Superintendent Brabrand to Provide Return to School Update at February 2 Work Session
Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand will provide an update on the return to school timeline at the School Board work session on Tuesday, February 2, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be televised on on FCPS Cable TV channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and will also be livestreamed on the FCPS website.
On Friday, January 22, Brabrand sent a letter to all FCPS families with a preview of the timeline that will be discussed on February 2. Please note that families that choose for their students to remain in all-virtual learning will have that option.
SIS Grade Book and Report Card Modules Closed Until January 30 at 6 a.m.
The Student Information System (SIS) Grade Book and Report Card modules in StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be closed for second quarter grading and report card generation until Saturday, January 30, at 6 a.m.
Some VHSL Academic Activities and Co-Curricular Groups May Resume As Early As January 26
As FCPS prepares to bring student groups back to in-person instruction, students enrolled in Virginia High School League (VHSL) academic activities and co-curricular groups may begin meeting in person as early as January 26. Co-curricular groups are connected to instructional classes.
High school activities including VHSL sports, band, orchestra, choir, standard publications, and yearbook are offered at every FCPS high school. Many FCPS schools offer additional activities like Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Debate, Forensics, Newspaper, Scholastic Bowl, Robotics and Theater.
While these programs have been approved by FCPS to be run at this time, specific activities and groups being offered will be a school-by-school decision based on staffing and sponsor availability. Schools will share offerings directly to students and families.
General information regarding high school activities is available from the FCPS Student Activities and Athletics Programs Office.
Online Application for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Opens February 1; Deadline to Apply Is February 26
The online application for students interested in applying for admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), a Regional Governor’s School in Fairfax County focused on science and technology, will be available beginning Monday, February 1, at 8 a.m. The application will be posted on the admissions web page.
The Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the admissions process that will be used to select students for the class of 2025. The changes include using a comprehensive review aimed at improving diversity and access.
Qualified applicants will be enrolled in Honors Algebra or beyond, Honors Science, and one other honors course (waivers available for honors requirements this year only), along with achieving a core grade point average of 3.5. Applicants will also complete a Student Portrait Sheet and problem-solving essay, which will be administered later this spring and are not a part of the initial application.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 26, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST admissions website for more information.
Meal Distribution Update: Many Grab and Go Sites Switching to Weekly Meal Kits
Starting this week, many of the FCPS Grab and Go food distribution sites are switching from daily food pickup to weekly Fairfax Meal Kit distribution. Fairfax Meal Kits contain seven days of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper (at certain sites) items packed in bulk. The meal kits will be available for pick up every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted. Bus route pickups remain unchanged.
Go to the Food Distribution website to see if your meal site is changing.
During January and February, these sites will also be distributing fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Families that pick up no-cost meals will also be provided a fresh fruit or vegetable sourced from a local farm for each child, along with an activity sheet and recipe for that item. The item will vary each week, and will be available on the following dates:
- January 27
- February 3, 10, 17
As a reminder, it is important to follow social distancing guidelines. Be sure to stand a minimum of 6 feet apart from others and practice regular hand washing, including prior to leaving a residence to pick-up meals, upon returning home, and before consuming food. Please wear a mask when picking up the meal kits.
Help Fight Hunger in our Neighborhoods: Donate to the Stuff the Bus Food Drive on January 30 and February 6
On Saturday, January 30, and Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., buses will be parked at locations throughout Fairfax County to collect nonperishable food donations for area food pantries as part of the Stuff the Bus Food Drive. Buses will be in less-frequented lots—including Board of Supervisors’ offices, schools, libraries, and the Pennino building—to allow donors to comply with social distancing recommendations.
For those who are unable to donate in person, monetary donations can be made by visiting the websites of the partner nonprofits serving our community.
See the complete list of food drop-off locations, what to put on your shopping list to donate, and tips for donating safely at Stuff the Bus.
Did You Know FCPS Has a School Psychologist in Every School?
Did you know that there is a school psychologist assigned to every school in FCPS? FCPS school psychologists work hard to make a positive impact on the academic and social-emotional development of all FCPS students through the provision of mental health services that build resiliency, life competencies, and good citizenship.
Learn how school psychologists help students and families.
Photos of the Week
This week’s photos feature a student with her original I Have a Dream drawing, teachers enjoying paint night and cheering for their favorite pro football team, and an elementary student serving as a “Teacher for 10 minutes.”
Special Education Parent Newsletter
The Department of Special Services (DSS) publishes a regular electronic newsletter for parents of special education students to provide updated DSS information, tips, and ideas to support you and your family during distance learning. The latest issue is available online.
The 2021-22 FAFSA Form Is Now Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
Parents of high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open and most colleges require that the FAFSA be completed by March 1 to receive the maximum financial aid possible starting in fall of 2021? Some schools have even earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines. Parents and students should start by creating a FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA. Additional links can be found on the FCPS FAFSA website.
Need help completing and submitting the FAFSA? There are several College Access Fairfax recordings and virtual workshops available for viewing at the College Access Fairfax website. College Access Fairfax’s Financial Aid Champions also provide help completing the FAFSA. To request a one-on-one appointment, please email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request a personal session.
Families can also contact their high school's college and career specialist or school counselor if they need additional help.
FCPS Cares of the Month Winners for December
FCPS Cares 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. All FCPS Cares submissions were reviewed, and six winners were selected for the month of December—one for each region and the central office—to receive extra recognition for their work. They are:
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Central: Dawn Cochran, Stonecroft Center, Department of Transportation.
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Region 1: Christina Kern, Crossfield Elementary School.
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Region 2: Dave Wall, Justice High School.
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Region 3: Brian Welfle and Ann Jopke, Hollin Meadows Elementary School.
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Region 4: Mike Craven, Burke School.
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Region 5: Kaitlin Donohue, Eagle View Elementary School.
Get more information about the winners and how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond.
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