Return to School News - February 8, 2021

Important Update on Return to School Plan

Based on the latest guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education, FCPS will begin bringing back the first groups of students (Groups 1-4) for in-person instruction on February 16.

In preparation for students’ return, schools have created staffing plans based on the number of students who selected in-person instruction earlier this school year. Students who have already selected to return to in-person instruction will be able to do so two days a week. Due to social distancing requirements, schools may not be able to accommodate additional students who wish to change their selection from virtual to in-person instruction.

For parents requesting changes from full-time virtual to in-person instruction, principals will do their best to accommodate the requests, however, it may not be possible to accommodate changes if classes are at capacity.

New Bell Schedule Starts February 16

FCPS will implement a new bell schedule on February 16 due to social distancing requirements which limit capacity on school buses. The bell schedule change will apply to both in-person instruction as well as students who are participating in full-time virtual instruction. 


Job Fair for Classroom Monitors Set for Friday, February 12

Fairfax County Public Schools is searching for individuals to serve as classroom monitors. School administrators will conduct virtual interviews with candidates at a virtual job fair for classroom monitors on Friday, February 12

Individuals interested in becoming a part of a dynamic and diverse community are encouraged to register to attend one or both events. The Middle and High School Event is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. and the Elementary School Event is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m.


FCPS to Host Virtual Instructional Job Fair February 20

Fairfax County Public Schools, the largest school system in Virginia, is searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference in the lives of students. To open the 2021-22 school year hiring season, FCPS will host a virtual Instructional Job Fair on Saturday, February 20, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Participants can learn about FCPS benefits, professional development, special education, Title 1, and other important information. This event will also feature a teacher and administrator panel.

Get more information and register for the Instructional Job Fair


Students in masks.


Health Screening Commitment Form Required Prior to Student Return to School Buildings

As many students return to in-person instruction, parents and caregivers will be asked to acknowledge a Health Screening Commitment form before their student(s) re-enter school buildings. This document confirms that a parent, caregiver, or guardian will complete a daily health screening and will keep their students home when they are ill.

The Health Commitment form can be submitted electronically through ParentVUE (PVUE) or via hard copy. Please contact your child’s school to have a hard copy sent to you.


Join Dr. Brabrand for a Virtual Return to School Town Hall on Wednesday, February 10, at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand will host a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, February 10, at 6 p.m. to discuss the Return to School plan. Do you have any questions or concerns about what you can do to help prepare your students for their return to in-person instruction? Submit your questions in advance by email to returntoschool@fcps.edu or call in during the Town Hall at 1-800-231-6359. View the meeting on FCPS Cable Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) or the FCPS website


Teacher with two students in masks.


Video: FCPS Is Ready to Return

The School Board has given its support, and FCPS' health and safety plans are tested and in place for students to return to the classroom. Watch the video on Return to School.


Calendar Reminder: Schools and Offices Closed on February 15 for Presidents Day Holiday

As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, for the Presidents Day holiday. Students are not expected to complete asynchronous assignments that day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 16. See the complete 2020-21 school year calendar


Chesterbrook Elementary School video.


Video: Chesterbrook Elementary School Is Ready to Welcome Students Back!

Schools are excited to welcome students back this month! Watch Chesterbrook Elementary School staff serenade their community.


FCPS Statement on Fairfax Circuit Court Denial of Preliminary Injunction Request Against Admissions Process at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

On February 2, a Fairfax Circuit Court judge denied a request to require mandatory standardized testing in the admissions process for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

Last October, the Fairfax County School Board voted to eliminate the standardized admission test for the school and the $100 application fee, and voted to expand the freshman class to 550. This was a critical part of an effort to remove barriers and inequities historically faced by students from culturally and ethnically diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, while ensuring that TJHSST maintains its top-tier academic standards. The Board also raised the minimum grade-point average and the course requirements (honors) for admission.

Get more information on the TJHSST admissions process

TJHSST Application Deadline Is February 26

The online application for students interested in applying for admission to TJHSST is now open. 

Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 26, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST admissions website for more information.


Student in ski gear.


Photos of the Week

Check out this week's photos to see images from Principal Appreciation Week, as well as students enjoying the recent snowfall, celebrating Groundhog Day, and sharing their favorite hobby.


55 FCPS Students Named Candidates in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Fifty-five seniors in Fairfax County Public Schools are among a group of more than 4,500 candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2021.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. 

See who was nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program


Healthy Minds Logo


Healthy Minds Podcast: Grants Available to Help Students Stop Mental Health Stigma

In this week's Healthy Minds podcast, join Prevention Specialist Chad Christian to hear about opportunities for students to earn mini-grants. Grants up to $1,000 will be awarded to students who design creative, innovative projects that aim to reduce the perceived stigma of mental health issues and substance use disorders. The grant application deadline is February 11.


High School Students Invited to Fairfax County 2021 Virtual Teen Job Fairs

Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways are invited to attend one of six upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops in Fairfax County. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.

Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. Free booth spaces are provided to local businesses. The first two job fairs will be held on Saturday, March 13, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Students can register for the March 13 Job Fair and the March 20 Job Fair.


Photo of School construction


School Board Approves Fiscal Year 2022-26 Capital Improvement Program

The Fairfax County School Board has approved Fairfax County Public Schools Fiscal Year 2022-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP focuses on capital projects, including new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations, reflecting schools for the current School Year 2020-21 and a five-year requirement of approximately $1.1 billion. 

More information on the CIP is available online.


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