Dear Sully District Families,
It is already November and we have started our second quarter!
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I want to express how grateful I am for our shared partnership with parents, caregivers, and community in providing our students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
It has been a very busy month. At the October 6th Regular Meeting, the School Board approved a reallocation of ESSER funds that were unused (due to unfilled positions) towards COVID case managers/supervision monitors as well as additional targeted academic support to ensure that efforts are tailored to the specific needs of each student to continue to close gaps in learning. See the details. We will also have a ESSER public hearing THIS Thursday, November 3rd at 6pm.
The School Board has kicked off our strategic planning process with Dr. Reid, and there will be many ways for you to participate over the upcoming months. Please watch my newsletter and your school newsletters for information on all of this as we move forward.
We had the opportunity to review and comment on findings from the Special Education Review: Final Report at the October 4th Work Session. The School Board will hold a second session to discuss a framework for the Special Education Enhancement Plan at our November 15 work session.
We are also beginning to work on our calendar and our budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Your input and priorities are crucial to helping me represent the best interests of Sully District families in this process.
In the Sully District, our students have been busy excelling academically, on our stages, and on our athletic fields. Please take a moment to celebrate everything your student has accomplished the first quarter and set goals for the second quarter. I enjoyed visiting schools, speaking at community conversations with Superintendent Reid, attending the Westfield High School homecoming parade, many athletic events and talking with families, Principals, and staff about the issues that matter to them and the successes and challenges of this school year so far.
Inside this month’s newsletter:
 Great visit to Davis Career Center on October 13th!
It was wonderful to visit with the students and staff and learn about the great things happening at the Davis Career Center. I appreciate Principal Clayton taking the time to share his insight into this work and how we can ensure all students are getting the resources they need to leave FCPS prepared for the next phase of their lives. The Davis Career Center, is one of two FCPS centers that provides career and employment skills instruction to students with disabilities. I am truly grateful for the support it provides to our community of learners!
I was also thrilled to participate in one of my favorite events with a few of my colleagues at the Oakton High School Candidates Day where seniors get to meet and ask questions of their elected officials and candidates. Our future is in good hands with these thoughtful and articulate students.
November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. Check out these great resources and events put together by The Library of Congress, Smithsonian and other institutions to help you honor the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. Also highlighted in this newsletter is the inspiring Q&A with NASA's first Native American woman Astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann from her interview in space.
I look forward to seeing you and your students as I am out in the community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be helpful to your family in any way. Please see my November Office hours in the newsletter below if you would like to schedule time to meet with me.
I am so proud of our students, teachers and staff and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish as we start our second quarter!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
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Superintendent Reid Visits Sully District Schools!
 Sully District School Visits with Dr. Reid! Westfield High School, Virginia Run Elementary and Bull Run Elementary.
I had another great opportunity to show our Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid some of the amazing programs and schools we have in the Sully District at Westfield High School (Virginia), FCPS Bull Run Elementary School and Virginia Run Elementary School! We observed the students actively engaged in their classrooms and it was a joy to see all of their cool artwork, music and projects! Thank you to Principals Antonio DiBari, Jason Pensler and Liz Bumbrey for welcoming us into your schools and taking the time to share with us your valuable insight on the numerous challenges that schools are faced with on issues ranging from early literacy, access to diverse career paths/apprenticeships and successful ESSER interventions.
At Westfield, we learned how ESSER funding is used to purchase dictionary tools to assist multilingual students with communication barriers. We visited Kathleen Glasgow’s African American Studies class. Westfield HS has the largest number of students taking this class across the county. Westfield is also working on offering AP African American studies next school year.
At Bull Run Elementary School, we observed how second graders approach literacy. We also learned how the school creates connections with the Newcomer and First Friends programs. One of the biggest highlights of our day was visiting Kelly Butler-Noel’s fifth grade chorus class practicing "Snow" for their winter concert. The students sounded just amazing!
