August 2022- Be ready for the First Day of School

Dear Dranesville Families,

Whew! Summer is flying by and the start of another school year is fast approaching.  Many of you are already busy with school sports as our athletes gear up for the Fall season- marching band too. Here are a few summer events and opportunities coming up before August 22nd.  I look forward to visiting schools and families next week as our schools prepare for welcoming the students back.

Please watch your school newsletters for upcoming events and important back to school information. You can find your school's BTS events here in these links: 

Our new superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, has been hard at work since July 1.  She is planning visits with the community over the next months so watch for an opportunity to hear from her about her work in FCPS.  She and our staff have been very focused on getting a teacher into each of our classrooms for the start of school. I am happy to report that FCPS has filled 98% of the positions we need for the upcoming school year.  We still need a few more teachers, and we will always need substitute teachers. With the success of our monitor positions, we are hiring more this year.  See info in the newsletter about applying for those positions.  

Enjoy the last days of summer vacation.  I hope you and your family had a chance to rest and recharge and are excited to start the 2022-23 school year.  

Elaine

This newsletter contains:


Dranesville student summer events 2022

Dranesville Students at summer events: Westfield Chorus performance; McLean HS Drumline performance; Langey HS's Ethan B. at FCPS event; McLean HS's It's Academic Team receiving BOS recognition; and new Student SB member Michele T. at FCPS event.


First Day of School

First Day of School

As a reminder, the first day of the 2022-23 school year is Monday, August 22.
View the 2022-23 school year calendar here.


Updates

School Updates

Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Reid will be hosting Superintendent Community Conversations across the division this fall to get to know our communities. Events will be scheduled at high schools in each pyramid. Please see your school's communications for dates, times, and more details as they become available.


2022- 2023 Student Rights & Responsibilities

Includes Cell Phone Usage Update

The SY 22-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read the Letter from the Superintendent on the 2022-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide for Families.

Key changes to the document for the 2022-23 school year include: 

  • Detailed information about orientation or training stakeholders including school-based administrators and staff, transportation staff, and coaching staff; students; and families.
  • Adding rights to protect citizenship and immigration status from unauthorized sharing.
  • Changes to FCPS’ Acceptable Use Policy Regulation for Technology.
  • A new section on cell phones.
  • A clarification on the response to substance misuse violations.
  • A clarification on the purpose of individualized education program (IEP) meetings when students with disabilities are reassigned for disciplinary reasons following referral to the superintendent.

Cell Phone Usage in Classrooms

The new section on cell phones prohibits cell phone use in classrooms. We recognize that this new policy will be a shift for many students and families this year, but research shows that managing phone use during class time will support students’ attention and ability to fully engage in their learning. Schools are partnering with parents to have students understand the importance of putting their phones away to minimize distractions during class.

  • Students in K-8 must keep phones silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool. Cell phones may only be used on campus before and after school. (Except in secondary schools where students in grades 7 and 8 may use phones during passing periods)
  • Students in grades 9-12 must keep phones silenced and put away during all instructional periods unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool. Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches. 

If a parent or guardian believes their child requires access to a personally owned device(s) as an accommodation, they should contact child’s school team—i.e., 504 Committee, Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team—to schedule a meeting to have their request considered. 

Parents should talk to their child(ren) before the start of the school year about these expectations for this upcoming school year. Families may also review the parental controls available for all iPhone and Android users. More information about the SR&R is available online


From your School's Health Room

Your School Health Room services include:

  1. Care of sick and injured students according to school guidelines.
  2. Hearing and vision screening (grades K, 3, 7, 10, new to FCPS schools and those students referred by teachers and parents).
  3. Administration of care for students with identified problems/conditions during the school day.
  4. Coordination of care for students with identified problems/conditions during the school day.

How can you help your School Health Room provide the best possible care?

