Dear Dranesville Families:
Welcome to summer. As we wind down the last week of school, I hope you have plans to enjoy the nice weather. If you are taking advantage of our summer programs or some of the county’s great programs this year, Enjoy. I hope you make time to relax and to be off of computer devices too. The chance to really unwind and rest is so important. Before we know it, we will all be back in school full time.
I’ve enjoyed the graduations I have been to and applaud our class of 2021. I’ve heard of many exciting plans and they are all off to do great things. Congratulations!!
Many of you have written to me in the past few weeks on two topics in particular and I want to take some time to address those. First, I know the survey on anti-bias, anti-racism curriculum was a surprise. Thank you for writing to me to express your concern about the survey and the work FCPS is doing around diversity, equity and inclusion; I truly appreciate your input. Over the past month, I have had many conversations with staff, Dr. Brabrand, our leadership team, and other members of the Board to make sure your concerns are heard and valued. I am advocating for overall better engagement, explanation, and communication around this work; and better teacher training. I will work with our staff and my colleagues to ensure that any changes in our curriculum are inclusive for all. I want you to know that I believe we must care for every student and all voices need to be heard.
I have been assured that over the next few years, as our curriculum work continues, Board and community input will be gathered and analyzed. FCPS will solicit community input in a variety of ways in the coming weeks and months. See below for more information on how to be involved.
I also know that with the recent rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes, many of our Jewish families feel helpless, afraid, and not protected by our school division. As a FCPS board member and Fairfax County citizen, I will not condone any anti-Semitic behavior or any behavior that makes our students and families feel unwelcome in our classrooms and school communities. As we have denounced anti-Asian and anti-Islam behavior, we must do the same for anti-Semitism. I understand that this is a painful time for many of our families. It is a time when we need to stand behind our families and support them. I am currently reaching out to community leaders and am committed to help FCPS foster a caring and inclusive culture in our schools for all students and families.
As I said at our last public board meeting, as we strive to move forward post pandemic to give our students the best education possible, we cannot do it as a divided community. We must move forward from today in a constructive, not destructive and divisive manner. It is time for us as adults to exhibit the behavior I am seeing among the student leaders I am working with--they continually come forward with sound solutions and act with civility toward each other.--We have a lot of hard work to do and we must all work as a team.
I am looking forward to our collaborations as we continue working to provide the best resources for our students to come out of the pandemic socially, emotionally and academically strong.
Have a restful summer.
Elaine
   Pictures from the Davis Center, Herndon HS, Langley HS, Marshall HS, McLean HS, and Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology graduations.
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Congratulations Dranesville 6th and 8th graders!
Hope you had a wonderful celebration with your classmates and hope you have a great summer. We wish you the best at middle school and high school!
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Dranesville Middle School Jump Start programs
The program is designed to help our new students get a head start and feel comfortable on Day 1 of the 2021-22 school year! Sign up now before programs fill up. Go to the below links for more information and registration.
Cooper MS:
- Cooper Prep will take place on August 11th and 12th. Morning sessions are 8:00-10:30 am or afternoon sessions are 12:00-2:30 pm. Each session is identical, students should attend one day and one session only.
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Who: All rising 7th grade students enrolling at Cooper Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year.
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What: Cooper Prep is a program intended to ease the transition from elementary to middle school for rising 7th graders.
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When: Registration links to sign your child up for a Cooper Prep are open at the Cooper Website, space is limited.
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How: Once you have successfully registered your child, you will receive an email confirming their registration for the program. Please reach out to Emily Knupp (eaknupp1@fcps.edu) or Sarah Hartman (sahartman2@fcps.edu) with any questions you may have.
Herndon MS:
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Jump Start Program (rising 7th Graders or students new to HMS next year):
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August 5 & 6 (Session 1) or August 9 & 10 (Session 2) | Learn how to be an HMS Hawk! Meet some of the HMS teachers, make some new friends and see what Herndon Middle School has to offer you! We will prepare you for day one of the 2021-22 school year.
