Hello Dranesville Families,
Welcome to the fourth quarter! Hope you had a relaxing Spring Break and are feeling recharged.
I want to welcome Dr. Reid as our next Superintendent. I am excited to support Dr. Reid as she takes the reins of FCPS. Let's move forward together as a community to collaborate with her to make sure FCPS remains as a premier school district and grows in the use of innovative and best practices across academic instruction, budgeting, food and nutrition, and facilities use.
I am looking forward to all of the earth week activities this week. Be sure to check the Get2Green website for activities.
There are so many wonderful events happening at our Dranesville schools and I hope to see you there. Friday, I stopped in at Herndon HS to shadow Ms. Sosa, HHS’s lead social worker, to see Dr. Brabrand as a substitute teacher, and visit the farm animals at lunch time. I also visited Clearview ES and was so wowed by all their learning and energy. Their student ambassadors were excellent tour guides showing me around their school. Thank you to both schools for having me.
This week, I will be at Herndon HS for the Buzzworthy Student Award ceremony, meeting with Dranesville PTA leaders, at Herndon ES’s Career Fair, and visiting Franklin Sherman ES and Haycock ES. I want to congratulate Herndon ES's 5th grade ‘Caring for the Watershed’ team for being one of the top ten projects. They will compete for the funds to install a purple martin house at the school. There are many fun events around Dranesville like: many ways to celebrate military connected students and their families, Colvin Run ES’s STEAM night, Lemon Road ES’s Spring Fair, and Kent Gardens ES’s 5K and fun run followed by an International Parade of Flags.
I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather. The bluebells and other spring flowers are in full bloom so get out to your local park along the river this weekend. Take advantage of this Virginia spring phenomenon.
Elaine
  Pictures from my visit to Herndon High School and Clearview Elementary School.
Welcome Dr. Reid
Last Thursday, the School Board voted to authorize the execution and delivery of an agreement appointing Dr. Michelle Reid to serve as the division superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview so many qualified and inspirational candidates for the role of FCPS superintendent. I thank GR Recruiting for doing a wonderful job of bringing these candidates to us. Each candidate had their strengths and weaknesses and as we went through three rounds of intensive interviews, the board focused questions in many areas.
Dr. Reid brings to us extensive knowledge and a real passion for the study of educational best practices. Dr. Reid is known regionally and nationally for strong instructional leadership. She was named AASA National Superintendent of the Year in 2021 for exemplary communications, her work in closing achievement gaps, and leading her previous school system in uncharted territory at the start of the pandemic. With a STEM background, Dr. Reid has a proven track record in improving math and science proficiency, but is also a strong believer that success in these subjects does not happen without equally strong literacy skills. Read the press release here.
Welcome Dr. Reid!
Updates
April 14 School Board Key Votes
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Appointment of Assistant Superintendent, Department of Human Resources
The School Board voted to appoint Dr. Sherry Wilson as assistant superintendent of human resources, effective June 1, 2022. Read the press release.
Welcome Dr. Wilson!
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School Board Policy 2100 - Student and Staff Health and Wellness
The School Board voted to approve Policy 2100, Student and Staff Health and Wellness.
Award of Contract - Falls Church HS Renovation
The School Board voted to award a contract for the Falls Church High School Renovation Project to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Grunley Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $133,575,000.00.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Tutor.com - now Live
 As of April 14, FCPS students will have unlimited access to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/guardians can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Detailed information and FAQs are available on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services website.
Students will be able to access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following instructional videos:
Questions, not answered on the website or in the above videos, may be sent to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu. If you are interested in finding an in-person tutor, please visit the Parent Resource Center's tutoring website.
Supervisor Foust's newsletter
Please go here to sign up for his informative newsletter and to read past newsletters for the latest in Dranesville and Fairfax County news.
Events
Purple Up! on April 20
Wear purple as a visible way to show appreciation for military-connected youth. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine red, along with Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force and Navy blue.
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league baseball debut as the first African American to play in the league, breaking the long-standing color barrier in the sport. Predating the civil rights movement, the integration had much greater implications beyond the field, serving as a model for integration in all areas of American life.
Baseball legend Robinson’s jersey is on display in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Robinson integrating Major League Baseball. View the exhibit on line here.