Finally at Virginia Run Elementary School, Principal Liz Bumbrey spoke about how she fosters a sense of community and Virginia Run pride. We also observed how Virginia Run used ESSER funding to create sensory/learning labs for students. These spaces help all students focus better and learn to manage their emotions, but students with anxiety or sensory processing issues find these calming spaces especially beneficial and it has a positive impact on academic achievement.
Sully District Happenings
Congrats to Rocky Run MS Named a 2022-23 Purple Star School!
I am proud to share Rocky Run Middle School School has been selected to receive the School Year 2022-2023 Purple Star Designation from the Virginia Department of Education. This is the second time Rocky Run has received this distinguished award.
The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. More info can be found here.
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Dig Pink at Oakton High School - Fundraiser for Breast Cancer
 It was fun participating in the Dig Pink volleyball event at Oakton High School with Superintendent Reid and Principal Lane! Thank you to all the volunteers for organizing this great fundraiser to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer. #pinkribbon #breastcancerawareness #womenshealth
Donate to Sully District Winter Coat Drive
Supervisor Smith and various community partners are again teaming up with Operation Warm to purchase new winter coats for children in the Sully District. Please use the link below to make a donation through Operation Warm. Any donation must be made using this webpage.
For more information, please email daniel.dolan@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-814-7100.
Donate to this year's Winter Coat Drive.
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Constituent Meeting Hours in November
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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First Native American Woman Astronaut in Space!
 Expedition 68 Astronaut Nicole Mann Talks with Associated Press - Oct. 19, 2022
In honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to highlight the contributions of NASA astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann who became the first Native American woman to travel to space on October 5th, 2022.
Mann, a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, is serving as mission commander for the SpaceX Crew-5 mission. Her inspiring Q&A from the International Space Station (ISS) about her mission and seeing the planet from a new perspective while in orbit can be viewed here. Nicole Aunapu Mann, will orbit the planet for 150 days on her mission.
Also check out these great resources and events put together by The Library of Congress, Smithsonian and other institutions to help you celebrate the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. #STEMRoleModels #RepresentationMatters.
Strategic Plan Student Survey Coming Soon!
 Fairfax County Public Schools is launching the engagement phase that will help us develop our brand new Strategic Plan. During her Community Conversations listening tour in each high school pyramid, Superintendent 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.
We will be inviting the entire FCPS community to engage in building our shared future. This includes hearing from our parents and caregivers, 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. For a more detailed overview, visit FCPS’ Strategic Planning webpage.
Special Education Review: Final Report
FCPS is committed to providing excellence for all students and continues to seek ways to improve and ensure the highest quality of special education and related services for students and families. At the request of the School Board, the FCPS Office of Auditor General engaged a consultant to conduct an independent, third-party review of FCPS’ special education program in October 2020.
American Institutes for Research® (AIR) presented their final report during the School Board’s October 4 work session. Watch the video of AIR’s presentation and visit FCPS’ Office of Auditor General webpage for more information. The School Board will hold a second session to discuss a framework for the Special Education Enhancement Plan at our November 15 work session.
Feedback Welcome on Proposed Family Life Education Changes
The Fairfax County School Board is reviewing recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and invites public feedback as part of the review process. In May 2022, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) presented recommended curriculum changes, to go into effect for the 2023-24 school year. Those changes include adopting gender-combined instruction, and exploring instruction of gender identity, recommended media, and other instructional changes.
Public feedback will be shared with FLECAC and the School Board. FCPS staff and the School Board will consider all feedback but are unable to reply to individuals.
Learn more about the recommended changes. The public feedback form will be open October 31 through December 1.
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.
Student Opportunities
Free Public Speaking Workshop for Kids 4th Grade and Up
Free public speaking workshop for kids 4th grade and up. Attend this workshop to get a feel for why our public speaking sessions are so impactful for kids.
Parents' Q&A session after the workshop. Hosted by SpeaktoLead mentor team.
