September 2022 Newsletter

Mason District Community,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Students have been back in school for three weeks and it has been an exciting year thus far! Families, students and staff are falling into their routines as evidenced by in-person Open House and Back-to-School events. Other activities such as football, volleyball and field hockey games are also underway across the Mason District! Thank you to all our school administrators, teachers, bus drivers, staff and parents for a successful start to the school year!!

We also have welcomed many new faces in our schools in addition to the new Superintendent. This week, Ms. Ingrid Badia was announced as the new principal of Annandale Terrace Elementary School in a rousing and heartfelt welcome by the staff. We look forward to the announcement of the new Luther Jackson Middle School principal in the coming days.

This Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11 which continues to serve as one of the most defining moments in modern American History. I encourage you to remember those who were taken from us and honor the courageous first responders and the heroes who continue to serve our community and country and to take advantage of volunteer opportunities available via the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. “We will never forget.”

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.

Superintendent Community Conversations Dr. Reid is hosting Community Conversations across the division to learn more about FCPS communities and hear the priorities and concerns of our families. Each Community Conversation will be held in-person, allowing Dr. Reid an opportunity to connect with participants. If you are unable to attend your pyramid's event, please consider attending another one.  Interested attendees can view the schedule and register on the website or through the links below. All events will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Interpretation services, child care, and light refreshments will be provided.

Below are the dates for the Mason District pyramids.

Counselor Matter

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join Dr. Reid to address the Glasgow community’s concerns regarding hiring practices in FCPS after the dismissal of a school counselor.

Dr. Reid reported great concern regarding notification and communication among police departments around the state and with school divisions. She explained that FCPS failed to receive notification of an arrest, and of the conviction of this individual. She called for a system of checks and balances and a broad sense of accountability across the Commonwealth. 

During the meeting, Dr. Reid explained that a third party is currently conducting an independent investigation into both internal and external processes. The investigation is expected to be completed in early September. 

In concert with Dr. Reid’s plans for an independent audit of practices, the School Board contacted state and federal policy makers requesting support to review existing structures and develop systems within the Commonwealth and across states to facilitate better and more timely communication among agencies. The Board also directed Dr. Reid to provide a corrective action plan to ensure the prevention of future incidents in FCPS. 

New Annandale Terrace Elementary Principal Ms. Ingrid Badia has been named the new principal at Annandale Terrace Elementary School, effective September 19, 2022. Ms. Badía started her career with Fairfax County Public Schools as a Spanish Immersion and Language Arts Teacher at Bailey’s Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences. Ms. Badia has over six years of administration experience, including serving as an assistant principal at Annandale Terrace and, most recently, Mason Crest Elementary. Welcome back to Annandale Terrace, Ms. Badia!

School of Excellence Recognition Parklawn Elementary School and North Springfield Elementary School were recently designated as Schools of Excellence by the National PTA in recognition of their commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school-community. Parklawn and North Springfield staff and parent organizations have worked to be intentional about engaging all families to contribute in enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. PTAs and schools who wish to apply for this distinction commit to work as a team to build effective family-school partnerships in their school communities. The National PTA’s School of Excellence program provides a framework for PTAs and schools to identify and implement best practices in family engagement to strengthen family-school partnerships.  Congratulations to the Parklawn ES and North Springfield ES communities on this fantastic achievement!

Anonymous Tip Line

The FCPS Office of Safety and Security has created a safety tip line for students and families with concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe at FCPS schools that can be accessed anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

Safe and Welcoming Space for All Families

As a continued commitment to foster a caring culture and provide inclusive spaces for all students and families in Fairfax County Public Schools, the School Board recently approved a Trust Policy which aligns to the Fairfax County Government’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy to ensure that FCPS students and families are able to access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. 

Additional information is available in multiple languages on FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage. FCPS has established an email address for staff, students, and families to report possible Trust Policy violations. If parents experience a violation of the Trust Policy, they are encouraged to email school officials at Trustviolations@fcps.edu. Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of Professional Learning and Equity at OPLFE@fcps.edu. 

VDOE Seeking Feedback on History and Social Science Curriculum Review

The History and Social Studies programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) strive to prepare students to be positive contributors to their communities. The FCPS curriculum is aligned to the History and Social Science Standards of Learning provided by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). 

