Late-April Update

Dear Dranesville Families:

I am so excited to welcome so many of our students back to school for 4 days per week.  Our principals, teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and I want to send out a huge thank you to them.  Our families have changed their schedules once again to accommodate getting their children in school for more days, and I applaud them for that.  For those of you staying virtual, thank you for your patience as we get everyone settled, I know this has meant some changes for many of you.  I have been working behind the scenes talking with principals and regional staff as they have been finding solutions to any issues with getting children into the schools.  I am happy to see so many of our Dranesville schools getting tents for outdoor lunch seating and classroom work.  I enjoyed  helping out at Herndon Middle School last Friday during lunch to provide an outdoor option for the students.  

Elaine Tholen and Principal Klena at HMS outdoor lunch time.

Elaine and Principal Klena at Herndon Middle School outdoor lunch.

I am happy to see FCPS planning for 5 days of in-person learning for the fall.  We have added an additional work session next Monday, May 3 at 1pm  to discuss further the virtual option that we will put in place for those families with medical needs. You can watch it live here or  watch the video of the discussion here after the meeting.

We are planning to provide over 10X the usual summer school offerings.  This allows more opportunities for in-person instruction and helps to prepare for learning next year.  In addition, written materials will be available for all K-8 students to review material over the summer.  Please see below for more information on that.  

As we get more budget information back from the Board of Supervisors, the School Board will be busy with the FY22 budget over the next few weeks.  We have several budget work sessions coming up.  See below for more details. 

Many of you have asked about the news you have heard regarding changes to the Virginia Math curriculum.  As the mother of two sons who took advanced math classes throughout their FCPS years, I am following this work very closely. I will update you as I get more information and learn of ways for you to share your thoughts. Below is a synopsis of the goals, process, and intent of the current VMPI discussion and some ways to find out more and to relay your thoughts to the state as this dialogue continues.  

I appreciate all of the student input I have gotten over the past few weeks.  We have students working on Eagle Scout projects, advocating for Asian American and Pacific Islander input to our social studies curriculum, advocating for student voice overall and transportation safety to name a few topics.  I appreciate all of their community work and thank them for reaching out to me about their topics of interest and look forward to working with them. 

I hope you are having a nice spring.  

Elaine

Cooper admin greeted bus drivers this morning with coffee and donuts to show support of their hard work welcoming students back four days.

Cooper administration greeted bus drivers this morning with coffee and donuts to show support of their hard work welcoming students back four days.


CONGRATULATIONS to our new Student Representative to the School Board!

Pranav Choudhary, a Langley HS  junior, is the 21-22 Student Representative to the School Board! He and Atticus Gore, a McLean HS junior, joined 3 other FCPS students for the final round of candidates. I have had the pleasure of working with Pranav in his role as a Langley SAC member and as a Langley HS representative to my McLean HS boundary Citizen Advisory Group. I so look forward to working with him as the new Student Representative to the School Board. I want to thank Nathan Onibudo for his work this year. He has been a caring voice for the students in this unique year and always addressed student concerns and voices with poise, wisdom beyond his years, and creativity. He is a wonderful role model for Pranav.


Class of 2021 Graduation Updates

Graduations for the class of 2021 will be happening in person from May 27 through June 12.  Events will be taking place at various outdoor locations (including a school’s own stadium, the stadium of another FCPS school, or Jiffy Lube Live) and in some cases at indoor FCPS venues for smaller groups.  All graduation ceremonies will comply with the governor’s guidance which allow for the lesser of 30% or 5,000 outside and the lesser of 30% or 500 inside.  Social distancing rules still apply.  More information about graduation ceremonies will be coming as the details for each location and event are finalized.  Details about graduation locations and times can be found here.

Here are the 2021 Dranesville High School Graduation Dates:


COVID vaccine

All People Age 16+ Eligible for a Vaccine

All individuals in the Fairfax Health District who are 16 or older are eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s VaccineFinder.org as Fairfax County moves into Phase 2 with the rest of Virginia. Go to Fairfax County COVID-19 Vaccine Website for more information or contact Vaccine Hotline: 703-324-7404 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 


NEW Student Vaccine requirements for SY21-22

The Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 1090 which effectively requires Virginia’s immunization recommendations and requirements (To access VDH’s immunizations resources please visit here.) to coincide with the recommendations of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).  Please go here for FCPS requirements for rising K, 1st grade, 7th grade, and 12th grade.


