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Mason District Community,
The month of June has flown by in a whirlwind, marking the end of the regular school year. However, before the school calendar closed for the year, I had the privilege of attending several graduation ceremonies and transition events celebrating our seniors as they march into the next chapter of their lives. Our Mason District graduates demonstrated excellence in a number of ways as indicated by our graduation speakers and the numerous honor cords which many students displayed during the ceremonies.
As we head deeper into summer with the 4th of July around the corner, please remember that FCPS continues to support students by providing meals at various sites, tutoring via Tutor.com, and mental health support.
I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at rjanderson@fcps.edu. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at cmcoffey@fcps.edu to arrange a time. Please also be informed that the School Board will be in recess from July 15th through August 15th.
 
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
On June 16, 2022, the Board approved a number of revisions to the SR&R. Parents are urged to review the revised document and take notes of changes that were made. While most recent revisions were initiated locally, a new reporting requirement included is a result of current legislation. The full SR&R can be found on BoardDocs.
Of note, please find below new language regarding student use of cell phones and mandated reporting procedures.
Cell phones (page 17)
Elementary and Middle Schools: Students in grades K-8: Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus only before and after school.
High Schools: Students in grades 9-12: Phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods. Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc., during classes. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phone for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
Parent/guardians, multi-disciplinary team members, or other persons with knowledge of students who require access to personally owned devices as an accommodation shall make requests for such accommodations through their respective multidisciplinary team [i.e., 504 Committee, IEP Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team].
Mandatory Reporting (page 45)
Guidelines for mandatory reporting to law enforcement (police) have been updated to align with the new requirements outlined in House Bill 4 (SB 36) passed in May 2022.
Currently, mandatory reporting to law enforcement is limited to acts which may constitute a felony. Under the new law, school principals will be required to report to law enforcement certain acts that may constitute a misdemeanor offense in addition to certain acts which constitute a felony such as incidents involving alcohol, marijuana, a controlled substance, an imitation controlled substance, or an anabolic steroid on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, including the theft or attempted theft of student prescription medications.
Summer Meal Kits
Summer meal kits will be offered on Tuesdays at several sites through August 9, including two locations in the Mason District:
TJHSST (door #4), 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. (or until supplies are exhausted)
Luther Jackson MS (door #1), 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. (or until supplies are exhausted)
Meal kits contain seven days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk. All meals are available at no-cost to FCPS students and children 18 years of age and under. Visit the Meals for Students website for more details on pick up locations and times.
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Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications Available Later This Summer
For the past two years, the federal government provided no-cost meals to all public school students without the need to complete the annual Free and Reduced-Price Meal application. The extension of the no-cost meals benefit to all students is expected to expire at the end of this school year, meaning families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals in the 2022-23 school year. Learn more about the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program online.
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MiFi Program Continues Over the Summer
Any student needing a MiFi internet connection device for summer learning can reach out to their school administrator or TSSpec to request one.
The MiFi provides internet content filtering for safe student use. Each individual MiFi can accommodate up to five device connections, making it useful for family needs. As always, adequate cell signal reception is necessary for a strong connectivity experience. FCPS MiFis shut down from midnight to 5:00 a.m. each day.
Expanded Metro Bus Program
The Metrobus pass pilot program, launched in 2018 at Justice High School, is being expanded to four additional schools this fall: Annandale High School, Falls Church High School, Marshall High School, and Davis Center. The expanded student bus pass adds Metrobus access to the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE access already offered to students at these schools.
The pass will be valid for specific routes in Northern Virginia between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. and will be available to students at no charge. Participating schools will provide more information when students return in the fall.
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Mental Wellness Consultation
Through August 5, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual mental wellness consultations. Parents and students can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered:
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Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
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Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time-management.
All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Request a consultation. Messages can be left at 703-503-2520.
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Enjoy FCPS School Grounds
School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled. Please keep the following in mind when using these facilities:
- Use is allowed from dawn to dusk, except during school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs;
- Facilities must be shared with anyone else who wishes to use them;
- Use of these facilities cannot impede scheduled use on fields and tracks.
