Thanksgiving

Dear Dranesville Families,

As we start our second quarter and move toward the Thanksgiving holiday, I am focusing on so much that we can be thankful for.  Our COVID transmission is remaining low in our schools and our students have been able to enjoy theater and music productions, sports, and other celebrations like Homecoming.  Our staff has done a wonderful job of teaching first quarter material and getting a sense of the learning that needs to be done to make sure all of our students thrive academically and socially after dealing with COVID-19.  Please take a moment to celebrate all that your students have achieved this first quarter. 

I have been thankful to visit a long list of schools in the past weeks and I am appreciative of the hard work of our staff and our students and the general sense of joy in our classrooms.  Our PTA leaders met this week and they are working hard to strengthen the connection with families and a sense of community in our schools.  Please attend their events and support the work they are doing.

I am so grateful that our Board worked together with Dr. Brabrand to reduce the amount of time our students need to stay home when quarantining. Because we have moved to a “moderate” level of COVID transmission in Fairfax County, starting this week, students will only need to stay home for 10 days instead of 14 (as long as they have no symptoms) and, beginning in early December, we plan to further reduce the quarantine time to 7 days with a negative test. If families feel more comfortable with the 14-day quarantine period, the absence will still be excused, and teachers will still check-in and have stream-in/recorded lesson opportunities.

I want to also express my sincere appreciation to our parents and community members for showing your strong support for the 2021 School Bond Referendum. Your collective efforts were critical to pass the Bond. These bond funds directly impact the building and renovation of schools in the Dranesville District.  Money for Herndon ES and Dranesville ES was included in the 2021 bond.  We can all see first hand at Cooper MS and Herndon HS the expenditure of previous bond money. 

At our last board meeting, I had the pleasure of voting to name the Theater Dressing Rooms at McLean HS after Janie Strauss, our Dranesville School Board member for 26 years.  Janie was instrumental in the introduction of all day kindergarten and later high school start times among many other achievements.  We also named the gymnasium at TJ after Ilryong Moon, a 20 plus year veteran on the school board.  Both of his sons went to TJ and he remains a huge supporter of FCPS sports.  A huge thank you to both of them for their long time leadership and commitment to education.  

Lastly, I want to take the opportunity to thank all our veterans. I’m so fortunate to have had family members who served in the Army, and a nephew who just joined the National Guard.  I am so grateful for the service of our veterans and our active duty service members, but also to their families who make their service possible. Spouses are left behind to make everything at home “work”, even when that “home” changes every 18 months while the kids have to adjust to another new location. I was thrilled to visit Colvin Run ES and Cooper MS for their Veterans Day events.  Thanks to all of the military parents that came to talk about their jobs and experiences serving our country and the inspiring patriotic music of the US Air Force Brass Quintet performance at Cooper MS. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy every minute with your family.  

Elaine

Pictures from my schools visits to Great Falls ES, Timber Lane ES, Lemon Road ES, and Aldrin ES.

Important Upcoming Dates November 24-26 - Thanksgiving Break December 8 - Bodhi Day - Religious and Cultural Observance Day December 20-31 - Winter Break

COVID-19 Information

Quarantine Length Shortened

With the start of the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 and a drop in the Fairfax County transmission rate from “substantial” to “moderate,” we are adjusting some of the layered prevention strategies that have helped keep the rate of in-school transmission of COVID-19 at just 0.02%. Please find more information here.

• Unvaccinated, asymptomatic students who are exposed to COVID-19 in a school setting may quarantine for 10 days, instead of 14 days. 

COVID Vaccinations

Vaccines for Students 5- 11 years old

The Fairfax Health District and Fairfax County Public Schools are hosting free COVID-19 vaccine clinics at 10 schools for students 5-11 years of age. Children do not need to be an FCPS student to attend these clinics. Vaccines will not be available for those 12 years and older. Children must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible adult at all community vaccination sites. The Virginia Department of Health has additional, up-to-date information on the background and details for the vaccination planning for children ages 5 to 11.

Here are the locations (near and in the Dranesville area) and dates.

Families may also go to www.vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment at a local pharmacy or the Health Department. Families interested in getting their children vaccinated at the Tysons Community Vaccination Center will be able to schedule their child’s appointment at vase.vdh.virginia.gov.

COVID Boosters 

Booster doses will be available from healthcare providers, pharmacies, local Health Department clinics and the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in Tysons. Health Department vaccination dispensing sites will supply the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but do not have the Johnson & Johnson doses. J & J, however, will be available at the CVC in Tysons. All COVID-19 vaccinations remain free of charge.

