December Newsletter

Dear Dranesville Families,

Like many of you, I am looking forward to our winter break and the opportunity to spend more time with loved ones.  Please enjoy your time off.  I hope our students have time to relax, recharge, and to be off of electronic devices.  Many of our area parks have wonderful opportunities for family outings.  The outdoor light show at Meadowlark Gardens is wonderful.  The McLean Community Center has a new Virtual Reality display.  The use of technology to illustrate living history is compelling and fascinating.  I was happy to see the exhibit last week.  See the full description below.  

Congratulations to all of our fine arts students that have performed in chorus concerts, theater productions, and band and orchestra concerts over the past few weeks.  These performances always help me get into the New Year's spirit.  I am always amazed at the talent our students exhibit.  Thank you for all of your hard work.  

I have been busy with Board activities such as beginning our process to hire a new Superintendent; preparing our legislative agenda and meeting with our delegates and senators to prepare for their January - March session in Richmond; expanding the scope of our external review of our Special Education Program; and reviewing our Capital Improvement Program.  In addition, we met recently with the Board of Supervisors to begin the budget planning season.  Please see below for more information on all of these items and for the many ways you can give your input.  

I was happy to meet with PTA members at Kent Gardens ES and Springhill ES to answer questions and to hear about what is happening in those communities.  A common theme was extra traffic at drop off and pick up times–please make sure you are driving slowly and safely any time you are near a school.  The safety of our students, parents and staff is the number one priority.  I am advocating that our Safe Routes to School program continue and collaborate with the County’s Active Fairfax program to make biking and walking to school a safe option.  We continue to hire bus drivers to make bus transportation more efficient and convenient.

I also had the chance to visit Mr. Wes Smith at Churchill Road ES to hear about the work he is doing as a Social Worker.  His work with families has evolved over the 23 years he has been doing this work.  He also works at Colvin Run ES.  The highlight of my visit was doing a yoga lesson with a second grade class.  Our little yogis could do every animal pose they were asked to do.   

My time with students is always informative and inspirational.  I met with a Haycock ES Boy Scout troop, and we had a full discussion on mask wearing in school as part of their citizenship badge work.  I met with interns working with the League of Women voters to talk about their role in local government and citizenship. Their willingness to volunteer time to make sure their peers were ready to vote in elections was certainly commendable.  Our Dranesville student leaders met to talk about issues they are seeing in school now that we are back in person learning.  Everyone likes being back in the buildings to interact, socialize and collaborate with other students, teachers and administrators.  With that though, come some challenges.  Our students are tired dealing with the transition back to school and the workload.  They noted disrespectful behaviors among many of their peers that were causing them more stress.  This group of leaders had some solid ideas of how to manage workload better and how to increase school spirit among all students to foster a better sense of school community and cohesion  to hopefully alleviate some of the disruptive behavior.  I look forward to working with them and our school staff on this.  

Again, have a wonderful winter break and get some rest.  We will hit the ground running again in January as we finish out our first semester.  Enjoy your family time.   

Elaine

LangleyHS administration jumping for joy

Congratulations to Langley HS for making the list for Virginia's nomination as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School. The final nominee will be named in January.


Calendar Reminder

Important Upcoming Dates

December 20-31 - Winter Break

January 1- Happy New Year!

January 3- Classes resume

January 6 - Three Kings Day/Epiphany

January 7 - Orthodox Christmas


Meal Kit Distribution Change for Winter Break

In preparation of the long winter break when schools are closed, the following plan is in place:

  • Wednesday December 22 -- Meal Kit distribution is canceled.
  • Wednesday December 29 -- Meal Kit distribution is canceled.
  • Wednesday January 5 -- Regular Meal Kit distribution resumes

More information on meal kit distribution is available online.

lunch box

COVID-19 Updates

As Fairfax County has returned to high community transmission, please remember to follow the general guidelines to stay safe from any winter virus. Learn more about COVID prevention here.