Visit the Community Use webpage for a full list of items and activities that are prohibited on school grounds and more information on reserving facilities. Groups interested in formally reserving school facilities should send an email to fcpscommunityuse@fcps.edu or call 571-423-2340.
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Preview Your Student’s Spring SOL Scores
Families can see their child’s SOL scores in the Test History section of SIS ParentVUE. To access Test History, log into your ParentVUE account using a web browser (not the app). Families will also receive an official SOL score report letter with more details by the end of July.
Additional information about SOL assessments is available online. You can also learn more about SIS ParentVUE and how to activate your account.
Summer Reading Challenges - Youth and Adults
 The Summer Reading Adventure from Fairfax County Library is underway! Participants have the chance to earn prizes when they read and complete activities. There are different challenges for preschoolers, K-5 students, teens, and adults, too! Details are available on the library website.
Online Tutoring Services Summer 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.
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Vaccines - Make sure students are up to date
All students are required to be immunized against certain communicable diseases to attend school in the state of Virginia. It is important for all students to receive the required immunizations.
Please talk with your family health care provider about whether or not your children are up to date on their vaccines before the new school year begins. Submit updated immunization records to your school as soon as possible.
More information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.
Belvedere PYPX Projects
 I was honored to be on hand as students at Belvedere ES presented their PYPX projects earlier this month. Students raised important questions and provided thoughtful, actionable steps to address issues ranging from bullying, immigration, and mental health, to sheltering pets and anti-racism work. So proud of the Bulldogs!
Bike Safety at Poe Middle School
 Poe Middle School is one of 33 FCPS schools participating in a bike safety program funded by a Safe Routes to School grant. At Poe, the bike safety unit is included in the physical education class for all 6th grade students. Instructors have created a complicated road course for riders to practice their skills. Read more about the program and how it is helping students at all levels to become more confident and learn important safety skills.
FCPS Recognizes Exceptional Employees
Exceptional employees from across Fairfax County Public Schools were recognized at the FCPS Honors event held on June 8. Sponsored by Educate Fairfax, the 2022 celebration honored several Mason District staff. A special congratulations to two winners from Mason District schools for the well-deserved recognition!
Outstanding Elementary Teacher
Ms. Essel Linton, Music Teacher at
Annandale Terrace Elementary School
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Outstanding School-Based Leader
Ms. Bianca Aiello, Director of Student Services at
Poe Middle School
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Learn more about the 12 winners and the nominees in all categories.
Dawn Clements Named as Fairfax County Public Schools Ombudsman
Dawn Clements, currently the assistant ombudsman for special education, has been named as the new ombudsman for Fairfax County Public Schools. Her official start date is July 1.
Read the full news release.
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Support the Collect for Kids School Supply Drive
To ensure that every child in the school district is prepared for school, Fairfax County Public Schools and Educate Fairfax are once again leading the Collect for Kids effort, a consortium of not-for-profit, for-profit, and government entities providing school supplies to benefit FCPS students who otherwise might go without them.
More than 56,000 (31%) FCPS students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and struggle to afford basic necessities. Your donation will help provide the school supplies these students need to be successful at school.
Contributions can be made online through Educate Fairfax. Donations will be used to purchase bulk school supply kits at highly discounted pricing. For more information, visit the Educate Fairfax website.
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Giant Food "Rounds Up" to Eliminate Food Insecurity
From June 3 and through July 28, 2022, shoppers at Giant Food will be invited to “ROUND UP” their grocery purchase - the donated "round up" amount will be designated for Educate Fairfax to support programs in the school district that address food insecurity.
As FCPS prepares for the 2022-2023 school year, please spread the word to ensure this program is a great success! From backpacks with weekend food, to clearing delinquent lunch accounts, building a community pantry in a school, or a school garden for fresh food for students, funds will be provided directly to support food access for those who need it most.
Educate Fairfax looks forward to partnering with Giant Food in the fight against childhood hunger.
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Office of Auditor General
The latest issue of Audit Buzz summarizes the status of current engagements and spotlights the Local School Activity Funds (LSAF) audit process.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meeting (Luther Jackson Middle School)
Work Session (Gatehouse Administration Center)
All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube page.
Visit the citizen participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.
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.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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