Dear Dranesville Families:

As the school board wraps up school year 21-22 and continues its focus on 22-23, I hope you are enjoying the change of pace that summer brings.  For those of you taking advantage of summer programming at our schools, I hope all is going well.  I was privileged to visit our programs at Hutchison ES. As usual, I was impressed by the work our students are up to, and thank our staff for providing rich and fun opportunities for learning.  

I am happy to begin work with our new Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid. We have already begun conversations about our strategic plan and overall governance work and organization, and I look forward to continuing this work over the next months.  Please watch for ways to get involved.  

In preparation for our August opening, our principals and regional leaders are hard at work hiring staff for our schools. Many industries across the nation are struggling to hire enough employees to run operations and, as you know, education is particularly hard hit. We are hiring teachers, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, etc. Our human resources department has several job fairs coming up and is looking at creative ways to reach out to prospective new employees.  Please, if you know of anyone that is interested in a job with FCPS in any capacity, have them apply.  If you know of anyone that would make a good substitute teacher, have them apply.  That is a nice way to make some extra money and to work in our wonderful schools.  

I want to take a moment to do a shout out for my Staff Aide, Wendy Biliter.  She is mainly responsible for compiling the information in my newsletters and does a great job of finding resources that are important to families with children. She has recently uncovered some new county news resources and we will be sharing even more information with you over the next year.  If you have a friend that can benefit from getting this news, have them sign up HERE. Thank you Wendy!!

I want to take an opportunity to share with you some of the major accomplishments and work of the past school year so that you can see the type of activities I am engaged in.  As always, I treasure my time in schools and the chances I get to talk with our principals, administrators, and teachers about how we can best serve our students. I have also been happy to get out into the community more now that in person meetings are happening and look forward to seeing you out at the schools later this summer.   Enjoy the next few weeks, Fall sports' tryouts will be upon us very soon.

Elaine

Please read below about some accolades, events, opportunities, and updates from across FCPS and Dranesville.

My visit to Hutchison ES's summer prigrams and Mr. Platenberg's Swearing In as Fairfax City Superintendent

SY2021-22 Year-in-Review

School and Student Highlights:

Visited all my main Dranesville schools and many of my secondary schools for career days, student presentations, family events, support animal visits, athletic events, plays and concerts, Cooper MS Sudler Cup concert and award presentation, Celebrate McLean, Herndon HS homecoming parade, Cappies Gala, and more.

Shadowed many school staff members including MS math teachers, social workers, counselors, PE teachers, front office staff, librarians, and more.

Met with principals, teachers, and school staff in groups and individually around different concerns and topics of advocacy. 

Worked with students including my discussions with all 3 Dranesville HS student leaders,  Langley HS's Pranav Choudhary as the 2021-22 Student School Board Representative, McLean HS's Raising Student Voices groups around improving student mental health  access and an allergy awareness pilot, journalism student interviews, class project interviews, Boy Scout troop meetings across many different grade levels to help achieve their community/government merit badge.

Helped students complete projects including Eagle Badges, community service projects and drives, and student advocated school improvement projects like the installation of dividers between urinals at McLean HS.

Celebrated students including the Class of 2022 graduations; 2022 Peace awardees; musical honorees across band, choir, and orchestra; Herndon HS Buzzworthy awardees; Science Fair participants and winners;  National Merit nominees and winners; Cappie nominees and winners; multiple journalism award winners; athletic achievements including district, regional, and state champions;  MCA’s Outstanding Teen awardees; and many more.

Met with Parents individually, at parent coffees, with the SCC for my quarterly Dranesville PTA/PTSA/PTO leaders meetings, and at various community and school events across Dranesville to help resolve concerns and issues affecting their students, schools, or FCPS.

School Board Work Highlights:

Our new Superintendent, Dr. Reid, was sworn in 6/30/22 . Learn more about Dr. Reid here

Approved the FY 2023 budget ($2,275.3 billion) with a focus on Student Success, Safety, and Staff Compensation.  We were able to provide a 4% Market Scale Adjustment (MSA) for all employees, along with a step increase for eligible employees. We provided additional professional development and ES teacher planning time to promote better classroom experiences and increased student literacy. Learn more about details of the budget here.