  • Advise the School Health Aide of any special health concerns.
  • Immediately notify the PE teacher if your child has any PE restrictions.
  • Provide current home, work, and alternate telephone numbers for the Emergency Care Information form. Generally, a student may remain in the clinic for 15 minutes.  After that, if he or she is still feeling ill, parents will be called to take the student home.
  • Keep sick children home. It is difficult to concentrate or do schoolwork when not feeling well.
  • Children who have fevers (temperature of 100 degrees), vomiting or diarrhea are not able to stay in school. It is best for children to be at home for 24 hours after these conditions resolve.
  • When medication must be administered during the school day, follow the medication policies.
    • Complete the FCPS Medication Authorization form.
    • Provide the school with properly labeled containers (your pharmacist will usually provide an extra container if you request it).
    • Medications must be transported to and from school by a parent.
    • Medications must be kept in the school Health Room or other school approved location.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping to make this a safe and healthy school year for all FCPS students.

Changes to Medication Administration Management

This school year, FCPS is changing our medication protocols to help ensure the safety of our medication administration management in Fairfax County Public Schools. These changes include:

  • Any time you drop off or pick up a medication in the health room, a Medication Delivery/Pick Up Form will be completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the School Health Aide or FCPS staff member. This form will document that all required authorizations are complete, and the number of pills or amount of medication accepted/returned. A copy of the form will be given to the parent/guardian and school administrator.
  • Medications received will be verified to ensure the description of the medication on the container/packaging matches the medication in the container.
  • All medications must be in the original pharmacy container. Over the counter (OTC) medications must be in an unopened original container. It will no longer be acceptable for parents/guardians to bring in refills from home and place them into the container currently in the health room.
  • Only a 30-day supply of medications should be brought to school. No more than 100 tablets or pills of OTC medication should be brought to school.
  • All requirements outlined in FCPS Regulation 2102, First Aid, Emergency Treatment and Administration of Medication for Students, continue to apply.  

Please contact your school's Health Room to learn when it will be open for drop-off of emergency and daily prescription medications before school starts .


Four children show off bandaids on their upper arms.

Immunizations Required for SY2022-23  - Be Wise and Immunize!

School may be out for summer, but now is the time for your child to catch up on school immunizations! Check out the list of Virginia’s required school immunizations and make your doctor appointments now or visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of child immunization clinics. 

Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their schoolMore information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.


Breakfast and Lunch for 2022-23

Parents can set up an account through MySchoolBucks in order for your child/ren) to purchase lunch or breakfast during the school year.  For information on pricing and options, please go to this link. Students can purchase meals during the week based on the menu and choose your student's school.


Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications

freee/reducedmeals

For the past two years, the federal government has 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 expired at the end of the 2021-22 school year, meaning families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year. The application for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program is now available online. 

Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, afterschool programs, and FCPS fees. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced Price Meal application numbers. 

Application Video Tutorial

Video on FRM program en Espanol 

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Schools

Some FCPS schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). All students enrolled at these schools will be offered breakfast and lunch each day at no charge. Households with students attending these schools will not be required to submit a meal application form for these students to receive meals at no charge. Each household with students attending these schools will receive communication about the CEP, including contact information for any questions. A list of schools participating in the CEP and eligibility guidelines are available online.


Paperless Opt-Outs Available

As a part of our ongoing efforts to streamline paper processes, parents can now select a number of opt-outs electronically via ParentVUE.  Once you have signed into your ParentVUE account, simply select the “Student Info” tab and click on “Edit Information.”  You will find opt-outs listed there.  If you need to set up your ParentVUE account, you can create one online via the FCPS ParentVUE Registration page.


Save the Date

Parent Resource Center Webinars

 

Child's Math and Writing Performance: A Webinar for Families

Math and writing are often difficult subjects for students with ADHD because both require extensive working memory. But with the right study hacks and strategies, almost anyone can master writing and math! Unfortunately, most students don't learn these important skills at school.

This academic year is just getting started, and effective strategies can make a difference between success and frustration. In this webinar, educator, author, and Educational Connections Founder Ann Dolin, M.Ed., will share with parents:

  • Research-based math study skills and strategies to use at home and in class
  • How to help your child get organized and get their thoughts down on paper
  • Tech tools to help students get started on assignments (and finish them!)
  • How virtual classes during the pandemic deepened math and writing learning gaps for many students with ADHD and what you can do to help your child get back on track this year

Choose from 2 sessions: 

September 8, 2022, 6:30 - 8 p.m. and September 9, 2022, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register for "I Can't Focus!" When ADHD Impacts Your Child's Math and Writing Performance: A Webinar for Families

 

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders: What Families and Schools Need to Know

Join Katie Maki as she shares her experiences highlighting the following topics:

  • Signs and symptoms of eating disorders and how they differ in age groups
  • Facts and myths about eating disorders 
  • How to avoid negative messaging on body image and food in education
  • What parents need from school staff to support families fighting eating disorders

September 16, 2022, 10 -11:30 a.m.