We continue to balance the need for students to have a high-quality in-person learning experience with student and staff safety. By adhering to our layered prevention strategies and increasing vaccination rates, we are all doing our part to keep schools safe. As a reminder, please make sure you health screen your child before sending them to school on Monday, January 3, COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire (All Languages Available). If your child does not feel well or presents with any COVID-like symptoms, please keep them at home and seek medical advice.

Keeping safe

COVID Vaccinations

Boosters

Following the recommendation from the CDC, persons ages 16 and over are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination booster. Read more here. 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. Schedule your vaccine appointment via Vaccines.gov.

Vaccinations for Children 5 -11 years old

School Vax clinics

There are many opportunities for children to VaxUP, including pop-up clinics just for children. Find out where the next pop-up clinic will be or look for other local vaccination opportunities on the health department’s website.

Join Coates Elementary School for their next clinic January 5th.

Coates Vax Clinics

Decreased Quarantine Time

CDC guidance allows for a reduction of the student quarantine period to seven days “when diagnostic testing resources are sufficient and available.” With FCPS now offering drive-through diagnostic testing at six sites across the county, in addition to the many alternative ways to access COVID-19 testing, FCPS is now providing the option for students who have been exposed to COVID-19 to return to school and in-person activities after seven days.  

Exposure at School

If your child is quarantined due to exposure at school, please keep them at home until one of the following quarantine periods is met:

  • Seven days of quarantine, your child remains symptom-free AND you provide both: a negative COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen or PCR) taken on day five of quarantine or later, as well as a copy of the FCPS pause letter indicating the return to school dates; or
  • 10 days of quarantine, your child remains symptom-free AND you provide a copy of the FCPS pause letter indicating the return to school dates; or
  • 14 days of quarantine and you provide a copy of the clearance letter (SARA-Alert) from the health department. 

Exposure outside of School

If your child is quarantined due to exposure outside of the school, please contact the school as soon as possible and you will receive a Return Letter for Exposures Outside of FCPS. The timeline for quarantine return begins when you alert the school. Keep your child at home until one of the following quarantine periods is met

  • Seven days of quarantine, your child remains symptom-free AND you provide both: a negative COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen or PCR) taken on day five of quarantine or later, as well as a copy of the Return Letter for Exposures Outside of FCPS indicating the return to school dates; or
  • 10 days of quarantine, your child remains symptom-free AND you provide a copy of the Return Letter for Exposures Outside of FCPS indicating the return to school dates (you must contact your school to request the letter at the beginning of the quarantine period); or
  • 14 days of quarantine and you provide a copy of the clearance letter (SARA-Alert) from the health department. 

The above options only apply to a student returning to in-person learning and school-sponsored activities. Other organizations, such as SACC, may have different requirements for return.


Testing

Diagnostic Testing

Drive-through COVID-19 diagnostic testing is now available for all students and staff. Diagnostic testing is provided for those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. It  is available at six FCPS locations: Sideburn Center, South County High School, Gatehouse Administration Center (Saturday testing is available here.), Westfield High School, John Lewis High School, and South Lakes High School.  Please go to this website to find locations and times. Appointments are not required, but families must register through FCPS’ secure online portal before testing.

Optional Student Screening Testing

Parents and guardians can use the secure online portal to register their unvaccinated child(ren) for optional COVID-19 screening. If you do not want your child to participate, no action is required. You will have the option to update your child’s vaccination status and/or withdraw consent for testing at anytime. 

FCPS COVID-19 testing sites will not be available from December 18-January 1. Testing will resume on January 3, 2022. If needed, other local providers are available for testing and vaccinations during that time. 


Free Rapid COVID-19 Antigen At-home Test Kits Available at Fairfax County Libraries

Fairfax County Public Library branches have become distribution sites for free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits as part of a pilot program. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test kits are available at each of Fairfax County Public Library’s 13 open community branches and 8 regional branches. Please call your local branch to ensure they have a supply. If you need a test, here is more information.

Quantities are limited. Neither proof of residency nor a library card is required, and the kits are free of charge. ALSO: These tests have an expiration date of the end of December and are therefore meant to be used immediately, not saved for a “just in case” scenario.


