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Summer 2022
On April 14, 2022, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student and Staff Health and Wellness Policy (P2100). These changes may be viewed in their entirety at Board Docs.
Based on the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) review of the Local School Wellness Policy, revisions to address nutrition requirements established under the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010 were made to Section IV. I. 2., Section IV. J. 1., Section IV. J. 2., Section IV. J. 4., Section IV. J. 5., Section IV. J. 6., and Section IV. K. 6. Revisions address farm to school experiential activities; requirements for food and beverages sold outside of the school day; food and beverage marketing; school-sponsored fundraisers; and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
Based on recommendations from the FCPS School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) in the SY 2020-2021 End of Year report, changes were made to Section IV. F. 11 and Section IV. G. 1. Revisions address sleep health for students and staff.
Additional changes were made in Section IV. B. to address physical activity for students. Revisions address scheduling daily outdoor recess for elementary and middle school students (weather permitting) and safety and security considerations.
 Sun and Water Equals Summer Fun
Follow basic safety measures to keep the summer fun rolling
As we approach the end of the school year, many people are thinking of fun summer activities and having fun outside. The warm weather and longer days provide a great opportunity to enjoy activities outdoors – swimming, biking, hiking, morning or evening walks, camping, or simply relaxing outside. Summer can be a great time to try a new outdoor activity or spend time outside with family and friends. As you prepare to head out, be sure to keep safety in mind. Here are some basic safety tips:
Sun safety
- Follow the American Cancer Society’s “Slip!, Slop! Slap! and Wrap” catchphrase
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Slip on a shirt
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Slop on sunscreen
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Slap on a hat
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Wrap on sunglasses
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming or vigorous physical activity.
- Check the expiration date on sunscreen.
- Wear light weight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV light.
- If possible, limit time in direct sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Water safety
- Never leave children unattended when swimming.
- Children, particularly younger children, may not have retained swimming skills, especially if they were unable to practice swimming last summer.
- Teach your child to swim or enroll them in swim lessons. Be sure they know what to do if they fall into a pool or lake.
- Wear a life jacket during water activities including boating, fishing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Children and inexperienced swimmers should also wear a life jacket when swimming.
- Do not enter the water to help a swimmer in distress unless you are trained to do so. Instead extend something such as a long pole or paddle or throw a life saving device to the person and pull them in.
Warm weather safety
- Stop activity if you feel too hot or experience dizziness or feel lightheaded and move to the shade or indoors.
- Recognize the signs of heat stroke and take immediate action.
 Exercise and deep breathing are among many tools students may use to build their coping skills.
Build Coping Skills to Improve Mental Wellness for Whole Family
Everyday each of us are forced to deal with unpleasant feelings or situations that cause us stress. A coping skill is something that helps us deal with such stress or other difficult emotions. Learning to cope is a very important skill we all must learn, but it takes a lot of practice. Parents and guardians can help children build coping skills. Brainstorm as a family a toolbox of coping skills, so when someone in the family needs to access a “tool” to cope, a list is readily available. What works for one person, may not work for everyone, so it is important to try different coping skills to find what works for each member of the family. Take time to talk about which strategies were helpful or learn about more coping strategy ideas everyone might try next time a strategy is needed. The following are some examples of coping skills:
- Exercise
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Talking with positive people in your life such as friends, family and teachers
- Deep breathing
- Listening to or playing music
- Engaging in a hobby that you enjoy.
Follow the Healthy Minds blog
Healthy Minds is a blog for parents, educators, and community-based providers who are interested in supporting student mental health and wellness. As a part of the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services develops posts with timely information for all. Recent topics have included: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Countering Stigma and Racism, and Building Resilience to Handle Challenging Times. Healthy Minds includes tips and strategies for increasing wellness and resiliency, as well as fostering success at home, at school and in the community. New content is posted weekly.
Fairfax County Health Department offers
school-required immunizations for free
The school year may be drawing to a close, but now is the time for parents to make sure their students are up to date with school required immunizations for the next school year. New students, transfer students, kindergarteners, 7th graders, and 12th graders need vaccinations for school. The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) offers school-required immunizations for free.
The FCHD does require parents make an appointment for their student by calling 703-246-7100, no walk-ins allowed. Immunization appointments are available at the following FCHD locations:
- 7611 Little River Tnpk., #400-E, Annandale, VA
- 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston, VA
- 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA
- 8350 Richmond Hwy., #233 Alexandria, VA
- 8136 Old Keene Mill Rd., 1st Fl., #A-100, Springfield, VA
Parents should not delay, avoid the wait, and call for an immunization appointment today!
 Don't forget a water bottle to bring a water bottle with you each day.
Stay Hydrated and Healthy!
As we enter the summer season, it is important to stay hydrated each day. People often spend more time being active outdoors as the weather warms up. Keep a bottle of water close by or in a backpack so you will have water accessible throughout the day. For a healthy boost of flavor, try adding slices of fresh fruit or fresh herbs, such as basil or mint. Drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated. Another way to stay hydrated is to consume fresh fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, cucumbers, tomatoes, or peaches. Students participating in upcoming FCPS summer programs may receive meals that contain fresh fruits and vegetables, along with beverage options, including low-fat milk and 100% juice. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services is committed to helping students reach their optimal health and well-being. To find out more about our summer offerings, please visit Nutrislice for more information.
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