VDOE is conducting a review of current History and Social Science Standards of Learning. This process began in 2020 and is expected to be completed by November 2022. Public engagement is an important component of the review process and VDOE will consider all public comments received by September 25, 2022.

Families, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to provide feedback to the VDOE. Learn more and offer public comment on the VDOE website.

Steady Growth in Standards of Learning (SOL) Data

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has announced 2021-2022 Standards of Learning (SOL) data for school divisions that shows Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has made steady progress.

FCPS annual pass rates for 2022 indicate that while the road to recovery continues, students made promising gains in reading, mathematics, and science over the course of the 2022 school year. Read more about FCPS’s plans for continued improvement of the SOL pass rates.

School Meal Pricing Prices for meals are the same as they were before the pandemic in 2020. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. Menus are available online.   Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-2023 school year. The application for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program is now available online. The best way to purchase meals (and additional food items) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account online. If you have questions about MySchoolBucks, your school’s front office staff can help. Purchases made with MySchoolBucks keep cafeteria lines moving more quickly. Parents/guardians should have received an email from Food and Nutrition Services that includes their student’s PIN.

PSAT/SAT Date

All high schools will administer the PSAT and SAT on October 12, 2022. High school academy courses will not be held on this date. Schools will provide information regarding the daily schedule; please reach out to your child’s school with any questions.

Fiscal Year 2022 Year-End Budget Review

Last week, the School Board approved the revenue and expenditure adjustments. Budget adjustments provided a one-time bonus for employees in recognition of the continued impact the pandemic has had on education and to promote retention of staff. The Board approved adjustments to fund construction projects and cover increases in paper, fuel, and electricity costs due to inflation. The School Board also approved plans to create an incentive program to help fill substitute teacher positions, study the start time for middle schools, and engage a third-party to provide a safety and security review for all FCPS buildings. 

Updated COVID-19 Information

FCPS will continue to follow the guidance of national, state, and local health experts when determining the layered prevention strategies that are needed to keep our schools safe and open for learning. Below are important updates to this year’s layered prevention strategies. More detailed information can be found in the Health and Safety Guidance Document on the FCPS website.

Students who are called in absent with COVID Like Illness

• FCPS does not require return to school documentation for students who are called in absent with COVID-like symptoms/illness.
• The student must be fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication to return to school.

Students who tested positive for COVID-19

• FCPS will align with the isolation timeline recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
• Students may return to in-person instruction and activities, including athletics, after meeting the following criteria:
• Student has completed at least five days of isolation; AND 
• Student is fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication; AND
• Student’s symptoms have improved or resolved
• Student wears a well-fitting mask for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of the 5-day isolation period, in accordance with VDH guidance OR
• For students who are unable/unwilling to mask for days 6-10, VDH recommends two negative rapid antigen tests (includes home test) performed 48 hours apart. The first test can be administered on or after day 6.   FCPS does not require a negative test to return. If students do not have access to rapid antigen test kits for this purpose, they may contact the school to request test kits.
• If you have questions about COVID-19, contact your medical provider or find more information on Fairfax County Health Department's website and/or the UPDATED COVID-19 QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION GUIDANCE from VDH.

Supports for Students in Isolation (StreamIn/CheckIn)

StreamIn/CheckIn continues for students who are in isolation due to COVID-19. No later than day three of the isolation, students will be able to access:

• Recording or Live Streaming of direct instruction for core classes 
• Asynchronous class assignments via Schoology 
• Interactive check-ins with teachers

Masking

FCPS requires all students to wear a face covering when indoors (except while actively eating/drinking) on school property (to include the buildings, school buses and other school provided vehicles) when the CDC COVID-19 Community Level for Fairfax County is high. The current level for Fairfax County is low. The Code of Virginia allows parents/legal guardians to elect for their child not to wear a face covering while on school property.

Testing Options

COVID-19 diagnostic testing is available at no cost for all currently enrolled FCPS students on select dates throughout the year when transmission may be highest. Diagnostic testing is provided at designated times and locations for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Testing will be available September 6-8 and 12-14. Visit the testing website for information on locations and how to register for an appointment.

Screening testing is being developed on a limited basis for our students at the greatest risk. Specific schools will share that information to their eligible families.