Get Your Child’s Online Activity Report 

FCPS has new tools to help parents and guardians know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided by Lightspeed, our internet content filtering service, at no cost to families. You may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. If you want more detailed information, sign up for the Internet Use Parent portal and log-in anytime to see more detail about your child’s browsing and “pause” access to the internet during non-school hours. Find out more and sign up for these services on our website.


Multilanguage podcast

Multilingual Family Podcast: Arabic, Korean, Spanish

New Podcast Episode- Winter Vacation...Stay Calm, Set Expectations, Connect with Family and Friends (December 6, 2021)

Please go to this podcast website to listen and subscribe in Spanish, Korean, and Arabic.

Listen and subscribe:


Mental Health numbers Graphic

Rapper Logic's song "1-800-273-8255" saved lives

The phone number is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and this is an article from the Washington Post on the song's impact. 


US Surgeon General Public Health Advisory

The Surgeon General issued a public health advisory on the mental health challenges our youth are facing. The Surgeon General states, “Our obligation to act is not just medical—it’s moral. I believe that, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity as a country to rebuild in a way that refocuses our identity and common values, puts people first, and strengthens our connections to each other.” Here is the full advisory.


Parent Resource Center 

2021-2022 SY Hours: 

The Parent Resource Center is open  8 am to 4 pm., Monday through Friday.  

  • In-person consultations are by appointment only. Please call in advance to make an appointment. Virtual Consultations are still available.  Please call 703-204-3941 or email prc@fcps.edu for an appointment.
  • Appointments are not necessary to browse the library and check out resources. 
    • You can search our library online.
    • Contactless pickup is also available upon request.
    • Please contact the PRC if you would like materials sent to your child's school or your FCPS office.
  • All visitors whether vaccinated or not must wear a mask.

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.

Upcoming Webinars

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

  • Monday, January 24, 2022. *School Planning Day – students are not attending school 

    • 9 a.m. -12 p.m. in-person
    • 1-2:30 p.m. virtual

Everything You Need to Know About Marijuana in 1 hour: A Webinar for Families

  • Join Tiffany J. Jones, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for this important webinar.

    • Friday, January 28, 2022, 10-11 a.m. 

Check here and register  for all upcoming webinars. You can also visit their website to watch previous webinars on many different topics.


Survey

VDOE Special Education Survey- last day

All parents of school-aged children and youth who receive special education services in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s Annual Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will remain open through December 17, 2021.  Paper copies are available from your school and should have been sent home.  Please contact your school’s special education lead teacher or department chair if you did not receive a paper copy of the survey and would like one.  

Please contact the PRC if you have any other questions either by emailing your questions to prc@fcps.edu or by calling the PRC at 703-204-3941.


The Importance of Submitting Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications 

School meals provide nourishment that allows students to excel in the classroom and to grow and thrive. This year, FCPS continues to offer no-cost meals to all students, thanks to a waiver granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the meals are no cost for all, it is still important for families to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application because it impacts much more than meals.

FRM applications help link families to other benefits, such as waiving fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams as well as other school fee-based programs. Qualifying students may also have access to scholarships, classes, or services provided by agencies and organizations outside FCPS. FRM applications also help determine additional education funding for your child’s school.

Winter break is a great time to complete the FRM application. Find out more on our website.


If You Haven't Joined your PTA/PTSA/PTO Yet…

Thanks to those who have joined your school’s PTA/PTSA/PTO this year! Your show of support for our parent organization is truly appreciated. It is Never Too Late to Join! Many PTA/PTSA/PTOs have volunteer opportunities available and have open leadership positions.


happy holidays

Reading is Fundamental’s 

Celebration of Light Book Collection 

Founded in 1966, Reading Is Fundamental is the leading voice for children’s literacy. Please visit the RIF website to learn more.

From RIF’s December newsletter, no matter which winter holiday your young readers celebrate, there are so many opportunities to introduce children to the many diverse holiday traditions taking place around the world. Get in the spirit of the holidays by exploring Reading Is Fundamental's delightful collection of multicultural winter and holiday-themed books and activities in our all-new, Celebration of Light Book Collection. 