Longfellow MS student returning library book

Longfellow MS student returning a library book.

Dranesville Student Achievements

Scholastic Art and Writing Award Winners:

Established in 1923, the awards have recognized students who have become some of our nation’s most celebrated artists and writers, including Richard Avedon, Robert Indiana, Steven King, and Andy Warhol. More than 300,000 students participate in the program across the country. For information, see their Website. Original works of art and writing by students from Fairfax County Public Schools earned 27 national medals in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

Here are the Dranesville Winners:

  • Gold medalists:
    • McLean HS:

      • Sara Bowers

      • Arin Kang-also best in grade winner and Silver medalist

      • Ellen Pan-also One Earth Award
    • TJHSST: 
      • Alison Wan- 2 gold medals and best in grade award
  • Silver medalists:
    • McLean HS

      • Marina Qu

    • TJHSST:
      • Aileen Zhao

      • Mulan Pan

State Science Olympiad

  • Cooper MS has qualified for the National Science Olympiad competition!  It is the team’s first national appearance. The team did extremely well at the State Competition in March with an impressive  (4) 1st  place events,  (5) 2nd place events, and (2) 3rd place events.
  • Congratulations to the Longfellow MS Science Olympiad team for winning the 2020-21 Virginia State Championship, Longfellow’s 15th! The team finished in the top 10 in all 21 events with top three finishes. The team is looking forward to competing in the National Tournament this May, which will be hosted virtually by Arizona State University.
Michelle Liu, her mother and Elaine Tholen at eGirl power award celebration.

I met with Michelle Liu from Longfellow MS ,  regarding AAPI awareness --she  presented her video at the 4/8 SB meeting. She was also honored last week with an award from eGirl Power for her work in raising awareness about the need for AAPI education. Michelle has also won an essay competition for the a piece she wrote on this topic. 


Dranesville School News

Herndon High School

HHS cross country VA championship runners

Great day for the Hornets at State Cross Country!

The team placed 5th in the State for class 6 (The largest class).

Top 5 teams in the state are Ocean Lakes, West Springfield, Battlefield, James W. Robinson,  and Herndon.

Go Hornets!

HHS VA state Cross Country runners

Gillian Bushee placed 3rd overall in the race. 

HHS cafeteria staff preparing meals for families.

Feeding our community is no small task. Here, some of our Hornet Cafeteria staff work together to prepare meals for delivery.

 

McLean HS:

  • Congratulations to McLean High School sophomore Ethan Zhou for qualifying for the United States of America Mathematics Olympiad (USAMO) for the second year in a row!

  • Staff recognitions: Paul Stansbery, Director of Student Services, has been named Region 2 Outstanding School-Based Leader. Melissa Duluc has been named as the Region 2 Outstanding New Teacher.
  • DECA first place winners from McLean High School: Jackson Chadwick and Jay Shin, marketing management.

Langley HS:

  • National Japan Bowl: Level 3 team (Elaine Zou; Melody (Pachia) Vang; Audrey McKnight)  made the finals and finished 3rd nationally.

  • Congratulations to the Saxon Stage cast and crew of Never Swim Alone, which took first place at districts and moves on to regional competition. The cast and crew include Leland Hao, Cole Sitiledes and Hannah Toronto (cast), Alyssa Medici (stage manager),  Ella Smith (assistant stage manager) and  Kira Lentz (lighting), Theodore Spanner (sound) and Lilly Spiller (poster).

Longfellow MS:

  • Alan Zhu, a Longfellow MS student, tied as First Runner Up for the Fairfax County Spelling Bee. 

  • Congratulations to Abigail Lee and Deven Hagen! They competed in the middle-school division of the National Academic Quiz Tournament- Individual Player National Championship was held online on Sunday, April 25.

Churchill Road ES

  • Ribbon cutting on their new playground.
Mr. Tyson and Winston the Bobcat at CRS playground ribbon cutting,

Mr. Tyson, Region 1 Assistant Superintendent, and Winston the Bobcat at Churchill Road ES's new playground ribbon cutting.


Earth Day graphic

Earth Day: April 22nd

Earth day is celebrated every 4/22. The first Earth Day was celebrated 4/22/1970 when a Wisconsin US Senator held a national demonstration to increase awareness about environmental issues. To learn more about Earth Day and 6 easy ways to help the Earth every day see this National Geographic Kids article.

Consider volunteering with the Fairfax County Park Authority to help the Earth.

