2021 Summer Newsletter
Dear FCPS Families,
Congratulations to all our students, and especially our graduating seniors, on completing the 2020-21 school year! It is always an honor to share in important milestones in the lives of our students. This past month, I had the pleasure to attend 15 graduation ceremonies across the county. I am proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2021 and look forward to the positive impact they will make on our local and global community. Best of luck to the Class of 2021!
This fall, we are prepared to provide five day in-person learning. The Board has held several public work sessions where staff presented reports to address critical questions to ensure success in the coming school year. As one of your At-Large board members, I have actively advocated for programs and services to help our students recover from learning loss, the provision of assessments to identify needed supports, additional learning opportunities and Extended School Year (ESY). This newsletter includes a summary of our initial plans and activities that will be implemented in the new school year.
I am also aware that some parents, many of whom are from our special education community, are concerned about continued learning opportunities and the availability of summer supports for our students. A full update will be found below.
In addition to returning strong in Fall 2021, FCPS staff have designed a cadre of summer programs to support the development of foundational skills in literacy and mathematics—a key strategy to address continued student learning. For those students who do not attend summer school, FCPS is providing universal access to student practice books and personalized mathematics and literacy software. This newsletter has a strong focus on the ways your students can engage in FCPS learning and enrichment programs this summer.
As Audit Chair, I have worked with our Audit committee to make sure that our Auditor General continues to provide meaningful, independent oversight to our school system. Last year, the Board asked that the AG oversee a study on our special education program. The Board will receive the first report on that study in a work session in July. Additionally, next year’s proposed Audit plan is listed below.
The 2020-21 school year has brought many challenges, but we have also experienced some victories. In addition to working to serve students who wanted to receive in-person learning and those who chose virtual, this Board has continued to plan for a bright future. Our efforts helped to provide in-person graduations, a decision to review and update our Literacy Plan (EAL), the expanded use of outdoor classrooms to facilitate in-person learning, advocacy for greater access to rigorous math programs in elementary school grades, committed to developing an policy that assures all students of a safe, respectful, bias-free school environment and so much more. Additionally, FCPS has supported our community by providing meals during the COVID crisis, utilized FCPS facilities for greater access to vaccinations, and will provide summer meals for many of our families.
I also continue to advocate for access to a possible John Lewis Academy pilot program that will focus on providing bipartisan leadership development training with a focus on understanding leadership and civic engagement—an initiative that was recently featured in the Brabrand Briefing. A report from the Superintendent can be found in this newsletter.
I thank you for your patience and support this past school year. We have had quite a year and, despite all the changes during this pandemic, we have much to celebrate! I hope you find this newsletter helpful. As always, I am here to listen to your concerns.
 In this issue:
- Extended School Year Changes for Students Receiving Special Education Services
- Returning Strong; How FCPS is Addressing Student Learning Loss
- End-of-Year Assessment Reports for Families
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Offers Admission to 550 for Class of 2025
- Exploration for an Academy at John R. Lewis High School
- FCPS Summer Learning and Enrichment Programs
- Looking for Some Summertime Fun? Register Now for Camp Fairfax
- Hands-On Learning Career and Technical Education Camps Open to All Students
- Many Students to Receive Summer Practice Books in June
- Win Prizes with the Public Library Summer Reading Adventure. Starts June 11
- Summer Tips to Keep Children Active and Engaged in Learning
- Free Meals Available throughout the Summer, June 28-August 5
- Gear Up for the 2021-2022 School Year
- Current Audit Engagement Update
- Top 10 Things to Know About FCPS’s 2022 Budget
Extended School Year Changes for Students Receiving Special Education Services
FCPS had planned to provide extended summer learning opportunities for students who receive special education services in one single session this summer. However, due to challenges in staffing and an increased number of students receiving services, two separate sessions are being planned rather than just one. This change will impact roughly 1,200 students.
What are the new dates?
- Session I will be June 28-July 23, 2021
- Session II will be July 26-August 12, with extended hours (8:00am – 12:05pm or 9:45am – 1:50pm elementary; secondary 10:00am – 3:30pm)
While this is very disappointing to us, unfortunately several school districts across the region and the nation are meeting the same challenges following the pandemic. Despite FCPS’ generous financial incentives and multiple requests to recruit summer staff, the division is short roughly 30% of staffing for summer courses. By providing two sessions, we will be able to maintain class sizes and will be able to serve all of our students safely and effectively.
