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Dear Lee District Families,
Fall is here with its warm days and crisp nights. I hope you and your family can take some time this weekend to relax and enjoy this wonderful time of year here in Fairfax.
I have been visiting with many of our principals and schools over the last few weeks. During the September 23rd regular school board meeting, I shared my thoughts about a caring culture and continuing to work to bring our community together.
Click on the image below to hear my full message from the September 23, 2021 Regular School Board Meeting.
Let's continue to show grace and listen to one another.
Stay well,
Tammy
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- Tuesday, October 5, 3:30pm: Budget Priorities and Literacy Plan Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Thursday, October 7, 7pm: Division-Wide Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 7, (following public hearing): Regular School Board Meeting (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Tuesday, October 19 ,11am: Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Thursday, October 21, 7pm: Regular School Board Meeting (Luther Jackson Middle School)
Visit the citizen participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas and handouts.
The meetings can be viewed on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube page.
Walt Whitman Middle School Celebrates 60 Years
Walt Whitman Middle School proudly celebrates 60 years of educating and nurturing the children of Mount Vernon. It opened on September 5,1961 with an enrollment of 1,066 students at the site on Old Mount Vernon Road that is now Mount Vernon High School. It was one of the original 11 intermediate schools in the county. The schools were established with a focus on assisting students in transition between elementary schools and high schools. Intermediate schools were renamed middle schools in the 1990s to reflect a focus on nurturing student growth academically, socially, and personally.
Today Whitman Middle School's mission statement reads: Through collective responsibility and collaboration with peers, parents, and community members we will create a positive, respectful culture that sets high expectations, achievable goals, and a pathway to success for all students.
It was a tremendous honor to celebrate this momentous occasion.
 Pictured above from left to right: Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Frances Ivey, Senator Scott Surovell, Principal Craig Herring, Chairman Jeff McKay, Region 3 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nardos King, Lee District School Board Representative Tamara Derenak Kaufax, and Mt. Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck.
Opening of Schools 2021 Report: Opening Doors for All Students So They Find Joy in Learning
 Superintendent Brabrand presented the 2021 Opening of Schools Annual Report to the School Board at its regular meeting on September 23.
Highlights of the presentation include:
- FCPS remains the largest school division in the state of Virginia with approximately 180,000 students. 100% of our schools are open for in-person learning.
- The FCPS on-time graduation rate for 2021 was 94.6% - up three percentage points from 2019.
- Average daily meal participation has increased by more than 25% this school year compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. This year, no-cost breakfasts and lunches are available for every child.
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Summer learning participation increased 66% over the previous four-year average as FCPS expanded its programming to ensure students were supported during the pandemic.
- All schools have received funding to support family liaison outreach to connect families to resources and tools and help the smooth transition back to school.
- Significant technology enhancements included network upgrades to triple school bandwidth capacity and reliability.
- The Foundation for FCPS received $1.4 million in contributions in 2020-21.
You can view the entire presentation on the FCPS YouTube Channel.
Students Keep Learning in Pause, Quarantine with StreamIN/CheckIN
FCPS students being paused, quarantined, or isolated due to COVID-19 can now stay connected with their classes until they return to in-person learning.
StreamIN/CheckIN provides meaningful instructional support for students who are paused, quarantined, or isolated due to COVID-19. Participating in StreamIN/CheckIN offers these students the opportunity to stay engaged with their classes so when they return, they haven’t missed a beat.
Learn more about StreamIN/CheckIN on our website.
Updates to the Student-Athlete Vaccine Requirement
Students who are 16 years of age or older (age as of November 8 for the Winter season) and want to participate in athletics will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have either a medical or religious exemption. Unvaccinated students who are 12-15 years of age must provide a weekly negative COVID-19 test to be eligible to participate in team activities.
Submitting Proof of Vaccination
Starting October 4, student-athletes can submit their proof of Covid-19 vaccination to their school. Students will need to either show their vaccination card to authorized school personnel or provide clear documentation via an electronic format of the vaccination card or photocopy to the authorized school personnel. Schools will provide specific details of submitting proof of vaccination information.
Religious Exemption
Starting October 4, student athletes (both middle and high school) can submit the Religious Exemption form to their school. The form must be notarized and should be submitted directly to the Student Activities Office of their high school. Students who are not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious reasons will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. Please use the Commonwealth of Virginia Certificate of Religious Exemption form.
Medical Exemption
Starting October 4, student-athletes can submit the medical exemption information to their school. They will need to provide documentation of a medical exemption from their physician. Students can do this through a letter from their doctor (on the doctor’s office letterhead) stating the student has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the Covid-19 Vaccine. Students who are not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine due to documented health or medical reasons will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly.
Deadline for Medical and Religious Exemptions for Winter Sports Season
The Deadline for submitting medical and religious exemptions for the Winter season is Monday, November 1. The exemption must be received by the November 1 deadline for students to participate in winter tryouts. This will allow enough time for those students with a medical or religious exemption to provide proof of their negative Covid-19 test that week so that they may participate in tryouts. As a reminder all students with a medical or religious exemption for receiving the Covid-19 vaccination must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test weekly.