Funding for capacity planning office staff to assist us in understanding the impact of Tyson’s and other developments on our schools' capacity.

Increased staff compensation during SY 2021-22 for all staff, and additional pay increases for bus drivers and substitutes.

Approved the ESSER III plan ($188.8 million) to help schools safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on our students by addressing students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Approved the FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan(CIP) with increased General Obligation Bond Funding by $25m in FY23 and FY24 and then by $50m in FY25. This would increase the amount from $180m to $230m annually.

• Dranesville Projects approved in the FY 2023-2027 CIP:
  • Funded Renovation- Cooper MS
  • Partially Funded Renovations- Armstrong ES; Herndon ES; and Dranesville ES

Approved the SY2022-23 Calendar where the calendar is aligned with neighboring school districts and adds additional key observance days as well as changing our approach to “O” days to allow new instruction.

Approved the Trust Policy, to align with the Fairfax County Trust and Confidentiality Policy, with the goal of ensuring FCPS families feel comfortable that their personal information will not be shared with immigration officials.

Approved the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan , a division-wide, comprehensive, and culturally responsive PreK-12 literacy program that uses evidence-based practices, grounded in the science of reading.

My Committee Work 2021-22:

Audit Committee–The audit committee continued monitoring progress on the Special Education Audit that should be completed in Fall of 2022.  In addition, we did an audit of our community use program and started our IT Technology Platform Implementation and Hardware Acquisition audit and the use of outside legal counsel audit.  We continued monitoring the efficient expenditure of ESSER funds and the business processes at schools. 

Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)-I am especially excited about the work FPAC is collaborating on to improve our communication of major capital projects.

Successful Children and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT)-This committee is working on expansion of early childhood education, investigating the viability of community schools, expanding behavioral health resources for our students, and expanding workforce opportunities in Fairfax County.  I was happy to help our county counterparts engage with students for input to our county behavioral health strategic plan.  

FCPS, Community, and Fairfax County Highlights:

Worked with Facilities/Security on new renovation queue work, asked for complete third party review of school safety and security, expedited the installation of security vestibules in schools without them, ongoing discussion with Facilities to lessen capacity impacts including the decrease of out of boundary participation in the Kent Gardens ES’s French Immersion program.

495 NEXT project team (VDOT and others) coordinated discussions with school personnel to lessen impact on schools within the 495 NEXT project area.

Continued collaboration with Supervisor Foust and his staff on traffic safety around schools, budget collaboration, community events, and more.

Environmental work monitoring JET goal progress with Mr. Frisch, Supervisors Storck and Gross, and the FCPS and Fairfax County JET teams; March 2022- Electric School Bus event with EPA Director Reagan at Flint Hill ES, and continued work with FCPS’s Get2Green including budget for expanded staff. 

Working relationship with many community organizations including CAPA-NOVA, Cornerstones, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Fairfax NAACP, Great Falls Citizen Association, Herndon ON, JCRC, League of Women Voters, McLean Citizen Association, Moms Out Front, Quiet, Clean NOVA,  various student clubs and organizations, and more.

Updates

7/14/22 School Board Meeting Update

Congratulations to our new chair and vice chair!

We elected Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Member-at-Large) as chair and Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Franconia District Representative) as vice chair for a one-year term. Read more on our website.

Key Votes

• The School Board approved the FY23 OAG Audit Plan.
• The School Board approved the Charges for 2022-2023 for the following School Board Citizen Advisory Committees: Adult and Community Education, Advanced Academic Programs, Career and Technical Education, Facilities Planning Advisory Council, Human Resources, Minority Student Achievement Oversight, School Health, and Students with Disabilities.
• The School Board has directed the superintendent to develop, as part of the work in preparation for strategic plan development, bias-related incident accountability infrastructure for the division, and to present this to the School Board no later than December 2022.

Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.

Summer Meal Service

Summer meal kits will be offered on Tuesdays at several locations through August 9. 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. Pick up locations and times have recently been updated. Visit our Meals for Students website for more details.

Servicio de comidas de verano

Kits de comida de verano se ofrecerán los martes en varios lugares hasta el 9 de agosto. Los kits de comidas contienen artículos para el desayuno y el almuerzo para siete días empaquetados a granel. Todas las comidas están disponibles sin costo para los estudiantes de FCPS y los niños menores de 18 años. Los lugares y horarios de recogida se han actualizado recientemente. Visita nuestro Comidas para estudiantes sitio web para más detalles.