To find an appointment, visit http://www.vaccines.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish and more than 100 other languages. Have vaccine questions or need help scheduling? Contact the Health Department COVID-19 Call Center at 703-324-7404 (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.).  Up-to-date information about vaccination opportunities is available on this FCPS website. 

Optional COVID Screening Testing 

In support of our commitment to safety, FCPS is doing optional COVID-19 screening testing in schools. Parent/guardian consent is required for students to be part of the testing pool. Parents may provide their child(ren)’s vaccination status and indicate consent via a secure online portal.  If you do not want your child to participate in COVID-19 screening testing, no action is required. You will have the option each week to update your child’s vaccination status and consent for testing.

Get all the details about COVID-19 testing on our website and review the FCPS COVID-19 Screening Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Test results are kept confidential, like all medical records. Parents/guardians will receive their child’s test results through the vendor’s online portal. 

High School Student-athletes do not need to pre-register with the LTS online portal for screening testing, they will use a separate portal provided by their school's Student Activities Director.

Student Athletes 

We are looking forward to a great winter and spring sports season. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of all students participating in sports and activities.  

Weekly COVID testing will be required for unvaccinated students 12-15 and those who qualify for medical or religious exemptions. Home testing using over-the-counter testing products will not be accepted. More details about the student athlete testing process is available here.

Masks during high school athletics- practices and games

• Outdoor activities – masks not required
• Indoor activities – masks required for all coaches and players who are not participating in the activity
• This applies to all practices, games and outdoor sports coming indoors for practices
• Masks are currently being worn while on a school bus; that practice will follow transportation guidelines.

Fairfax County Public Schools Kicks Off National 5-11 Vaccination Rollout

Dr. Biden's visit to Franklin Sherman ES COVID vaccination clinic.

Fairfax County Public Schools kicked off the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5-11 at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. The school division welcomed the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and to a clinic at the school where the first polio vaccine was administered in 1954. Franklin Sherman Elementary School made history on April 26, 1954, when a group of FCPS parents made the decision to have their children be part of the Polio Pioneer campaign that kicked off nationwide polio vaccine field trials. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis officials initially tapped other surrounding counties to participate in the nationwide trial, but as the start date approached, Fairfax was the only one to stay the course.

Fairfax doctor Richard Mulvaney administered the first doses of the Salk vaccine field trials to a group of 114 FCPS students, most of whom were in second grade. Those students, who started the nation on the path to eradicate Polio, came to be known as Polio Pioneers. Read the full story and see more pictures on our website.

Meal Kit Distribution Change for Thanksgiving Break

In preparation for the Thanksgiving break when schools are closed (November 24-26), the following plan is in place to distribute meal kits:

• Wednesday, November 24: Meal-kit distribution is canceled.
• Wednesday, December 1: Regular meal kit distribution resumes.

More information and the location of the meal kit sites is available online.

Mental Health and Wellness

We’ve been back together in our buildings for several months now and it has been great to see so many students that we missed last year, and to have time to rebuild and renew relationships.  This time back together has also caused some challenges, as students adjust and remember the routines and behaviors that are expected inside our schools. 

Unfortunately, we are seeing some students using inappropriate language and/or actions while at school.  All reports of inappropriate conduct are thoroughly investigated. Appropriate disciplinary action is taken when necessary. Such action is in line with FCPS’s Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Title IX office as appropriate. 

It is important that all students are safe and feel valued in our schools.  I would like to remind our entire community that if they have any concerns they can feel safe talking to any trusted adult in our schools.  This way we can ensure that concerns are heard, investigated, and addressed.

Schools have already increased supervision in our hallways throughout the school day. As we continue into the second quarter, we will be working to reinforce our expectations for all students.  Perhaps with the long weekend coming, you may find an opportunity to talk with your children about behavior expectations. Please reach out to your school’s counselors, social worker, or psychologist if you have any questions or concerns about your student or visit the Student Safety and Wellness for more resources.

Parent Resource Center 

Families can browse Fairfax County Public Schools’ Parent Resource Center Library for popular book titles in multilingual texts.  The titles include recreational reading as well as relating to parenting and educating all children including children with learning challenges, mental health concerns, special needs, and disabilities. Also, the PRC also offers top resources from its library, webinars, and digital resources on some of its most requested topics into PRC Packs ready for checkout by families.   

