Welcome Fall

Dear Dranesville Families:

As the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to fall, we are already entering the middle of the first quarter of school for our 2021-22 school year.   I hope you are getting into a routine and things are going well for you and your students.  

I know a few transportation issues remain.  I am happy to report that my work to increase the salary of our bus drivers passed a Board vote last week.  See the details below.  I am hoping this increase will allow us to retain our experienced drivers and to entice more drivers to join our force.  The earlier incentives we passed to attract new drivers has already increased our weekly pool of applicants.  

I have also been working to improve the learning opportunities for our students that are in pause, quarantine or isolation and to make sure we are using the resources we have available from our school experience last year.  I have asked to give teachers flexibility in setting up materials and online activities that work for them and for their students.  I have asked for creative ways to share responsibilities when working with students not in the building. The goal is to lessen the burden on our teachers but still provide a robust learning experience for the impacted students and to keep them feeling a part of the school community.

I have also asked the Superintendent to continue his constant communication with other school districts and health professionals to be sure we are looking to reduce the quarantine time of our students, including the possibility of testing.  I have been asked by parents about the possibility of using ‘Test to Stay’ as some other school districts are doing. We recently got some information from the Virginia Department of Health regarding 'Test to Stay' (see below) and will be monitoring that closely.  

I am working on my new and continuing committee assignments.  Board members are assigned committees to work with each school year.  I am happy to share I am the Vice-Chair of the Budget this year. I look forward to working with our Budget Chair, Karen Corbett Sanders to develop a clear and transparent budget process to yield a budget that best fits the needs of our students as we work to come out of this pandemic.  I am the Board Liaison for the Facilities Planning Advisory Council and look forward to learning even more about the efficient running of our buildings. Also, I am a representative on the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team, another joint committee with the Board of Supervisors. I hope to bring some of those resources to bear in Dranesville.  I am continuing my role representing FCPS on the Joint Environmental Task Force. We will work with staff to monitor the implementation of the goals passed last summer.  I am also still on the Audit Committee where one of our key projects this year is the continuation of our special education programs audit.  

We kicked off our year of working with the Dranesville PTAs and the Safe Community Coalition last week.  A huge thanks to the PTA/PTSA/PTO members in attendance.  It was great to hear about all of the wonderful community building activities you already have in place.  

I will continue to visit schools to see the wonderful efforts of our students and staff.  I hope to see all of you out at the Homecoming events and Fall activities across Dranesville.  

 

Elaine


Celebrate McLean

My Celebrate McLean visit- thank you Dr. Reilly, students, and parents!


Homecoming- a fall tradition

McLean HS celebrated homecoming this week. Today, join them for a Car parade at 5 p.m. and McLean's homecoming football game at 7pm. Their outdoor homecoming dance is on 10/2. Herndon and Langley High Schools have their homecomings the week of 10/11. Visit each high school’s website for details and events including parades and homecoming games.

Herndon Marching band and cheer

Herndon HS marching band and cheer squad at recent football game.


Work Opportunities! Hourly, Monitor and Substitutes

Dranesville schools have openings

Enjoy working with students? Do you have a neighbor who is retired and has worked in education?  Do you have some time?  FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as student monitors and work hourly.  Student monitors provide supervision support for students in the classroom, lunchroom, and outside.  If you would like more information about the position, please review the job description and apply online. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.

FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers! 

Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply here or attend one of the FCPS Friday information sessions to learn more! To sign up for a session visit our substitute information page here.  Say Yes to FCPS!

Please read this article to learn more about subbing first-hand by one of FCPS's OCCR staff.


Bus Drivers Receive Pay Increase

Fairfax County Public Schools is facing a bus driver shortage much like all school divisions around the country. We have made some changes to our hourly pay scale to recruit and retain the best bus drivers.

At its last meeting, the Fairfax County School Board voted to accept a recommendation to apply a 2.5% market scale adjustment (MSA) to the schedule H transportation salary scale. The 2.5% MSA approved last week will benefit any bus driver whose salaries were not increased when the hourly salary was raised to $22.91 in August. The MSA approved by the School Board will be applied to the salary scale effective for the pay period from October 9 to October 22 and reflected on paychecks starting November 5.

These salary adjustments recognize the amazing work that all of our bus drivers, transportation attendants, van drivers, and bus driver supervisors have done during the pandemic and the work they continue to do each day to safely transport our students. These increases also recognize that we must be competitive in the current market to recruit and retain bus drivers.