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NOVA Virtual Information Sessions for FCPS Families
FCPS and NOVA will host virtual information sessions for FCPS seniors and their families. The final session will be held at 6pm April 20. Register to receive Zoom link for www.tinyurl.com/April-20
Parent Resource Center DedicatED: For Parents and Teachers
Supporting Early Learners
Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar for PreK-2 Families
4/22/22: Supporting Healthy Habits & Routines in Early Learners
5/20/22: Growing through Tough Moments in Early Learners
There are so many ways children learn and develop throughout early childhood. Relationships, habits, and even challenges can become rich opportunities to teach and foster lifelong learning and skills for our children. Learn more about how self-regulation, executive functioning, and routines can help your children learn and develop.
Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Supporting Early Learners: Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar for PreK-2 Families
Rise Against Hunger- Herndon HS
Help fight global hunger! Herndon HS is partnering with Herndon UMC to host a food packing event on Saturday, April 23. The goal is to pack over 20,000 meals in three hours. All are welcome to come help, sign up for a shift at their website. Donations will go to support meals and Rise Against Hunger's in country efforts.
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“Doodle Pop” by BRUSH Theatre at The Alden
Perfect show to introduce young theatre patrons to live performances
The Alden at The McLean Community Center is presenting BRUSH Theatre from Seoul, South Korea, to share their wonderful show—Doodle POP!- Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m. A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! They invite us along on their sea adventure with a tiny little turtle. What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world, and will they return the turtle to the sea safely? Doodle POP, a touching and playful nonverbal show, uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections, live whiteboard drawings and an abundance of theatrical imagination for anyone aged 3+. Click here to watch the show’s trailer and tickets are available here.
Mount Vernon Environment Expo
Come out to Fort Hunt Park on Saturday, April 23 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the 4th Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo. This FREE family-friendly festival will feature loads of activities and exhibitors sharing information about climate action, environmental challenges we face and solutions we can participate in to make Fairfax County, and the world at large, a healthier, more sustainable place.
Attendees will be treated to workshops, live music, live reptile and owl demonstrations, nature walks, giveaways, solar cooking and robot demonstrations, and more. Learn more online and mark your calendar for this fantastic event!
Julie Lythcott-Haims, NYT Best-Selling Author of How to Raise an Adult, Returns to McLean
FREE Event April 26th! Click the flyer to register or scan the QRC to attend in person or watch the livestream.
3rd Annual Bands on the Run 5K & Fun Walk
Looking for a fun family activity and a great way to meet Cooper and Langley band students and their families? Join us for the 3rd Annual Bands on the Run 5K & Fun Walk on May 1st at Langley High School. The race begins at 8 am and is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the Cooper Middle School and Langley High School band programs. A virtual option is also available to run or walk your own course at your own time. Click here to register and bring the entire family to enjoy fitness, music, and fun! Please click here if you’re interested in sponsoring this event.
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2022 Graduation Dates
Full listing of FCPS graduations here. Here are the Dranesville dates:
April is...
 Arab American Heritage Month
An estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, according to the Arab American Institute, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and others. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Please join me in celebrating the rich history, contributions, and culture of our diverse population of Arab Americans.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Month of the Military Child
FCPS is proud to have over 13,500 military-connected youth as part of our student body. Celebrating this provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help our military- connected students students and families meet the unique challenges they face! For additional info visit FCPS' Resources for Military Families page.
National Poetry Month
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry's important place in our lives. Learn more here and find events and activities.
The winning 2022 poster was designed by 11th grader Lara L. from Saunders Trades and Technical High School in Yonkers, New York, and features a line by 2021 Presidential Inaugural Poet and 2017 National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
Accolades
Happy National School Librarian Day- thank you librarians!
National School Librarian Day was Saturday, April 16. It is always a great time to acknowledge and appreciate all librarians who have inspired us with our love of reading. In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.
Schools and Staff
Congratulations Ms. Sullivan!
 Picture from the Washington Post
Susanna Sullivan is completing her 7th year as a 5th grade AAP teacher at Haycock Elementary. Ms. Sullivan ran track at Notre Dame and has previously qualified twice for the Olympic trials for the marathon event. She has a passion for teaching math and science. In her time at Haycock, she has built relationships with many students and their families over the years. Her Haycock family sends heartfelt congratulations to her as the winner of the elite Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Winning this race on April 3, 2022 makes her the first local winner in 39 years. The last time we had a local champion was 1983! Read more in this Washington Post article.