Emergency Food Resources for Families

If you are in need of assistance, please call Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist you with any difficulties you are facing- including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, health care, and other needs. The most up-to-date information about local resources for families is available on the FCPS website. Organizations providing assistance are organized by geographic area.

ATTENTION! Langley Student Drivers and Langley and Cooper Families- Be Ready

The 495 NEXT project work on the Georgetown Pike Bridge has started and will affect your Langley HS or Cooper MS commute if you use Georgetown Pike. New drivers may want to practice their commute to Langley HS before the first day of school to master the shifted traffic patterns and congestion.

Georgetown Pike Bridge Preparatory Work and Traffic Shift 

In late June, VDOT began preparatory work for the demolition of the northern portion of the 62-year-old Georgetown Pike Bridge over the Capital Beltway. 

Work crews started demolishing the center median of the bridge in late June, and in July they will demolish the median between the bridge and Balls Hill Road. Temporary pavement will be laid where the existing medians were removed. In mid to late July, temporary traffic barrier will be installed along the westbound shoulder and both directions of traffic will be shifted south on the bridge. Temporary traffic signals will be installed to enable the removal of the existing signals. Lane closures in both directions are being implemented during non-peak travel periods (midday and overnight hours) to carry out the work safely and efficiently.

Please sign up for weekly updates on scheduled construction

We look forward to welcoming our new families and students for the coming school year. It is time to complete your child's school registration.

Use this link for more information on registration and to complete the registration forms. You will need to scroll down to the registration paperwork. After you complete the paperwork, contact your school register for an appointment.

At FCPS Student Registration Welcome Centers, you can ask questions and request information about enrollment in most languages. At the centers, professionals may assess your student's English language skill and/or educational level. These assessments can provide valuable information to the local school and support your child's instructional needs.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications   Available Later This Summer Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year. Interested families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application ten  days prior to the first day of the 2022-23 school year (August 22, 2022). The online application will be available later this summer and accessible via the FCPS homepage.   Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, FCPS class fees, and Parktakes classes. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced Price Meal application numbers.  Watch your email and our website for more information. Learn more about the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program online.  Planee presentar solicitudes de comidas gratis y a precio reducido este verano Las familias deben presentar una solicitud y ser aprobadas para ser elegibles para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido para el año escolar 2022-23. Se alienta a las familias interesadas a presentar la solicitud de comidas gratuitas y a precio reducido diez días antes del primer día del año escolar 2022-23. La solicitud en línea estará disponible más adelante este verano y se podrá acceder a ella a través de la página de inicio de FCPS. Los estudiantes aprobados para comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido pueden calificar para beneficios adicionales, como tarifas exentas o reducidas para instrumentos, uniformes, excursiones, tarifas de clase de FCPS y tomas de parque clases Las escuelas también se benefician de las oportunidades de financiación basadas en los números de solicitud de comidas gratuitas oa precio reducido. Mire su correo electrónico y nuestro sitio web para obtener más información. Obtenga más información sobre el programa de comidas gratis y a precio reducido en línea .

Be Wise, Immunize!

Required Vaccines for 2022-23 School Year

Is your child up-to-date on their required school immunizations? Check the list and sure to provide your school with updated records before school starts: bit.ly/FCPS-School-Immunizations Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school

Appointments are required for most vaccination clinics. Don’t wait until the last minute when you might not be able to find an appointment. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of clinics or schedule with your family’s health care provider.

¡Sé sabio, inmunízate!

Vacunas requeridas para el año escolar 2022-23

¿Está su hija/o al día con las vacunas escolares requeridas? Compruebe la lista y asegúrese de proporcionar a su escuela los registros actualizados antes de que comiencen las clases: bit.ly/FCPS-School-Immunizations Recuerde solicitar la documentación de las vacunas de su hijo para proporcionar a su escuela.

Se requieren citas para la mayoría de las clínicas de vacunación. No espere hasta el último minuto cuando es posible que no pueda encontrar una cita. Visita el Sitio web del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para obtener un horario de clínicas o un horario con el proveedor de atención médica de su familia.