When: Sunday Nov 6th, 4PM-5:30PM
Where: Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
RSVP: Email info@speaktolead.org
SpeaktoLead is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to transform youths of today by providing the skills and tools necessary to be Leaders of tomorrow. Over the last three years, as a part of the Leadership project, our team has hosted the STEAM-tastic Career Fair, Carnival and Talent Show, impacting the community and raising money for local charities.
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Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program
The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program is a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools designed to educate and motivate high school students to become engaged citizens and leaders in their community. This successful Program enhances the understanding of and participation in local government and encourages the exploration of careers in public service. This is a highly selective program with only one or two students from each Fairfax County high school accepted. Students participate in a series of monthly sessions to learn about county government including workshops, presentations, and interactive lessons. Students interview community leaders, participate in a three-week summer internship in a county agency and make individual presentations to 8th-grade civics students regarding their experiences in the program.
Students must be in their junior year of high school to be eligible to apply and can earn $1,000 for the summer internship. Additional information is on the Fairfax County website. The application is due by November 4, 2022.
Young American Creative Patriotic Arts Scholarship Competition
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary is sponsoring its annual Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in two competitions: a 2-dimensional competition and a 3-dimensional competition. More information may be found on the VFW Auxiliary website. The deadline to submit artwork is March 31, 2023.
Anyone interested in participating should contact the VFW organizers at bettinalawton@gmail.com or pattybortz@gmail.com no later than March 1, 2023.
Middle School JAVA Coding lessons
 Java Coding Lessons Open to all FCPS Middle School Students. 5 classes for $50. Every Friday and Saturday, starting on December 2-16. 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Students will have a choice to take Java Basics or Java Advance.
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]
Schools Adopt Text and Translation Platform
FCPS has recently approved the use of TalkingPoints, a two-way messaging app that allows parents and caregivers to communicate with teachers and schools. Look for messages from your child’s school on how they will be using the app. For more information, visit the FCPS TalkingPoints webpage.
The app translates messages, so teachers can input messages in English, and parents can respond in their preferred language. TalkingPoints supports 125 languages, making it easier and faster for our FCPS families to connect with their schools. If you need to update your preferred correspondence language, contact the front office at your child’s school and ask for the registrar.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: New Ways November
This month, we're encouraging you to try something new!
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.
November Parent Resource Webinars
 The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. It provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Throughout the year, the PRC hosts family and educator webinars. Upcoming sessions include:
To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.
Congrats You are Having a Teen - Article
Pediatrician Kenneth Ginsburg encourages all parents to reframe the way they look at their teenagers in his new book “Congrats — You’re Having a Teen!: Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person”. So what are we getting wrong about teens? According to Ginsburg, a whole lot. Ginsburg is hoping we can begin to approach the teen part of our parenting journey with the same excitement and wonder that we do the toddler portion. Teenagers aren’t to be survived, he says, and when we can reframe the way to look at them, we might just be able to see a shift in our culture that could have a powerful impact on our world. He goes on to dispel some common myths about the way teenagers see parents and themselves. The article in the Washington Post "The dread of ‘the teen years’ is misplaced — and holding parents back" a perspective by Kristen Mei Chase, examines the assumptions and expectations that come along with being a parent of teenagers.
"The bottom line: You know exactly who your child is, and it is the knowledge of who your child is that is the most protective force in their universe. It’s the same child you raised when they were toddlers. Love is seeing someone as they deserve to be seen, as they really are, not based on the behavior they might be displaying".
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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November 3 at 6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing: ESSER and Peace Valley Lane
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November 3 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Legislative Program, Secondary Course Offerings, etc.
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November 14 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Local Plan for the Gifted, Chantilly HS Tennis Courts Replacement, etc.
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November 15 at 1:00 p.m. - Work session: Grading Policy and Special Education Comprehensive Review Follow-up with American Institutes for Research
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November 29 at 11:00 a.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan/Governance
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.
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. |
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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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