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Hello Springfield District!
When I was sworn in on January 1st, 2020, I had no idea that 2 months later our world would be turned upside down. In a time where we have all lost so much, it’s tempting to dwell on the negative, but as the 2020/2021 school year finally comes to a close, I am reflecting on what I have gained in my time as your school board member (other than inches to my waistline!).
This school year I have visited 38 schools either located in the Springfield District or schools in other districts that our Springfield students attend. I can confidently tell you that in every single one of those schools, I saw the same magic that brought three generations of my family into the teaching profession. I saw teachers who were giving kids an incredible opportunity to be prepared for the world, not only because they were teaching them to read and write, but because they were also helping them learn how to face the world outside of our school doors. I saw students engaged (both online and in-person) not only with our curriculum, but also with their teachers, principals, and peers. I saw them making connections and memories that they won’t soon forget. I got to meet students’ pets and stuffed animals. I got to see their parents, siblings, extended family, and caregivers playing family Kahoot, singing in the Spring concert, and making crazy TikToks. I got to see communities come together online, in driveways, on neighborhood walks. I saw our PTAs/PTOs fighting to keep our school communities engaged and learned that talent shows and even Bingo can happen online! I saw angry parents, happy parents, and parents somewhere in between with one thing in common--they were willing to fight for their kids. Even though I have borne the brunt of a lot of ugly emails and calls, I have always appreciated that it was an outward expression of the love that each of you has for your child.
I will be beyond grateful to begin a “normal” school year next fall, but I want to be sure not to let go of what has connected us and of how we have navigated these dark times together.
I hope everyone has an amazing summer filled with sunshine and loads of fun adventures.
We cannot wait to see you soon in our summer programs or on August 23rd!
As always, I am so grateful to represent our community.
My very best-
Laura Jane
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
- Upcoming School Board Meetings
- School Board Work
- Fall Return to School
- FCPS & Community News
- Scholarship Information
- Summer Learning
- Summer Camps
- Family Resources
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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June 7 at 6 pm - Virtual Public Hearing
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June 8 at 6 pm - Virtual Public Hearing: Proposed Boundary Adjustment for Elementary Schools within the Justice High School Pyramid
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June 15 at 10 am -
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June 15 at 11 am - Virtual Work Session: PreK-Early HeadStart Policy and Return to School Update
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June 17 at 7 pm - *Hybrid Regular Meeting: Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) Annual Report, etc.
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June 22 at 4 pm - Virtual Work Session and Committee Reports Work Session: Joint Environmental Task Force (JET), Title 1 Advisory Committee (TPAC), Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC), and Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACE)
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June 24 at 7 pm - *Hybrid Regular Meeting: Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments, Enter Retirement Feeling Confident (ERFC) Housekeeping items, Policy 4430 Employee Conflict of Interest, etc.
*Effective November 5, 2020, the School Board returned to in-person Regular Meetings at Luther Jackson Middle School.
The meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. The meeting will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube page.
Visit the citizen participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
FY 2022 Budget
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a Budget for FY 2022 that places the well-being of all students, staff, and families at its core during a time where the county's finances have been greatly impacted by the pandemic.
The FY22 Approved Budget prioritizes and funds resources that support our student's academic and social-emotional needs including increasing technology support for students and their families. A total of 86% of the $3.4 billion budget will go directly to instruction and instructional support with 50 new positions for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students, funding for school-based technology specialists, and 18 new social workers and psychologist positions to keep pace with state requirements and better support students as they transition back to five days of in-person learning.
The approved budget also absorbs technology support fees, which were formerly charged to families in recognition that technology is now an integral part of the instructional program, and recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers and staff during the pandemic with a 2% Market Scale Adjustment (MSA) for all employees.
- The FY22 Approved Budget, represents an increase of just 0.5%, from the FY21 Approved Budget excluding one-time allocations from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund.
- The budget focuses on the most pressing needs, including funds to continue supporting students’ technology and instructional needs, digital instructional and web conferencing tools, cybersecurity protection, and social, emotional, and academic needs highlighted in the pandemic.
- FCPS employee raises are in line with the County’s net revenue growth, which was less than 2%. The Board of Supervisors carefully considered our added request, alongside many other competing factors, and agreed to use County Reserve Funds to help pay for a 2% MSA for all FCPS employees.
Budget Details
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/Budget-Highlights-Handout.pdf
Details on the FY 2022 budget can be found in the budget documents at https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/budget/budget-documents
ESSER Funding
In general, ESSER II funds are slated to be spent in three primary areas:
- Enhanced upcoming summer school
- Facilities infrastructure enhancements - $33 million is allocated toward facilities infrastructure for HVAC and air quality improvements
- Technology leasing costs and TSSpec positions
ESSER III funds have not been allocated, due to federal conditions for required input from community and other stakeholders prior to the development of the spending plan. The engagement process is being planned and Departments have submitted requests for review.
The FCPS FY22 budget begins July 1, 2021.