Mental Wellness Consultations

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from June 21, 2022 through August 5, 2022.  Parents and students will have an opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:

1. 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.
2. 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 by clicking here to request a consultation. You may also leave us a message at 703-503-2520.

FCPS School Board Meetings in Spanish To watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on youtube, please go to the FCPS en Espanol youtube channel or scan the QR code.

Did you know...

How much sleep someone needs depends on their age. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has made the following recommendations for children and adolescents:

• Age Group Recommended Hours of Sleep Per Day
  • 6–12 years 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours
  • 13–18 years 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours

Read more in this article. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule during the school week and weekends (as well as during the summer) is key. This means going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning. Adolescents whose parents set bedtimes are more likely to get enough sleep. To help decide on a good bedtime for your child, go to the Bedtime Calculator

For practical guidance on how to keep a better sleep routine, see the Washington Post’s article: How to create and stick to a bedtime routine, even in summer. Also, as adults, sleep is important to your heart health and learn more in this Washington Post article.

Opportunities

Supervisor Foust's newsletter

Please go here to sign up for his informative newsletter for Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please consider applying for the Dranesville representative for one of these committees.

Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC)

Committee Purpose

Va. Code §22.1-18.1—Each school board may appoint, in accordance with the regulations of the Board of Education, a local advisory committee on gifted education. The local advisory committee on gifted education shall annually review the local plan for the education of gifted students, including revisions, and determine the extent to which the plan for the previous year was implemented.

2021-22 Committee Charge

Middle school is a critical transition time between elementary and high school.  AAPAC will study advanced academic opportunities and research-based approaches to Honors coursework at the middle school level and make recommendations to improve talent development and advanced differentiation practices at this level.

Please apply to be the Dranesville AAPAC representative. To learn more about the Committee's 2021-22 work please go to their website. Please send your CV and a brief statement on why you would be a good candidate for AAPAC to wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 29nd.

Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities

Committee Purpose

8 VAC 20-81-230(D)—A local advisory committee for special education, appointed by each local school board, shall advise the school board through the division superintendent.

2021-22 Committee Charge

• Examine current FCPS practices regarding school-based accountability and fidelity related to the implementation of best practices on the identification, evaluation, eligibility, and instruction of students with disabilities.
• Make recommendations designed to improve division wide consistency related to the fidelity of the implementation of special education procedures and practices.
• Make recommendations designed to ensure equitable use of Department of Special Services (DSS) resources for all students with disabilities - regardless of school, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Please apply to be the Dranesville ACSD representative. To learn more about the Committee's 2021-22 work please go to their website. Please send your CV and a brief statement on why you would be a good candidate for SHAC to wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 29nd.

Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) 

Committee Purpose

Va. Code §22.1-275.1—Each school board may establish a school health advisory board of no more than twenty members which shall consist of broad-based community representation including, but not limited to, parents, students, health professionals, educators, and others. The advisory board shall assist with the development of health policy in the school division and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services.

2021-22 Committee Charge

SHAC focused on student anxiety. They researched schools modeling approaches that are helping students flourish by promoting mental health for staff, students, and caregivers.  Time permitting, they hoped to create webinars or podcasts to interview and share positive outcomes from schools with creative ideas to share.

Please apply to be the Dranesville SHAC representative. To learn more about the Committee's 2021-22 work please go to their website. Please send your CV and a brief statement on why you would be a good candidate for SHAC to wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 29nd.

Old Firehouse Afterschool Program Mondays-Fridays, 2:30-6 p.m.(when Fairfax County Public Schools are in session) Free OFC Membership benefit. (Charges may apply to field trips.) Come when you can to hang out after school with your friends at a place that offers experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. The Old Firehouse is a safe, friendly alternative to staying home alone. Find out more here or call OFC at 703-448-8336 (TEEN).