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Jump Start Student Volunteers Needed! Help our rising 7th Graders feel more comfortable learning about HMS in August. Engage with participants throughout each day and participate in the traditional Student Panel. Jump Start Student Volunteer Sign Up
Longfellow MS:
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Jump Start to Success
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Session 1: August 3-4 from 8:30am to 12:30pm
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Session 2: August 5-6 from 8:30am to 12:30pm
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Both sessions are the same, please sign up for one. This program provides students with the opportunity to- Learn about life as a Longfellow Middle School student, make new friends, meet some staff members, tour the building, and ask questions.
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Click here to register for Jump Start. If you have questions about Jumpstart, please email Riley Barrows at rtbarrows1@fcps.edu
McLean High Student Competes on American Ninja Warrior
Max Feinberg, a McLean HS rising senior, will be appearing in Season 13 of American Ninja Warrior. Tune in to NBC on June 23rd to cheer him on! For a sneak preview, check out Max’s YouTube video.
Calendar Reminders:
Last Day of 2020-21 School Year Is June 11
As a reminder, the last day of the 2020-21 school year is Friday, June 11, and students will be dismissed early. Check with your child's school for its individual dismissal time.
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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.
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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
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
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.
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:
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.
The next Return to School Update will be at June 15 Work Session 1:30 p.m. Materials will be posted in advance on Board Docs.
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New Important Immunization Requirements:
Do You Have a Student Entering Seventh or Twelfth 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.
Parent Resource Center
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. To register via text message or via email go here. You can choose how you would like to receive your information in either text format or email in many languages.
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
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.
Summer is almost here!
Keep children active and engaged in learning.
Summer brings promise of a return to more play outside at camps and parks and visits to area museums.
Stay Engaged:
Encourage reading all summer long. This will help prevent the “summer slide” or the decrease in reading ability and provide benefits that can be seen year-round.
Visit the Fairfax County Library and help your child put together a summer reading list. Celebrate each time she or he finishes a book. Encourage them to complete the list by the time the summer ends.
Try a Fairfax County Public Schools Summer Learn Opportunity. FCPS offers academic opportunities as well as various arts and technology enrichment camps.
Be Creative:
Summer is the perfect time to let your child’s imagination run wild and stimulate creativity.
National Gallery of Art - NGA Kids – Choose from a variety of activities or projects from the National Gallery of Art, enjoy an animated musical adventure, take a tour through the sculpture garden, and more.
Smithsonian Museums for Kids – Learn with Smithsonian Virtual Guides. Explore and engage in Art, History, Culture: Games and Activities. Meet the Animals at the National Zoo. Explore 3D exhibits. Visit the Learning Lab.
Stay Active & Healthy:
Stay physically active. Children may be at an increased risk of weight gain when they are out of school during the summer months. Take advantage of the warmer weather and keep youth active outdoors.
KidsHealth.org –Learn how to keep your child healthy with the healthy foods and exercise.
Let’s Move! – Opportunities for kids to be physically active. Create new opportunities for families to be moving together.
¡El verano ya casi está aquí! Mantenga a los niños activos e involucrados con el aprendizaje
El verano significa jugar más al aire libre, campar, ir a los parques camps and parks y visitar los diferentes museos de la zona.
Mantente involucrado:
Fomente la lectura durante todo el verano. Esto ayudará a prevenir la “caída del verano” o la disminución de la capacidad para leer y brindará beneficios que se pueden ver durante todo el año.
Visite la biblioteca del condado de Fairfax Fairfax County Library y ayude a su hijo a preparar una lista de libros para leer durante el verano. Celebre cada vez que él o ella termine un libro. Anímelos a completar la lista antes de que termine el verano.
Durante el verano trate Fairfax County Public Schools Summer Learn Opportunity diferentes actividades y oportunidades para aprender que ofrecen las escuelas públicas del condado de Fairfax. FCPS ofrece oportunidades académicas, así como varios campamentos de enriquecimiento de artes y tecnología.