I want to thank the taxpayers, the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Bryan Hill, and county staff for their collaboration, support and hard work on the budget. I am truly grateful that this is a budget that works for our staff, students, families, and community.
Listen to Dr. Brabrand and Dr. Anderson's thank you.
New Student Representative to the School Board
Pranav Choudhary, a junior at Langley High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as Student Representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
Choudhary will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Nathan Onibudo, a senior at South County High School. He is looking forward to hearing from students on their thoughts on how to improve the lives of all FCPS students.
Listen to the new Student Representative to the School Board's speech.
FCPS Receives ESSER III Funding; Community Feedback Wanted
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III funds to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools. The funds also address the impact of COVID-19 on students by supporting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, among others.
FCPS is seeking stakeholder input on how our community would like the grant to be used in support of students, staff, and school operations. The community is invited to speak at a Fairfax County School Board Public Hearing about the ESSER III grant on June 7, at 6 p.m. Sign up to speak. Members of the FCPS community can also submit their input using the FCPS Online Feedback Form. Find more information on the ESSR III grant.
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Fall Return to School
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2021-22 School Year to Start on August 23
With the school year winding down and many families making plans for summer camps, vacations, and other activities, be sure to note that the first day of school for the 2021-22 school year will be Monday, August 23. The last day of school is June 10, 2022. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses FCPS’ Five Days of In-Person Learning
The Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put out a statement supporting FCPS’s model of five days of in-person instruction for all students this fall.
This endorsement by a highly respected group of pediatricians validates our belief that in-person learning is best for children. The AAP also believes that virtual instruction should be utilized only when necessary as a result of a documented health or medical need and in consultation with a child’s physician or medical team.
FCPS virtual learning in the fall will be limited to students with documented COVID-19 related health/medical needs. For more information about the virtual program for School Year 2021-22, visit the virtual program webpage or view the news release.
The next Return to School Update is scheduled to be presented to the Board during the June 15 Work Session. Materials will be posted in advance on Board Docs.
Outdoor Learning Spaces Available for Schools
FCPS is expanding outdoor classrooms to support student’s return to in-person learning. Outdoor classrooms provide much-needed relief for schools struggling to maintain social distancing requirements. However, they’re not just being used for instruction. These spaces provide schools the flexibility to adjust their daily activities as they see fit. Whether it’s used for instruction, eating breakfast and lunch, or supporting graduations and promotional events… schools are taking full advantage of this new opportunity.
What started as a Get2Green pilot program with five schools last Fall has grown to more than fifteen schools this Spring. A further fifty tents have already been purchased (with more on the way) and will be provided to schools as part of a planned roll-out this Summer. FCPS has set aside $2 million in CARES funding to support outdoor learning spaces. The goal is for all schools to have outdoor classrooms before the start of school next year. Facilities staff are working with school administrators to assess their campuses and determine the best use and location for each school. If they so choose, schools will be provided one or more 20ft by 30ft mini marquee with detachable sides. One tent is large enough to fit a class of socially distanced students and teachers.
If you’d like to know more, check out the recent Spotlight on Centreville Elementary School and how they are utilizing outdoor spaces to create an alternative learning environment for students. At Centreville, a school of 800 plus students, outdoor learning has been a part of their identity for many years. It was the first school in the US to receive permanent “green flag” status from the National Wildlife Federation in recognition of its commitment to the environment. Sustainability is built into the everyday life of staff and students here.
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Important Immunization Requirement: Do you have a Student Entering 7th Grade or 12th Grade this Fall?
While the COVID-19 vaccination is NOT required by schools for the 2021-22 school year, many other vaccinations are.
Seventh-grade students need:
- One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given at age 7 or older.
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 10 or older.
Twelfth-grade students need:
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 16 or older.
More information on new immunization requirements is available online.
Welcoming Our Youngest Students for 2021-22
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start are now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year.
¡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: www.fcps.edu busque: PreK Correo electrónico: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu. Para más información llame a la línea de español: 703-208-7901.
2021-22 Kindergarten Registration
Will your child turn five years old by September 30? If so, contact your child’s school to make arrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Most schools begin getting information together now for parents of incoming kindergartners, and many host an orientation or open house. All kindergarten programs are full-day and located in FCPS elementary schools.
Check your school’s webpage or contact the school directly for specific enrollment information and dates of orientation.
Get more information about kindergarten registration.
Video: How to Register Your Student in FCPS
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FCPS and Community News
Community Use News Update
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs); Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs); Parent, Teacher, and Student Associations (PTSAs); and Booster organizations can now submit requests to use our buildings and grounds for Summer Camp Programs (June 21-August 5). While there are limitations and all groups will be required to adhere to Fairfax County Health Department and Virginia Health Department COVID guidelines, this is definitely a step in the right direction. Read more about community use.
Fairfax County Public Schools Is Moving to Zoom on July 1
Effective July 1, FCPS will be transitioning from Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) to the Zoom video conferencing platform, which will allow staff, students, and the community the opportunity to participate virtually in meetings and events. Zoom will provide users the ability to:
- View an entire classroom of students on one screen.
