbduljabbar.00_00_06_21.Still001.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=rLLKVkED)
New Teacher Returns to Her High School; Sees Herself in Every ESOL Student
Here's a feel good video to start your week. It's a Back2Fairfax story about Saja Abduljabbar, a new teacher at the high school she graduated from. Learn why she sees herself in every ESOL student. And meet the fellow teacher she credits for her success.
![graphic showing news items](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_success-teal_4.png?h=6f64ded6&itok=geY-x9V7)
FCPS Graduation Rates Reach Record High for the Class of 2021
Graduation rates released by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) indicate that 94.6% of Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) students in the class of 2021 graduated on time, up from 93% in 2020. FCPS’ 2021 graduation rate exceeded the statewide on-time graduation rate.
![Student wearing a mask giving a thumbs up sign.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SEL_032127-1259-heroweb_0.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=-lTvMoYR)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - September 29, 2021
This week's issue has information on the Opening of Schools Report to the School Board, SAT scores for the Class of 2021, National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for the Class of 2022, answers to questions on the SEL screener, and more on the StreamIN/CheckIN experience.
![Student art work.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/031706-1029.jpg?h=bc816b12&itok=F5GuuDh-)
Talk. They Hear You.
It’s important to start talking to your children early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
![Students sit on tree stumps in outdoor classroom at Ravensworth ES.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/083134-1045-heroweb_0.jpg?h=d1acc5aa&itok=cCjMjHx7)
Designing an Outdoor Classroom: FCPS Student Uses his Skills as a Boy Scout to Create Exciting and Versatile Learning Space
A Lake Braddock sophomore goes back to his elementary school to build an outdoor classroom with the help of the community.
![Ethan, a 4th-grader who was won of 10 Time for Kids student journalist winners picked from across the U.S., points to text on his keyboard as he types.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/EthanZhangHero.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=P5_b32vT)
Fourth-Grade Time for Kids Student Journalist Winner Grills Nutrition Director On Pandemic Meals
Churchill Road student quizzes FCPS food and nutrition director on pandemic meal deliveries as part of Time for Kids journalism contest’s final round assignment to profile a local hero.
![Kathleen Miller substituting in classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Kathleen%20Miller%20sub%20story.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=brFzNUy-)
My Day as a Super Sub
What's it like to be a substitute teacher? An FCPS employee says it's an A+ experience. Watch a video and read her story to learn more about her day at school and about how you can help schools by becoming a substitute.
![School News graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SchoolNewsgenericdefaultblue2_179_0.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=zR4hWzCw)
Oakton High School Students Give Presentations at Global Health Leaders Conference
This past summer, five students at Oakton High School--Lucy Kim, Sejal Singh, Emily Yu, Rana Ali, and Sarah Cortez-De La Cruz—gave presentations at the 2021 Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University.
![Sean Miller receives the 2021 History Teacher of the Year Award from George Washington's Mount Vernon](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/sean%203.jpg?h=48763103&itok=qE17yNma)
FCPS Teacher Receives 2021 History Teacher of the Year Award from George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Sean Miller is being honored for his creative, impactful teaching style and his work developing African American History curriculum at FCPS.
![Congratulations FCPS National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Hero%20Image_Semi%20finalists%201600x600.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=n0EL3FUI)
Students from 16 FCPS High Schools Named National Merit Semifinalists
Two hundred fourteen students from 16 high schools have been named semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2022.
![Teacher and students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022113-2215-heroweb%20virtual%20job%20fair_0.jpg?h=26e46eba&itok=AT_U4QM4)
FCPS this Week e-newsletter - September 22, 2021
Check out this week's issue for information on StreamIN/CheckIN, student vaccine updates, an update to the definition of the COVID-19 close contact definition, and the Mental Health and Wellness Conference.
![Generic news image](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-5_5.png?h=26e46eba&itok=nh2Jf515)
Sangster Elementary School Named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School
Sangster Elementary School has been named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The Fairfax County school is among seven schools in Virginia receiving the honor this year.
![Annandale High Assistant Principal Sarah Eqab, sophomore Sosan Barakzai, senior Khujasta Basiri, junior Ahsanullah Luddin, English for Speakers of Other Languages Department Chairwoman Meredith Hedrick and sophomore Husna Basiri are all working to help newly arrived Afghan refugee students adjust to American high school life.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/AHSAfghanHero_1.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=rzJhI4uu)
Fairfax County Schools, Students Open Doors and Arms to Afghan Refugees
More than 80 Afghan students have enrolled in FCPS schools over the past few weeks after hundreds of refugee families made Northern Virginia their first stop in the U.S.
