Five Things to Know This Week - June 29, 2020

Falls Church HS Graduate


FCPS' virtual graduation ceremonies will take place this week. The complete schedule is available online


1. FCPS to Offer Choices for the 2020-21 School Year; Parent Response Deadline Is July 10

The Fairfax County School Board has reached consensus on a framework to offer students a choice in how they return to school in August for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. An enrollment letter will be distributed to parents so that they can state their preference. The deadline to submit the letter is July 10 so that detailed planning can begin for virtual and in-person class schedules. Teachers will also be surveyed for their return-to-school preferences.  

The plan offers families two choices: 

  • Full-time online instruction. Virtual, interactive instruction will be provided four days a week. 
  • At least two full days of instruction in school each week with students engaged in independent study and work on the days they are not in the school building.

One day each week will be set aside for teacher planning and intervention support for some students in either scenario.

More information on Returning to School is available online


Additional Information


2. Parent Feedback Wanted on the FCPS 2021-22 School Year Calendar

Want to weigh in on the development of the FCPS 2021-22 School Year Calendar? If so, you will have a chance beginning today, Monday, June 29. You will receive an email from fcpssurvey@fcps.edu with a link to the FCPS Calendar Survey. The survey will also be available in other languages later this week.

We encourage you to keep an eye out for the survey and complete it at your earliest convenience. Employees will be invited to take a similar survey as well. The survey results will be used to inform and support FCPS staff as well as FCPS’ School Board as they work to adopt the 2021-22 calendar. All responses are confidential. If you have any questions, please email FCPSsurvey@fcps.edu

More information on the 2021-22 school year calendar is available online


Lee High School


3. Fairfax County School Board Votes to Change the Name of Robert E. Lee High School

The Fairfax County School Board has voted to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School and will gather community input prior to voting on the new name on July 23. The new name will go into effect with the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand submitted his recommendations for a new name for the school as new business at the School Board’s business meeting on June 23. A one-month public comment period is underway.

More information is available online

 


4. Setting the Stage for Summer Success: Safer at Home Edition—A Webinar for Families

If you are interested in maximizing the summertime for your student while maintaining your sanity with so many places closed, the Parent Resource Center is holding a webinar tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., filled with summer tips and resources.

Some highlights include:

  • Strategies to stay organized and on top of summer days.
  • Tools to help prevent and address common summer challenges including closures and physical distancing.
  • Home activity tips.
  • Safe local adventure suggestions.

The webinar is presented by Erika Deem and Valrie Eisele, FCPS Parent Resource Center liaisons. Registration is required.

Register for Setting the Stage for Summer Success: Safer at Home Edition

Registration Open for #NCSconnects Virtual Summer Camp

Registration is now open for #NCSconnects Virtual Summer Camp–a free program for students in grades 1-6 and 7-12 provided by the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. This new four-week program is being offered as an alternative to the RECQuest and Teens in Action programs, which were cancelled due to COVID-19.

The virtual program will run July 6-31, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon for youth in grades 1-6 and from 1 to 4 p.m. for youth in grades 7-12. More information is available online


5. A Look Back as We Move Forward

  • Summer Food Distribution Update

    The United Stated Department of Agriculture and the Virginia Department of Education have approved meal service at all existing food distribution sites (including bus routes) over the summer months. The Department of Food and Nutrition Services will continue to monitor data and community feedback to adjust grab and go delivery points as needed. Meal distribution information is kept current on the FCPS website. See food distribution locations.

  • Fifty-One FCPS Schools Recognized With 2020 Highest Achievement, Continuous Improvement Awards from State Board of Education

    The Virginia Board of Education recognized 51 Fairfax County public schools for high student achievement or continuous improvement under the board’s exemplar performance school recognition program. The awards are based on performance and practice during 2018-19 and prior years. See which schools were recognized

  • A Safe Space to Dig Deep: Mental Health and Wellness in the Black Community

    Fairfax County Government is holding a mental health webinar on Tuesday, June 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the first in a series of community discussions about mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health within the Black community. The June 30 session will provide a historical and contemporary overview of how racial trauma and stigma impact the mental health and wellness of the Black community. All are invited to attend. To register, go to http://bit.ly/spacetodigdeep.