School and Student News

Herndon High School

NJROTC Toys for Tots Toy Drive

The NJROTC unit is sponsoring a Toys for Tots toy drive from November 15th – December 17th.  Please feel free to bring any new unwrapped toys which will be donated to a child in need during this Christmas season.   We have toy drop off boxes located in the Herndon HS main office and the NJROTC trailer.

McLean High School

Destiny DeMarino's story back to FCPS as teacher

A Journey Back to FCPS - Destiny DeMarino

Please take a moment to check out this video about Destiny DeMarino, a McLean High School graduate. She is a 1st Grade teacher at Westgate Elementary School and winner of the Westgate ES Outstanding New Teacher of the Year award!

Holiday Bazaar

The 23rd McLean Holiday Bazaar sponsored by McLean Athletics Booster Club went well. Eighty-five vendors were there selling all kinds of merchandise. They had some amazing student clubs that sold food and there was a vendor asking for donations for dental kits to be distributed to Afghan refugees. The orchestra’s performance was spectacular. Money raised goes to support student athletic programs, academic clubs and activities and programs at McLean HS.

Herndon Middle School

District Choir participants

Congratulations to the following choir members for being chosen to represent HMS in the All-District 12 Middle School Honors Choir: Cara Ethington, Allie Blanchet, Lily Runz, Laila Tomhave, Mazzy Johnston, Lauren Runz, Taylor Baker, and alternate Allie Landrum! Along with other schools' District 12 Honors Choir participants, they will perform at Washington-Liberty HS on February 12 at 1:00pm under the direction of a guest conductor. Congratulations!

Churchill Road Elementary School

Finley S. Ckes and Foodnetwork

Finley Sheers, a fourth-grade student at Churchill Road Elementary School  who started baking boxed cake mixes in her kitchen as a way to fill in time when schools went virtual in spring 2020, is one of 12 kids from around the country selected to compete on the Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship television series. Follow her success starting December 27

Learn more about Finley and her path to appearing on the Food Network.

Opportunity for 8th- 12th graders

UTP audition

UTP is growing! The Alden’s professional, teen improv group is looking for new
company members to join this dynamic and funny troupe. The UTP season lasts through the end of May and company members rehearse twice per week on Tuesday and Thursday from 7–9 p.m. Because UTP is a professional opportunity, attendance is crucial and company members serve different roles
including marketing, stage management and photography. Preregistration is required and will be available here. 

Current 8th–12th graders only
Open Auditions: Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 6–8 p.m.
Call Backs/Interviews: Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6–8 p.m.

Questions- Email: Danielle.VanHook@fairfaxcounty.gov

And as a heads up, our next in-person show is at Improvicon. UTP is the only teen group that participates in this event.


Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs help students get physically active while taking cars off the road. Visit their website to learn more about SRTS. Over the past four decades:

  • The percentage of students who walk and bicycle to school has declined from 48 percent (1969) to 13 percent (2009).
  • The percentage of parents using Kiss and Ride has increased.
  • Traffic conditions around many schools have gotten worse making it more difficult for student walkers and bicyclists to get to school.

Outstanding Crossing Guard Nominations are Open

Nominations are now open for Virginia's Most Outstanding Crossing Guard of 2021! Use this link to nominate your community's crossing guard. Crossing guards can include police officers, volunteers, or teachers who routinely help students cross the street. Be prepared with a photo and a short story to show why your crossing guard is the best in the business. Nominations will close on January 21, 2022


Donating bikes to FCPS Safe Routes to School

If you have a gently used bike in good condition that you would like to donate, FCPS SRTS would love to have it.  Bikes are being collected for students unable to afford a bike.  All sizes accepted from preschool two wheelers to adult mountain bikes.  Email Sally.Smallwood@fcps.edu to donate your used bike.


Winter Weather Alerts Notification

Like you, we are monitoring the forecast and making plans just in case schedules are impacted. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional inclement weather days. These five days may occur consecutively due to a single weather event or may take place as several individual events. Make sure you’re familiar with how decisions about school schedules are communicated. The FCPS website will be updated first and then other communications will be shared. Be sure to bookmark https://www.fcps.edu/ for weather alerts.


