Dear Sully District Families,
Fall is upon us! I hope you have each found time to get outdoors to enjoy this beautiful time of the year.
School Year 2022-23 is well underway and our teachers and staff have done a stellar job getting students settled into a routine, learning and connecting with each other. On the School Board, it has been a busy but exciting time. The Board has been focused on developing mechanisms to improve student success. Last month, the board passed a motion to direct the Superintendent to re-engage with the community to develop a new strategic plan. This action allows staff members to gather information from our community to support student success. More details are in this newsletter below.
The Board also reviewed the Family Engagement survey results during its September 13th Work Session. Part two of this discussion can be viewed here. There are areas of concerns I have with the survey results, specifically surrounding families’ feelings around student success and I will be working with our committees to hear from them and learn more about this most critical issue for our school system.
I have been happy to join Superintendent Reid on visits to schools in the Sully District as well the Community Conversations to hear what is on the minds of our staff and families across the county. It has been so gratifying to see our students thriving in schools, on our stages and on our athletic fields.
Inside this month’s newsletter:
Congratulations to our 2023 National Merit Semifinalists and other students who have done well and continue to excel!
Oct 2nd was National Custodian Appreciation Day. A huge thank you to our custodial staff for their enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism every day. They make FCPS a wonderful and welcoming place to learn, teach and work!
Yom Kippur, is the holiest day in Judaism. To mark this day, which begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4, Tuesday is noted as a ½ religious/cultural observance date on the FCPS calendar. Wednesday, October 5 is a holiday for teachers and students. On October 10th, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate and honor Native American cultures and histories, while acknowledging their resilience in the face of a long history of marginalization.
LGBTQIA+ History Month is in October as well, and we will be celebrating the history and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. October also kicks off Dyslexia Awareness month, an annual event aimed to further understanding of dyslexia. The School Board will be reading resolutions at our Oct 6th Board meeting to recognize both of these events.
I always appreciate hearing from you so please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any help you may need. Please see my October Office hours in the newsletter below if you would like to schedule time to meet with me. I look forward to our shared partnership to create policies and regulations that provide our students with safe places to learn that are reflective of the values of our diverse Fairfax County community.
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Introducing Superintendent Michelle Reid to our Amazing Sully District Schools!
 Sully District School Visits with Dr. Reid! Rocky Run Middle School, Brookfield Elementary and Powell Elementary.
It was with great pleasure that I accompanied Superintendent Reid to three of our Sully District schools today Rocky Run Middle, Brookfield Elementary School and Colin Powell ES. Dr. Reid had the opportunity to tour Rocky Run MS with student ambassadors, release monarch butterflies with Brookfield ES second-graders and watch the Korean immersion program in action at Colin Powell ES. Thank you Principals Amy Goodloe, Ellen Mukai and Jamie Luerssen for welcoming us into your schools and taking the time to showcase all the incredible efforts of our teachers, librarians, food, custodial and support staff who are all truly inspiring in their dedication to our students.
At Rocky Run Middle School, the student ambassadors shared with Dr. Reid and me some of their thoughts around the newly implemented recess, the need for later MS start times, and how SY2022-23 is going so far. They led Dr. Reid through the different class rooms and Dr. Reid had the opportunity to watch some of the students do water testing experiments in science. It was so gratifying to see the hallways bustling with students and activities!
At Powell Elementary School, we got to see the the only Korean immersion school in FCPS. Principal Jamie Luerssen showed Dr. Reid and me the partner teaching model for first grade immersion. In Hae-Jin Kim’s class, students study math, science, and health in Korean. Next door, her partner teacher, Catherine Fahey, led students through the day’s sight words as part of her language arts instruction. Dr. Reid had the honor of ‘spinning the wheel’ at the front of the classroom. Luckily the wheel landed on a ‘sparkle star’ and she got to help the class earn extra stars for more recess time! When Dr. Reid remarked on the beautifully kept grounds, Principal Luerssen gave a special shout out to Hoang Nyugen and his custodial team. Our custodians around FCPS do a wonderful job and I truly appreciate all the work they do to keep our schools beautiful.