- Integrate with other learning platforms (Schoology, MyPDE) 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.
Training for all staff will be completed before the start of next school year. Stay tuned for more information to come.
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New Region 4 Principals
Ms. Allison Jankovich, acting principal at Sangster Elementary School, has been selected as the new principal of Sangster Elementary School effective May 26, 2021.
Principal Jankovich has over 20 years of experience in education, beginning her career as 3rd-grade teacher at James McHenry Elementary School in Prince George’s County. She joined Fairfax County Public Schools in 2002 as 2nd-grade teacher at Sangster Elementary School. She has since called Sangster her home for the past 19 years, serving as a classroom teacher in the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grades for nine years, and then transitioning to a leadership role as an assistant principal in 2011. She was recently named the Outstanding Leader for Region 4 for her work and dedication to the Sangster community as the acting principal during this unprecedented school year.
Ms. Jankovich places emphasis on maintaining an effective and safe learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, orderly, and conducive to the learning needs of all students. She values collaboration with pyramid principals and FCPS departments to problem-solve issues, share ideas and develop cohesive communication. She communicates effectively and consistently with all stakeholders to create a positive and inclusive environment. Ms. Jankovich also recognizes the importance of cultivating teachers’ professional development as educators and leaders by providing them counsel, feedback, and the opportunity to participate in professional learning.
Principal Jankovich is beyond excited to remain a part of the Falcons family and is honored to serve as principal of Sangster Elementary. She looks forward to maintaining and advancing academic success as well as embracing the community’s commitments to equity and education. In her spare time, she enjoys music, traveling to Pennsylvania and Maryland to visit her family, and taking care of her nieces. She is an animal lover and looks forward to walking her dog each day.
Ms. Jankovich holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Education from Virginia Polytech Institute and State University.
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Dr. Christine Ritter, assistant principal at Kings Glen Elementary School, has been selected as the new principal of Kings Glen Elementary School effective July 1, 2021.
Dr. Ritter has 25 years of experience in education at Fairfax County Public Schools. She started her career as a classroom emotional disabilities teacher at Armstrong Elementary School and then became a crisis resource teacher at Laurel Ridge Elementary School. It was at Laurel Ridge Elementary School that she transitioned to a leadership path when she became assistant principal. She joined the Kings Glen community as assistant principal in 2014. Her leadership and dedication to students and staff helped Kings Glen successfully navigate through virtual learning, concurrent teaching, and asynchronous instruction during this unique school year.
During the past seven years as the assistant principal at Kings Glen Elementary School, Dr. Ritter helped implement Responsive Instruction to ensure every student receives additional time and support needed to learn at high levels in every classroom. She also strived to build a collaborative culture at Kings Glen by modeling high expectations and build trust with all stakeholders. She recognizes that open, honest, and two-way communication between all parties is key to maintaining this collaborative culture. Dr. Ritter plans to promote and include equity, diversity, and inclusion for students, staff, and families at Kings Glen.
Dr. Ritter is honored to serve as principal of Kings Glen Elementary. She is excited to continue to work with the Gator students, staff, and families. Being the child of a US Air Force servicemember, Dr. Ritter has traveled and lived all over the world. She looks forward to traveling again and especially to California to visit with family. In her spare time, she enjoys working on home improvement projects. Dr. Ritter is a proud mom of two class of 2021 Robinson Secondary School soon-to-be graduates.
Principal Ritter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Education in special education from Longwood College. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from The George Washington University. Dr. Ritter also serves as an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University Graduate School of Education.
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FCPS celebrated the rededication of John R. Lewis High School, the first high school in the nation to be named in honor of the late civil rights icon and congressman, on April 23.
View a recording of the rededication ceremony.
Official Name Changes Available for Some Diplomas
Fairfax County Public Schools alumni who graduated from Robert E. Lee (now Lewis High School) or J.E.B. Stuart (now Justice High School) are eligible to receive a diploma with the current school names, rather than the previous school names, upon request.
Additionally, transgender, gender-expansive, and other students who have changed their names can also receive replacement diplomas. Interested alumni should contact FCPS IT Document Management.
Collect for Kids Campaign Kicks Off
Summer is officially here, and we're already thinking about how FCPS will "Return Strong" in the fall. With nearly 60,000 students qualifying for free and reduced meals, we already know that many of our students will not have the school supplies they need to succeed.
Your contribution to the Collect for Kids campaign helps to provide these students with supply kits that will be delivered to them in August before the start of school. Please help us ensure that all students have the tools they need to be creative, productive, and successful in school.
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FCPS Awarded for Outstanding Financial Reporting
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Association of School Business Officials International. FCPS was recognized for its financial reporting work for the fiscal year ending in June 2020.
The award reflects the school district’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting and affirms that its comprehensive annual financial report serves as a communications tool that helps build trust and engagement with the school community.
FPCS is Seeking Individuals to serve as Substitute Teachers!
Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more! To sign up for a session visit our substitute information page. Say Yes 2 FCPS!
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Updates to Family Life Education Instructional Content Now Available for Public Review
Recommended Family Life Education (FLE) materials (media and lesson objectives) to support instruction are available for community review until Monday, June 7 at 4:30 pm. Recommendations affect grades K, 1, 7, 8, 10, modified 1-6, and modified 7-12.
To comment on the recommendations, send comments to FLEcomments@fcps.edu. The comment period continues until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 7. All comments received during the comment period will be shared with Fairfax County School Board members before the vote on the recommendations scheduled to take place at the Board’s business meeting on Thursday, June 17.
Details of the recommended materials are available online.
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Feminine Hygiene Products Now Available for free in all School Bathrooms
During the past year, almost all public health conversations have been dominated by COVID-19. However, even during the pandemic, FCPS has been working to address all health directives enforced by the Code of Virginia including the provision for feminine hygiene products.
Virginia House Bill 405 and Senate Bill 232, which address the provision of feminine hygiene products to public elementary, middle, and high school students, became effective July 1, 2020.
These bills require each local School Board to make tampons or pads available, always, and at no cost to students. FCPS has completed the installation of dispensers in all school bathrooms and other locations, as determined by the principal or designee, to provide access to feminine hygiene pads at no cost to students. For schools that may have older dispensers that require payment, they will be identified and removed by Facilities. Tampons will not be provided.
This provision is a small step forward in the growing movement to achieve menstrual equity and end “period poverty.” According to a report from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, one in five girls misses school due to a lack of menstrual products. Period poverty identifies females who are unable to afford products such as pads and tampons, which are still subject to luxury tax in many states across our nation. It is also important to note that feminine products do not qualify for coverage under food stamps and S.N.A.P. (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
FCPS has completed the installation of dispensers in all school bathrooms and other locations, as determined by the principal or designee, to provide access to feminine hygiene pads at no cost to students. For any schools that may have older dispensers that require payment, these dispensers will be identified and removed by Facilities. Tampons will not be provided.
Fairfax County Step Up 4 Kids Campaign
Step Up 4 Kids brings together county partners to meet the needs of children who witness domestic violence. Children who experience domestic violence are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, run away, act out in school, or come into contact with law enforcement. These behaviors are often a cry for help. Caring adults can help interrupt this cycle.
The more caring adults who are involved in a child’s life, the more likely the child is to be successful at school and in relationships with others. To learn more about how you can support a child, visit the Step Up 4 Kids webpage. If you want to know how to help a child experiencing domestic violence, please call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
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VDOE SEL Standards Public Comment Period
At the direction of the Virginia Assembly, VDOE has developed guidance standards for social-emotional learning (SEL) for all public students in grades Kindergarten through 12 in the Commonwealth. SEL is “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (CASEL, 2020). We encourage you to review and provide feedback on the standards using this link: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/GDocForum.cfm?GDocForumID=545
FCPS remains abreast of updates on this topic from VDOE and looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate with families, students, and staff in considering how best to utilize related information.
COVID-19 Data Reporting Changes
To more accurately represent the burden of COVID-19 outbreaks to the public, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has expanded the criteria for publicly reporting outbreaks.
Currently, VDH only reports outbreaks with at least two positive MAT tests, such as PCR laboratory tests. However, on Friday, May 7, 2021, VDH began reporting outbreaks dating back to January 2021 under a more broad definition that includes antigen tests. This will increase in the number of K-12 outbreaks reported in the outbreak dashboard.
Northern Virginia Remembers Those Lost to COVID-19 with June 9 Ceremony
Fairfax County Government will host the Northern Virginia Regional Commission’s (NVRC) COVID-19 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, June 9, at 6 p.m. on the Fairfax County Government Center ellipse. The ceremony will honor and remember all of the lives lost in the 13 jurisdictions that make up the regional commission. The event will be broadcast live on Fairfax County Government Channel 16 as well as on the Facebook pages of both NVRC and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay.
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High School Voter Registration
As of May 8, League of Women Voters - Fairfax Area gave 90 virtual presentations regarding voter registration to FCPS high schools this year!
If you are born on or before November 2, 2003, and are a US citizen, you most likely can register now.
Learn more and find your high school at their website.
This helpful document lists FAQs and current registration deadlines for upcoming elections.
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 June is Pride Month in the United States, a time to remember history, celebrate how far we’ve come in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, but also to reinvigorate our efforts to continue the fight for equality and against discrimination and hatred.
Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth:
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Educate Yourself (& Your Family). Showing the LGBTQ+ people in your life that you understand and respect their identities is a great first step.
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Encourage Kids to Find Community Online. Staying connected to the LGBTQ+ community can help youth combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Some national organizations offer free support groups and social events online.
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Recommend LGBTQ+ Books and Media. Representation is powerful. Seeing movies, television shows, and books with LGBTQ+ characters help kids feel less alone.