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:


School Board News

Superintendent Search Update

As the search for FCPS’ next superintendent gets underway, we are committed to keeping our staff, families, and community members informed about the process and aware of opportunities to provide feedback. Please visit our Superintendent Search webpage for additional information. Below is a snapshot of upcoming community engagement opportunities:

  • December 13, 1 p.m.: School Board work session to discuss the process, timeline, and engagement opportunities. Watch the recording at the School Board YouTube channel.
  • Survey: GR Consulting, the search firm handling the superintendent search, will be administering a survey. The survey will be available in multiple languages and will be a great opportunity for the FCPS community to weigh in on the most important qualities our next superintendent should possess.
    • Look for the survey in your email inbox next week.
  • Parent, Student, Community Focus Groups: The GR Consulting will hold in-person focus groups with previously identified parents, students, and community members. These focus groups are planned for January 10-12.

2022 School Board State and Federal Legislative Program

The School Board annually adopts a legislative program and legislative priorities to inform local, state, and federal public officials and others of its positions on legislative policy and budget issues of potential importance to Fairfax County Public School students, teachers, staff, and community. On November 22 the School Board voted to adopt the 2022 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program and Priorities with several amendments that can be found on Board Docs.

Boundary Policy Consultant Report

In February 2020, FCPS engaged with MGT Consulting Group to conduct an analysis of school boundary policies and additional best practices, educational research, and factors that could be considered for school boundary practices in order to refine FCPS Policy 8130: Facilities Planning, Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings

MGT presented their final report to the School Board at the December 14th work session. Their report includes your feedback from September’s boundary survey. Thanks to everyone in the FCPS community who participated. If you missed the work session, please watch the presentation for a summary of community input and results of the boundary policy study. Visit FCPS’ Boundary Policy webpage for more information.

John R. Lewis Leadership Program

The  School Board unanimously supported the creation of the John R. Lewis Leadership Program at Lewis High School at their work session on December 14, 2021. The Lewis Leadership Program is proposed to offer full-time enrollment, modeled after the Edison Global STEM Challenges Program. The next steps in the process include community engagement, conducting curriculum development, establishing a budget for the development of special programming, and exploring how the program’s development could support other Fairfax County public schools.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

The FCPS Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes an annual review of the current student membership and facilities data to determine future capital requirements for new construction, capacity enhancements, and facility renovations. 

Timeline:

December 16- Presented as new business

January 4- CIP Public Hearing

January 11- Discussion at Work Session

February 10- Vote on final CIP 

SY22-23 Calendar Development

The 2022-2023 calendar development is well underway. FCPS is working to build a calendar that is inclusive and equitable. The framework for creating the calendar can be found on the calendar webpage

Upcoming School Board action on the 2022-2023 calendar:

January 13 - Presented as new business with opportunity for public comment

January 18 - Discussion at Work Session

January 27 - Vote on final calendar with opportunity for public comment

Modification of Contract - Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Comprehensive Review

The Audit Committee recently recommended additional funding for the Year 2 Special Education Comprehensive Review over: (a) Stakeholder focus groups, (b) Classroom observations, (c) Extant data analysis, totaling $87,443. The School Board last night voted to approve the recommended modification of the Special Education Comprehensive Review Contract between Fairfax County Public Schools and American Institutes for Research (AIR). View the video of the November 22, 2021 Fairfax County School Board meeting. 

FY 2022 Midyear Budget Review

The Board approved revenue and expenditure changes reflected in the FY 2022 Midyear Budget Review agenda item. View the video of the December 16, 2021 Fairfax County School Board meeting. 


Assessing Where Our Students Are at the Start of the School Year

This week, you may see stories in the media about the impact of the pandemic on students across the nation. This is because the national iReady assessment data used by school districts to identify students who need additional supports has been shared nationally.