Congratulations to Franklin Sherman ES

House Resolution #545 sponsored by Delegate Murphy for Franklin Sherman ES, a two-time Eco Schools Green Flag winner

  • Franklin Sherman ES is a green flag school that has kept their Eco Schools team going through the pandemic.  Franklin Sherman ES has promoted waste reduction and energy management, built and maintained habitats for wildlife, and produced vegetables for the community  from raised garden beds with help from a NOVA horticulturist student; the school donates unused food from the cafeteria to a food bank; and members of Franklin Sherman Elementary School's PTA coordinated a local Cub Scout troop and eight local families to clean and mulch the school's garden beds to prepare for new crops in spring 2021, which the school plans to donate to the food bank Share of McLean. 

Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) 

Every 7 years, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)  revises the standards in each content area and reassesses graduation requirements, and they are examining math now. Their goal is to modernize and update Virginia’s mathematics curriculum in grades K-12 to align instruction with the essential knowledge and skills students need to succeed in the 21st-century economy.  VMPI wants to address the persistent achievement gaps in K-12 math. School districts would design their own courses to meet the new requirements, and changes made to the Mathematics Standards of Learning would be taught in the 2025-2026 school year. 

A key component of VMPI is the shift from a traditional high school mathematics course sequence (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2) to an Integrated Mathematics course sequence. The content from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is not being eliminated by VMPI since the content of these courses would be integrated into a progression of connected learning.  Students in 11th and 12th grade would continue to have access to a wide variety of rigorous mathematics courses to meet their interests and post-secondary plans. The VDOE is proposing that this model would encourage students to connect mathematical concepts and develop a much deeper and more relevant understanding of each concept.  VDOE Diagram of Math Sequence of Courses and Opportunities

All sessions will be live streamed on the video graphic VDOE’s YouTube Channel beginning at 6:30pm with a 20-minute presentation from members of the VMPI Planning Committees and will follow with time for facilitators to respond to questions from the community. Previous session recordings are posted at the same site. Search "VMPI" to locate them.

  • Apr 27 at 6:30 pm: Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
  • May 25 at 6:30 pm: Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12

Submit comments using this form or via email to vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov Want to submit comments to your state representatives? Click here for their contact info. The dates for the public comment period on the mathematics standards revisions have not yet been announced.  Previously-shared timelines suggest the schedule for public comment and hearings might begin in December of 2021.


Returning Strong

Planning for “5 in Fall” Underway

FCPS is planning for in-person instruction to be the primary mode of learning for all students during the 2021-22 school year. Plans were presented to FCPS’ School Board at a Work Session on April 20. The presentation covered health and safety updates, fourth quarter review, a summer learning preview, planning for fall 2021, and community outreach. Watch the 4/20 Return to School Work Session video here. More information will be posted as it becomes available on the fall 2021 planning webpage

School Board Work Session Focuses on FCPS’ Five Days in the Fall

The April 20th School Board Return To School (RTS) work session focused on plans to prepare for  five days of learning in fall to include: updating bell schedules and bus schedules, expanded outdoor learning and lunch room capacity, exploring COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing pilots, developing master schedules for 5 days a week of in-person instruction, monitoring health and vaccine updates, reinstating School Age Child Care (SACC), discontinuing the use of classroom monitors. We are looking forward to in-person instruction as the primary mode of learning for all FCPS students during the 2021-22 school year. Please note that virtual learning options will be limited, based on need and will be the exception. Schools must continue to use the current mitigation strategies (masks, social distancing, hand-washing) to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Social distancing guidelines remain at 3 feet between students inside wearing masks and 6 feet between staff. The current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that even after teachers and staff are fully vaccinated, schools need to continue implementing layered prevention measures for the foreseeable future, including requiring masks in schools and physical distancing.  Read more here.


FCPS Earns WELL Health-Safety Rating

FCPS recently earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for its schools and offices, which serves as proof of its commitment to good health for anyone entering its buildings. Based on operational policies, maintenance protocols and emergency plans, the rating gives 22 strategies to maintain health and safety indoors.  With this accomplishment, FCPS joins a community of organizations pushing the boundaries of what health and safety look like in a post-coronavirus environment. Read the news release


FCPS Kindergarten Registration and Early Childhood Programs

Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on FCPS Kindergarten Registration and Early Childhood Programs. FCPS Family Services staff share information on Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) and Early Head Start (EHS) Programs. The FCPS Pre-K and EHS Programs provide an early education program for families who meet income requirements and live in Fairfax County. For information on how to apply, visit the Pre-K and EHS Programs' website or call 703-208-7901.