At Brookfield Elementary School, 2022 Outstanding Principal of the Year Ellen Mukai, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchinson & Dr. Reid released monarch butterflies with second graders, which was exciting. Principal Mukai also showed us their free food refrigerator, providing meals to families in need. It is so important to remember that supporting student success is about more than instruction. Schools are a community hub, often providing resources that help our students to be ready to learn, and that can include access to healthy and consistent meals.
I look forward to accompanying Dr. Reid to Westfield High School, Bull Run Elementary and Virginia Run Elementary on October 25th.
Sully District Happenings
Sully District National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!
Congratulations to all our awesome FCPS National Merit Scholarship semi finalists! Representing 18 high schools, 237 students were announced last week as National Merit Semifinalists.
All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $28 million, to be awarded in spring 2023. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official. View the full list of semifinalists on the FCPS website.
So proud of our Sully District schools and students who are 2023 National Merit semifinalists below:
Centreville High School: Prabhas Adivi, Ethan Park.
Chantilly High School: Aaditya Khurana, Rachel Lee, Andy Liang, Sudeep Orvoy, Vivek Ramakrishna, Ryan Seo, Advaith Thirumalai, Nihar Xavier.
Madison High School: Anne Krieger.
Oakton High School: Tina Gao, Elise Ha, Thomas Huitema, Sean Noh, Alyssa Zhang.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST): Suhani Aggarwal, Ananya Bandaru, Andrei Basto, Jeffery Chen, Audhav Durai, Amit Sai Erraguntla, Katherine Hartley, Matthew Kim, Irene Ko, Jordan Lee, Niyathi Vadlapatla, Deccan Maniam, Ehlaina McCaskill, Krisha Pahwa, Ridhi Pendyala, Cindy Peng, Mira Singh, Dhanbee Suh, Lynn Tao, Suraj Vaddi, Aditya Vasantharao, Akshay Vellore, Luke Wang, Cindy Yang, Spencer Zheng.
Westfield High School: Joshua Cho.
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Sully Community Center Grand Opening Celebration
 I was thrilled to be part of the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the new Sully Community Center. What an beautiful facility filled with resources to serve the needs of our students and families in Sully District! I am so thankful to all the different organizations that came together to make this happen. We are lucky to be part of this great community. Read more about the services here:https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neig.../sully-community-center.
Thank you Western Fairfax Christian Ministries for supporting our FCPS students and our community!
 On Sept. 28th, I toured the food pantry and warehouse facilities at Western Fairfax Christian Ministries that provides food and financial support to so many of our families in Sully District. WFCM has 11 free food fridges in our FCPS schools which means that fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables are getting to students who might need the support. Thank you to Executive Director Harmonie Taddeo and her committed staff and volunteers for all the tremendous work they are doing to support the needs of our very diverse community in Fairfax County! You can find the list of their current pantry needs at https://www.wfcmva.org/our-services.
5K Run/Walk with non-profit Asha-Jyothi - Fun Community Event with Dr. Reid!
 I participated in the 14th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K Run/Walk with Superintendent Reid, students and staff from many of our Sully District schools. The weather was perfect, it was a great turnout and there was spectacular Bollywood dancing that prompted even Dr. Reid to try a few dance moves! Through its annual 5K run/walk, Asha-Jyothi encourages community interest in and support of technology education for area youth, matching and distributing the registration fees directly back to our schools. Thank you to Asha-Jyothi and all of our community partners who invest in the success of our children. #communitymatters
Constituent Meeting Hours in October!
I have office hours set up to meet with Sully District constituents to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Please use this Constituent sign-up sheet to register for slots and meeting info will be sent to you. I look forward to talking with you!
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Your Voice is Needed: Strategic Planning
 On Sept 28th, Fairfax County Public Schools launched the engagement phase that will help us develop our brand new Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
During her Community Conversations listening tour in each high school pyramid, Superintendent Michelle Reid has heard from many of you about your hopes and aspirations for our students. That feedback will become part of our proactive strategic plan that will serve as our North Star—or guide—for the future.