FCPS remains committed to using class sizes that foster safety and quality programming. We recognize that this change may create a hardship for families. We are committed to collaborating with families to find ways to support our families who have significant barriers to the greatest degree possible.
Returning Strong: How FCPS is Addressing Student Learning Loss
Now that we have successfully and safely reopened our schools and are on track for a full return to five days of in-person learning this fall, our top priority is to ensure there is an appropriate plan to bring students up to grade level or higher. Below is a brief snapshot of the key strategies FCPS will use to address student learning loss during the upcoming school year.
Reviewing and Reteaching. FCPS is updating its curriculum guides to ensure that teachers are provided with effective information and strategies to review and/or reteach previous grade standards as they teach current year content. This is critical to helping students master essential knowledge and fill any skill gaps. This approach allows us to accelerate learning as opposed to starting a cycle of remediation. For students who have more significant learning needs, we anticipate providing a variety of interventions, such as:
- Built in time during the school day for individualized or small group instruction by current teacher or specialist
- After school/Saturday “tutoring” delivered at the school by paid staff
- Online tutoring delivered in the evening
Identifying Student Needs. During Fall 2021, assessment will play an important role in identifying gaps in learning and determining next steps. Students at all levels will participate in classroom assessments based on grade level units to identify specific learning gaps that need to be addressed during on grade level instruction.
- Elementary students will participate in a VDOE Fall “SOL-like" assessment, as well as the iReady screener, as first indicators of student needs in literacy and mathematics
- Middle school students will participate in the new VDOE assessments and mathematics and literacy inventories
- High school students who have risk indicators will participate in mathematics and literacy inventories.
Preparing Teachers to Tackle Learning Loss. Upon return to school, teachers will engage in professional development so they are prepared to implement updated curriculum guide and to effectively use data and strategies to support social emotional learning. Ongoing professional development will take place throughout the year with specific supports for teacher leader/coaches at each school site. In addition, our resource teachers from ISD, DSIS and the Title 1 office will be deployed in schools to support professional development, planning, and instructional delivery.
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End-of-Year Assessment Reports for Families
Students participate in several assessments at the end of the school year. The results are shared with families in different ways.
This year, parents will be able to access Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores directly in SIS ParentVUE. Individual test scores will be visible in the student test history by the end of June, and a formal SOL report letter will be posted in ParentVUE by August.
Some test results will be mailed to the parent’s home by the start of next school year. These include report letters for families of:
Other scores are shared by the school or testing organization, such as Advanced Placement (AP) scores from the College Board.
For questions about assessment score reports, contact your student’s school.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Offers Admission to 550 Students
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), a Governor's School within Fairfax County Public Schools that is regularly ranked as one of the top public schools in the country, recently offered admission to 550 students for the Class of 2025. For the first time in the last 10 years, all FCPS middle schools have students who were accepted to TJHSST. Students from historically underrepresented schools increased from 5.56% (2020-21) to 30.73%. Economically disadvantaged students increased from 0.62% (2020-21) to 25.09%.
The students accepted for the Class of 2025 are high performers and are well prepared for TJHSST’s academic rigor. At 3.9, the average GPA for applicants is higher this year than it has been in the past five years. The average GPA for students offered admission remains extremely high at more than 3.95. Read the FCPS News Release for more information.
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Exploration for an Academy at John R. Lewis High School
At a School Board forum on December 1, 2020, the Board directed staff to explore the development of an Academy at John R. Lewis High School focused on public service and the principles of John R. Lewis’ leadership. Recognizing the priority of return to school efforts, the Board specified that this exploration should begin in Summer 2021.
This summer and fall, staff from the Instructional Services Department will partner with staff and other stakeholders of John R. Lewis High School to develop one or more models to propose to the School Board for an Academy at Lewis High School. Initial connections have been made between school and central office leadership, and relationships with George Mason University’s Carter School and the Bipartisan Leadership Project are begin explored.
