Dear Sully District Families,
Graduation is here. Congratulations to all our 2022 Seniors!
I am thrilled to share in the excitement of your graduation day and so very proud of the resilience and determination you have displayed. You are talented and tenacious, you have adapted, shifted, and grown throughout your time in FCPS. I wish you continued success as you step ahead towards new challenges in life. Keep developing those unique dreams and talents that make you who you are and let your inner light shine!
CONGRATULATIONS also, to our sixth graders and eighth graders as they transition into a new school year and new opportunities next year.
Inside this month’s newsletter:
The School Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget on May 26th. I am happy that this robust post-pandemic budget, which focuses on staff compensation and strengthening student academic supports, represents hope for our FCPS community. We are grateful for the continued close collaboration with the County Board of Supervisors for their support in keeping our schools safe, effective, and welcoming places for students to learn. Other major Board work that was accomplished - reviewing advisory committee reports and reviewing changes to Student Rights and Responsibilities presentation.
May was also jam-packed with lots of uplifting, fun visits to Franklin Middle School, Mount Vernon High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School. I was also honored to speak at the FCPS Retirement Ceremony and thank our retirees for their tremendous contributions to the FCPS community!
After the most recent gun violence incidents at Laguna Hills, Buffalo and Uvalde, I’m angry and heartbroken that innocent people and children continue to die needlessly. We have allowed an entire generation of children to be traumatized from the horror they see around them from senseless gun violence. At the May 26 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board recognized National Gun Violence Awareness Day and encouraged everyone to wear orange on June 3. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors declared June 3 Gun Violence Awareness day during a May 24 meeting.
The Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that firearm injury is the leading cause of death for American Children. Together with the National AAP, they also join communities across the U.S. in participating in wearing orange to increase awareness. Information about gun violence prevention is available on our FCPS website.
As your school board member, I will continue to ensure that we have all safety and security measures in place to protect our students as well as increased access to mental health supports, counselors, social workers, and trusted adults that they may feel comfortable speaking to.
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June is LGBTQIA+ Pride month and a time where people across the globe come together to raise awareness, celebrate identity, and highlight the achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. Please join me in honoring our diverse community, and in building a culture of inclusivity and equity around the world. Happy Pride Month!
As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. As we approach the close of this school year, I am looking ahead to a summer of rest and renewal and a strong new SY2022-23.
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
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School Visits to Greenbriar West, Franklin MS, Mount Vernon HS & Lake Braddock Secondary School!
 It was an absolute joy to watch the Mount Vernon High School Orchestra Program rehearse "Free Fall". This is an inspiring custom commission piece by Arizona composer Selena Ryan. “Free Fall,” is a five-minute original score tailor-made for Mount Vernon students of multiple abilities. The program notes read, “What would happen if just for a moment, you didn’t worry? What if we could jump and free fall without caring where we land?” Thank you to amazing MVHS Orchestra Director Al Rodriguez for giving us this sneak peek and for sharing with us just some of the incredible things our hardworking students are capable of. Read about this journey here: bit.ly/37C9cYo.
I was honored today to recognize the Lake Braddock High School Bruins Varsity Gymnastics Team for winning the VHSL Class 6A Championship along with my School Board colleagues and VA Delegates Eileen Filler Corn and Dan Helmer. This marks their 10th 6A title, the most in the sport in the state of Virginia. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff. Completing the season with a state title is a great source of pride for the Lake Braddock Bruins and the entire FCPS community. We wish you the very best in your future athletic and academic endeavors!!
It was a great event at Franklin Middle watching the Real Food For Kids Culinary Challenge Award winning recipe “Vegejita Wrapadilla” being prepared by our amazing students! Our Food and Nutrition Services are working to expand options for next year including this delicious recipe.
Greenbriar West Elementary School, proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 26, 2022, providing generations of students from a richly diverse community with an excellent academic foundation. I was thrilled to be able to personally deliver the resolution to Principal Blount along with my colleague Springfield representative Laura Jane Cohen. I am grateful for this strong Greenbriar West “community” that feels like a big happy family with a long history of volunteerism.
