Dear Sully District Families,
Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek! I know first hand the time, care, and loving attention our teachers bring to their classrooms every single day. FCPS teachers continue to go above and beyond for our students. THANK YOU!
A very special thank you as well for all of the organized appreciation events for our teachers and staff this week by the amazing PTAs and PTSAs in all of our schools! Our community's strong support of our schools and staff is incredible.
It is an exciting time as Dr. Michelle Reid, our newly appointed Superintendent, begins her transition to work for FCPS as of July 1. She has exceptional leadership skills and a remarkable depth of knowledge about K-12 education, specifically in STEM, that will help elevate FCPS to a new level of excellence. I look forward to our shared partnership as we shape an environment for our educators and students to thrive! The School Board also made a number of other important policy changes including approving Middle School Recess and adopting the School Trust Policy, both of which benefit student wellness and safety. I also presented the FCPS FY23 Approved Budget at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
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As you will see in this newsletter, our Sully District High Schools and students have, for another year, made the lists of national and state high schools excelling in student achievement, challenging work and graduation rates. There is much work to be done but our schools are top-rated in the country (see article in Newsletter below) and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve despite the many challenges.
Inside this month’s newsletter:
- Earth/Arbor Day Celebrations and School Visit Highlights
- Sully District Happenings - Student Successes!
- Meet our newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid!
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FCPS High Schools Ranked Among the Best in Virginia and the Nation
- COVID-19 Health and Safety Updates
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School Board Student Awards Night Scheduled for June 16
- Parent & Student Mental Health Resources
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Share your thoughts on Fairfax County's Mental Health Programs
At my "Student Listening Session" at Centreville High School, our students were articulate, well-informed, and impressive! They shared their concerns and provided important input on issues ranging from rolling grades, mental health, ESOL classes, the importance of diversity and inclusion especially for our LGBTQIA students, to the use of personal cellphones/technology in the classroom. Including student voices into policymaking ensures that all students needs are being met and that all students have access to a quality education.
I also enjoyed my dialogue with Sully District PTA/PTSA leaders, solicited feedback from them on the key policy issues and thanked them for their contributions. I had a lovely time serving lunch at Westfield High School today as well, alongside our PTSA!
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Last month, my family along with Orthodox Christians here and all over the world, celebrated Easter - it marked a day of happiness for all of us! It was also a month filled with celebrations for families of different faiths and cultures in our diverse Fairfax County community and I hope they were filled with much love and joy as well!
May is also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Please join me in celebrating the rich histories, contributions, and cultures of Americans hailing from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, and across the Asian continent. People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. #AAPIHeritageMonth
As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing you at graduations and end of the year events in the weeks to come!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebrations at Franklin and Liberty Middle Schools!
 We planted several hundred native plants with ecologist Danielle Wynne and Franklin Middle School's Urban Garden Club students! Danielle and her colleagues at Fairfax County Environment are part of the Watershed Education and Outreach Section's partnership with FCPS to bring environmental education to our students. Through games and native plantings on school properties, the students learn about stormwater and watersheds, how to prevent water pollution as well as improving local infiltration, and creating a native flower habitat to improve the number of pollinators
#ArborDay is a special day set aside throughout the world to raise awareness of trees and the important role they play in our environment. Thank you to Liberty Middle School (Virginia) and Fairfax County Government for this important partnership to help Fairfax County Public Schools expand the reach and impact of our environmental stewardship programs and instruction. It was so fun to be part of this amazing event with Chairman Jeff McKay from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor's office! #outdoorlearning #treesarecool #environment
School Visits to Poplar Tree ES, Union Mill ES and Burke School!
 It was wonderful to visit Poplar TreeElementary where I was an ESOL teacher many years ago! I enjoyed meeting my former colleagues and talking with the rest of the staff about how the students are doing, discussing their issues/concerns and getting important feedback from them on ongoing policy issues we are considering on the School Board. Watching the students play and learn on the playgrounds and in class was a real joy. Thank you Principal Andujar for welcoming me into your school!
I had a great visit to Union Mill Elementary as well! We observed the students actively engaged in their classrooms. All of their artwork and projects are so amazing! Thank you Principal Case for taking the time to showcase all the incredible efforts of your teachers, librarians, and support staff who are all truly inspiring in their dedication to their students. Thank you also for providing me with your valuable insight on the numerous challenges that schools are faced with on issues ranging from navigating the pandemic, ESOL staffing, early literacy and successful ESSER interventions.
Burke School is an FCPS Special Education Center that is focused on meeting the unique needs of our students with disabilities. Thank you Principal Strayhorn for inviting me to visit Burke School! It was great to talk with your wonderful, dedicated staff and to discuss the opportunities and the numerous challenges for the special education services you provide to our students. Elementary and middle school students receive special education services primarily due to emotional and/or behavioral needs. Many of the students also have special education needs specific to academic difficulties. #UniqueandUnited
Meet the Incoming Superintendent: Dr. Reid Answers Community Questions at Live Event
 Students, families, and staff gathered for an opportunity to get to know Dr. Michelle Reid, incoming superintendent, on Tuesday, May, 4 at Annandale High School. Dr. Reid answered audience questions on a variety of topics including equity, technology, learning loss, social/emotional health, and students with disabilities. Earlier that day, Dr. Reid met with roughly 200 FCPS students earlier in the day, during a forum held at Thoreau Middle School.
These were the first of many opportunities for the FCPS community and Dr. Reid to engage with each other over the coming weeks. Watch a recording of Tuesday’s community event to hear what Dr. Reid had to say.
