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FCPS Students Named 2023 Student Peace Award Winners
Students from 26 Fairfax County public schools have been named recipients of the 2023 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers.
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5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Dual Language Learners
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![Mantua ES students](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/new%20HP-2023-05-01_8-36-16.jpg?h=4759b16c&itok=6wE09mQJ)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited Mantua ES, Aldrin ES, Fairhill ES, Glasgow MS, Langston Hughes MS, and Madison HS. She hosted a community event about fentanyl and also led several Teacher Town Halls.
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May 16, 2023 - School Board FY24 Budget Public Hearing
School Board Public Hearing on FY24 Budget
![A young boy reads a book in a library](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122202-1087-heroweb.jpg?h=e2bcc475&itok=bqVnqYz7)
We Love our Libraries!
We love our school libraries! Thank you librarians!
![National Merit Scholarship Winners](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/National%20Merit%20winners%20graphic_13_5.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=pMjLXPrS)
Eight FCPS Students Named Winners of 2023 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools students have been awarded 2023 National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships. The students are part of a group of more than 840 National Merit finalists.
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FCPS This Week April 26, 2023
In this issue, find information on Student Awards, Staff Background Checks, and a Safety and Security Community Conversation.
![Wisam Moula in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/022320-1200.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=vnyJDUdR)
The Positive Impact of Learning
Wisam Moula shares how her Arabic background and admiration of American culture combine in the classroom. What inspires you? Tell us in this blog.
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🚍 Yee Haw! FCPS Bus Drivers and Attendants Rounded Up for Road-eo Competition
Back for the first time since 2007, about 250 school bus drivers, families, and community members turned out for this year’s Bus Road-eo, hosted by the Office of Transportation (OTS).
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FCPS Increases Background Checks for Employees
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) announced increased background checks for employees in a continuing effort to provide safe schools and workplaces for all students and staff.
![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).
![Aubrey Hopkins Midgley](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Our%20Heroes_%20Aubrey%20Midgley%200-30%20screenshot.png?h=59906a9c&itok=EKZF0uoV)
Thank You, School Administrative Professionals!
How would our schools run without our administrative professionals? Find out why Aubrey Hopkins Midgley at Cooper Middle School is referred to as the "backbone" of the school.
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Parent Resource Center Is Now Family Resource Center
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center has changed its name to the Family Resource Center (FRC). This change recognizes the diversity of families that the division serves, and “acknowledges families in a more inclusive way,” says Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, coordinator of Family and School Partnerships.
![Dr. Reid with Robinson SS softball team](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Apr24-team-HP.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=TZDWMwkS)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited Luther Jackson MS, Robinson SS, Colin Powell ES, Mount Eagle ES, and Herndon HS. She attended the FCPS Hall of Fame induction ceremony
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FCPS Students Selected for 2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra
One hundred seventy-six students representing all Fairfax County high schools have been named to the 2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. The students will rehearse and perform with other premier musicians from across the state in late April.
![Sixth Grade Teacher Joslyn Siddiqi](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Joslyn-Siddiqi-16x9-YT.jpg?h=bf19b4b0&itok=lqXUQeTc)
A Blessing to the School
Sixth Grade Teacher Joslyn Siddiqi is described as a "constant positive force." Learn more about her and share your inspirations in this blog.
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Two FCPS Student Projects Win Grand Prize at Virginia State Science Fair
The Virginia Science and Engineering Fair was held on April 15 at the Chartway Arena on the Old Dominion University campus in Norfolk. Sixty-nine students from FCPS participated in the state level fair, and two student projects received the Grand Prize award.
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FCPS This Week: April 19
In this issue, find information on a Safety Town Hall, Fentanyl Community Conversation with Narcan Training, and Spring Assessments.
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Show More Self-Compassion to Yourself
HEALTHY MINDS FEATURE: People who practice self-compassion are happier, less stressed, and more resilient.
![Global Stem Challenge Program students construct a crate to house mealworms who will feast on plastic and styrofoam.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/EdisonGSCP-HERO.jpg?h=157c6c4d&itok=FLYRs0mG)
Food or Fertilizer? Edison Students Explore the Use of Bugs in Global STEM Challenges Program Ahead of Earth Day
Three-year-program has high school students work in teams to tackle real world problems like food access issues, energy sustainability and clean water.
![Three students around a table test where to put their skyscraper into their sample of soil and clay.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/timber-lane-steam-day-06-20230330_115707_1.jpg?h=20d23a81&itok=oOgISp_V)
Full STEAM Ahead with ESSER Funding
Timber Lane Elementary School students engaged in a special STEAM day, made possible by ESSER funds.
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"Teaching is One of the Noblest and Most Rewarding Professions"
Read about what inspired Arabic Language Teacher Nader Hussein to enter the classroom. What inspires you? Share with us!
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February FCPS CARES: Putting Students and Community First
James Carlisle, a teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School, is “constantly putting his students and community first,” said his colleague who nominated him for FCPS CARES.
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Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she stopped by the Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge to visit with student chefs. She also highlights the Science Fair winners, the Unified Sports Special Olympics event at Centreville…
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School Board Meeting Highlights - April 13, 2023
April 13, 2023 - Regular Meeting Highlights
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FCPS This Week - April 12, 2023
In this issue, find information on Month of the Military Child, the Dangers of Fentanyl, and Summer Camps
![Jeanette Essig at the District Choral Concert](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032327-1043-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=lGIiKtlj)
Music Educator Reflects on 30+ Years of FCPS Choral Festivals
With the exception of two years when she was on maternity leave, Jeanette Essig has been involved with every 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival since 1988. This year’s 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival was Essig’s last, as she will retire in June.