Free and Confidential Consultations

The Parent Resource Center offers free, confidential consultations by videoconference and phone for families and FCPS staff. Our professionals have extensive knowledge, training, and experience. We can brainstorm strategies and possible solutions to help you address your concerns. We are able to draw upon resources and support from FCPS, as well as community, state, and national centers. Read more about this service and to schedule an appointment on the website.

Webinars for December

Register here for all upcoming webinars.

• Dec. 3- Preparing for the Unexpected: Challenges of the Military Family
• Dec. 9- Postsecondary Education Considerations for Students with Disabilities
• Dec. 10- Buying A New Electronic Device for your Child? What Every Parent Needs to Know

The FCPS Special Education Handbook is Available to Families

English             عربي                  한국인                  Española          Tiếng Việt

The Special Education Handbook for Parents includes details of the special education process. This process occurs sequentially, over a period of time, with each step building upon the previous step(s).

It is important for families to understand how the special education process works, so they can effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members in making appropriate decisions regarding their child’s educational needs. Families are an integral part of the decision-making team.

Contact the PRC at 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu with any questions including access to these documents.

Multilingual Family Podcast: Arabic, Korean, Spanish New Podcast Episodes Please go to this podcast website to listen and subscribe to the below topics and more in Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. FCPS Advanced Academic Program Continuum of Services  Important FCPS Resources for Parents  Listen and subscribe: Spanish podcast.  Arabic podcast.  Korean podcast.

Online Resources for Parents

Be sure to bookmark the following links with helpful information:

• Health and Safety Guidance Document 21-22
• COVID-19 Testing
• Layered Prevention Strategies
• Pause, Quarantine, and Contact Tracing
• COVID-19 Vaccinations for Students 5-11 years old
• FC Health Department COVID Information for Parents of School-aged Children
• Student Safety and Wellness
• FCPS Mental Health and Additional Resources
• Parent Resource Center
• Transportation contacts by school
• Help with Schoology
• Technology Help for Families and Students
• Lunch menus

Happy to spend time with Mr. Olcott and Ms. Otal, two McLean HS counselors, to learn more about their jobs and their concerns.

Keeping our kids safe:

We are asking our school community to help us keep our students safe during arrival and dismissal and adhere to local traffic rules while doing so.

Most importantly, we ask that you please drop off/pick up your students in proper school-designated areas. Dropping off children while pulled over on a main road is not safe. Please do not park on neighboring streets during arrival and dismissal so as to avoid waiting to drop off or pick up at Kiss-and-Ride. Most of our Kiss and Ride lines are moving smoothly now.  Also, please be mindful of any neighbors that live on property immediately surrounding the schools, taking care not to speed, make U-turns or block driveways. The families in these surrounding areas have children that are walkers and the increase in unsafe drivers is creating a dangerous situation. 

We appreciate your assistance in keeping our students safe.

Continued Critical Need for Blood Donation

Community blood supply in Northern Virginia is critically low. Without an increase in donors, the ongoing challenge of an insufficient blood supply will impact the treatment and care for our patients and your constituents.  We urgently need your help communicating to the community the critical, immediate need for blood donation.  Giving blood takes less than an hour, saving three lives.  Visit www.inovablood.org or call 1-866-BLOODSAVES to schedule an appointment today. Also see the https://www.redcrossblood.org/ to schedule an appointment. They have several incentives going on when you donate blood.

November is Native American Heritage Month November is the month that we “celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Please visit the National Native American Heritage month to learn more and to find events around the DMV.

School News

Herndon High School

• Herndon Volleyball team is headed to the State Championship game to play Colgan HS in Richmond today! Good luck Hornets!
• The Pride of Herndon Marching Band was invited to the National Parade of Heroes at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. for Veterans Day weekend. The Herndon HS NJROTC also participated in this event.

Langley High School

• Langley Girls Cross Country went  to states!  It is the team's best finish at Regionals (2nd place) and first state berth in almost 30 years! The last time the team qualified for the state championship was 1992.  Way to go Saxons!
• Our Model UN team won the BEST LARGE TEAM DELEGATION award (equivalent to FIRST PLACE) at the University of Virginia’s Model UN high school competition. Facing VERY tough competition from other teams, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, American Heritage School, and the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School,  Langley Model UN won the BEST LARGE TEAM DELEGATION award (equivalent to FIRST PLACE). In addition, MOST of our students won individual awards Congratulations to our phenomenal team!
• SHARE of McLean is a local food pantry which supports families in the Langley community.  This has been an incredibly challenging few years for many, so the LHS Langley Cares committee would like to assist in collecting donations by hosting a toiletry drive from Nov 8 - 22.  Donation bins will be set up outside the main office and in the student activities office.