![Girl in mask giving a thumbs up.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/052105-1068-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=dgEvQ33f)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - September 15, 2021
Get an update on FCPS' strong return to school, Walk to School Day on October 6, Parent Resource Center webinars, and how to get updates by text from FCPS.
![school supplies on a table](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/school%20supplies.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=3i6O9Psa)
Partnership Update - September 2021
Find out what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships
![Group of students giving the thumbs up sign.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Message%20about%20pause%20for%20vaccinated%20students%20083137-1161-heroweb_0_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=N6DJW_AU)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - September 8, 2021
This week's issue of FCPS this Week has answers to frequently asked questions about student-athlete vaccinations, and information about the process for returning vaccinated students to the classroom, multilingual parent podcasts, and school lunch.
![fcps cares celebration at columbia elementary school](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/fcps-cares-celebration_1.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=ua8kpwUf)
FCPS Cares - September 2021
The FCPS Cares Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Read about some of our amazing staff here and consider submitting an outstanding employee for recognition.
![Teacher and students in an outdoor classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/092101-2451-heroweb.jpg?h=4823a671&itok=tpfKJKiE)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - September 1, 2021
Get information on COVID-19 protocols, the vaccination requirement for athletic participation, 2021-22 cultural observances and religious holidays, and the plan for ESSER III funding.
![photo of a microscope](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/011726-1098-Heroweb_1.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=GDET0hH8)
Students Earn AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificates
Sixty-six (66) FCPS students earned the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma and twenty-three (23) students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2020-2021 school year.
![School Board seal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/School%20Board%20seal_82.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=F30-xViR)
Fairfax County School Board Approves $188 Million ESSER III Spending Plan
The Fairfax County School Board approved a $188.6 million spending plan for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) grant funds at its Board meeting on August 26.
![Green press release graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero_news-green-2_19_2.png?h=26e46eba&itok=CJSTIFNR)
Fairfax County Public Schools Announces Standards of Learning Data in Line with Pandemic Trends Felt Across the Region
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has announced 2020-21 Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates for school divisions that show that the impact of the pandemic on Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) was similar to that felt across the entire state.
![Girl holding up a thank you sign.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Success%20Booklet%20-%20Cover%201600%20by%20600_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=_2BuLrIa)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 25, 2021
Learn about our strong, safe, in-person opening of schools, the latest on bus transportation, a COVID-19 vaccine/testing requirement for staff members, and a reminder about the upcoming Labor Day break.
![girl hold up thank you letter to school custodian](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Success%20Booklet%20-%20Cover%201600%20by%20600.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=LvamPrY0)
Sharing Our Success
Welcome to our inaugural edition of Sharing Our Success, an annual publication that highlights the 2020-21 achievements of our students and educators.
![Incoming Glasgow Middle School student Oliver DiGeronimo consults with educators on his skateboard's design.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/GlasgowHeroOliver.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=p7NbtSo5)
Glasgow Staff, Students Ready to Skate Into New School Year
Glasgow staff, students participate in skateboard design team-building workshop to hone collaborative skills in advance of start of school year.
![Girl in mask exiting a school bus.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072126-1005.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=Y_WIj-MX)
FCPS This Week e-newsletter - August 18, 2021
In this week's issue, get information on the First Day of School countdown, health and safety updates, school meals, and Back to School Night schedules.
![photo of Dr. Brabrand and other town hall speakers](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/town%20hall%208-17-21.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=543UQYTt)
View Return to School Town Halls
Your questions about the measures FCPS will be using to keep schools safe for a strong return to school were answered during the August 16 Town Hall (English) and August 17 Town Hall (Spanish). View the recordings.
![Students wear the graduation colors of their schools at summer graduation.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082109-1020-heroweb.jpg?h=88283bd4&itok=5_L0Wuev)
Summer Graduation Ceremony
Celebrate the success of our summer graduates who participated in the graduation ceremony in August.
![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
![Student getting shots](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/082104-2024-heroweb.jpg?h=16cf3c86&itok=Mb3k7xX6)
FCPS This Week - August 4, 2021
The first issue of the 2021-22 school year has all the information you need for back to school.
![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.
![school bus](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/041621-2014-heroweb.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=xondUmxY)
Easing the Back-to-School Transition
Learn tips to help ease the up-coming transition back to school and promote a successful school experience.