Please be aware, that in addition to these adjustments, a market review of bus driver and bus attendant salaries and benefits among Washington Area Boards of Education (WABE) school divisions will be completed later this fall.


Test to Stay - CDC & VDH Recommendations

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has researched some of the “Test to Stay” models implemented in other states through participation on national calls and follow up calls with individual jurisdictions. On September 8, 2021, VDH held a call with the CDC School Support Division regarding CDC’s project evaluating Test to Stay strategies in the United States. During that call,  and via email, the CDC was clear that they do not recommend Test to Stay strategies at this time and that the approach is not in accordance with CDC guidelines. However, CDC is actively working with the handful of states who have adopted these models to evaluate their effectiveness. They anticipated being able to share some data with VDH as early as mid-late October 2021. 

VDH recommends that local health departments monitor this evolving information, but does not recommend implementation of Test to Stay strategies at this time in Virginia. The VDH recommendation is based on the  current CDC recommendation, insufficient data on the effectiveness, and potential risk associated with shorter durations of quarantine and modified quarantine (e.g., allowing potentially infectious contacts to remain in school with regular testing).

FCPS will continue to follow the health guidance of local, state, and national health experts when making health decisions for schools and will work with them to explore various ways to limit student time away from instruction.


QRC picture

QR Codes Now Available to Digitally Verify COVID-19 Vaccination Status

As requests for proof of COVID-19 vaccination by businesses and employers increase, the Virginia Department of Health has announced that QR (quick response) codes are now available. Virginia is now the fifth U.S. state to adopt the SMART Health format for QR codes, empowering individuals with trustworthy and verifiable copies of their vaccination records in digital or paper form. Learn more here.


Student-Athlete Vaccination Requirement

Beginning November 8, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) requires student-athletes 16 years old and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the winter and spring sports seasons as an additional safety measure to support our layered prevention strategies. An increase in positive COVID-19 cases in sports programs results in large numbers of students being paused from athletic participation and, more importantly, classroom instruction.

Deadline for submitting vaccination status and medical or religious exemption is by November 1. Schools will provide specific details of submitting proof of vaccination information. 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. Students who are 16 years of age or older (age as of November 8 for Winter Season) who are unvaccinated and do not have either a medical or religious exemption will not be able to participate in team activities.  In addition, unvaccinated students who are 12 -15 years of age who do not provide a weekly negative Covid-19 test will not able to participate in team activities. 

Find answers to questions about the implementation timeline, how vaccination status will be verified, exceptions, safety, exemption procedures and forms, and more in these Frequently Asked Questions.


Screening Testing

The FCPS administration is in the process of partnering with a third-party provider to provide access to screening testing among other health service supports for FCPS students and staff. We recognize that screening testing of individuals who are not fully vaccinated is important given the recent surge of the Delta variant. We look forward to sharing details regarding this emerging partnership soon. In addition, we continue to partner with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) to provide diagnostic testing for symptomatic, in-person students or staff who are unable to access testing independently.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID-19 testing sites are available in Fairfax and the surrounding jurisdictions. Free testing is available at Fairfax County Health Department offices or at the Federally Qualified Heath Centers (FQHCs). Find a testing site in the Fairfax Health District via this document in English or Spanish or search for a testing site in Virginia near you. Note: this may not include every site currently offering testing in Fairfax Health District and testing may be offered for a cost. This is noted on the document.  

Health Department Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites

The 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.


Students Keep Learning in Pause, Quarantine with StreamIN/CheckIN

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 remain engaged with their classes.  Learn more about StreamIN/CheckIN on our website.


Care After You Wear

Whatever PPE you choose to wear, please make sure that it is disposed of properly. If you wear a disposable mask and you no longer need it, please put it in the trash. Washable masks are a great, sustainable option. If you cannot find a trash container, take the mask with you–you’re sure to find one nearby!


Stop the Spread of Germs

Practice these simple measures to decrease your chance of getting illnesses like flu this fall and winter.


Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month:

9/15- 10/15

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1988. Since then, the month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. 

The National Hispanic Heritage Month website highlights the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum tributes to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Please go the their website for more information and events for children and families.


Walk to School day

International Walk/Bike to School Day- October 6

Fairfax County Public Schools will participate in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 6, to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so on October 6. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Get more information about Walk to School Day.