Ser creativo:
El verano es el mejor momento para dejar volar la imaginación de su hijo y estimular la creatividad.
National Gallery of Art Galería Nacional de Arte - NGA Kids - elija entre una variedad de actividades o proyectos de la Galería Nacional de Arte, disfrute de una aventura musical animada, realice un recorrido por el jardín de esculturas y más.
Smithsonian Museums for Kids Museos del Smithsonian para niños - aprenda con las guías virtuales del Smithsonian. Explore y participe en Arte, Historia, Cultura: Juegos y Actividades. Conozca a los animales en el zoológico nacional. Explore exhibiciones en 3D. Visite el laboratorio de aprendizaje.
Manténgase activo y saludable:
Mantente físicamente activo. Los niños pueden estar en mayor riesgo de aumentar de peso cuando no asisten a la escuela durante los meses de verano. Aproveche el clima más cálido y mantenga a los jóvenes activos al aire libre.
KidsHealth.org - aprenda cómo mantener saludable a su hijo con alimentos nutritivos y ejercicio.
¡Movámonos! Let’s Move! - Oportunidades para que los niños estén físicamente activos. Crea nuevas oportunidades para que las familias estén activas.
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Summer Opportunities
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Summer Practice Books will be mailed home or link emailed in early June to FCPS students in grades PreK-8, Special Education, and English Learners to provide suggested activities for students to support continued learning. Please see the Summer Practice Books public webpage for more information and details about customized books for English learners and Special Education students.
There are also a variety of school-based summer school programs and summer enrichment programs open to all students. Information on how to register for these programs is available on the FCPS Summer Learning webpage.
Rec-PAC Summer Camps (Grade 1-6)
Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children), operated by Fairfax County Park Authority After COVID-19 prevented in-person programs last summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC 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.
For more information and to register, visit this site for general information and detailed information at the Rec-PAC site.
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.
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.
Teens in Action - When Fairfax County Public Schools are closed for the spring, summer and winter breaks, Teens in Action offers an engaging, healthy and affordable recreation program for youth ages 12 to 18 to learn, play and serve. Activities include team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming, service projects, cultural field trips and much more! Free nutritious lunches and snacks are served. The program runs from June 14-August 20, 2021, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (optional 8:30 a.m. early drop-off). Registration information is available.
V.I.P. Camp - Your teenager is a Very Important Person. Sign them up for a summer of fun and leisure at Value in Prevention (V.I.P.) Camp! V.I.P. Camp is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services guaranteeing a quality program for your child. To be eligible, participants must be current or rising middle school students residing in Fairfax County. Camp runs from June 28-July 29, 2021, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (sites open at 8 a.m. for drop-offs; no camp on July 4). Register now.
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.
Summer Recovery Academy: Special Education COVID Recovery Services
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 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.
Case managers are responsible for reaching out to parents about their recommendations for Recovery Services. Additionally, parents have been advised to contact their child’s IEP/504 case manager to further discuss and schedule a meeting if they think their child may require COVID recovery services. View additional information regarding FCPS’ Summer Recovery Academy
June is...
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Pride Month
- 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.
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Great Outdoors Month
- June is Great Outdoors Month and Get2Green is encouraging you to enjoy the summer weather with some time in nature! Whether you explore your neighborhood, visit a Fairfax County Park near you, or head to another favorite nature spot, we hope you have a wonderful and relaxing summer filled with time with loved ones in the great outdoors!
Increased number of Sick Birds
The Fairfax County Animal Protection Police and Wildlife Management Office have received an increased number of reports for sick and dead birds throughout Fairfax County. Other agencies and localities across the region and state are reporting similar issues Many of the reports have included common grackles and blue jays, but other species have been documented within Fairfax County as well. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is actively investigating this issue.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has also created a bird reporting form where people can report dead birds, including Fairfax County and other jurisdictions. Dead birds should be disposed of safely. Sick or injured birds that are still alive should be called in to the Animal Protection Police through the police non-emergency number. See the form here.