It's time for FCPS Kindergarten registration for children who will be 5 years old on or by September 30. The goal of every podcast is to help families access key resources and understand how to best support their children’s education. For more information, contact Linda Ferguson at laferguson1@fcps.edu

Listen and Subscribe: Spanish Podcast; Arabic Podcast; Korean Podcast.

For more information at these schools:

PreK and Early Head Start Accepting Applications for SY 2021-22 

FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2021-22!  Please watch this video to see if your 3 or 4 year old may qualify for PreK. To apply online. For more information call our English Line: 703-208-7900 or Email: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu

                      

¡FCPS PreK y Early Head Start ya está aceptando aplicaciones para el año escolar 2021-22!  Por favor mire este video para ver si su hijo de 3 o 4 años puede calificar para PreK.  Para aplicar en línea. Correo electrónico: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu Para más información llame a la línea de español: 703-208-7901


Temporary Expanded Child Care Eligibility: Available Now!

The Child Care Assistance and Referral Program may be able to help with child care expenses. Families with at least one child under the age of five (kindergarten eligible age) with an income that is at or below the 85% of the State Families currently looking for work may also qualify during this expanded period. Families must live in Fairfax County, City of Fairfax or City of Falls Church. Additional eligibility requirements may apply. Online: www.commonhelp.virginia.gov Child Care Service Application and Redetermination form at: fairfaxcounty.gov/OFC Call: 703-449-8484 or Email: OFCCCARinfo@FairfaxCounty.gov


Summer Opportunities

For the most up-to-date FCPS summer opportunities please go to this website.

Summer School

With the help of Federal CARES Act and ESSAR funds, FCPS will be increasing summer school offerings by an increase of 10 times.  A wide range of remediation opportunities will be provided at each of our schools.  Please contact your school counselor about the available opportunities. 

Summer Practice Books

Summer Practice Books will be mailed home to FCPS students to provide suggested activities for students to support continued learning. Families who have opted-out of paper mailings from the division will only receive digital copies of the Summer Practice Books. Books will be mailed home to families in early June to arrive before the last day of school, June 11. Families will receive email communication in May about upcoming book arrival. Digital versions of books will be emailed to the enrolling parent SIS account in PDF format the week of June 7. More information about Summer Practice Books can be accessed here: https://www.fcps.edu/node/41224

  • Pre-Kindergarten students will receive one interdisciplinary Summer Practice Book.
  • Students enrolled in grades K-8 in 2020-21 will receive one Language Arts Practice Book and one Math Practice Book by course enrollment. These books will also include information and guidance about digital tools that can be accessed by students and families to support learning throughout the summer.
  • English Learners and Special Education students may receive additional or customized books.   

Fairfax County Public Schools Enrichment Camps

Keep students engaged in educational activities during the summer months. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers exciting summer learning opportunities. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is offering two enrichment programs this summer - Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy.

  • Tech Adventure Camp is an exploratory program in career and technical education for students in grades 2 – 6.
  • CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a weekly summer enrichment program that encourages skill development and career exploration in such areas as business, engineering, health industry, and family sciences. The program is open to students in grades 7-11.

The Institute for the Arts also offers students in grades 2-11, a 70-minute class in dance, music, theatre, and visual art every day.

Register soon. Classes fill up quickly. Also, scholarships are available.

Campamentos de enriquecimiento durante el verano en FCPS

Mantenga a los estudiantes involucrados en actividades educativas durante los meses de verano. Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) ofrecen emocionantes oportunidades de aprendizaje durante el verano. La oficina de Educación Profesional y Técnica (CTE) ofrece dos programas de enriquecimiento este verano: Tech Adventure Camp y CTE Summer Academy.

  • Tech Adventure Camp (campamento de aventuras técnicas) es un programa exploratorio en educación técnica y profesional para estudiantes en los grados 2-6.
  • CTE Summer Academy (academia de verano) (CSA) es un programa de enriquecimiento de verano semanal que fomenta el desarrollo de habilidades y la exploración de carreras en áreas tales como negocios, ingeniería, industria de la salud y ciencias de familia. El programa está abierto a estudiantes en los grados 7-11.

El Instituto de las Artes Institute for the Arts también ofrece a los estudiantes de los grados 2-11 una clase de 70 minutos de danza, música, teatro y artes visuales todos los días.

