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Dear Lee District Families -
The week of June 1 has been filled with so many emotions. Below is the message our School Board shared with our families earlier today.
Racism and hate have no place in our schools. Our Board will work with the community to begin the difficult conversations we must have in order to build a better Fairfax. Together we can become the agents for the change that needs to happen—and I know many FCPS graduates will be the leaders advancing progress.
For in this difficult time, there is hope. Beginning this week, FCPS is celebrating and honoring the Class of 2020. I have seen so much love for our Seniors from our families and neighbors throughout many Lee District communities. To the Class of 2020 -- through a strong educational foundation you are equipped with the strength and values that can bring a divided world together.
I wish you good health, hope and peace.
- Tammy
Message from the Fairfax County School Board
June 5, 2020
Dear FCPS Students, Families and Staff,
The events occurring across the country in the aftermath of the tragedy surrounding George Floyd are a response to the injustices we have witnessed for far too long. Images showing the brutal treatment of Mr. Floyd and other African Americans weigh heavily on our hearts and in our minds.
The pain and anguish displayed on our national stage developed from generations of systemic racism impacts our students, families, staff and communities. We embrace our responsibility to ensure our schools are safe havens where all students are welcomed, valued, respected, and greeted with opportunity.
Working with the community as One Fairfax, this Board is committed to identifying actionable items to improve policies, procedures, curriculum and access to opportunities to ensure that students, families, and staff do not experience injustice and inequities in Fairfax County Public Schools. We will seek reform, reflect on our own biases and engage in difficult conversations. During this process we will partner with our community, invite public comment and seek collaboration with state and local leaders.
We value diversity and are united in our opposition to racism and hate. We stand in solidarity with our black students, educators, staff and their families. We must unite and be agents of change in working to build a better world. We cannot and will not be silent.
Sincerely,
The Fairfax County School Board
2020 Graduation Recognition Updates
Although we recognize the photo and video celebrations do not replace an in-person graduation, FCPS has included some additional enhancements to provide a more graduate-like experience for all the seniors.
Each high school will be honoring their graduates with a photo celebration (see table below) and a graduation celebration video will be produced that will be livestreamed for family and friends to enjoy viewing with their graduate.
The photo celebration will create a special memory for seniors as they walk onto a decorated stage while Pomp and Circumstance is played. Each student’s name will be called as they walk to the stage, pose for a photo with their diploma, and turn their tassel. Photos will be taken by a professional photographer and families will be able to take their own photos. This process was developed based on current data and guidance from the Fairfax County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We will be following all social distancing requirements.
The graduation celebration videos being produced will include photos of seniors, speeches, highlights of the senior class and other graduation traditions. The purpose of this video is to celebrate our seniors, acknowledge their achievement of earning a high school diploma, and create a keepsake memory for them. The format of this video will be a hybrid between a traditional graduation ceremony and a celebration of our seniors’ accomplishments. The videos will be livestreamed and broadcast on Channels 21, 25 and 99 (see below for schedule).
Schools shared details about these enhancements earlier this week. Seniors and their families are reminded to keep checking their email for specific instructions, or you may call your school with further questions. Also check the school’s website.
Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2020. We are very proud of you!
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High School
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Photo Op
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Edison HS
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June 4, 5, 8, & 9
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Hayfield SS
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June 7-11
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Lee HS
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June 11-12
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Mount Vernon HS
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June 10-12
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West Potomac HS
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June 8-12; 15
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Bryant High School
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June 15
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Quander Road School
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June 8
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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