Register for: Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders: What Families and Schools Need to Know

 

Prevención de Pandillas: Un Seminario web para Familias y Miembros de la Comunidad (Presentado en Español)

[Gang Prevention: A Webinar for Families and Community Members (Presented in Spanish)]

Los temas incluyen: 

  • ¿Qué es una pandilla y por qué los jóvenes se unen a las pandillas?
  • Actividades comunes de las pandillas
  • Factores de riesgo asociados con la participación en pandillas
  • Factores protectores que reducen la participación en pandillas
  • Soportes disponibles en el Condado de Fairfax y FCPS

Topics Include:

  • What is a gang and why do youth join gangs?
  • Common gang activities
  • Risk factors associated with gang involvement
  • Protective factors that reduce gang involvement
  • Supports available in Fairfax County and FCPS

Presentado por:

  • Stefan Mascoll: Coordinator Student Safety and Wellness, Fairfax County Public Schools
  • Liliana Janssen-Checa: Program Manager of Youth Initiatives, Northern Virginia Family Service
  • Francisco Klockner Gonzalez: Gang Prevention Coordinator, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

 Martes, 27 de Septiembre de 2022, 6-7:30 p.m.

Regístrese para la prevención de pandillas: un seminario web para familias y miembros de la comunidad


Upcoming School Board Meetings

  • August 30 at 10am- Work Session
  • September 1 at 7pm- Regular Meeting
  • September 13 at 11am- Work Session
  • September 15 at 7pm- Regular Meeting

Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on any School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

Próximas reuniones regulares de la Junta Escolar

  • 30 de agosto a las 10:00 horas - Sesión de trabajo
  • 1 de septiembre a las 7pm- Reunión regular
  • 13 de septiembre a las 11am- Sesión de trabajo
  • 15 de septiembre a las 7pm- Reunión regular

Cómo ver las reuniones e inscribirse para hablar

FCPS en Espanol TouTube channel QRC

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones del Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR

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.


Fairfax County Updates

Supervisor Foust's Newsletter

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


Food Distribution and Food Assistance

Residents in immediate need of food assistance may consult the Human Services Resource Guide, an online searchable database, or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 (in Spanish) to find food near your home. 

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Capital Area Food Bank have partnered to offer food distributions to communities in need in August. According to the Food Bank, one out of 10 residents of the metropolitan Washington region is food insecure – and nearly a third of them are children.

Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, located in Reston, is  running the Community Marketplace program, which brings fresh produce to high-needs neighborhoods every second Saturday of the month. The next event at the  Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate ( 12125 Pinecrest Road in Reston) on Saturday, August 13 from 8:30-11 a.m..


FCPL hour changes

All FC Public Library Hours Change

Effective August 14

Effective August 14, all regional and community Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches are moving to a modified schedule due to ongoing staff recruitment challenges. 

The modified schedule is: 

Regional branches:

Monday and Tuesday: 1 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community branches:

Monday: 1 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

These hours will be in effect indefinitely. For more details, visit the Fairfax County Public Library website.


McLean Central Park Bridge Replacement

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin bridge replacement work in McLean Central Park in McLean by the middle of August 2022. The replacement of an old wooden bridge with a 45-foot-by-8-foot fiberglass bridge is planned. 

Contingent on the weather, this project will be completed in late September. Residents should expect occasional traffic at the maintenance access point at Martha Jane Street to facilitate the passage of bridge materials and equipment. As a safety precaution, portions of the existing trail will be closed to users during the project. Learn more at this website.


Traffic Updates

New Traffic Signals in Herndon

The traffic signals at Elden and Center streets are on, currently in flash mode and will be fully activated by today, August 12. The intersection, which will be substantially completed by the end of August, now has additional turn lanes, brick sidewalks and necessary storm drainage improvements. Thank you for your patience as the town works to improve roadways for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.