While FCPS did see some impacts of the pandemic on students, our impacts were generally less substantial than were seen nationwide pre- and post-pandemic. Remember that data included in this report reflects student assessment results from the first few weeks after students returned to school for the 2021-22 school year. This does not measure Quarter 1 progress. 

FCPS is directing significant ESSER funding to support our students in reading and math to ensure gaps are addressed. This includes after-school tutoring, individualized tutoring during the school day, and English Language Development time.

You can find the data and read about the next steps on our website


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.

Ways to Support Local Businesses this holiday Season

The county is home to dozens of small manufacturers making everything from custom furniture to baked goods, jewelry and much more. The Made in Fairfax entrepreneurs are here to help make the holiday season bright!  Also, you can meet many of the Made in Fairfax makers in person. They will be selling their products at the Holiday Market at the PARC hosted by Celebrate Fairfax on Saturday, Dec.18, from noon to 5 p.m.

McLean Community Center Events

Dec 15 - Feb 12:  "Traveling While Black" Virtual Reality Experience

The McLean Community Center (MCC) will have the virtual reality (VR) experience “Traveling While Black,” which features a film by Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, in its main lobby from Friday, December 15, 2021-Saturday, February 12, 2022. In “Traveling While Black VR,” the immersion of 360° footage draws viewers into living history lessons told around a booth in Ben’s Chili Bowl. The Washington, D.C., restaurant has been a mainstay of the African American community since 1958, bearing witness to significant Civil Rights milestones that are woven into the film in powerful snippets of footage. 

The experience is being offered for free with registration until Friday, December 31. Register for a one-hour timeslot at the Mclean Community Center website

MCC Winter Block Party- Saturday Jan. 8, 1-5pm

Join the McLean Community Center as we kick off the New Year with some wintry fun.  We’ll have ice skating, arts and crafts and video games indoors with a DIY smores station and other fun attractions outside. Ice skating will be on a first-come, first-served basis and wristbands will be given out with 30-minute time slots. We will also have hot dogs and hot cocoa refreshments. Please go here for more information.

2022 First Hike Fairfax

First Hike Fairfax 2022 Photo Contest Returns

Visit any Fairfax County Park Authority trail Jan. 1-2, 2022. Pick your favorite photo to enter FCPA’s First Hike Photo Contest by Jan. 2, 2022. Entries will be eligible to win prizes. Participants may hike on trails in any Fairfax County Park Authority park or trail. Five starter hikes may be found at the First Hike website and information on Fairfax County trails may be found at the Trail Buddy website.  Learn more here. Visit the First Hike website for full contest rules and more details.

Ride Through a Holiday Light Show at Frying Pan Farm Park

Feel the magic of the season on a mile-long drive featuring thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations and live farm animals, when Holiday Lights on the Farm returns to Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road) in Herndon. Be sure to buy tickets early as this event sold out last year. Now through December 19. For more information visit the Fairfax County Park Authority website.


Annual Educate Fairfax Fund Drive is Underway!

Educate Fairfax works alongside teachers, principals, administrators, and leadership to keep our diverse school system robust and innovative. During its annual year-end appeal, Educate Fairfax is raising funds for its four focus areas: Innovative Classroom Grants, Kids in Need, Literacy, and Employee Recognition

Your $50 gift will provide 5 students with school supply kits to start their new year off right!  Or a $100 contribution can provide emergency basic needs to a student in need. Or a $250 donation will allow a teacher to purchase books for the classroom library. More information about Educate Fairfax and its impact can be found on the Educate Fairfax website. Your tax-deductible contribution can be made through a secure donation portal. Thank you in advance for your support.


Audit Buzz Newsletter

In the December 2021 issue of Audit Buzz, we summarize the status of current engagements, continue the Ask the Auditor series in the Knowledge Hive, and highlight the recent hire of a new audit intern within OAG. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on OAG's website.  Stay up to date with OAG’s work by subscribing to Audit Buzz through News You Choose.  

OAG wishes a safe and happy holidays to all!


Upcoming School Board Meetings

  • January 4 at 6 pm- Public Hearing- Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
  • January 11 at 11am- Work Session- Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and OAG Annual Report

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak


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