![Sophia Brown standing outside Madison HS with her bike.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072117-2086-heroweb.jpg%20web.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=jZ4i--1j)
One Book and Bike at a Time: FCPS Student Donation Drive Making a Difference for Tanzanian Community
16-year-old Sophia Brown organized a bike drive at her high school, then traveled to Africa this summer to deliver the donations to teachers and students in one remote village.
![two young students dressed up in business attire](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Partnership%20Hero%20image.jpg?h=648b6813&itok=MUFJN6Yh)
Partnership Update - July 2021
Find out what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships
![A student tends to a plant in the courtyard.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072104-2026SpecialEducationGardening2.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=YsmUPCJ0)
Special Education Students Dig In to Transform a Green Space and Gain Work Skills at the Same Time
These hard working students at West Springfield High School turned an overgrown courtyard into a beautiful garden retreat.
![Silverbrook Elementary School teacher Kathryn Desmond engages summer program students in discussion about friendship.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SilverbrookHero.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=nLI8Xs6j)
“Yay, No Computer!:” Bridge to First Grade Summer Program Eases Return to In-Person Learning
Students in Silverbrook Elementary School's Bridge to First Grade program rejoice in things they may have missed during virtual Kindergarten -- like seeing a friend's face for the first time, sharing your favorite color with a classmate, and learning how to walk in a single file line through school…
![photo of electric school bus and charging station](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/elec%20bus%20012106-1039.jpg?h=adc48829&itok=TtXVQrEW)
Fairfax County School Board Sets Goal for Carbon Neutral Energy Use by 2040
The Fairfax County School Board has accepted the recommendations of the Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) to set a goal for the school division to become carbon neutral by 2040.
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Fairfax County School Board Directs Superintendent to Submit ESSER III Plan
At its July 15 Board meeting, the Fairfax County School Board authorized Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Scott S.Brabrand to develop and submit a formal plan to the state to access an allocation of $188.6 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III)…
![roadside historical marker](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/historial%20markers.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=G_-ZF9RU)
Fairfax County School Board Announces Historical Markers Contest
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hosting an historical markers content with a focus on African American history in Fairfax County.
![School Board Seal](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/School%20Board%20Seal.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=vrxl8pVY)
Stella Pekarsky Elected Fairfax County School Board Chair; Rachna Sizemore Heizer Elected Vice Chair
The Fairfax County School Board has elected Stella Pekarsky (Sully District) as chair and Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Member-at-Large) as vice chair for a one-year term.
![Colorful graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/news_heroimg_yellow.png?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=YQgKrqaP)
FCPS Superintendent Announces Departure from School Division in July 2022
Superintendent Brabrand announces his departure from the division at the end of his contract.
![Photo of Dr. Brabrand speaking to person](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Dr.%20Brabrand%20071701-1057-heroweb.jpg?h=5298b7f5&itok=-Rt-SjUB)
Dr. Brabrand Message to the Community
Superintendent Brabrand sent a message to the community.
![Lynbrook Elementary parent Lidia Gonzalez discusses seed packets with master gardener Mary Kent and environmental educator Rayanne Pirozzi.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/LynbrookHero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=GSG6Grfy)
Lynbrook Elementary Turns Garden Plots Over to Families, Who Grow Food for Own Tables
Lynbrook Elementary School has turned over school garden plots to eight families who are learning from master gardeners, growing food for their own dinner tables, and teaching their children the importance of eating vegetables.
![Logan in his graduate gown being hugged by his mother](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/072102-1031-heroweb.jpg?h=bda9c900&itok=VDpns8X3)
“Even the Smallest Little Thing Can Have a Positive Impact on the Life of a Student.”
From autism diagnosis to graduation with a 4.0 GPA, Centreville High School Class of ‘21 student, Logan De La Cruz and his mother Kolette, an FCPS assistant principal, couldn’t be more thankful for the support they have received along the way.
![Three former FCPS athletes are headed to the 2021 Olympics.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/hero%202.png?h=4deddb3e&itok=iOBFNFiN)
Going for Gold: Former FCPS Athletes Fulfill Olympic Dream
Every four years, the world’s best athletes pack their bags, board a plane, and embark on the journey of a lifetime to the Olympic Games. This year, some of the remarkable young men and women heading to Tokyo are Fairfax County Public School graduates.
![West Springfield Elementary Principal visits a family on their front porch.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/SheersHero_0.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=m_CaxCD6)
FCPS Principal Visits Students’ Homes to Reconnect During Virtual Learning
West Springfield Elementary Principal Dr. Kelly Sheers made dozens of home visits to virtual students this year, ensuring their families still felt connected to the FCPS community.