495 next contact information

495 NEXT Project Information 

The 495 NEXT project work on the Georgetown Pike Bridge has started and will affect your Cooper MS or Langley HS 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.

Decreased lanes from GW Parkway begins August 14

The ramp from westbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) to southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway) will be reduced from two lanes to one lane to make room for a construction vehicle haul route that will be separated from traffic by a concrete barrier. Travelers should expect possible delays when approaching and traveling on the narrowed ramp.

Georgetown Pike Bridge 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. 

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.

Travelers should expect potential delays when traveling in this area, and are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org for current information on travel conditions and work zones in Virginia. All construction-related work and closures are subject to change based on weather and other factors.


Route 7 map

Route 7 Construction

Westbound Route 7 Traffic Shift to New Difficult Run Bridge

Two-stage operation begins Aug. 11. Westbound lanes will shift overnight on August 15. Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing, storm pipe work, paving and other construction-related activities on August 14-19 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets. Please see the related traffic alerts and updated list of lane closures

As a reminder, the Route 7 speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour in active work zones between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive, and Virginia law prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving through an active work zone.


G. W. Memorial Parkway Construction

Upcoming Lane Closures

Drivers should proceed with caution in these areas and consider using alternate routes.

  • All northbound closures will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
  • All southbound closures will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All work is weather dependent, and closures are subject to change. Concurrent northbound and southbound closures and maximizing survey crews minimizes the duration of lane closures. For more information, visit the National Park Service North Parkway Rehabilitation project website.



Langley Athletics Program Lauded in Washington Post Article

Congratulations to Madison HS for being named the Washington Post’s Virginia Public High School’s best all-around athletic program for 2021-2022. The Washington Post wanted “To celebrate the D.C. area’s first full year of competition since 2018-19. The Washington Post gathered data from every sport to determine the most successful athletic programs.” Langley HS was the other FCPS HS to receive an honorable mention. Read more here.



Opportunities

NVSWCD's Fall 2022 Education and Outreach Internship

This fall internship position will support Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District's (NVSWCD’s) outreach and engagement programs. Through these efforts, we reach thousands of people and have a deep impact on the Fairfax County community. NVSWCD’s interns work in a professional setting and acquire practical experience in data collection and management, as well as the development of programmatic guidance, execution of education and engagement programs, and informational or promotional materials for various audiences. For more information on this role, please see the full position description. Interested applicants should email their resume, cover letter, and 2-3 references to conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov by midnight on Friday, August 19, 2022. Fall term. 15 weeks, 20hrs/week, $15/hr. 


2022 ARPA Nonprofit Sustainability Grants

Applications Open Through August 26

Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) invites nonprofit safety net organizations to apply for a new round of grants funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pandemic and its lingering effects have negatively impacted nonprofits through reduced revenues, increased expenses and community need, and persistent staffing concerns. These grants are intended to help nonprofit safety net organizations mitigate those impacts and remain sustainable partners in serving our community. To be eligible, organizations must:

  • Be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organizations; AND
  • Provide services to Fairfax County residents in one or more of the following categories: Financial Stability, Food and Nutrition, Health, Literacy/Educational Development Attainment, Housing, Positive Behaviors/Healthy Relationships, and Support/Community/Social Networks; AND
  • Focus on primarily serving people who are more vulnerable to self-sufficiency problems, including people with limited income; immigrants and refugees; people with disabilities; and people who are historically subject to disparate access to opportunities.

One-time grants of up to $75,000 will be made to eligible organizations, based on organizational size. The simple application process must be submitted by Friday, August 26, 2022. For more information and to apply, please visit the ARPA Nonprofit Sustainability Grants webpage.


Student Bus pass

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.


Old Firehouse Logo

Old Firehouse After School 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.

The After School Program includes:

  • Snack and Drinks
  • Crafts and Games
  • Computer Lab
  • Various Clubs
  • Sports
  • Trips to Laser Tag, Mini Golf, Paintball and Other Attractions
  • Homework Assistance

Find out more here or call OFC at 703-448-8336.