(ACSD) presented their First Class Awards
The Fairfax County Public Schools Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) presented their First Class Awards at the 17th Annual Special Education Conference on Saturday, March 26. See who received this year’s awards.
There were two award winners from McLean HS:
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Dr. Ellen Reilly, principal, McLean High School. Reilly has created a culture where students with disabilities are no longer thought of as participating with their general education peers, but a culture where students of all abilities participate together. She allows all students to showcase their unique abilities by supporting inclusive programs.
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Alma Ortiz-Tellez, special education instructional assistant, McLean High School. Ortiz-Tellez seeks out opportunities for students with disabilities to be included in activities around the school and can be seen every day at lunch creating opportunities for students to interact and develop relationships with peers and staff, promoting inclusion. Also, by accompanying special education students to local job sites, Ortiz-Tellez has supported local business’ hiring of persons with disabilities.
It's Academic!- McLean HS team going to the Semi-Finals
Langley and McLean students competed in the Playoff Round of the popular student academic quiz show, It’s Academic! Airing on April 16, Langley HS, McLean HS and Georgetown Day competed for the right to be in the Semi-Final and McLean HS won! They will advance to the semifinals against Potomac and Blake airing June 4th at 8:30am. More info and full schedules can be found here.
Blue-Ribbon School
Langley HS has once again been named a “Blue Ribbon School” as awarded by the Virginia Music Educators Association! This is the highest honor of its kind, and Langley is one of only four high (or middle) schools in the entire state to have a streak of over ten years. Congratulations to ALL of the band, choir, and orchestra students and teachers who are a part of this exceptional achievement!
Students
Science Fair Winners
The 67th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased over 200 high school science projects. Over 300 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Read more here.
These Dranesville students are headed to the next level of competition:
- Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair Eligible
- Herndon HS: Michael Przybysz
- Langley HS: Jenna Cai, Kayla Cho, Lianna Hong
- Marshall HS: Ellie Kim
- TJHSST: Grace Huang, Lillian Sun
- International Science and Engineering Fair Eligible
- Langley HS: Ben Mahdessian, Sam Troy.
- Their project won one of the 10 Grand Prizes:
- Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design: The Effectiveness of Various Hydroelectric Turbines.
FCPS Students Named 2022 Student Peace Award Winners
Congratulations to our 2022 Student Peace Award winners! The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County was begun in 2006 to encourage everyone to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Read all about their amazing work here.
Here are the Dranesville winners:
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Mariam Abdel Okhowa, Herndon High School. As a seventh grader, Mariam helped her older sister and three other Iraqi American girls to found the nonprofit Girls-4-Girls, an independent organization with the mission "to educate, empower and provide opportunities to disadvantaged girls around the world.”
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Caroline Martell, Langley High School. During her freshman year, Caroline Martell took training on advocacy through Team ENOUGH, a national youth organization dedicated to ending gun violence.
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Maya Kanaan, Marshall High School. Maya started the Peace in the Middle East club at Marshall High School her sophomore year.
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Olivia Zhang, McLean High School. Olivia Zhang is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization, Cancer Kids First which has thousands of volunteers in chapters around the world sending toys, books and care packages to over 50 pediatric hospitals.
Congratulations to the Dranesville winter athletic 2022 state champions and runners-up!
State team runner-up
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), Class 6 Swimming and Diving.
Individual State champions
- Sebastian Alcocer-Castedo, Sr., Westfield HS, Class 6 Wrestling, 138 pounds.
- Robert Rerras, Jr., Westfield High School, Class 6 Wrestling, 132 pounds.
- Catherine Hughes, So., McLean High School, Class 6 Swimming and Diving, Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke.
- Catherine Hughes, McLean High School, Class 6 Swimming and Diving, Girls 200 Yard Individual Medley.
- Noah Dyer, Herndon High School, Class 6 Swimming and Diving, Boys 200 Yard Freestyle,
- Noah Dyer, Herndon High School, Class 6 Swimming and Diving, Boys 100 Yard Freestyle.
- Thais Rolly, McLean High School, Class 6 Indoor Track, Girls 3200 Meter Run.
- Langley High School, Class 6 Indoor Track, Girls 4x800 Meter Relay.
- Xavier Jemison, McLean High School, Class 6 Indoor Track, Boys 1000 Meter Run.
Individual Runner-up state champions
- Gillian Bushee, Herndon High School, Class 6 Indoor Track, Girls 1600 Meter Run.