COVID Case Notifications

FCPS will no longer send a daily or weekly COVID case update. Parents/Guardians will only receive an email from their child’s school when several cases of COVID-19 occur in a single classroom, sports team, or extracurricular activity within a 14-day period. Individual case reports will be available on the FCPS COVID-19 Dashboard.

FCPS Seeking Outstanding Substitutes! Are you or someone you know interested in working as a substitute with FCPS? FCPS is looking for individuals to serve as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants! Information can be found online about the application process. Interested persons can also attend one of the Wednesday information sessions to learn more about the application and hiring process. To sign up for an information session, please visit the FCPS substitute information page.

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Transportation Services Chuck Fanshaw was recently named interim assistant superintendent for Facilities and Transportation Services by Superintendent Reid. Mr. Fanshaw has over 40 years of experience in facilities, engineering and administrative services.  Since 2021, Fanshaw has served on FCPS’ Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC), which advises the School Board on the development of strategic, comprehensive, and long-term plans for educational and educational support facilities. Learn more about Mr. Fanshaw.

Building Strong Attendance Habits September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:  Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.) Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning. Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

ABGC County Basketball - Fall Try-Outs for Boys and Girls Approaching!

Annandale Boys and Girls Club (ABGC) is excited to announce October 2022 try-outs for its Boys’ and Girls’ County (Select/Travel) basketball teams in the annual Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL). 

The County (Select/Travel) league is specifically designed for players in grades 5-8 (and advanced 4th graders) who plan to play high school basketball and are interested in elevating their basketball know-how and technique beyond recreational (House) play.

ABGC will host weekly FREE Open Gyms throughout the month of September 2022 to prepare players for County (Select) try-outs. These open gyms, led by County coaches, will include individual drills and skills building designed to advance participants’ confidence and overall level of play. For more up-to-date information please check out the links for ABGC, ABGC County Basketball, and the open gyms/tryout times.

Mason District Little League (MDLL) provides a safe and fun environment for children to learn lifetime skills: leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Parents play a vital role in a child’s experience and are instrumental in making it a positive one. MDLL encourages parents to be involved and to help their child develop these new skills. Scholarships are available. For more information, contact the MDLL president, Nate Wentland at Natew@mdll.org.

MDLL core values are to have fun, improve baseball skills, teach and enforce good sportsmanship and safety at all times, build character and gain a better appreciation and understanding of the game.

"Shark Tank" Technology Challenge

The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is proud to announce the 7th Annual Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge. The competition is open to all high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and City of Falls Church. 

Students are challenged to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact on the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to be innovative and creative. Potential projects may be either a mobile app, web service, robotic, assistive device or any combination. Cash prizes will be awarded to the student winners by IntegrityOne Partners, the event sponsor.

Learn more about the technology challenge, the timeline and how to enter.

Woodson Pyramid Football Night! The annual “Feeder Night” football game at Woodson High School will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 7 p.m. Students should arrive before 6:30 p.m. to meet at the scoreboard for the annual run up and down the field. The theme this year is “Hawaiian Out,” and school colors are also encouraged. Students from the Woodson pyramid will be admitted at no charge with a paying adult and a copy of the Feeder Night flyer. Contact the Woodson Activities Department for more information.

Never Forget. Service on Patriot Day This Sunday, September 11, 2022 is the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Congress designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day to commemorate those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and onboard United Flight 93. There are many ways to honor the events of 9/11 in the community including volunteer projects. Volunteer Fairfax will be kicking off VolunteerFest 2022 on September 11, Patriot Day. VolunteerFest 2022 is a great way for students and families to engage in service. Additional information can be found at 911Day.org and 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Use In Northern Virginia, consistent with national and state trends, the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities, including young adults and school-age children. Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain, and can include both prescription medications as well as illegal drugs. Tragically, their misuse can lead to devastating outcomes. Fentanyl is an especially powerful opioid that is extremely fatal, even in small doses. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl. There are three things families can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl: Talk with children and loved ones in your life about the dangers of drug use, especially opioids. For more information about substance use among youth, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, please watch this Substance Use Trends webinar. Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse. Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose. Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on the FCPS Opioid Information website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information about a variety of topics related to student well-being.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR. We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• September 15, 2022 at 7 p.m.
• October 6, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• September 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. 
• October 4, 2022 at 10 a.m.

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 channel.

Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

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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

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, cmcoffey@fcps.edu