Starting in October, we will be inviting the entire FCPS community to engage in building our shared future. This includes hearing from our parents and caregivers, students, and broader community, as well as surveying students in grades three and above. You will have an opportunity to have your voice heard in one of many sessions (both in-person and virtual) during November and December. We encourage you to join us in this journey by actively participating in the conversation.
The goal is to have the final strategic plan by June 2023. The goal is to have the final strategic plan by June 2023. For a more detailed overview, visit FCPS’ Strategic Planning 2023 webpage.
Special Education Review: Final Report
Prior to the pandemic, FCPS contracted with the American Institutes of Research (AIR) to complete a comprehensive review of our special education programs. AIR has released their final report with recommendations for changes that are actionable, evidence-based, and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services for FCPS students with disabilities and their families.
The School Board has a work session scheduled to review AIR’s report on Tuesday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch the work session live on FCPS’ YouTube Channel or Channel 99. For more information on the Special Education Review, visit FCPS’ Office of Auditor General webpage.
Model Policy Comment Period
A new proposed model policy (pdf) was recently proposed by the Virginia Department of Education regarding the “privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.” A 30-day public comment period on the model policy began September 26 and closes October 26. You may provide feedback to the Virginia Department of Education on the new drafted policy. If you missed Superintendent Reid’s message regarding the new proposed model policy, please view it on our website.
Leaders & Learners Breakfast: "Education is Everybody's Business" - November 9
 Educate Fairfax, the not-for-profit foundation connected with FCPS, will host its annual community event, "Leaders & Learners: Education is Everybody's Business" on Wednesday, November 9, from 8 -10 a.m.
With schools starting back, it's an ideal time for business leaders to consider how they will work with their local schools in the coming year. "Education is Everybody's Business" is an event designed to bring area employers and leaders from Fairfax County Public Schools together.
This event will feature a key-note address from new superintendent, Michelle Reid, and honor two incredible supporters of FCPS and Educate Fairfax, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and Len Forkas, past board chairman of Educate Fairfax.
Results of 2021-22 Family Engagement Survey Offer Positive Feedback
FCPS administered its second Family Engagement Survey in the 2021-22 school year to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school communities. Key findings include:
- 91% responded that their child feels safe at school, and 89% feel their child’s school is safe.
- 90% feel their school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures.
- 90% feel the information provided by their child’s school is easy to understand.
- 89% feel welcome at their child’s school.
- 89% feel their school is safe.
The survey was open from March 13-April 10 and was available in 10 languages. All families with students in preK through 12th grade were invited to participate. View survey results on our website.
The survey was open from March 13-April 10. All families with students in preK through 12th grade were invited to participate.
Student Opportunities
Fairfax Area Student “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. [ADDITIONAL DETAILS]
Learnserve Fellows Program
Great social entrepreneurship program for high schoolers!
Calling all leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers! Apply to the LearnServe Fellows Program for the opportunity to:
• Join students from across the DC area for a dynamic introduction to social entrepreneurship!
• Design, pitch, and launch your own social action project to solve a social justice or environmental need in your community
• Meet in person once a week (Thursday afternoons 4:30-6:30pm, September - April) and earn community service hours!
• Apply Online Here: https://secure.learn-serve.org/.../learnserve/survey.jsp...
LearnServe Website: https://learn-serve.org/
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Election Day High School Student Program
Are you at least 16 years old, live in Virginia, and actively enrolled in high school? Would you like to learn more about the electoral process and earn service-learning hours that can be applied towards the Seal of Excellence in Civics Education? The Office of Elections is offering you the opportunity to serve inside a Fairfax County polling place as an election page for the upcoming November election.
An application and mandatory training are required to participate. Applications and more details about the Election Page responsibilities can be found on the website for the Fairfax County Office of Elections: Election Day High School Student Program. The application deadline is Friday, October 7. After this date, the portal will close, and no additional applications will be accepted.