If you find a sick or injured bird on your property, please contact the Animal Protection Police through the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
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. General tasks and commitment for committee members include 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.
ACE Advisory Committee vacancy
- Vacancy for July 2021- June 2022:
- If you are interested in serving as the Dranesville representative on the ACE Advisory Committee, please send your resume and a paragraph describing how your qualifications and experience will be an asset to the Dranesville community and the ACE Committee. Please send your information to Wendy Biliter by June 15th at wmbiliter@fcps.edu
FLECAC vacancy
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Vacancy for July 2021- June 2022:
- If you are interested in serving as the Dranesville representative on the FLEC Advisory Committee, please send your resume and a paragraph describing how your qualifications and experience will be an asset to the Dranesville community and FLECAC. This is usually a 2 year appointment. Please send your information to Wendy Biliter by June 15th at wmbiliter@fcps.edu
If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please forward your qualifications and a paragraph on your interest to wmbiliter@fcps.edu. Please consider being the Dranesville representative!
Fairfax Food Council Seeking Youth Representative
The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) is a coalition of citizens, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies and businesses that advocate and promote food system and policy changes benefitting Fairfax communities, especially underserved communities, to promote and ensure equitable access to healthy food. In an effort to engage and incorporate the perspective of youth in Fairfax County, the Fairfax Food Council is seeking a youth representative to serve on the Fairfax Food Council Steering Committee. This is a volunteer position.
Students should both live and attend school in Fairfax County, and be a rising high school junior (for the 2021-2022 school year). Learn more and apply to be the Fairfax Food Council’s Youth Representative. Please share this opportunity with any rising juniors you know.
Cox Participation in Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program
Beginning May 12, 2021, Cox Communications will be participating in the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which is part of the stimulus package passed by Congress in December. This will further help qualified Cox customers in your area access affordable internet. In a time where many are facing challenges due to the pandemic, we want to continue keeping families and households connected to their loved-ones, friends, work and school.
Eligible households with active Cox service can receive up to $50 off their current internet service, including equipment rental costs. Those living in tribal areas could receive as much as $75 off their monthly bill. Mobile phone payment plans may also qualify for the subsidy. Qualifying households include those that suffered a loss of income due to furlough or unemployment or are enrolled in one or more eligible government assistance programs.
Cox will continue to raise our hand to help administer this worthy program and deliver whatever governmental financial relief is available to consumers in need. For more information about EBB efforts, visit our website at cox.com/ebb
School and Student News
Herndon Elementary School's New Principal
- Candace Hunstad, current principal at Fairhill Elementary School, has been selected as the new principal of Herndon Elementary School effective July 1, 2021. We thank Interim Principal, Marti Jo Jackson, for her positive leadership throughout this school year. She will continue to serve the Herndon Elementary School community through June 2021.
FCPS Grow Your Own Teacher Pipeline Update
- Grow Your Own is an adopted concept put in place to help combat the current nationwide decline of an available teacher and trade workforce. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has a growing need for teachers and operational staff to work in our school division. At FCPS, our programs identify students and employees who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching and operational positions as well as opportunities to support their goal.
- Congratulations to the 2021 Recruitment Contract & Letter of Intent Recipients- 8 Herndon HS students and 4 McLean HS students.
Congratulations to all our FCPS High School Athletes
- Despite the shortened season and unique ways to compete this school year, thank you to all the coaches, Directors of Student Services, school staff, trainers, families, and athletes for a wonderful year of athletic competition. Congratulations for a season well played and to the many district, regional and state championships this year!
Herndon High School
- Can you believe these students have been singing on mute for the last year and a half?!” Herndon Choral Director Dana Van Slyke asked the audience after the first and final performance of our choir students this year. Thanks to Next Stop Theater in Herndon, we were able to host Broadway Under the Stars, a showcase of solos, small group, and large group performances by our very own Herndon High School students. What a wonderful opportunity to see our students performing in person!