Grant Program to Benefit 495 NEXT Communities Transurban, the developer and operator of the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes, is launching a new competitive grant program to benefit the local community as part of the 495 NEXT project. The 495 NEXT Community Grant program will award multiple grants every quarter, each worth up to $3,000 to non-profit organizations, educational institutions and other entities that sustain, enhance or protect the local environment and neighborhoods in proximity to the 495 NEXT project corridor.  The funding will build on the success of Transurban’s existing grant programs, which have contributed more than $2.3 million to over 350 organizations in Northern Virginia over the past decade. These organizations are creating healthier communities across the region, providing educational programming, support to the vulnerable, environmental sustainability and other critical services.  Deadlines to apply for the Community Grant programs occur quarterly, with the next deadline set for September 30. To learn more about Transurban’s Express Lanes Community Grant programs and how to apply, visit www.expresslanes.com/about.

Take the No Litter Pledge

Show Virginia some love by taking the No Love for Litter Pledge

Commit to helping keep Virginia lovely. The No Love for Litter Pledge is your promise to keep your trash to yourself. Litter and love don’t mix, so make the choice to keep Virginia litter-free. Be a lover, not a litterer. They are hoping to get 5,000 Virginians to pledge, and right now they have ~1,800. Take the pledge here. 

"Collect for Kids" Helps Students Start Strong

Educate Fairfax is proud to work alongside local non-profits, businesses and faith-based organizations to provide school supplies and backpacks to students in need in FCPS. These supplies prepare them to start school in the fall with a smile.  

Educate Fairfax raises funds to purchase school supply kits that are delivered directly to schools. Your $10 donation will provide a kit with 10 items in it for a student in need. Please make a donation today to help students start the year strong!

Donate Here!

Globe at Night Become a Citizen Scientist This Summer! From the Children's Science center Lab,Turn your backyard into an observation center! Join the Globe at Night international campaign and learn the impact of light pollution. Measure the night sky brightness (from any location) and submit your observation to add to over 200,000 measurements from 18 countries! Visit globeatnight.org to explore 14 years of data on the interactive data map as well as learn how to record and submit your measurements.

Tree Rescuers

You may have noticed trees with vines wrapped around their trunks. Unfortunately, these non-native, invasive vines are a direct threat to the life of the tree. It is estimated that as many as three million trees in Northern Virginia are at risk. But there is a group trying to help. More than 130 people from neighborhoods across Northern Virginia have already volunteered with Tree Rescuers, a new campaign sponsored by Plant NOVA Trees, to preserve our area’s mature trees. 

Accolades

Congratulations to the Dranesville Spring State Champions

2022 Langley HS Boys Soccer Team

• Langley HS Boys Soccer team
• Langley HS Girls Team Tennis
• Girls Outdoor Track
  • Herndon HS Gillian Bushee-3200m
  • McLean HS Thais Rolly-1600m

Seven FCPS Graduates Named 2022 National Merit Scholarship Winners

Seven FCPS 2022 graduates have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Read more about the winners here. The 2 Dranesville winners are:

• Nathaniel Garcia of McLean High School (psychology), National Merit Pomona College Scholarship. 
• Kelvin Yuan of McLean High School (computer science), National Merit University of Florida Scholarship.

Max Feinberg on American Ninja Warrior Max Feinberg is back competing on American Ninja Warrior. He had his qualifying round on June 20th. His semifinal round will air on NBC 8/1 at 8pm. Good luck Max!

6TH ANNUAL "SHARK TANK" WINNERS 

The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 6th Annual "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge.

This year's contest encouraged students to develop an innovative device or app that enhances the independent enjoyment of life for older adults and adults with disabilities, including wounded warriors. Students were also encouraged to consider projects that may offer assistance in such areas as active free time activities, participation in the arts, and caregiving. Read more here. The below award includes several Dranesville students.

2nd Place: APP-Pill -

TJ High School for Science and Technology: Andrew Choi, Grace Xiao, Samarth Bhargav, Chris Jia, Hasvika Challa, Jaydon Sun

APP-Pill is an app specialized for the visually impaired that allows older adults and people with disabilities to access and identify their medication. 

 AAUW McLean Area Branch Announces STEM Achievement Awards Recipients from Langley High School 

On June 2, three female students at Langley High School were presented with the AAUW McLean Area Branch STEM Achievement Awards for 2022 at a school awards ceremony. The criteria for the awards include a demonstrated record of overall academic success and a distinguished record of achievement in either math, science or computer science. A career center counselor at the school manages the process of selecting the students. The following students at Langley High School received the 2022 awards:

• Math: Jenna Cai
• Science: Abhaya Tyrka
• Computer Science: Eliana LaFleur

New GMU Head Volleyball Coach a Langley Grad

Congratulations to Langley Class of 2008 graduate Megan Shiffett Bachmann on her new role as GMU Head volleyball coach! Read more in this Sun Gazette article.