A proposal for the Academy is anticipated to include a focus on government, public policy, leadership, and human rights along with opportunities for work-based learning such as internships and connections with public officials. The proposal will aim to honor the principles and legacy of John R. Lewis and the needs of Lewis High School Community. Staff hopes to prepare a report to the Board and schedule a work session in the mid to late fall.
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FCPS Summer Learning and Enrichment Programs
Summer signals a time for fun and relaxation, particularly after such a challenging school year. Many families are searching for ways to weave in learning enrichment activities along with summer fun to help children bolster skills and return to school strong. FCPS offers a variety of summer learning and enrichment activities. Below is a snapshot of a few featured opportunities. For a complete list of programs or any questions about the FCPS Summer Programs, visit FCPS Summer online or email SummerLearning@fcps.edu.
School-based Opportunities for Select Elementary and Middle 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. Each middle school has summer learning opportunities designed to support students as they develop mathematics, language arts, and problem-solving skills.
The learning provides an opportunity for students who have been identified due to their academic performance; determined by various criteria. School-based programs start July 12, 2021 and end July 30, 2021.
School staff will contact families of students who will be invited in the coming weeks. The total number of students that can attend will be impacted by the number of teachers at the school available to work this summer.
Retake Algebra 1
Interested in Algebra 1? Middle school students can retake Algebra 1 over the summer at their projected high school.
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Rising 7th and 8th graders: Parents/guardians should work with the student’s counselor in deciding to expunge one of the passing Algebra 1 course grades before the end of the first quarter of the 2021-22 school year.
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Rising 9th graders: Parent/guardians should work with the student’s high school counselor prior to the end of the 1st quarter of 2021-22 in deciding to expunge the Algebra 1 course and grade that was taken during the 2020-21 traditional school year. Students who will be 9th graders in SY 2021-22 may not expunge high school coursework taken during the summer.
Online Learning Opportunities for Middle and High School Students
Middle and high school students who meet the course prerequisites can take one online course. Students who have completed a high school math course may take an online campus math class. Middle school students who expunged a high school math or Spanish course or those wanting to recover a course credit may take the course again.
Students need to have a computer and make sure their computer is ready for the online course. Students will not be able to take online courses using tablets and smartphones.
Online Campus courses and classes may be cancelled if they are under enrolled. If a course or class is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information and a full refund will be given.
For a full list of available courses and more information: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning/online-programs
High School Credit Recovery
Credit Recovery is an opportunity for students to recover two high school course credits. Students can take one course or class per session. Students should contact their school’s summer program administrator for additional information. Watch this video to learn more about FCPS's Credit Recovery Academy.
Each high school will offer credit recovery courses and select standardized test prep classes for its students during two sessions: Session 1: June 28-July 16, 2021 and Session 2: July 21-August 6, 2021. The total number of students who can attend will be impacted by the number of teachers at the school available to work this summer.
Students are eligible for credit recovery courses if they receive a “NM” at the end of the school year. Students may not take a course for new credit. Students who need to earn a verified credit are eligible for a test prep class. View the Credit Recovery page for details.
Many Students to Receive Summer Practice Books
Check the mailbox for practice books delivered to 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 were mailed home to families in early June and should have arrived before the last day of school, June 11. If books your student’s books have yet to arrive, you are encouraged to reach out to their school and request print copies. Students received the following books:
- Pre-kindergarten students received one interdisciplinary summer practice book.
- Students enrolled in grades K-8 in 2020-21 received one Language Arts practice book and one Math practice book by course enrollment. These books also include information and guidance about digital tools that can be accessed by students and families to support learning throughout the summer.
- English learners and 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.
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Looking for Some Summertime Fun? Register Now for Camp Fairfax
Camp Fairfax (formerly Summer SACC) is a full-day program for rising 1st through 7th graders that features exciting opportunities in outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports and recreation, visual arts, science, technology, engineering, and math exploration, and much more!
Current health and safety guidelines will be implemented. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided. More information is available online.
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 Hands-On Learning Career and Technical Education Camps Open to All Students
Does your child enjoy cooking or sewing? Want to explore nursing or career in animal care? Or maybe you have a budding entrepreneur who wants to learn more about coding, mastering Microsoft or learning about marketing. Your child can use this summer to develop new skills and discover career pathways including several trade and industrial skills, such as home building, salon basics, and auto technology.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to dive deeper into CTE program areas and encourages skill development and career exploration. The program is open to students in grades 7-11 during the 2020-21 school year. Students can personalize their experience by choosing which CTE classes they will take!