New Monthly Newsletter for Military Families

There is now an FCPS newsletter for Military Families. Military families are encouraged to update their selections on News You Choose. To subscribe:

  • Visit News You Choose and enter your email address. 
  • Under Subscription Topics, scroll down to “PROFESSIONAL LEARNING & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT”
  • Select “MILITARY FAMILIES” from the menu.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “SUBMIT” to update your subscription preferences. 

Jobs Across FCPS

Get2Green Positions

In an effort to meet our goal to provide students with robust outdoor learning experiences and hands-on science lessons, FCPS is expanding its staff to work on outdoor spaces at our schools and to work with and train teachers to take our students outside.

Manager, Get2Green

Description- Plans, assigns, and manages the work of teams providing environmental stewardship programs and services within schools; collaborates to develop strategic sustainability programming that is responsive to school needs; creates action plans that include measurable program metrics, which are based on priorities and goals; oversees Get2Green program curriculum development and integration to ensure alignment with action plans; assists with budget tracking to optimize program resources; facilitates and manages grant funding opportunities; develops communication plans that support positive program branding; provides consultative support to staff as needed; ensures that staff is properly trained, and that assigned program uses current best practices. 

Application closes August 23. Find more information and apply here.

Get2Green Support Specialist

Description- Performs the full range of professional duties required to implement and support environmental sustainability programs; provides direct support to schools divisionwide to define needs and requirements for new and developing environmental stewardship initiatives; mentors school teams on best practices that promote student engagement in outdoor learning and sustainability; delivers professional development to school-based administrators, teachers, and staff; collaborates to develop communications that support green initiatives that support both internally and externally; leverages community and agency business partnerships to maximize the development of outreach initiatives; stays current with industry trends.

Application closes August 23. Find more information and apply here.

Teacher Resident 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the largest school system in Virginia, is searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference in the lives of students. Learn more about the Teacher Resident position. Read about a new teacher, hired as a teacher resident, who is becoming certified in elementary education while she teaches at Fairview Elementary here .

Student Monitors

FCPS schools just received approval to hire additional monitors for the next school year to support students with instruction and other needed times for supervision throughout the school day. If you have a local college student with you or have time and care to support the school on a daily basis, please touch base with your local school about this opportunity. The pay is hourly - $16.36.  Additional information is here

Substitutes

Are you or somebody you know interested in working as a substitute with FCPS?  FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants! You will find information about the application process here.  You can also attend one of our Wednesday information sessions to learn more about the application and hiring process. To sign up for an information session, please visit our substitute information page here.  Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.

Upcoming Sessions: August 17, 24, and 31


FCPS Food and Nutrition jobs

Click the photo to learn more.


Student Opportunities

Global Leaders of Fairfax County Fellowship

The Global Leaders program seeks to prepare its fellows to be global citizens and change agents in their community and the world. The program will provide fellows with regular opportunities during their senior year of high school to engage with national and global leaders virtually and advance their understanding of international affairs and global issues. Applications are due September 5th! 

2022 Congressional App Challenge 

The  Congressional App Challenge offers middle and high school students who are interested in coding a chance to develop and demonstrate their skills and interests in computer science and STEM. Students may register as individuals or in teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.  Each district has its own challenge.  The Congressional App Challenge also has compiled a Learn To Code list of resources to assist participants in their efforts. 

The deadline to enter the Congressional App Competition is November 1. See additional details and register


Volunteer Opportunities

Food Distribution Volunteer Opportunity

Willston Multicultural Center (6131 Willston Drive in Falls Church) is also holding its monthly food distribution in August. This distribution is a partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and Comunidad that recruits volunteers from the community. Volunteers also take boxes of food to over 250 families including local Ukrainian families. The next food distribution is Saturday, August 20 at 8:30 a.m..


Opportunity to Advocate for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities

Are you passionate about advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Fairfax community? The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) is a group of volunteers appointed by elected officials of Fairfax County, City of Falls Church and the City of Fairfax. They represent and advocate for people with physical and sensory disabilities.

FA-DSB meetings are generally held on the second Monday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Interested prospective Disability Service Board Members can learn more about FA-DSB’s mission, activities, as well as upcoming and past meeting information on the website. If you are interested in serving on the FA-DSB? Contact your district Supervisor. If you have questions, please email DisabilityRights@fairfaxcounty.gov


GrandInvolve logo

GrandInvolve: Changing the World, One Child at a Time

Would you like to have a unique and interesting volunteer experience while making a difference in a school, classroom, family, or in one child’s life? Join in at GrandInvolve, a nonprofit program that facilitates volunteer opportunities in 25 of Fairfax County’s Title I Elementary Schools!