Student Perspective on Dr. Reid
 Student journalists from Jackson Middle School participated in a group interview with Dr. Reid the day after she had been named the next superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
See what they learned about her background, qualifications, and what she hopes to accomplish as superintendent.
Save The Date: Meet the Incoming Superintendent at a Virtual Town Hall on May 17
On Tuesday, May 17, incoming superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will join staff, families, and students for a multilingual virtual town hall, starting at 7 p.m. Dr. Reid will be hosting additional engagement sessions throughout the county after her official start date on July 1.
Sully District Happenings
So proud of all of students and their amazing efforts! Highlighted below are a few of their recent successes. This section also highlights some of our outreach/engagement opportunities to our larger Sully District community.
Sully Students Selected for 2022 All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus - Congratulations!!
 Many Sully District students were among the one hundred ninety students from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools who were named to the 2022 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. The students performed with other premier musicians from across the state April 20-23.
Nine Students Receive 2022 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Nine Fairfax County Public Schools students have been awarded 2022 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation including Sully District students from Chantilly High School, Westfield High School and TJHSST. The students are part of a group of more than 1,000 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations. See who received National Merit scholarships.
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National Fencing Tournament Champion!
 Congratulations to amazing Sully District student Daniel Y. Lee from Chantilly High who got the First place in the National Fencing tournament. I am so proud of our students outstanding efforts and achievements! #fencing
FCPS High Schools Ranked Among the Best in Virginia and the Nation by U.S. News and World Report
 Fairfax County Public Schools high schools have been ranked as some of the best high schools in Virginia and the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. The rankings evaluate more than 17,800 schools at the national, state, and local level and are based on six factors, including college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) was named the number one high school in Virginia and the United States for the fourth consecutive year, and several other FCPS high schools were ranked among the nation’s best.
Monitor COVID-19 Symptoms and Stay Home When Sick
 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) continues to monitor cases and report COVID-19 outbreaks, as outlined by the Virginia Department of Health.
For several weeks, cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 have increased in Fairfax County and across Northern Virginia. Several jurisdictions in the region have transitioned from low to medium COVID-19 Community Level, as defined by CDC, including Fairfax County and Falls Church City. Fairfax City remains at a low level.
FCPS has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks and parents/legal guardians are reminded of the daily health screening requirement to check their students for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. Parents and guardians are advised to keep their students home if sick and get them tested to stop further spread from occurring.
VaxUp
We continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated or boosted as soon as they are eligible. COVID-19 vaccination keeps children safely in school and childcare settings, and also while participating in sports, playdates, extracurricular activities, and other group activities. Strong community vaccination rates help keep our schools safe for in-person learning. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine or find a vaccine provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website.
Masking
As a reminder, students may return to school after five days of isolation if they are fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) individuals should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of the 5-day isolation period. If individuals are unable to wear a mask when around others, they should continue to isolate for a full 10 days at home. While not required, wearing a mask while indoors is still considered an important way to protect yourself and others. Families are encouraged to discuss mask wearing as an additional layered prevention strategy.
Additional recommendations to prevent COVID-19 are available online.
School Board Student Awards Night Scheduled for June 16
 As you are thinking about your summer plans, please be aware that the School Board will be holding a student awards night on Thursday, June 16. The School Board will hold the event on this date because it is after student activities and athletics conclude for the school year and the board wants to honor as many students in person as possible.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth!
This month's theme: Meaningful May
Let's find ways to be part of something bigger.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Healthy Minds Podcast
Hear about how we are all handling uncertainty; get new ideas to help your child, friends and families feel better; and learn to help yourself feel stronger and more energized
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email prc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
Share your thoughts on Fairfax County's Mental Health Programs
Healthy Minds Fairfax , a Fairfax County office, coordinates a full range of mental health and substance abuse services for children and youth across multiple county agencies, the school system and private treatment providers. We work to help youth and families in the Fairfax-Falls Church community access mental health and substance abuse services, and improve the quality of those services.
We’re working on putting together a plan for Fairfax County about how our community can help make sure all kids, youth, and their families can easily get the services and support they need to take care of their mental health. Healthy Minds Fairfax is looking for parent and caregiver input on their revision of the County's Behavioral Health Blueprint. This Mental Health Month, help Fairfax County make it easier for children to get the Mental Health supports they need!
To attend this online listening session on Tuesday, May 10, 7-8 p.m. click here.
Share your thoughts in 2 ways
2 easy ways to provide YOUR input on what our community needs:
- Take this 3 min survey surveymonkey.com/r/YXN9ZBX (survey closes May 13) OR
- Text/leave a voicemail to 703-249-9402 (hotline closes May 13)w/ your response to:
- If there’s ONE thing you would add/change to your school, neighborhood, or community so fewer kids struggle w/ #MentalHealth or use drugs/alcohol, what would it be & why?
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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May 10 at 10 a.m. - Work Session: Fiscal Year (FY)23 Approved Budget and Family Life Education Updates
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May 12 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Student Rights & Responsibilities, Policy 4750 Tax Deferred Programs
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May 24 at 6 p.m. - Work Session: Early Childhood Report, Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE), and Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) Committee Reports
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May 26 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: FY23 Approved Budget, Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards, etc.
Visit the citizen participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas and handouts.
The meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meeting will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube page.
Contacting Me
At this time, with an overflowing inbox, I am prioritizing responses to Sully District constituents. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response.
Use this link to sign up for our Newsletters.
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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