2022 Graduation Dates

Full listing of FCPS graduations here. Here are the Dranesville dates:

2022 Dranesville Graduation

National Merit Scholarship 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. All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth more than $30 million, to be awarded in spring 2022. Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from their principal. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. These determinations are made by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, not FCPS or individual schools. Please go here to read the full news release.

Congratulations to the Dranesville Semifinalists

Herndon High School: Nathan Ho, Jillian Schmid.

Langley High School: Nathan Cao, Binh Huynh, Ryan Jones, Erika Li, Casey Lim, Chan-Ho Oh, William Orr, Elaine Zou. 

Marshall High School: Grace Chamberlain

McLean High School: Avery Barnett, Jack Deutsch, Nathaniel Garcia, Emilie Kim, Paul Kim, Cynthia Ma, Songhan Pang, Joyce Qi, Juliana Toro, Stefan Van Biljon, Kelvin Yuan, Cathy Zhang. 

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology: Ashley Chen, Justin Chen, Victoria Chen, Sehyun Choi, Michelle Du, Maria Dubasov, Pulak Dugar, Michael Fatemi, Jessica Feng, Harrish Ganesh, Alyssa Gorbaneva, William Hancock, David Hu, Andrew Huang, Mirza Hussain, Pratyush Jaishanker, Leon Jia, Alexander Kuebler, Elliot Lee, Elaine Li, Valerie Li, Yeefay Li, Isaac Lin, Derek Liu, Rolina Qu, Owen Rollins, Kendall Sano, Aviraj Singh, Aarush Sivanesan, Isabella Tian, Rachel Trainer, Alison Wan, Manda Xie, Megan Yu

Westfield: Pratham Mehta

School News

Churchill Road Elementary School

Time for kids

Ethan Zhang, Churchill Road 4th grader chosen as Time for Kids kid reporter

Meet Ethan Zhang, one of the 10 outstanding kids selected to be a TFK Kid Reporter this school year. Ethan is 9 years old and lives in McLean, Virginia. He loves realistic fiction books, hates movie spoilers, and hopes to be a writer or an athlete when he grows up. Finalists in the TFK Kid Reporter contest were judged on a number of factors. One of their assignments was to write an article about a hometown hero. Ethan’s story is about Maria Perrone, the leader of a program that serves healthy meals to kids in Fairfax County, Virginia. Read his article here on Maria Perrone the FCPS Director of Food and Nutrition Services. 

Dranesville Elementary School

Chalk 4 Peace- 9/11/2021

The Dranesville Elementary School community came together on Saturday, September 11th to honor and remember the heroic first responders and those we lost on September 11th, 2001. Students, families, and teachers shared reflections and expressions of appreciation and respect during this Chalk 4 Peace event. We will never forget. #DranesvilleCARES

DES Chalk 4 Peace

Thank you to Principal Gadley and the Dranesville ES family for having me to their 9/11 Chalk 4 Peace event.

Student opportunities and contests

Conservation Poster Contest- deadline today!

The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts poster contest is open to K-12 students, and scouts are eligible to receive a patch for participating. This year’s theme is “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities.” The deadline is today. Learn more about the contest, eligibility, and how to submit a poster on Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District's poster contest webpage.   For more information, please visit this site.

Youth Conservation Leadership Institute- deadline today!

YCLI is a recognition program for students in 9th- 12th grade that focuses on volunteer service and environmental stewardship.  Program participants complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service with a conservation focus and is a unique opportunity for students to explore future education and career paths. Deadline for applying is today, October 1, 2021.

NASA TechRise Student Challenge

School student Teams are invited to join NASA in its mission to advance space exploration and enhance our knowledge of Earth. Student teams in sixth to 12th-grade at a U.S. public, private, or charter school, brainstorm and design an experiment or test an apparatus that could be selected to make a suborbital flight aboard a high altitude balloon or rocket. Entries are due by November 3, 2021.

2022 Virginia Environmental Film Contest

The 12th annual Richmond Virginia Environmental Film Festival (RVA EFF) is announcing the 2022 Virginia Environmental Film Contest. Prizes are awarded in two categories: students 12 and under, and 13-18. The contest is open to Virginia residents with films based on environmental topics pertaining to Virginia. Films of all formats, genres, and lengths will be considered. Deadline for submission is November 15, 2021.