Regístrese pronto. Las clases se llenan con rapidez. Además, hay becas disponibles.

STEM opportunity for rising 8th thru 10th graders

The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) team at Harvard University is conducting a FREE virtual Mini-PhD program (Rising 8th through 10th grade students) this summer. Review this website to learn more. Application deadline is May 1, 2021


The Special Education Process: How It Works

The FCPS Special Education Handbook for Parents includes details on how the special education process works. This process occurs sequentially, over a period of time, with each step building upon the previous step(s). It is important for parents to understand how the special education process works so they can effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members to make appropriate decisions regarding their child’s educational needs. Parents are an integral part of the decision-making team.

More information on the special education process is available online


Supports for Families With Religious or Cultural Observances During Scheduled Spring Assessments

Standards of Learning (SOL) exams are scheduled throughout April, May, and June, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scheduled in May. Even though schools try to avoid scheduling conflicts, staff control over testing dates is often limited.

In some cases, a student’s exams may fall during a religious or cultural observance. FCPS welcomes and encourages the parents and guardians of students affected by this type of scheduling conflict to engage with school staff. School staff will work with parents and guardians to make schedule adjustments or determine how best to address students’ needs.

If you have a student whose spring SOL or AP exams conflict with a religious or cultural observance for your family, notify the school to take advantage of possible scheduling options. View more about FCPS’ approach to supporting student assessments during religious and cultural observances.

This year, the main Standards of Learning (SOL) testing window has significant overlaps with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month marked by daily fasting. The SOL testing window begins Monday, April 12, for high schools and Monday, April 26, for elementary and middle schools. All schools must complete SOL make-up tests and retakes by Friday, June 4. Ramadan begins the evening of Monday, April 12, and ends with Eid-al-Fitr on Thursday, May 13.

FCPS welcomes and encourages engagement with parents and guardians of students affected by this overlap. School staff will work with parents and guardians to make schedule adjustments or determine how best to address students’ needs. For example, it may be possible to schedule testing early in the day when energy levels are likely to be highest.

If you have a child in an SOL grade-level who will be fasting to observe Ramadan this year, notify the principal or school counselor to take advantage of possible scheduling options. View more ideas and tips to prepare for upcoming testing during Ramadan.


lunch box

Meal Kit Sites Moving to Monday Distribution Starting April 19

Many FCPS Grab and Go food distribution sites have switched this month from daily food pickup to weekly Fairfax Meal Kit distribution. Fairfax Meal Kits contain seven days of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper items packed in bulk.

On Monday, April 19, all meal kit sites are permanently moving to a Monday distribution day. Hours remain 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted. Grab and Go locations and bus routes remain the same.

Go to the food distribution webpage for more information.


FY 22 Budget Update 

The School Board is scheduled to have a Budget work session on Tuesday, May 4. Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Budget information is available here. Additional budget work sessions and public hearings will occur through  May. Information about speaking at a budget public hearing and a list of relevant budget dates, along with updates and budget news, is available online. 

Learn more about the FY 22 Advertised Budget. 


CAPA NoVA Organization

Chinese American Parents Association of Northern Virginia (CAPA NoVA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in October 2020, with the primary goal of promoting “Diverse Cultures, One Community”.  It has grown rapidly to more than 700 members and attracted many volunteers who are committed to community and public services. CAPA NoVA has three primary teams with focus on education, advocacy and community relationships.  Please visit our  website and Facebook page to learn more.

Key Programs and Events- We warmly welcome all to join our programs and events, please visit our website for upcoming events and programs. Cultural Celebration Events for the May Heritage Month (MHM): Distinguished Chinese Americans- celebrate our contributions; MHM Essay Contest - Life as an Asian American; Fireside Chats Series:  Our May MHM theme will be focused on Asian American identity and experiences; Book Club Events.


April is:

Autism Awareness Month

  • During Autism Awareness Month, which is recognized in April, the Autism Society of America promotes its “Celebrate Differences” Campaign.  This year, the Autism Society is formally shifting references of Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. They are doing so to promote change, have a greater understanding and acceptance of people with autism and encourage a kinder, more inclusive community.
  • “Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.” AutismSpeaks.org During Autism Acceptance Month, join in the Autism Society’s #CelebrateDifferences Campaign with kindness.  Read more about it here  

National Arab American Heritage Month

  • FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. On 4/22, Fairfax County School Board joined the Arab America Foundation in celebrating April as 2021 National Arab American Heritage Month, in recognition of the many contributions Arab Americans have made to our society.