Adapted from Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth During Quarantine by Rebecca Bauer, FCPS Office of Psychology Services.
Audit Buzz Newsletter
In this issue of Audit Buzz, FCPS summarized the status of current engagements, highlight May as International Internal Audit Awareness Month, and also provide information on the next Audit Committee meeting.
Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived on the Office of the Auditor General's (OAG) website.
Current Engagement Update
- At the May 26, 2021, Audit Committee meeting, OAG presented the following agenda items:
- Auditor General Updates
- FY21 Business Process Audit - Forestdale Elementary School Audit Report
- FY21 Hiring and Onboarding Practices Audit Report
- FY21 Fidelity of Implementation of School Board Actions Audit Report – Follow Up Discussion
- OAG continues to serve as the project liaison for a comprehensive program review of FCPS’ special education, which the American Institutes for Research (AIR) was contracted to perform. The researchers completed the Year 1 data collection activities and are working on identifying emerging themes. The first-year report is scheduled to be presented to the School Board in July 2021.
- OAG is currently performing its annual risk assessment process. We plan to present the proposed FY22 audit plan in the June 16, 2021, Audit Committee meeting.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:
(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail)
InternalAudit@fcps.edu (email is not anonymous)
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Below you will find a list of 15 Scholarship Programs that will give out more than 1000 Individual Scholarship Awards during the 2021 school year.
Scholarship Deadlines for: June 12th to July 31st, 2021
1) Automotive Women's Association Scholarships - $2,500 – 15 Awards (Deadline: June 12, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Identify as a woman and be enrolled or will be enrolled in a full-time post-secondary automotive program.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA during a scholarship-funded semester.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31732/automotive-womens-association-scholarships
2) Women in Trades Scholarship - $3,000 – 5 Awards (Deadline: June 15, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Identify as a woman and be enrolled or will be enrolled in a full-time, post-secondary trades program and must maintain satisfactory academic standing throughout your program.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36665/women-in-trades-scholarship
3) Students Against Drinking and Driving Scholarship - $2,500 – 1 Award (Deadline: June 15, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school student with a 3.0 GPA who has been admitted to a college or university.
- Submit an essay of 500 to 1,000 words.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/32591/students-against-drinking-and-driving-scholarship
4) Navigate Your Future Scholarship - $2,500 – 1 Award (Deadline: June 25, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a senior in high school planning a career in the general aviation field.
- Be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college or university.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33888/navigate-your-future-scholarship
5) Compos Mentis Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be at least 13 years old and enrolled or will enroll in a college or university in the US.
- Be a legal resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33040/1000-compos-mentis-scholarship
6) OppU Achievers - $2,500 – 4 Awards (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be enrolled full-time in high school or at least part-time in college.
- Possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33684/oppu-achievers-scholarship
7) Be Bold Scholarship - $25,085 – 1 Award (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be in Grade 12 and plan on enrolling in college by the fall of 2021.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.5.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/34919/be-bold-scholarship
8) Geoscience IDEA Scholarship - $5,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or another traditionally marginalized ethnic group.
- Be enrolling, or already enrolled, in an accredited, post-secondary institution in the United States.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/27480/geoscience-idea-scholarship
9) Lift Parts Express Scholarship - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a current senior in High School and a legal resident of the United States.
- Be enrolled or expected to be enrolled by the Fall of 2021.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28085/lift-parts-express-scholarship
10) NC Scholarships - $2,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: June 30, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be currently enrolled as a high school senior or a student enrolled at an accredited college or university located within the United States.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.5.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36026/nc-scholarship
11) AGMA Foundation Scholarship Program - $5,000 - 8 Awards (Deadline: July 1, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be interested in a career in the gear industry, and/or power transmission as it relates to the gear industry.
- Be currently enrolled, or recently accepted, as a full or part-time student in a nationally accredited program.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36655/agma-foundation-scholarship-program
12) Stand Up to Distracted Driving Scholarship - $2,000 – 5 Awards (Deadline: July 1, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior who will be starting college or university in the fall.
- Have a current overall GPA of at least 3.0.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36601/stand-up-to-distracted-driving-scholarship
13) Bottar Leone Scholarship - $2,500 – 2 Awards (Deadline: July 1, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be in "good academic standing" with a high school grade point average of 3.0+ on a 4-point scale.
- Have a documented physical or learning disability.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/29602/bottar-leone-scholarship
14) Lakeview Health Scholarship - $3,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: July 1, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be an American citizen that is 18 years of age or older and currently enrolled in or accepted to a four-year
or two-year college or university.
- Have a current grade point average of at least 2.5.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipbuddy.com/scholarships/18811/lakeview-health-scholarship
15) Addiction and Mental Health Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: July 31, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior, undergraduate, or post-graduate level student.
- Be pursuing studies focused on destigmatizing addiction and mental illness.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36179/addiction-and-mental-health-scholarship
*Receive the Weekly Scholarship Newsletter.