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Student & Staff Safety Measures - Gun Violence Prevention in Schools
Gun violence and school shootings are complicated topics that affect each of us in different ways. The following resources may be helpful as we all process recent events:
Resources from the National Association of School Psychologists:
Because of the potential for both intended and unintended threats to our schools, FCPS has focused a great deal of attention to emergency procedures and is vigilant about protecting the safety of its students and employees. The school division has spent considerable time and effort in planning and practicing day-to-day safety and security measures, as well as addressing the response to a major critical incident. Among these measures are:
Building Safety
- Physical security (Locked doors, intrusion alarms, electronic door access, CCTV).
- Visitor Management System and Procedures (Deployed system-wide).
- Emergency planning coordination with police, fire, and emergency management offices.
- Uniformed school security patrols (24/7).
- SROs at all middle and high schools.
- FCPS security personnel at all middle and high schools.
- Comprehensive division-wide crisis management plan.
- Individual school crisis plans-updated annually.
Safety Training
- Lockdown, Fire, and Tornado Drills.
- Safety training and Table Top exercises at all schools.
- Critical incident terms awareness and training (Lockdown, Secure the Building, Shelter in Place, Stay Put Stay Tuned).
- Employee training in crisis management and communication. (Lockdown, Evacuation, and “Run, Hide, Fight”).
- Mandatory annual safety training for all students and staff.
Safety Procedures
- Threat assessment process.
- Confidential tip, text, and email programs.
- Systemwide emergency alert systems.
Safety and security is everyone’s job. Staff, students, parents, and the community at large are reminded to incorporate safety and security awareness as routine, and to immediately report any unusual activity to the authorities. Know that we take the safety and security of all students very seriously, and additional information regarding our programs can be found on our Safety and Security website.
Safety Tip Line
FCPS’ Safety Tip webpage is available to all students, staff, and community members to report school safety issues, such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tipline users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
You may submit your anonymous tips using any of the following methods:
- Online - SchoolMessenger Quick Tip Form
- SMS Text- 888-777, keyword TIP FCPS
- Please remember to include the name of the affected school/facility when reporting. An automated banner will respond, allowing the person to text information.
- You may receive a response in return asking for additional information. The responder is NOT able to see your name or phone number.
- Phone- 571-423-2020.
Sully District Happenings
Senior Spotlights!
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance, a certified employee group of Fairfax County Public Schools employees, awarded scholarships to 26 students, each of whom will be the first in their families to attend a postsecondary institution. Read the full list of recipients.
Special congratulations to our Sully District seniors from Centreville High School recipients: Yara Gonzáles-Fernández, Community Action and Service Scholarship & Gemma Najarro, Peace and Justice Scholarship, and Westfield High School: Fabrizio Bellido, Scholarship for Business, Anderson Vásquez Vásquez, Keith Buchanan Memorial Scholarship and Shantal Monico-López, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Scholarship.
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Sully District Student Artists Recognized in 2022 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Original works of art and writing by students from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) earned 30 national medals in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program. National medalists will be celebrated at an award ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June. Select national award winning work will be included in an exhibition in New York, and a traveling exhibition over the coming year.
Special congratulations to our many Sully District students who won awards!
Find more information and the full list of winners.
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Sully Seniors Among 2022 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship Winners
Fifteen Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students from six high schools have been named winners of 2022 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The students are part of a group of more than 2,600 National Merit® finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by higher education institutions. Full details here.
Tutor.com - Online Tutoring Services Summer 2022 Access
 FCPS students will continue to have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com this summer. Students are able to use Tutor.com to review and/or practice in subject areas of interest or need. Students may also choose to access other tools such as practice quizzes in a variety of subject areas, as well as self-paced study courses for SAT and ACT preparation.
Details about how students can access Tutor.com through archived courses in Schoology are provided in Summer Access at Tutor.com - Online Tutoring Services. Students enrolled in summer Credit Recovery Academy, Online Campus, Online Economics and Personal Finance, and TJHSST summer courses will be able to access Tutor.com via their active summer course in Schoology.
In-person Tutoring Options
For families interested in in-person tutoring, FCPS’ Parent Resource Center maintains a list of tutors who can be hired by families.
The tutor list contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold valid and current teaching licenses in Virginia. These employees have contacted the Parent Resource Center to offer their services. The tutor list is updated monthly during the school year. For a list of tutors, please email The Parent Resource Center (prc@fcps.edu).