Students with a Religious or Medical Exemption and Unvaccinated Students Aged 12-15 (Age as of November 8 for the Winter Season)
Unvaccinated students who are 12-15, or students with a Religious or Medical exemption must provide a negative test weekly to participate in team activities. Currently, FCPS is working on securing a vendor to assist with providing access to weekly testing for athletes. We will share more information as it becomes available.
How to Simplify Your School Morning Routine
School mornings can quickly become an exhausting experience. “I’m telling you for the last time, get out of bed now!” “Are your homework and library books packed away?” “Where are your shoes?” “Hurry up, you are going to be late again!” This is no fun for anybody. As much as you dislike hectic school mornings, your children likely feel the same way.
It doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation and a consistent routine, you can get the mornings started off smoothly without all the stress. Click here to read some helpful strategies.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
 Hispanic Heritage Month is acknowledged annually from September 15-October 15. The celebration was created to honor the rich history, culture, and many contributions of Hispanic Americans. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.
Students from 16 FCPS High Schools Named National Merit Semifinalists
Two hundred fourteen students from 16 high schools from across Fairfax County Public Schools have been named semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2022.
The number of students honored this year during the pandemic is higher than last year when qualifying test scores were taken in 2019 before COVID-19 hit. The increase serves to indicate consistently high levels of academic achievement remain despite the challenges of the pandemic.
All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth more than $30 million, to be awarded in spring 2022.
More information is available online.
The 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opens October 1; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
Parents of current high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on October 1? Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, but definitely before March 1, 2022, as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2022. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA.
Our partners at College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of webinars on completing the FAFSA and finding/applying for scholarships over the next two months. Information on these programs and how to access them can be found at the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA. Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request an appointment.
High Schools and Secondary Schools Plan Adjusted Schedules for Wednesday, October 13
FCPS high schools and secondary schools are hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 13. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 13, as follows.
- All high schools and secondary schools have a 2-hour early release.
- High School Academy classes and shuttles are cancelled.
- Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.
- Grade 9 students—as well as Grade 7-8 students attending a secondary school—have a virtual asynchronous learning day.
- Any Grade 12 students who have chosen not to take the SAT exam have options for prearranged college visits or civic engagement, independent college and career preparation, or other activities, as directed by school staff.
For questions about PSAT and SAT School Day or the adjusted schedule for October 13, contact your student’s high school.
A Day as a Super Sub
Like many school districts across the region and country, FCPS is looking for kind and caring substitute teachers to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers need to be out of the building.
Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and anyone who wants a flexible work schedule.
Kathleen Miller, a media relations specialist in FCPS and a mom with two children in FCPS elementary schools, traded in her normal duties to serve as a substitute teacher for a day.
Find out what it’s like to spend a day as a Super Sub or find out how to become a sub yourself.
Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference to Be Held on October 23
 The 2021 Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference, sponsored by Assistive Technology Services, part of the Office of Special Education Instruction in the Department of Special Services, will be held on Saturday, October 23, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This year’s conference will be virtual with a keynote presentation and synchronous (live) sessions via Zoom. The RATE Conference is an educational conference which focuses on strategies for using assistive technology tools and supports to enhance learning for all students, especially those with special needs.
All FCPS parents are invited to attend. Registration is now open. For more information, the conference schedule, registration, and session descriptions visit the conference website.
Video: 2021 School Construction Bond Referendum
 Students benefit from updated schools and better learning environments–and the entire community benefits too. FCPS designs and builds schools to meet current and future technology, safety and security, and capacity needs. A School Bond Referendum is on the ballot on Tuesday, November 2. Watch the video.
Learn more about the 2021 School Construction Bond Referendum.
John R Lewis High School Student Giving Back to His Community
15-year-old Omar Fulcar is from the Dominican Republic and volunteers with several non-profits connected to the Fairfax County Health Department. FOX 5 and Easterns Automotive Group wanted to Pay It Forward by awarding Omar with a check for $1,000 to continue his good works in the community. Click here to watch his video interview with Fox5DC.
Fairfax County Health Department Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites
The Fairfax County Health Department’s mobile laboratory provides testing in locations throughout the county for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Visit fairfaxcounty.gov for an up-to-date schedule of mobile testing sites and schedules.
Concerns About Mask Compliance
Everyone should follow current FCPS mask requirements, unless specifically approved for an exemption, to keep our schools safe places for in-person learning. If you have concerns about mask compliance, speak with your principal or program manager.
If you feel your concerns have not been resolved, families and staff may reach out to the Region Office or make a confidential report to the Office of the Ombudsman by calling 571-423-4014, emailing ombudsman@fcps.edu, or submitting a question on the Ombudsman webpage.
Students who have concerns are encouraged to share with a teacher, assistant principal, or other trusted adult in the building. Students may also contact the Office of the Ombudsman.
Do Your Part: Hold Up!
 Hold up! Pause before heading to school or work. Do you feel sick? Are you having any symptoms of COVID-19?
If so, please stay home until you are better.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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