2021 FCPS Summer Learning Information
This summer, FCPS will offer a variety of school-based opportunities. These include:
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Credit Recovery: Each high and secondary school will host credit recovery opportunities for its students during two sessions. Credit Recovery is an opportunity for students to recover two high-school course credits. Students may take one course per session. Students should contact their school’s summer program administrator for additional information. Students are eligible to enroll in a credit recovery course if they receive a grade of NM at the end of the school year. Credit Recovery is only for students who failed a course. This is free of cost and transportation is provided to students that need it. Since the sessions are only three weeks long, students must be available for the entirety of the session.
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School-Based Opportunities for Select Elementary School Students: Each elementary school has summer learning opportunities designed to support students as they develop executive functioning skills, mathematics skills, and language arts skills.
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School-Based Opportunities for Select Middle School Students: Each middle school has summer learning opportunities designed to support students as they develop: mathematics, language arts, and problem-solving skills.
School staff will contact families of students who will be invited in the coming weeks. The total number of students that can attend school-based programs is based on the number of teachers at the school available to work this summer.
There are also a variety of summer enrichment programs open to all students. Information on how to register for these programs is available on the FCPS Summer Learning webpage.
COVID Recovery Services Available for Special Education Students
Special education COVID recovery services may be considered for any student with a disability whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team or Section 504 Committee determines there remains a significant educational impact due to the COVID-19 school closure and the virtual learning this school year. Recovery services are designed to address learning gaps and are determined by IEP Teams or 504 Committees.
Not all students with disabilities will require COVID recovery services. COVID recovery services are based on whether or not the student continued making progress in the general education curriculum, or alternative course of study specified in their IEP/504 plan or toward meeting their IEP goals, and/or if any significant regression occurred during the period of school closure.
IEP Teams and 504 Committees will use a variety of data sources including individual student progress data, teacher assessments, and parent input when considering COVID recovery services. If the IEP Team or 504 Committee decides a student requires recovery services, the team will determine the amount and type of recovery service that is required to address the individual student’s needs.
If you think that your child may require COVID recovery services, please contact your child’s IEP/504 case manager to further discuss and schedule a meeting for the IEP team or 504 committees to consider the need for recovery services.
Additional information regarding FCPS’ Summer Recovery Academy is available online.
Many Students to Receive Summer Practice Books in June
Check the mailbox for practice books delivered to the homes of many FCPS students. The books provide suggested activities to support continued learning over the summer break. Families who have opted out of paper mailings from the division will only receive a digital link.
Books will be mailed home to families in early June to arrive before the last day of school, June 11. If books do not arrive ahead of the last day of school, families are encouraged to reach out to their school and request print copies.
Students will receive the following books:
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Pre-kindergarten students will receive one interdisciplinary summer practice book.
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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.
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English learners and students receiving Special Education services may receive additional or customized books.
Please see the Summer Practice Books public webpage for more information and details about customized books for English learners and Special Education students.
Summer Arts Opportunities for Rising 3-12 Graders
Does your child love the arts? Are you looking for a wonderful summer enrichment opportunity for them? Institute for the Arts (grades 6-11) and Elementary Institute for the Arts (grades 2-5) registration is open now for students currently in grades 2 through 11. Don't delay, seats are first-come-first-serve, and registration closes June 25.
Tuition waivers are available for students who qualify. Questions? Email: ifta@fcps.edu or efita@fcps.edu.
Registration is available online.
STARTALK Program
Fairfax Academy is proud to be offering STARTALK for the second summer in a row! STARTALK is an NSA grant-funded program focused on Korean language and culture (in addition to dance and music) that is available to rising 9th-12th graders.
Registration is currently open, and spots are limited for this intensive summer enrichment program.
Find more information on the Fairfax Academy Korean STARTALK Program website.
Win Prizes With the Public Library Summer Reading Adventure; Starts June 11
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) summer reading program will start on June 11 and end on August 13. Students can start signing up now on Beanstack where they can track their summer reading online.
Students will have the chance to earn prizes when they read and complete activities. Here are the prize milestones for Youth Summer Reading Adventure 2021:
- Sign up for the program to unlock a chance to win a $25 e-gift card to Scrawl Books.
- Read 500 minutes to unlock a chance to win a $50 Chipotle gift card.
- Complete the program by reading 1,000 minutes OR reading 500 minutes and completing 5 activity badges to unlock a chance to win a $150 Amazon e-gift card.
Prizes will be awarded after the completion of the Summer Reading Adventure. Winners will be notified by August 31.
If you don't want to use Beanstack to log your reading, paper reading logs will be available beginning June 11 online and at your local library branch.
Fill out your reading log and return it to your local library by August 13 to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Good luck—winning would be a happy ending to your summer story!
More information about the FCPL summer reading program is available online.
2021 Summer Camps for Students with Special Needs
The FCPS Parent Resource Center has a helpful resource for finding summer activities for students with special needs. The list does not indicate recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools or the Parent Resource Center. Please contact the camps directly for fees and availability.