This list is a resource offered by the PRC, but parents are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. For more information about tutors, visit the Parent Resource Center website.
Meet the School Board’s New Student Representative
Michele Togbe, a junior at South County High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
Michele will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Pranav Choudhary, a senior at Langley High School. She will be the 52nd student representative to the School Board. Michele has three main focuses as student representative: transparency within students’ voices, furthering civic education, and maintaining an equitable lens. Welcome Michele! I am so excited to work with you!
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Cute and Calming: Animals Help Students Unwind
 Chickens, alpacas, and mini horses, oh my! Across Fairfax County Public Schools, animals are helping students destress. For students of all ages agree, spending time with animals puts a smile on their face and helps them relax. As part of Mental Health Acceptance Month in May, FCPS highlighted a few schools connecting students with animals.
Webinar on Opioid Use Trends and Support Set for June 7
Opioid overdoses are on the rise in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends.
Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on substance use trends and supports June 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register for the June 7 webinar.
The webinar will cover topics including:
- Most Commonly Used Substances.
- In Depth Opioid Information.
- Reasons Why Youth Use Substances.
- Ways Parents Can Support their Children.
- Available FCPS and Fairfax County Resources.
- How to connect with support providers.
Language interpretation will be available in Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, and Korean. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting by an ASL/Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) Team will also be provided.
Learn more about what you can do to help and prevent overdoses in our Healthy Minds blog.
Do Your Part: Vax Up!
 FCPS has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases recently as the county has transitioned to the medium community level. Schools continue to apply layered prevention strategies to maintain a healthy work and learning environment. However, each of us has a responsibility to do our part to help keep ourselves, our students, and our community safe. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, we must stay vigilant so we can all enjoy the events and milestones ahead and be ready for a relaxing and healthy summer.
Easy ways to “Do Your Part” include: staying up to date on vaccinations and boosters, considering when and where to choose to mask up, practicing good hygiene, and monitoring symptoms daily.
A single booster dose is now authorized for children ages 5-11, at least five months after completing a primary series with the Pfizer vaccine. Learn more about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or find a walk-in option on the Fairfax County Health Department’s website.
Additional recommendations to prevent COVID-19 are available online.
FCPS Recognized for Energy Conservation “Sustained Excellence”
FCPS received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year–Sustained Excellence award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. More details are here.
Summer Classes for English Learners
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) is offering Summer 2022 Classes for English learners and registration is now open! LCNV provides beginning-level English classes to adults so that they and their families may survive, thrive, and fully and equitably participate in the community. This summer, they are offering classes on a variety of days and times, at sites across Alexandria, Falls Church, Herndon, and Lorton. To learn more and to register for classes, check out their website.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Joyful June
Decide to look for what's good every day this month!
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.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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June 9 at 5 p.m. - Work Session: Committee Reports; Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC), Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC), Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC), and Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
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June 14 at 10:00 a.m. - Forum: Trauma-informed School Practices and Educational Equity Policy
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June 14 at 11:00 a.m. - Work Session: Fiscal Year (FY) 23 Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Risk assessment and Audit Plan and Goal 3 and 4 Reports
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June 16 at 6:00 p.m. - Student Recognitions: Fall, Winter, and Spring Achievements
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June 16 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: FY23 OAG Risk Assessment and Audit Plan, Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R), and Policy 4750
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June 28 at 5:00 p.m. - Work Session: Committee Reports; Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACE), Title I Parent Advisory Committee (TPAC), School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), and Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)
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June 30 at 7:00 p.m. - Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) Housekeeping Items, ERFC Appointment of Individual Trustee, ERFC Appointment/Reappointment of the Board of Trustees, and Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) Annual Report.
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
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.
Career Switcher Information Session on June 8
 The FCPS Office of Talent Acquisition and Management will host a Virtual Career Switcher Information Session on Wednesday, June 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Military veterans, community members, and anyone interested in becoming a licensed Virginia teacher should attend.
The session will begin with presentations from the five approved Virginia Department of Education career switcher programs: Educate Virginia, Old Dominion University, Regent University, Shenandoah University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Troops to Teachers will also present their program offerings to military veteran attendees. The FCPS Human Resources team and substitute office will be available to conduct video chats. Register online to attend.
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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