- Gillian Bushee, Herndon High School, Class 6 Indoor Track, Girls 3200 Meter Run.
McLean High School student, Ava Macomber, participated in a White House roundtable on Mental Health
On the last day of Women’s History Month, Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice and Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein hosted a roundtable at the White House with young women leading their communities in improving mental health. Participants were joined by the leadership of national girl's advocacy organizations, each of which have prioritized mental health policy and supported young women leaders tackling this issue. Please click here for the White House Briefing Room statement.
McLean Entrepreneurship Club Semifinalists
Congratulations to the team of McLean Juniors Zoe Li and Ben Woods (co-founders of McLean's Entrepreneurship Club), with TJ Junior Myles Bao, on becoming semifinalists in the Diamond Challenge 2022 Competition. The team of three has been invited back to the University of Delaware for the final rounds of the International Diamond Challenge Summit this April.
Chesterbrook ES Brownie Troop Gives Back to the School Community
Chesterbrook Brownie Troop 50149 gave back to our school community this past weekend. Our brownies have been studying the environment and ways they can help. They chose to raise money to purchase three Eastern Redbud trees, which they planted in front of Chesterbrook. The trees will help our environment and beautify the school.
Churchill Road ES Kindergartner Raises Funds for Ukrainians
Kindergartner Jacob was inspired to raise funds to help Ukrainians. He sold Ukrainian flags at Giant and raised $400 to purchase and donate supplies.
Dranesville ES 4th Graders Virginia History Day Success
Dranesville Elementary School fourth-graders Naya Kwitowski, Capri Swinton and McKell Poulton placed second in the Elementary Group Exhibit category of the annual Virginia History Day District 5 competition. Their project focused on Harriet Tubman. As one of the top three teams in the category, the students will move on to the state Virginia History Day competition, to be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond April 23-24. Please read more here.
Herndon ES 5th grade "Purple Martin Project"
A team of 5th grade students entered an environmental proposal called “The Purple Martin Project”, into the Chesapeake Bay Caring for Our Watershed Contest. The project consists of erecting a Purple Martin Tower at two locations. One at Herndon Elementary School, and the other at Lake Frederick, VA. The goal is to attract Purple Martin birds to both of these locations. Herndon ES's team is one of the ten finalist. They will be presenting their project on the April 25 and await the results on May 5. Good luck! Learn about purple martins here.
Love your Teacher- Nominate them for Teacher of the Year
Northern Virginia magazine is launching its first annual Teacher of the Year Award, in which they will recognize the very best educators in our region. The winner of Teacher of the Year will be awarded $10,000 and be profiled in the cover story in the October 2022 issue of Northern Virginia magazine. The survey runs through Sunday, April 24 and is open to school administrators, teachers, parents, students, former students, and the general public. Learn more here and take the survey to nominate your favorite teacher.
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Opportunities
Youth Conservation Camp Applications due April 29
This year the 2022 Youth Conservation Camp will be back to being held in person. This one-week program will focus on forestry, soil, aquatics, and wildlife to teach 9th-12th graders more about the natural world. Youth Conservation Camp will be held Sunday, July 10th through Saturday, July 16th. The application must be submitted to the NVSWCD by April 29. If you have any questions regarding Youth Conservation Camp, please contact ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov
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NOVA JUMP START for Seniors
NOVA is pleased to announce JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2022. Who/What: Qualified seniors graduating this spring may take one 3-credit course and our 1-credit College Success Skills course, SDV 100, at no tuition cost. Apply by April 29, 2022. To learn more about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, minimum qualifying scores, and applying, please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/jumpstart/.
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Students: Apply to be the Next EQAC Student Representative
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is accepting applications for its student member term running from July 2022 through June 2023. EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement. The student member application is open to all interested high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. Interested students should apply by May 4. Learn more and apply to be the next EQAC student member.
CBF Leadership Expeditions for HS Students
Registration for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 2022 Student Leadership Summer Expeditions is now open! Do you know a motivated high school student who wants to get involved with environmental education, advocacy, or leadership? This program is open to students in grades 9-12 and financial aid is available. The Virginia expedition will take place July 11-15, the watershed-wide expedition will take place July 25-29, and the orientation for both expeditions will take place May 25. Learn more and spread the word about CBF's 2022 Student Leadership Summer Expeditions!
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.
© 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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