McLean High School

• McLean High School celebrated School Psychologist Week by presenting our two amazing school psychologists, Beverly Parker-Lewis and CarolAnn Forrest with flowers.
• McLean High School’s Leadership Class hosted a Inova Blood Donor Services blood drive this week. 
• McLean High School celebrated Veterans Day last week with a lovely outdoor ceremony.
• McLean High School’s Volleyball team were the District Champions, Regional Runner Up, and qualified for States.
• McLean High School’s Girls Cross Country team were the District and Regional Champions, and State Runner up. MHS's Xavier Jemison was District Champion, Regional Runner Up, and placed 3rd at States 
• The dedication ceremony for Mrs. Strauss will be held tonight, before the fall musical, at 7:00 pm.

Veterans Day School Visits

Thank you for having me at Colvin Run ES and Cooper MS. I so enjoyed the  events at both schools.

Photos from my Colvin Run ES and Cooper Middle School  visits on Veterans Day.

Student Contests

NOAA Annual Marine Debris Art Contest

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is accepting entries for its Annual Marine Debris Program Art Contest. Students in grades K-8 are invited to submit their artwork depicting how marine debris impacts the ocean and the Great Lakes environments. Entries are due December 10, 2021. Learn more about the Marine Debris Art Contest and how to apply.

Shark Tank Tech Challenge Open to All High School Students

Participate in Resource Review This fall, parents, students, and community members have an opportunity to help FCPS select important learning resources. You can advocate for resources that are accessible for all students, including those with disabilities; represent our diverse community, and support every student’s ability to thrive.Stakeholder feedback collected during the review process is shared with the Basal Resource Adoption Committee and the School Board. Your voice is a direct and important part of the process. Resources for K-6 Language Arts are being reviewed now through November 26. Interested individuals can review and provide feedback on digital resources online. Physical texts can be reviewed at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center in the lobby. Please ask about the books at the reception desk from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about the K-6 Language Arts resource review.  Resources for K-8 science are also being reviewed through November. Read more, review resources, and complete the feedback form online.

FCPS Job Opportunities

Make a difference in a child’s life—find your next job with FCPS. We have openings for bus drivers, substitute teachers, COVID case managers, and school health aides (who are employed by Fairfax County Government but work in schools). 

More information and applications are available online:

• Bus drivers. 
• Substitute teachers.
• COVID case managers.
• School health aides.

4th Annual Instructional Back2Fairfax Seminar 

Attendees will have an opportunity to network with current employees in various instructional and administrative positions. Attendees can visit exhibitor booths and attend breakout sessions on various topics including developing a resume, preparing for an interview, applying for a license, teacher, and administrator panels, and more!

Current FCPS juniors, seniors, and recent FCPS graduates considering a career in education are welcome to join this event.

Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.

Date: December 14, 2021, 5 – 8 pm

Registration for the event is available online by December 13, 2021.

For questions, contact Ashley Johnson at Back2Fairfax@fcps.edu.

Results from ORSI’s Final Report on the Study of Teaching and Learning During the Covid Pandemic (Report 3)

The Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) completed the final study report in September 2021. It is the last in a series of three comprehensive reports that focused on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in the school Division. This report focuses on students’ academic, wellbeing, and behavioral outcomes at the end of the 2020-21 school year and used the available data evidence to determine what students and teachers would need when almost all students returned to in-person learning five days per week in Fall 2021. The primary findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this report were shared during Summer 2021 to inform decisions regarding the use of ESSER III funds and planning for SY 2021-22. Staff actions taken in response to this report are reflected in return to school and ESSER funding presentations to the School Board from July 2021 onward. View the final report in the November 12 Brabrand Briefing. 

School Board News

School Board Selects Superintendent Search Firm

The Fairfax County School Board has contracted human resources recruitment firm GR Recruiting to conduct a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of Schools. In July, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced that the 2021-22 school year would be his last at FCPS. Dr. Brabrand has served the system for nearly 30 years, starting as an intern and ending as Superintendent. Please look for ways to share your input in the coming months.