2021 Congressional App Challenge

The 2021 Congressional App Challenge runs through November 1 and offers middle school and high school students interested in coding a chance to enhance their skills and interests in computer science and STEM. Local judges will evaluate the student submissions and choose a winning individual or team. For additional details, you can visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

House of Delegates 2022 Session Page Program

From Delegate Murphy-

I am so pleased that we are starting our Page Program back up for the 2022 legislative session! We unfortunately could not have the program last year due to the pandemic, but thanks to the progress we have made to get shots in arms and combat COVID-19, we will be bringing pages back this year.

Our Page Program curriculum has been updated and now includes more educational, professional and leadership components in the 2022 year. Our goal will be for House pages to develop and practice skills in leading others while serving those around them.

The House of Delegates will have 30 pages for this upcoming session. We will be selecting a diverse group of capable, competent, and excited students while maintaining a geographical balance. Pages must be 13 or 14 years old as of January 12, 2022 (the first day of legislative session). Check to see if you are eligible for the Page Program here.

Those who wish to apply to the program must submit their applications by: November 1, 2021 at 5:00pm.  Sign Up here to start the application process

Read the Virginia House of Delegates Page Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please Note: All accepted House of Delegates Page Program applicants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by December 24, 2021, which is 2 weeks prior to estimated arrival of January 9, 2022. Selected House pages are required to present their CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card.

Please reach out to me if you have any additional questions or would like to recommend a student for the program at DelKMurphy@house.virginia.gov 

Sincerely, 

Delegate Kathleen Murphy


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 here to request an appointment,  appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org


World Languages Credit Exam

The 2021 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 16, 17 and 18, 2021.  Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek*, Hebrew*, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese*, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish*, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese. (*Greek, Hebrew, Portuguese and Turkish will be offered by the Writing Proficiency Test by Language Testing International.)

Registration closes on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.  Late registrations will not be accepted. School counselors will register students at their individual schools. Credit exam information can be accessed here. 


October Parent Resource Center Webinars


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. Registration is free, however, donations are accepted to support the cost of future Sibshops: Donate Here

Monday, October 11, 2021, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. *School Planning Day – students are not attending school 

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!


Dyslexia Virtual Open House

In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, FCPS will like to host our annual Open House. 

Friday, October 8, 2021, 10 - 11:00 a.m.

Register for the Dyslexia Open House


Virtual College Bootcamp for Students with Disabilities

Join Career and Transition Services online for a virtual College Bootcamp!  This virtual College Boot Camp is for students with an IEP that are graduating in 2021 and plan to attend college. Career and Transition Services staff will work with students on starting the application process.*Please note parents are welcome to sit in on the workshop with their students, however, this event is for students. The webinar is full, but place your student on the waitlist.

If parents are interested in learning more about postsecondary options, we encourage parents to attend FCPS Virtual College Fair on October 19, 2021, or Postsecondary Education Options in November 2021.

Monday, October 11, 2021, 12:30-3 p.m. *School Planning Day– student holiday

Register for College Bootcamp for Students with Disabilities


Rewriting Your Parenting Story: A Webinar for Families

No one's parenting journey goes the way they expect. But do you feel like your story has gotten away from you? Take back the narrative of your parenting.​

Presented by Mary Smith, a local Parenting Coach

Friday October 15, 2021, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register for Rewriting Your Parenting Story: A Webinar for Families


Moving onto Life in the Community Virtual Resource Fair

This resource fair assists parents, guardians, and caretakers with future planning for students with intellectual disabilities who may require ongoing supports after graduating from high school. Participants include representatives from vocational, residential, leisure, recreational, independent living, and advocacy programs.  

Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Moving onto Life in the Community Virtual Resource Fair


Considerations for Students with Disabilities in the College Search and Beyond

Career and Transition Services is offering a workshop highlighting issues to consider in the college search, application, and preparation process for students with disabilities on October 19, 2021, from 7-8 p.m.  (Part of the FCPS Virtual College Week)

Registration coming soon:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/college-and-career-planning


Expanding Outdoor Learning Capacity 

FCPS continues to install flexible learning spaces outdoors in support of the instructional day across the division.  The Office of Facilities Management has received 250 requests for tents at 193 schools and is well on its way to completing installations by the end of next month.    Schools awaiting their first tent have installation priority.  In addition to the tents and sidewalls, some schools have inquired about additional materials for outdoor learning spaces (furniture, Wi-Fi, flooring, heating, etc.).  These components have not been included with the initial rollout due to the overall cost associated with power service distribution, code restrictions, division-wide information technology impacts, furniture, etc., and the fact that some schools use them for instruction while others for lunch and gathering space expansion.  Get2Green staff is now compiling school requests for outdoor materials to develop a comprehensive list that will be assessed for future availability.