GrandInvolve is currently recruiting adult volunteers who are interested to provide classroom assistance with math, reading, and other simple educational tasks that the teacher requests. For a rewarding experience with flexible hours and various responsibilities, consider volunteering. For additional information, contact us at info@grandinvolve.org or go to our website to learn more here.


Donate to 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.



Beware of Child Heat Stroke

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Although school is around the corner, the heat of summer is still here. From the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, "Everyone needs to remember a potential danger that can impact young children. Did you know that a car’s temperature can rise over 20 degrees in ten minutes? Or that the temperature inside your car can reach 110 degrees even at an outside temperature of 60 degrees?" Learn more here.

Look before you lock

“Look Before You Lock” ‐ Get in the habit of always opening the back door to check the back seat before leaving your vehicle. Make sure no child has been left behind.



Events

Shop Local Market- August 13

Shop local vendors, makers, and artisans from throughout Fairfax County and the greater DMV at this monthly market. For more information on the Shop Local Market vendors and schedule, visit the Celebrate Fairfax website.

Saturday, August 13

12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

The PARC at Tysons

8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna 22182


The U.S. Army Swamp Romp Comes to the Farm

If you love jazz with a side of interesting interaction and content, join us for a Swamp Romp on Thursday, August 18 at 7:30p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, Virginia). The U.S. Army Band, the Soldiers of Swamp Romp concerts combine improvisation, audience interaction, humor, joy and audacity. There is no admission charge for this performance. Learn more at this website.


Old Firehouse Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony

Sunday, August 21, 1 p.m. Open to the public

Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101

The McLean Historical Society, the Fairfax County History Commission, the McLean Volunteer Fire Department and McLean Community Center (MCC) are celebrating the placement of a historic marker at the Old Firehouse Center (OFC) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 21. A historic marker honoring the McLean Volunteer Fire Department was installed at OFC in 2019; however, the dedication ceremony was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Old Firehouse, which now serves as home to MCC’s After School Program, was originally built in 1925 to house the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. The department was incorporated in 1923, according to historian Carole Herrick. “McLean’s fire department was the first to be incorporated in Fairfax County,” she said. “Back then, it served as the community center of its day, and we want to preserve its rich history.”

Fairfax County History Commission Chair Cheryl Repetti and Herrick will address the attendees. Boy Scout Troop 128 will open the ceremony and members of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department will be available to discuss various displays. A reception inside the Old Firehouse will follow the dedication. The event is free and open to the public.


2022-2023 Alden Theatre Season

The Alden Theatre proudly announces its 2022-2023 Season. Tickets are on sale now! View the full season online.  This year’s season features some artists whose work is centered on healing, both personally and societally. Performances include The Boy Band Project, The Peking Acrobats®, “Paddington Gets in a Jam,” Honolulu Theatre for Youth and  many others.


Save the Date:

Mingle at the Mill

Click the photo to learn more


Herndon's NatureFest 2022

Join us for NatureFest 2022 on Sunday, September 25 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Runnymede Park!

NatureFest 2022 is a family-friendly, hands-on nature event, which spotlights the animals, plants, and insects that live in Runnymede Park. Event participants can visit different nature stations, which include bees, butterflies, web of life, live animal shows, and arts and crafts. Please bring a water bottle. Learn more at this website. If you have an interest in volunteering at a station, please email Friends of Runnymede Park at friendsofrp@yahoo.com.


2022 McLean 5K- It's Our 14th Anniversary

In McLean, By McLean, For McLean

October 1, 2022. Race starts at 8 am!

A certified course through McLean is designed to appeal to runners of all abilities. One more reason to participate - The proceeds from McLean 5K Run will benefit the McLean Community Foundation, our local charity that supports all things McLean, from fire trucks to playgrounds to social services. For more than 35 years, MCF grants have enhanced the quality of life in McLean, encouraged civic spirit and supported community projects that we all value. Online registration is now open for the 2022 McLean 5K at this website!



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.

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