February 2021 News You Choose

Dear Families,

2021 continues to present challenges to our community. My top priority is to increase opportunities to learn in a safe and effective manner. I am excited that our schools are reopening and that students who choose to do so will begin returning to in-person learning on February 16. Given the hardships imposed by the pandemic, I continue to advocate for CDC recommended mitigation strategies that are implemented with fidelity, access to vaccinations for all staff and hybrid options that allow our families and staff to participate safely.

This month, we also celebrate Black History Month. I was honored to introduce the Board Resolution to recognize this occasion during our February 4 business meeting. I believe Black history is an integral and critical component of American history. This month's Black History Month resolution acknowledges the achievements and difficulties of African Americans. True recognition of our history releases us from carrying the weight of the past and makes it possible for our community to move forward together. February provides an opportunity to celebrate so many positive things that have been contributed to our community by so many bright lights that have been a part of our history.

Inside this month’s newsletter:

  • Important Update on Return to School Plan
  • FCPS Virtual Job Fair, February 12
  • FCPS Celebrates Black History Month
  • Save the Date: Mental Health Panel Discussion, Feb. 24, 7:15 p.m.
  • Update from the Office of Auditor General
  • Online Application for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Open Now. Deadline to Apply February 26
  • FCPS Meal Service Providing Access to Healthy Meals
  • Community Events

As always, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. If you have specific thoughts and questions regarding the Return to School plan, please share your comments with me via the FCPS School Board Portal.


Important Update on Return to School Plan

On February 16, FCPS schools will begin to reopen and students will return to in-person instruction according to the following schedule:

RTS Timeline

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. To request a change from full-time virtual to in-person instruction, contact your principal directly. 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

To ensure we maintain proper social distancing on school buses, FCPS will implement a new bell schedule on February 16. The bell schedule change will apply to both in-person instruction as well as students who are participating in full-time virtual instruction.


FCPS Virtual Job Fair, February 12

JobFair

Classroom Monitors

FCPS schools and centers are hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when some staff members continue to work virtually. Classroom monitors provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a staff member remains virtual. A high school diploma or equivalent experience is required; classroom monitors earn $15.42 per hour. Read the job description here and register now to attend the Virtual Job Fair on Friday, February 12.  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. Interested applicants are encouraged to register and attend both.

Substitute Teachers

Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply online or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute teacher information page.


Black History Month

FCPS Celebrates Black History Month

Like school systems across the nation, Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating Black History Month in February. Governor Northam reminded us that “Black history is American history, but for too long, the story we have told was insufficient and inadequate.” Recently, Superintendent Scott Brabrand reminded staff and families that FCPS is dedicated to telling a more complex and inclusive story of our shared past by acknowledging and honoring Black lives. “FCPS believes Black Lives Matter. Highlighting the contributions of Black and African American people to our collective past is a way to keep equity at the center of our work” said Superintendent Brabrand.

During the month of February, several FCPS schools celebrate Black History Month by affirming African American accomplishments, milestones, and contributions to our nation’s history. The Fairfax County School Board passed a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month during its business meeting on February 4, which passed unanimously.


save the date

Save the Date: Join Us on February 24, 7:15 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, I will be sponsoring a virtual panel discussion for parents, students, and families as we examine history, education and mental health. Stay tuned for more information. 


Update from the Office of the Auditor General

As Chair of the Audit Committee, here are a few updates from the Office of Auditor General (OAG). Recently, OAG presented its Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Annual Report at the School Board work session on January 5. The annual report is an initiative started in FY 2019 to raise awareness of OAG’s mission and accomplishments, highlight the internal audit process within Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and summarize the results of audits and projects. The Fiscal Year 2020 Report also highlights other OAG initiatives and achievements from the fiscal year.

  • Subscribe to Audit Buzz through News You Choose to stay up to date with OAG’s work. The January 2021 issue of Audit Buzz includes the status of current engagements, highlights OAG's FY 2020 Annual Report, and also provides insight into what a Risk Assessment is and how it is used to identify and prioritize future audit engagements.
  • The next Audit Committee meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on February 24.

TJ Admissions

Online Application for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Open Now; Deadline 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, is available now. 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.


lunch box

FCPS Meal Service Providing Access to Healthy Meals 

Even though students currently attend virtual classrooms, FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services staff are still preparing healthy meals for students during this pandemic. Meals are provided at no cost for students through June 30, 2021 at locations throughout Fairfax County. FCPS students are welcome to come to any of the sites or bus route stops to pick up a meal during these time periods.   

Meals are prepared fresh daily with high quality ingredients by a dedicated team of trained food service professionals. Our grab and go meals are tasty, well-balanced, and contain protein, whole grains, fruits and/or vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk. The meals are planned by registered dietitian nutritionists.                             

  • Breakfast and lunch are available at no-cost Monday-Friday at all schools with in-person instruction.
  • FCPS Grab & Go with Curbside Service sites and bus routes are available Monday-Friday only.
  • Meals for Saturdays and Sundays will be distributed at all Grab & Go sites and on bus routes every Friday.
  • Afternoon snacks and supper meals will be distributed at all Grab & Go sites, on all bus routes and with all meal kit sites.
  • All meals will be available to pick up at the same time.

Wear a mask when picking up meals and stand a minimum of 6 feet apart from others. Download a full list of pick up times and locations


Community Events

Informational Hosted by Thomas Jefferson Alumni Action Group

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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.

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