Events

School Bus Driver Job Fairs

Join us for one of our school bus driver job fairs this summer and be part of our team! To learn more, please visit the Employment Opportunity page. FCPS will be hosting school bus driver job fairs from 10am-2pm on the following dates and locations:

• July 18 at Glasgow Middle School
• July 22 at Stonecroft Transportation Center
• July 27 at Lorton Center
• August 2 at Pimmit Hills Center

FCPS Virtual Instructional Job Fair

July 20 at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

We are currently searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference in the lives of students. Principals will meet and interview candidates at the FCPS Virtual Instructional Job Fair on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register here.

Virtual FCPS Substitute Teaching and Substitute Instructional Assistants Information Session

July 20 at 1 - 2 p.m.

MCC- Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park

Sundays through July 31- New Start Time! 3 p.m.

McLean Central Park Gazebo

Free Admission! Pack a picnic and join us at McLean Central Park for our summer concert series. We have artists who will appeal to all ages and musical tastes! Best of all, the concerts are all free and open to the public. Let's get the summer fun started! Presented by The Alden  View a full listing of summer concerts

Herndon Farmers' Market Fun Days Are Back

County 4-H Fair and Carnival Returns to Frying Pan Farm Park It’s back better than ever! Here comes the fair and carnival, one of summer’s most iconic events and popular family traditions, returning Thursday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 at Frying Pan Farm (2709 West Ox Road in Herndon, Virginia). You and your friends and family can enjoy carnival rides, games and food trucks on the farm! Learn about the Fairfax County 4-H Youth Development program and more. Visit the farm’s  4-H website to learn more..

Tax Free Weekend August 5-7, 2022 will be a three-day sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. For more information, visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage.

Enjoy Sensory Friendly Events at Our Special Harbor & Water Mine

Those with disabilities and their families are invited to Fairfax County Park Authority’s sensory friendly events this summer at Our Special Harbor and The Water Mine. Sensory friendly time is designed to allow individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to attend both locations in an enjoyable and accessible way.

Our Special Harbor will be hosting a sensory hour every Wednesday this summer from 10 to 11 a.m., and the Water Mine will host a sensory hour on July 19 and Aug. 16, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. Our Special Harbor will be at no cost to attend, and the Water Mine will charge regular admission prices. To purchase tickets for the Water Mine, please visit the Water Mine website..

For additional information, please visit the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities webpage, or call 703-324-8565.

Sensory Friendly Movies

AMC theatres are now offering sensory friendly movies. They have partnered with the Autism Society to offer a variety of movies in a brighter and slightly quieter environment. Movie goers are free to move about, sing, shout and dance at an AMC Sensory Friendly Film!

AMC theatres have sensory friendly films for everyone to enjoy - family-friendly showings on the second and fourth Saturday and mature audience showings Wednesday evenings. Check your local AMC Theatre as the movies vary at specific theatres. Find more information and participating theatres.

Celebrate Farmers' Market Week

Also Bike to Market Week

Fairfax County Farmers Markets will join farmers markets across the nation in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 7-13, 2022.  Visit each of our 10 farmers markets during this special week to support local farmers and businesses, learn how to prepare fresh ingredients at our cooking demonstrations, participate in fun and educational activities, listen to live music, and enjoy delicious foods from local producers. Learn more about events and markets at this website.

MPA ClassWorks Exhibition: Art Produced by MPA Studio Education Program Students

Stop by our Atrium Gallery now through August 20, 2022 to view our ClassWorks Exhibition, featuring art produced by students in the MPA Studio Education Program. The Atrium Gallery is open during McLean Community Center operating hours. Please see our website for more information on visiting our galleries.

FCPS Cares Do you know a  FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

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

E-mail: Elaine Tholen  |  Phone: 571-423-1087

Wendy Biliter, Staff Aide, 571-423-1068, wmbiliter@fcps.edu