Budget Resolution

On November 11 the Board approved a budget resolution detailing priorities and directed the Superintendent to develop a budget in recognition of that directive. View the Budget Resolution online. Highlights include:

• Investments to mitigate and remediate the impact of COVID 19 on academic achievement, learning loss, and achievement gaps;
• Investments in Literacy and the science of reading;
• Access to advanced math and STEM opportunities in all elementary schools;
• Prioritizes the upkeep and development of outside learning spaces;
• Teachers and administrators are provided the time to participate in professional development and planning to meet student needs;
• Provides needs-based staffing to include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, behavioral interventionists specialists, parent liaisons, translators, and supports for afterschool, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities;
• Implements recommendations of the Advanced Academics and Career and Technical Education studies and the Special Education Audit;
• Ensure that our education, building, and transportation staff receive competitive compensation to include a step increase; and
• Focuses on the need for a healthy learning environment to include proper facility maintenance; and
• Provide the Board recommendations for savings and reallocations of funds based on staff evaluation of programs and expenditures.

School Year 22-23 Calendar  The school year calendar is created with community feedback while also ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and policies. To understand the process and the framework FCPS is using, watch this video or visit the FCPS website. The School Board has final approval on the calendar and is scheduled to vote on January 27.

Facilities Renamed to Honor Former School Board Members Janie Strauss and Ilryong Moon 

The contributions of two former Fairfax County School Board members were recognized at the School Board meeting on November 11 when two school facilities were renamed in their honor.

The theater dressing rooms at McLean High School were renamed for Janie Strauss, a School Board member for the Dranesville District from 1993 to 2019, and the gym at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) was renamed for Ilryong Moon, an At-Large School Board member from 1995 to 2019.

Transforming Learning for Every Child—Equitable Access to Literacy

Data presented by FCPS and literacy experts show the urgent need for a new approach to literacy education. Literacy has a strong impact on overall academic success, economic well-being, health outcomes, social participation, and civic engagement. To learn more or watch the School Board work session presentation to find out why literacy education is so important, what FCPS is doing now, and what’s to come.

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.

Fairfax County Public Library News

Fairfax County Libraries (FCPL) have many ways to access their materials, in-person and digitally. The libraries also offer Library TO GO, a book selection service. In three simple steps, the concierge book selection service makes it easy to get your next great book are listed here Library TO GO…Handpicked for Pickup. 

Fairfax County Libraries feature many services including homework help online and in-branch, author events, and early literacy programs. Please go to their website to learn more.

McLean Community Center News

Community input 

The McLean Community Center (MCC) has engaged AMS Planning & Research to provide support in planning future operations and programming.

Hearing from community members like you is important to this process, and we invite you to provide your input on the McLean Community Center’s provisions, programs and goals. Your responses will be confidential. Thank you in advance for your time and participation! The survey will end on Friday, Dec. 3. Click here to take the survey. 

In addition, the center is also holding a virtual community listening session via Zoom from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1. This second session is open to adults and high school students. Registration is required. As a “thank you,” all listening session participants will receive a $25 voucher that can be applied towards a future performance at The Alden Theatre or MCC class and/or camp registration fees. For more information or to register, visit the MCC website.

Upcoming Events

• Red Crooked Sky Native American Dance Troupe

  • Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 20, 3 p.m.
  • McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd.
  • Free admission.
  • Free parking and restrooms at McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean

  Native dance styles are steeped in symbolism and stories and need to be experienced in person to be truly felt. Join The Alden for an afternoon of traditional and contemporary dance by Red Crooked Sky Dance Troupe that will give us all a better understanding of eastern native cultures.

• The Pocahontas Project Virtual Discussion Group

  • Featuring members of the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia

  • Wednesday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2, 7 p.m.

  • Free admission.

  • The Pocahontas Project is a collaborative effort between the County of Gloucester Virginia, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe and Replenish Richmond that presents native Virginian history around the time of European contact through the lens of Pocahontas’s life and legacy.

  • Join us for an in-depth discussion group (via Zoom) on the history of indigenous Virginians using The Pocahontas Project Online Course as a guide. Registration is required. Register here.

FCPS Cares

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• November 22 at 7 pm- Regular Meeting
• December 2 at 7pm- Regular Meeting
• December 14 at 11am- Work Session- John Lewis HS and Boundary Consultant Report

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

• Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99. 
• Recordings of Meetings: Work Sessions and Regular Meetings are recorded and available here after the meeting.
• For information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting, click here.
• Latest schedule of School Board 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

E-mail: Elaine Tholen  |  Phone: 571-423-1087

Wendy Biliter, Staff Aide, 571-423-1068, wmbiliter@fcps.edu