Students who will be 18 on or before the November Election and are registered to vote may work as an Election Officer. See additional Election Officer information and applications.
Middle School Student Opportunities to be a Virginia Legislative Page
HOUSE OF DELEGATES PAGE PROGRAM APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in the House of Delegates Page Program. The online application for the 2023 Legislative Session is now available. Please click here to verify your date of birth, create an account and access the online application portal.
The deadline to complete and submit online applications is Monday, October 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. (EDT). Applications will not be considered after the submission deadline. If you have further questions on the application process or overall program, please email HousePageSupervisor@house.virginia.gov or contact House Information and Communication Services at (804) 698-1500. Page applicants must be 13 or 14 years old on January 11, 2023, to be eligible.
SENATE OF VIRGINIA PAGE PROGRAM APPLICATION
The application for admission to the Senate Page Program class of 2023 is now available. Click here to access the application form. The Senate Clerk's Office staff will confirm receipt of applications within three business days. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are not offering an online application this year. We appreciate your understanding.
The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2022. Applications that are postmarked October 17 will be considered on time; however, make every attempt to avoid a last-minute submission. If you have further questions, please e-mail: pageinfo@senate.virginia.gov
Share Feedback on In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services
 Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding helps FCPS maintain safe school environments and address the impact of COVID-19 on students. We want to hear from you about our work to provide in-person instruction and continuity of services to all FCPS students and families.
Visit our website to learn more about FCPS’ plan to use ESSER III funding to support students and share feedback via an online form. The online form will be available through October 10.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Optimistic October
See below for daily actions to help you focus on what really matters.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
Healthy Minds Podcast
Hear about how we are all handling uncertainty; get new ideas to help your child, friends and families feel better; and learn to help yourself feel stronger and more energized
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email prc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker. Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:
- Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the CrisisLink hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.
- Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
Gun Violence Prevention and Secure Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our top priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
As you may be aware, lessons on gun safety are already built into our curriculum; however, it is critical that all parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in your homes, and any homes that your children may visit.
Our website has resources for parents about gun safety as well as detailed information about FCPS safety and security practices in our buildings.
Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Use
Across the country, including here in Northern Virginia, the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities including young adults, and sometimes school-age children. Tragically, this can lead to devastating outcomes. There are three things you 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, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, watch this webinar.
- Safely store and dispose of 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 our website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information about a variety of topics related to student wellbeing.
Upcoming Parent Resource Center Webinars
HVAC Systems and Updates
In 2020, FCPS conducted a survey of all HVAC systems to ensure they provide sufficient outside air ventilation in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The CDC recommends schools set HVAC systems to bring in as much outdoor air as each system will safely allow. FCPS uses mechanical ventilation instead of opening windows to provide outside air as the air coming through mechanical systems is filtered. Air filters are changed every 90 days.
School HVAC systems average between six and 10 air exchanges per hour, providing more than 100% fresh outside air to the space every hour. Schools do not need to leave classroom doors and windows open to help ventilate the space, but are permitted to open windows for increased ventilation when outside conditions allow.
New safety measures include conducting carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring in schools to identify lack of sufficient ventilation and spending $28.9 million in ESSER funds for HVAC upgrades during the last school year.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new FCC program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals website for more information on the criteria to be eligible and how to apply.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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October 4 at 10 am - Work Session: AIR Special Education Report; Legislative Program
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October 6 at 7pm - Regular Meeting
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October 11 at 11am - Work Session: Fiscal Forecast and Strategic Budget Planning
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October 20 at 7pm - Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Próximas reuniones regulares de la Junta Escolar
- 4 de octubre a las 10am - Sesión de trabajo: Informe de Educación Especial AIR; Agenda Legislativa
- 6 de octubre a las 7pm - Reunión regular
- 11 de octubre a las 11am - Sesión de trabajo: Previsión fiscal y planificación estratégica del presupuesto
- 20 de octubre a las 7pm - Reunión Regular
Cómo ver las reuniones e inscribirse para hablar
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New! For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code. |
Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for our Newsletters.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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