![FCPS's Neurodiversity Specialist in a classroom of high school studets from West Potomac High School](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032326-1092.jpg?h=9a7fff01&itok=sA4qWXrI)
Fairfax County Public Schools Welcomes First-in-Nation Neurodiversity Specialist Amongst a Trio of Hires to Support Students Who Learn Differently
FCPS is leading the nation when it comes to supporting neurodiverse students.
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NASA Astronaut Lindgren Leads Students to Launch Dreams
NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren returned to Robinson Secondary School to speak to students on March 31. Lindgren–a Robinson graduate–talked about his career at NASA, and the advice he would give students aspiring to reach their dreams.
![Brittany Hooper sits with children](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Teaching%20Was%20the%20Right%20Choice%20for%20My%20Family%200-55%20screenshot.png?h=22d074b6&itok=NDQt4fYp)
Teaching Was the Right Choice for My Family
Brittany Hooper looked for an occupation that fit her and her military family's schedule. She kept coming back to teaching and loves her choice.
![Students getting seeds for planting from an adult.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/042315-1057.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=7KyyBzhI)
Partnership Update - April 2023
See what's happening in Business and Community Partnerships
![Dr. Reid with student](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Apr10-Weekly-Reflections-library-hero-gray.jpg?h=5f3d1bb1&itok=jBqzZ_4S)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. Prior to spring break, Dr. Reid visited Franconia ES, Hutchison ES, and Coates ES. She present information to the School Board about expanded curriculum information on the website.
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April 27, 2023 - School Board Public Hearing Comment on ESSER III In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
School Board Public Hearing Comment on ESSER III In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
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FCPS CARES - April 2023
FCPS CARES submissions for the month of April 2023.
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Happy Assistant Principals Week!
Happy assistant principals week! If you're an assistant principal, what inspires you? If you're not, how have your administrative teams helped you in your career?
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5-4-3-2-1 Early Childhood Tips for Today: Reading Together
5 things to know or do, 4 links to visit, 3 points to access research, 2 children read aloud, 1 video to view!
![A family of four posing for a photo.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/102214-1085_0.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=hi8__2TR)
Five Strategies to Activate Empathy in Children
HEALTHY MINDS FEATURE: Empathy is a key ingredient in having children show caring, acceptance, and tolerance of others.
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School Board Meeting Highlights - March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023 - Regular Meeting Highlights
![Tracy Tashima teaches students sitting in a circle.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032013-1257.jpg?h=acca14bb&itok=32gCEVUT)
"The Epitome of a Dedicated and Caring Teacher"
Tracy Tashima of Hunt Valley Elementary School was nominated for FCPS CARES for the way she models empathy and collaboration in the classroom.
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Key Findings Regarding the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Commended Student Notifications
Message from the Superintendent to Share Key Findings Regarding the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Commended Student Notifications
![Kirsten Birge works with two students.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032329-2020-1600x600.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=AwPOubdg)
“Seeing the Pure Emotion” of Learning is a “Privilege”
After 25 years as a physical education teacher, this year Kirsten Birge went back to school, herself, in order to support and assist her special education students in a new way. While working toward licensure, she has moved from the gymnasium to the classroom; from being an adapted physical…
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Columbia Scholastic Press Association Honors Three FCPS Schools with Crown Awards
This year, three Fairfax County school news publications were honored with Crown Awards in a ceremony at Columbia University on March 17.
![Saed Mohamed teaches at a white board](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/032310-1031-heroweb.jpg?h=7c958ed5&itok=y7oT-wfz)
FCPS This Week - March 29
In this issue, read about Dr. Reid on the Multilingual Podcast, Student Awards, and the Upcoming Fentanyl Conversation.
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FCPS Stance on 2023 Proposed History and Social Science Standards
FCPS raises numerous issues with the proposed history and social science standards in a letter to the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Board of Education.
![Anne Ray, orchestra teacher](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/122212-1506.jpg?h=58c8a5e7&itok=ifH0wJ_W)
Lifelong Memories and Confidence
Anne Ray wants to provide her students with lifelong memories and confidence. Why do you work for FCPS?
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FCPS Named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year
Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected as a 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence.
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New Features on Website Benefit Diverse Communities
A new language translation and text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website (www.fcps.edu) and each school website.
![Dr. Reid](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Mar27-Reflections-hero.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=WxZ6bz0N)
Superintendent's Weekly Reflections
Superintendent Reid writes about all of the great things happening in Fairfax County Public Schools. This week she visited White Oaks ES and attended the Korean Community Service Center banquet. She highlights the work of the Student Advisory Council and student artists.
![Katie Eustis and Grace Parsons](/sites/default/files/styles/card_1x/public/media/hero/Katie%20Eustis_Grace_Parsons3-heroweb-16x6.jpg?h=e0d9a4bb&itok=85MM4hQu)
From Mentorship to Friendship
They began as mentor/mentee, now they're forever-friends. Read more in this blog, and tell us: Have you formed life-long relationships at FCPS?
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FCPS Students Earn 33 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
FCPS students received 33 national awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. FCPS students were recognized for original art and writing with one American Visions Medal, ten Gold Medals, one Silver Medal with Distinction, and 21 Silver Medals.