Month of the Military Child

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to recognize all military-connected children in April during the Month of the Military Child. This yearly tradition is part of a national celebration to recognize military children for their resilience, strength, and sacrifices. Former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger established the nationwide tribute in 1986. For FCPS Resources for Military Families, click here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Fairfax County School Board Seeks Audit Committee Applicants

The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the School Board Audit Committee.  Applications will be accepted from April 19 to 30.  Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City.  The Board will be appointing one committee member for a term ending June 30, 2023. Click here to get more information and submit an application.

Citizens Committee for the Bond

Every two years, Fairfax County places a school construction bond referendum on the ballot. For more than 10 years, Fairfax/NOVA Chamber of Commerce has established a School Construction Bond Committee to advocate affirmative votes for the bond. The committee seeks representatives from many parts of the community including from School Board members' districts.

The 2021 Citizen’s Committee for the Bond is again seeking appointees and each school board member is asked to put two names forward of citizens willing to serve. Please consider being my Dranesville representative.

General tasks and commitment for committee members include:

  • The committee member should expect to meet 6 to 9 times between July and November.
  • Communing support for the bond to HOA boards, other organizations and chambers.
  • Distributing information electronically and in print such as yard signs, shirts, stickers, and Facts booklets, though the committee will be discussing methods as per COVID-19 restrictions.

If you are interested in serving for Dranesville, please forward by May 14, a paragraph of  your interest and qualifications and your resume to my assistant, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu


High School Students Invited to Virtual Career Exploration Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools high school students are invited to participate in the 2021 Virtual Career Exploration Fair, scheduled to take place from Monday, April 19, through Friday, April 30. This completely virtual event will include synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions and workshops. Students will be able to learn about work-based learning opportunities; attend industry panel discussions; take part in mock interviews; attend resumé workshops; and learn about postsecondary education, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Get more information on the Virtual Career Exploration Fair.


FCPS Earns Best Communities for Music Education Award

"We use music to say things we could never say with words" by Andrea Bocelli. Feb. 7, 2018

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has awarded FCPS the title of 2021 Best Communities for Music Education.  FCPS is one of several school districts that received the award nationwide. Read more.


Fairfax County Public Schools Is Moving to Zoom: July 1

Effective July 1, FCPS will be transitioning from Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) to the Zoom video conferencing platform, which will give staff, students, and the community the opportunity to participate virtually in meetings and events.  Stay tuned for more information to come.  Zoom will provide users the ability to:

  • View an entire classroom of students on one screen.
  • Integrate with other learning platforms (Schoology) and live streaming platforms for large broadcasts.
  • Modify and blur backgrounds for added privacy while participating in virtual events.
  • Overlay multi-language live interpretation for virtual town halls and display captioning options.

Fairfax County Park Authority news

  • Fairfax County Park Authority Reopens Amusements and Facilities

    • Welcome the warm weather by taking a spin on a carousel, going for a train or wagon ride, launching a boat, playing a round of mini golf or practicing your swing at the batting cages. Please check the Park Authority website for site-specific hours and details; hours will continue to expand as we approach summer.

  • May 1: Virtual Healthy Strides 5K/10K and Kids’ Dash

    • This year’s Healthy Strides 5K/10K will be an interactive Zoom event on May 1, 2021. Walk or run your race, at your pace, on your course. Stay on the Zoom event to hear motivating music and coaching all the way to your finish line. Registered participants will receive a Healthy Strides 5K/10K tech tee and finisher medal mailed to their home before race day. Space is limited to the first 500 runners and walkers, so register early. Children aged 2 to 10 can register for the Kids Dash and will also receive a kids-sized shirt and finisher medal. See the Healthy Strides website for more information.
  • Set up a ‘Run of the Mill Class”  at Colvin Run Mill

    • This unique class offers family groups (upto 6 people) a firsthand look at the old-fashioned process of milling grain from beginning to end.  You even get to take home a sample of the grain that is ground during the program. Classes run from 11 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021. For more information see their  website.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

  • May 3rd at 1 pm     Work Session: Return to School Update
  • May 4th at 10 am   Forum:  Program Audit and School Trust Policy
  • May 4th at 11 am   Work Session: Budget and SR&R
  • May 6th at 7 pm     Hybrid Regular Meeting

How to Watch Meetings


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