Rec-PAC Summer Camps (Grades 1-6)
After COVID-19 prevented in-person programs last summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children) returns this summer at 30 elementary school locations across Fairfax County.
Rec-PAC is an affordable, structured six-week summer program for children in grades 1-6 featuring a different theme each week. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays from June 28 through Aug. 5, 2021. Parents can sign up for one week at a time or all six weeks.
Visit this site for more information and to register.
Register now for 2021 Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Summer Camps
Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) offers several summer camp programs for students ranging from rising 1st graders to teens. Registration is now open for NCS camps, which run from June through August. Summer camp programs include:
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Camp Fairfax, for grades 1-6 (rising).
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Culmore Soccer Camp, for ages 6-16.
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Teens in Action, for ages 12-18.
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Therapeutic Recreation Camp, for participants ages 5-22 with disabilities.
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Value in Prevention (V.I.P.) Camp, for grades 7-9 (rising).
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NCS Connects Summer Adventures, a virtual camp for youth and teens.
For more information on camps and to register, visit the NCS Summer Camps webpage.
Family Resources
Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care to Open for 2021-22 School Year
Many FCPS families utilize Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care (SACC) programs for childcare. Good news! SACC will be open to provide before and after school services for the 2021-22 School Year. The SACC program is currently assessing center capacities based on health and safety protocols. More information for the 2021-22 School Year program will be available by June 15 on the SACC website. Families who were previously enrolled will be contacted to determine their need for services.
For more information view the Expanded Eligbility Flyer in English and Spanish.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible families can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. This is not an FCPS-funded program. It is a way for families to potentially access a more reliable hard-wired internet connection at a higher bandwidth than the “basic” packages provide.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.
Learn about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or calling 833-511-0311.
Application Window Opens June 7 for RAD-PBV Housing Voucher Registration
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) owns 1,060 units of housing made available through the Rental Assistance Demonstration-Project Based Voucher (RAD-PBV) program.
Units include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom townhouses, garden apartments, and condominiums located in communities across Fairfax County. The application window for this popular program opens on June 7; more information is available online in multiple languages.
Multilingual Parent Podcasts
Parents Play an Important Role in Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Children
Meet members of the Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Beth Mohaupt and Bryan Villalobos are on the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Team. The pair explains their roles as counselors and gives parents information on how to be proactive in preventing substance abuse among children. View the video: Parent Presentation: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. For additional information, call 571-423-4270.
Listen and Subscribe:
Edu-Futuro—Empowering Students, Involving Parents, and Transforming Communities
Listen to this informative and inspiring discussion about how Edu-Futuro, a leading organization that advocates for families, prides itself in the whole family approach. They empower students, engage parents, and transform communities.
Victoria Mejía, youth programs coordinator, and Maria Mateus, parent support specialist, talk about the valuable programs that Edu-Futuro offers families. They particularly talk about families’ goals of attaining post-secondary education and career, and how Edu-Futuro offers mentors and scholarships.
Listen and Subscribe:
Meet the FCPS Ombudsman and Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education
In this episode, you meet Armando Peri, FCPS Ombudsman, and Dawn Clements, Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education. They explain their roles and responsibilities, how they help parents navigate difficult situations, and what parents can expect when they contact the Ombudsman. To contact them, call 571-423-4014 or email ombudsman@fcps.edu
Listen and Subscribe:
Yes, We Want Your Child Back in School! Attendance Matters!
Last year and 2021 have posed many challenges for all of us. We miss our students who have been absent. FCPS wants your child back in school and is ready to help. Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on why we want your child back in school. We care and attendance matters.
Podcast hosts and guests engage in a passionate discussion on how we care, why attendance matters, common reasons for absence, school procedures regarding attendance, and what parents can do to partner with the school to get students back on track and in school.
Listen and Subscribe:
What Should Families Know About ESOL Services?
Listen to the latest Spanish, Arabic, and Korean podcasts on what FCPS families should know about English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. Nearly 49%, or 87,571 students, in Fairfax County Public Schools, speak a second language. This week's podcasts include a discussion about FCPS English Language Services. Rich Pollio, director of FCPS ESOL Services, talks about why ESOL services are important, how families are notified about ESOL services, how families can help at home, new school-to-home communication tools, and adult English Language Classes.
Listen and Subscribe:
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 Pre-K and EHS Programs' website and/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.
Listen and Subscribe:
Tune into the new Schoology and Me Podcast
FCPS students, families, and staff are transitioning to Schoology (pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/) as FCPS’s division-wide learning management system beginning July 2021. Schoology is a learning space that enhances communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for students, teachers, and families.
Listen to Schoology and Me, a lighthearted podcast hosted by Aron Sterling from Instructional Services and Shane Wheeler from Information Technology. Listeners will:
- Hear from pilot school communities about their experiences; and
- Learn about updates and cool features available in Schoology to support teaching and learning.
Find the podcast on Apple, Stitcher, or the Schoology Page on the Employee Hub. For more information, contact the Schoology Project Team at schoology@fcps.edu.
FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
The end of the school year and summer are both right around the corner. This means end-of-year celebrations, graduation parties, summer BBQs, and a lot of time either spent at home or with friends. This could also mean opportunities for your student to use and misuse substances.
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness.
To read more about resources available, please see the Spring issue of the SAP Program Quarterly Newsletter
Don’t forget: This is Quitting offers text messages for teens and young adults that provide support throughout the quit process. This is Quitting is easy to use, free and anonymous.
Sign up now: Text VapeFreeFFX to 88709
For questions or support for your student, please reach out to Jessica Giffin, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) at jlgiffin@fcps.edu.
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Happify.com is a great teen and mental health resource to learn about teens and mental health, statistics, what to look for, how to help, and how to talk to your teen.
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From the Healthy Minds Blog: Prioritize Mental Health to Build Resilience in Families
This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. During this global pandemic, the major changes to the ways we live our lives have impacted our children and their relationships. Many families have experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety than ever before.
The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can help parents support the well-being of themselves and their children.
Outsmarting Anxiety
In this article in Psychology Today, psychotherapist Linda Esposito suggests twelve “intentional acts of calm”:
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Reframe. When you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself, What is a different way of looking at my situation? “Doing this, says Esposito, “is a key step toward regarding yourself as a capable problem-solver.”
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Get outside. Take a walk. If you’re walking with a wily dog, that will help you get out of your own head.
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Hydrate. “Water,” says Esposito, “facilitates the delivery of nutrients to the brain, removes toxins and inflammatory markers, and improves cognitive functioning.”
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Do pushups. A short burst of physical exertion releases nervous energy.
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Visualize an admired person. What would they do?
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Use Pomodoro. Work in 25-minute chunks followed by 5-minute breaks, and after four cycles, take a 15-20-minute break.
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Insert a mindful buffer. Between work and home, “spend a few minutes in silence to make peace with what’s happened during the day,” says Esposito, “then take a few cleansing breaths before switching gears with presence and intention.”
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Clear clutter. This is especially helpful just before going to bed.
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Read hard-copy news. Onscreen news feeds are distracting and provoke anxiety.
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Dump smiley-face. “Sometimes you need to take off the rose-tinted glasses to see your smudged, cloudy challenges as they are,” says Esposito.
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Make a fun plan. Thinking about a get-together with people who are good for your mental health creates positive anticipation.
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Accept anxiety. “Sometimes letting go of the need to control outcomes leads to greater acceptance of your circumstances,” Esposito concludes.
“12 Ways to Curb Anxiety” by Linda Esposito in Psychology Today, May/June 2021 (Vol. 54, #3, p. 41)
Register Now for New Webinars from the Parent Resource Center
Registration is now open for some new webinars in June presented by the FCPS Parent Resource Center. They include:
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ST Math: Help Children Love Math This Summer: A Webinar for K-6 Families
Every student has the potential to deeply understand and truly love math. This belief helps ST Math become a powerful tool many students are using in FCPS. Students develop their math knowledge through challenging puzzles, non-routine problem solving, and informative feedback.
Join us for this important webinar to learn how families can use ST Math with their children to help them develop a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics.
Webinar Highlights:
- Discover how learning occurs in ST Math.
- Support students working in the program from home.
- Uncover how to view student progress.
- Locate additional resources for ST Math use at home.
Presented by Jim deBerjeois, and Vivian Doughty, Professional Learning Specialists at MIND Research Unit. *This webinar will NOT be recorded.
Monday June 7, 2021, 10 - 10:45 a.m. & 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Register for ST Math: Help Children Love Math This Summer: A Webinar for K-6 Families
Summer Survival Week for Families and Caregivers: Electronic Resources
June 14-17, 2021
Are you ready for summer? We want to help you have the best possible summer, whether you are feeling worn out from the last year or ready to do it all. We are breaking it down to a topic a day to help you think through your options, have conversations with your family, and implement new strategies to set you and your family up for success
Each Day, you will receive a link to a lesson guide and video tutorial on the following topics:
- Monday- The Art of the Family Meeting: Navigating individual and family needs and schedules
- Tuesday- Summer Bucket List: Where to go to for ideas to help make the most of the summer
- Wednesday- Setting Kids Up for Success in the Fall: How to reinforce academic skills at home
- Thursday- Self-care Check-In: How to be realistic about your individual and collective resources
You can choose how you would like to receive your information.
Option 1: Register for Text Messages: Text the code below to 714-406-0736
- አማርኛ (Amharic): 205293
- عربى (Arabic): 340258
- 中国人 (Chinese): 430931
- English: 150551
- 한국어 (Korean): 527627
- فارسی (Farsi) 753034
- Español (Spanish): 810811
- اردو (Urdu): 707019
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese): 469319
Option 2: Register for email.
We can do free consultations or send resources now if you would like summer support sooner. Please contact us at prc@fcps.edu or 703-204-3941.
  
For more information visit the Parenting Wisely website.
Quick Links:
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
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