 Bee Crossing, an Eagle Scout Project at Herndon ES
Nuruddin Abdulrashid, a Herndon HS senior, completed a walking path through the back property of Herndon ES with the help of the community, Herndon ES staff, and the Herndon ES PTA. To learn more about his project read this article.
Senior Langley Orchestra Students' Composition to Doc
- Senior cellists Misha Somogyi and Keon Parastaran present “A Tribute to Doc,” a self-composed piece dedicated to Langley Orchestra director Dr. McCormick (right). Langley HS had been practicing almost entirely virtually before the performance, meaning that for many students, this was their first time playing the pieces side by side with other Langley Orchestra members at Wolftrap. Read the full story. Photo by Rania Razek: Connection Newspaper.
 Westfield HS Featured on Washington Post Metro Front Page
- Westfield High School’s outdoor performance of their spring musical, “The Theory of Relativity”. https://wapo.st/3utnYG9.
Celebrate the Cooper Science Olympiad Team
- The results are in and Cooper’s Science Olympiad team placed 18th in the nation!! This is an incredibly impressive showing for our first time at Nationals!!
- We had 3 teams medal:
- Our Chiropterology teammates Tara Bansal and Shriya Jaddu placed 6th in the U.S.
- Our Write It CAD It teammates Arnav Ketineni and Lang Xiong placed 5th in the U.S.
- Our Write It Do It teammates Sohil Kadam and Oliver Yung placed 5th in the U.S.
- Congratulations to the entire Cooper Science Olympiad team. You persevered and triumphed this year through challenging circumstances. You represented Virginia well. We couldn’t be prouder!!!
Longfellow Middle School Wins Second Place at Quiz Bowl National Championship Tournament
- Longfellow Middle School sent two teams out of the 110 MS teams to the virtual 2021 National Champion Tournament MSNCT.
- The A team finished in second place, the best performance by any team from Virginia, and the B team finished in tenth place!
- The teams were coached by Eugene Huang-a Longfellow MS alumni and LMS math teacher.
- Deven Hagen of the A team was honored as an All-Star.
Second Graders Learn about Butterflies at Dranesville ES
 A very special thank you to Dranesville ES for letting their second graders teach me all about butterflies
Getting outside with 2nd graders is high on my list of the most wonderful things to do. Dranesville ES 2nd grade classes took me outside to their new outdoor woodland classroom for a story time and then we investigated their milkweed/butterfly garden. They told me all about Monarch butterflies and all about milkweed. We were all intrigued by the number of insects enjoying the butterfly garden. Thank you Dranesville ES!
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.
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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.
School Board Recognizes Staff and Students for Going Green!
During their May 20 meeting, the FCPS School Board passed a resolution recognizing Get2Green and the contributions and excellent work by students, teachers, administrators, custodians, staff, and parents in pursuit of healthier, more environmentally sustainable schools and the opportunity for students to develop as ethical and global citizens.
Thank you to all of the staff, students, and community members who help us make FCPS a green place for students to learn and grow! Read the resolution and watch the video.
VDOE Standards Public Comment Period
SEL
At the direction of the Virginia Assembly, VDOE has developed guidance standards for social-emotional learning (SEL) for all Virginia public students Kindergarten through 12th grade. 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
Social Studies
- A period of public review coming soon.
- For issues specifically related to K-12 social studies, FCPS Social Studies invites community members to share their perspectives about local and state curriculum and instruction to FCPSsocialstudiesreform@fcps.edu. FCPS Social Studies, in particular, has engaged in curriculum revision to ensure historical integrity and cultural responsiveness, such as the work of the Virginia Inquiry Collaborative, a curriculum development project in partnership with seven school divisions across Virginia.
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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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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 free feminine hygiene pads.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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June 7th at 6 p.m.- ESSER III Public Hearing
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June 8th at 6 p.m.- Glen Forest Boundary Public Hearing
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June 15th at 10 a.m.- Forum; All-Day Work Session
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June 17th at 7 p.m.- Hybrid Regular School Board 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.
© 2021 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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