The Centreville Elementary campus, which has 17 outdoor learning spaces, was recently featured in Education Week!


School Bond Referendum on November 2 Ballot

A school bond referendum will be on the general election ballot Tuesday, November 2. Bond sales, a form of long-term borrowing, are used to finance the building and renovation of schools and must be approved by voters since they are a future obligation for taxpayers. The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds. Learn more about the 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 while increasingly “green” designs save everyone money. Please watch the video here. 


Community News

Supervisor Foust's newsletter

Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter is available here to read past newsletters and sign up for his newsletter for the latest in Dranesville and Fairfax County news.

Stuff the bus logo

Stuff the Bus on October 9

On Saturday, October 9, Stuff the Bus will be collecting non-perishable food donations at West Springfield Government Center, Pohick Regional Library, and 19 other locations throughout Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. Help fight hunger and feed hope in our community by donating. For more information including donation locations, most requested food items, and more, visit the Stuff the Bus webpage.

McLean Community Center

McLean Community Center Events

Please go to the McLean Community website to learn more about their upcoming events including the McLean 5K, registering for the Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Competition, McLean Pet Fest, see a performance at the Alden, sign up for a class, and many more.

Ally week 10-21

For more information see this website. 


Information About FCPS’ Social Emotional Learning Screener

This week, media implied that FCPS student data collected through a screener meant to assess the social and emotional welfare of our students could be shared with organizations such as Facebook. We would like to reassure our community that any suggestion of this kind is false.

FCPS has contracted with Panorama Education, Inc., an established and reputable educational research company used by multiple school divisions in the U.S. to conduct this screener. While FCPS shares student data directly with Panorama Education, no other parties have access to the data. Student data will be kept confidential and used only for FCPS’ educational purposes. Panorama Education complies with all applicable federal laws, including FERPA and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), as well as state and local regulations concerning student data.

Parents who prefer that their child not take part in the SEL screener should complete the opt-out request form at the bottom of the testing notification letter and return it to their school. This testing notification letter was sent to families within 30 days of the screener.

This month, FCPS will be screening all students (grades 3-12) to assess where they are socially and emotionally following their return to school 5 days in-person this fall. 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. These skills are important for collaboration and perspective taking. They also help students manage their feelings, address challenges, and reach their goals.

Research shows that when schools embed SEL into the school day with fidelity it improves children’s lives, the culture of the school, and teacher well-being. Schools report increased academic success, enriched relationships between teachers and students, and decreases in disruptive behavior. When school staff are able to proactively identify and address the social and emotional needs of students they can actively promote these positive outcomes.

Results from the second interim study report compiled in spring 2021 as part of the FCPS Study of Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) showed that students at all three school levels reported elevated stress levels this year compared to last year. FCPS wants to make sure we are identifying any issues early so that we can better support our students as they return to our buildings.

The screener collects information about students’ SEL skills, feelings, relationships, school environment, and well-being. Screener results are used with other information to support students academically and personally.

For more information please see the FCPS website.


Audit Buzz Newsletter- September 2021

In this issue of Audit Buzz, we summarize the status of current engagements, provide information on The What, When, Why and How of audits in the Knowledge Hive, and highlight the newest citizen member of the Audit Committee. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on OAG's website.

Announcement of New Citizen Member to the School Board Audit Committee

Jonathan Shames Ernst & Young (EY) - Retired

Welcome Jon Shames- the newest citizen member to the Fairfax County School Board Audit Committee. He is currently serving a 2-year term. Shames is a recently retired EY partner with over 38 years of client service, leadership, financial expertise and board governance credentials. His professional experiences provide him with the capabilities to serve as a highly engaged, practical advisor to the School Board Audit Committee. Jon played many different roles with EY during his long career.  He started as an audit professional, working in the EY's New York Office.


Upcoming School Board Meetings

  • October 5 at 3:30 pm- Work Session: Budget Priorities and Literacy Plan
  • October 7 at 7 pm- Regular Meeting
  • October 19 at 11 am- Work Session: Return to School and Programs Review
  • October 21 at 7 pm- Regular Meeting
  • October 25 at 5 pm- Legislative Work Session
  • October 25 at 7:30 pm-  Fall Public Hearing

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