Eligibility. CSA is open to students in grades 7-11 during the 2020-21 school year. Students currently in grades 2-6 may participate in Tech Adventure Camp. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come basis until seats are filled. Whether a FCPS student, enrolled in private school, homeschooled or are a non-Fairfax County resident, ALL students are welcome.
Program Dates
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Week 1: July 12 - July 16, 2021
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Week 2: July 19 - July 23, 2021
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Week 3: July 26 - July 30, 2021
Tuition
- Full: $275 per week
- Free and reduced lunch: No tuition
Classes and Daily Schedule. All sessions take place at Robinson Secondary School, 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. After care is available from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students have four classes every day. Students choose their classes during the registration process and are encouraged to try new and exciting content. Classes do not change weekly. Students who sign up for multiple weeks need to choose different classes each week.
Check the CTE Summer Academy webpage for a full listing of classes are being offered for summer 2021.
Win Prizes with the Public Library Summer Reading Adventure
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) summer reading program started on June 11 and will end on August 13. Students can start signing up now on Beanstack where they can track their summer reading online.
Students 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 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 are now available 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!
Free Meals Available Throughout the Summer, June 28-August 5
FCPS is committed to providing all students access to no-cost meals over the summer months at meal kit sites and on bus routes. Each site and bus route will offer meal kits containing seven days of breakfast and lunch. Please note that locations of the meal distribution sites and all bus routes have changed from the school year plan.
Summer Meal Kits
- Summer meal kits will be offered on Mondays at 10 sites throughout the county beginning June 28 and ending August 2.
- Please note that meal kits will be distributed on Tuesday, July 6, due to the Monday, July 5 holiday.
- Meal kits contain 7 days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk.
- The meal kits will be available for pick up from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. or until supplies are exhausted.
- All meals are available at no-cost to all FCPS students and children eighteen (18) years of age and under.
- Parents and caregivers may pick up food for children and adults may purchase kits for $28.
Meal Kit bus routes
- Meal kit bus routes will run June 28 through August 5.
- Buses will run weekly routes throughout the community distributing meal kits, containing seven days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk.
- The buses will not distribute meals on a daily basis. The bus stops are weekly and run Monday-Thursday only.
- Please note that on Friday, July 2, Monday bus routes will operate to cover the Monday, July 5, holiday.
- Meal kits are available at no-cost to FCPS students and children eighteen (18) years of age and under.
- Parents and caregivers may pick up food for children.
- Adult meals will not be available for purchase on the bus routes.
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Gear Up for the 2021-2022 School Year Now
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.
Register Your New Kindergartner Now. 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 web page or contact the school directly for specific enrollment information and dates of orientation.
Make Appointments for New Immunization Requirements Now. While the COVID-19 vaccination is NOT required by schools for the 2021-22 school year, many other vaccinations are.
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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.
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Twelfth-grade students need: One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 16 or older. More.
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Get Vaccine Ready: COVID-19 Vaccine Available to Children 12-17. Let’s work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about our vaccine clinic opportunities. While the COVID vaccine is not required, Teens are getting vaccinated and sharing their reasons why with the rest of us! See why some FCPS teens are getting vaccinated. Watch this video to see why some FCPS teens are getting vaccinated. (Note: In some photos, masks were briefly removed, but safety measures were in place.)
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Current Audit Engagement Update
As the board’s liaison and Chair of the Audit Committee, I participated in the recent committee on June 16. My colleagues and I received presentations by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) on the following agenda items:
- Audit Committee Citizen Members Recognition
- FY21 Business Process Audits (multiple) - See OAG Audit Reports
- Audit Follow-up Status
- Proposed FY22 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan
The proposed FY22 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan will be presented to the School Board on June 24 and will be discussed during the School Board Work Session on July 13. See the proposed FY22 Risk Assessment and Audit Plan.
OAG continues to serve as the project liaison for a comprehensive program review of FCPS’ special education, which 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 on July 13.
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Top 10 Things to Know About FCPS’s 2022 Budget
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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