Dear Dranesville Families,
Happy Thanksgiving season. I hope you enjoy your long weekend and are able to spend some time with family and friends. I am looking forward to reuniting with family I have seen very little of due to the pandemic and am excited to have a house full of laughter and joy.
The past month has been a busy one delving into safety issues. I visited with constituents concerned about pedestrian safety at Spring Hill ES and attended a safety briefing/staff training at Great Falls ES with our Safety and Security staff. Last Sunday, I attended the World Day of Remembrance at Oakton HS to remember the 22 Fairfax County pedestrians who lost their lives in traffic events this year. Several of these victims were FCPS students we lost in these tragic and preventable events. The Board of Supervisors and the School Board are working together on safety precautions. In addition, we have reached out to our Richmond delegation to make sure we have the local authority to reduce speed limits near our schools during times of arrival and dismissal so that we can take a close look at improving everyone’s safety. Please do your part and drive as safely as possible near our schools and in our neighborhoods so that we all can be safe.
I want to again thank our transportation staff for working under tough conditions with staff shortages to get our students to school and home again. I advocated for a reorganization of bus routes and for some new drivers to be assigned to our area. I know a few of our routes are now running more smoothly, but there are still routes that are not perfect. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Our HR department continues to hire more drivers any chance they get. Our hard-working drivers manage their routes and fill in on other routes that need help. Please give them an extra smile when you see them out in your neighborhood.
I continue to meet with staff to develop plans to alleviate crowding at Kent Gardens ES. I want to thank everyone in the community that gave us ideas and input on ways to help. Staff is looking at all of the comments and will be coming back to the community soon. Please see below for more information.
I was thrilled to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at Herndon HS and Much Ado About Nothing at McLean HS this past weekend. Kudos to our thespians and their coaches. The productions were very well done and were a real testament to our arts programming. Congratulations to all the other schools with productions too. I was sorry not to be able to attend all of them. See below for a few chances to catch productions still coming up.
One of the most important jobs of the school board is the development of our budget. I was happy to put forward the following motion to kick off our budget planning season for the 2023-24 school year. The motion passed at our last school board meeting. It highlights the budget priorities that we want Dr. Reid to work on as she plans the budget she will present to the board in January 2023. The last sentence of our motion gives a nod to the fact that we know this work is long-term and ongoing while aligning the budget needs with the strategic plan. With this year’s strategic plan process underway, we are in a unique situation where we can develop our budget and our strategic plan in parallel. We will remain as nimble as possible with our budget process as strategic priorities come up. Please also watch this newsletter for opportunities to give feedback to both the budget process and the strategic planning process.
I move to direct the Superintendent to develop a Proposed Budget for FY2024 that continues to take a needs-based approach and focuses on the board's strategic budget priorities of:
- student academic success and closing achievement and opportunity gaps
- student health and wellness
- a long-term approach in the hiring and retention of a strong and diverse workforce across all employee groups in the division
- ensuring all students have access to research based, best practice education
- safe and well-maintained facilities including strategic capital improvement planning
Funding to strategically address post-pandemic learning recovery must be included across the budget in coordination with ESSER funding.
Over the next budget cycles, a means to review the return on investment of programs and their integrity of implementation shall be considered along with metrics and accountability in the alignment between the budget and the new strategic plan.
Please note that we have added updates on our Strategic Plan and a presentation of Academic Matters to each of our regular public board meetings. We have in depth discussions of these topics in our work sessions and other meetings but added this to our regular meetings to increase public awareness and transparency around this work. See below for more information.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Virginia School Board Association meeting. As we struggle across Virginia to move forward from COVID-19, it is energizing to learn from experts in education and to ensure our students get the best education possible utilizing the most proven, researched techniques and ideas. It is nice to hear what others in the Commonwealth are doing so that we can support each other to do the best job possible as board members for our schools.
As we move into December, I am looking forward to more events at our schools; sharing our budget priorities with the Board of Supervisors as our collaboration begins to create a joint budget; and continuing work on the strategic plan as a member of the Instructional Focus Team. I have a few PTA meetings on the books and look forward to seeing you at events.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving!
Elaine
In this newsletter:
Calendar Reminders
November 23 - 25 - Thanksgiving Break (no school - FCPS offices closed)
December 19 - January 2: NO SCHOOL, Winter Break
January 3, 2023: School resumes
See the 2022-23 school year calendar
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FCPS Updates
Dr. Reid's Academic Matters’ Updates
Each Regular School Board Meeting
At the November 3 School Board meeting, a new feature was introduced called Academic Matters. During this portion of the Board meeting, updates will be provided on important academic topics.
November 3: National Assessment of Educational Progress Assessment
During the Academic Matters portion of the November 3 School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid talked about some common misconceptions concerning the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment. The bottom line is that those results are not broken down within a state so we do not know how FCPS students performed and, more significantly, only 476 FCPS (1.8%) took the NAEP test. The Virginia NAEP results don’t give us much information about how our FCPS students are doing. Dr. Reid’s slides show that FCPS students continued to outperform the Virginia rates for SOLs, and outperform state, national, and global (where administered) in PISA, SAT and ACT exams. FCPS still has challenges and work to do and our amazing teachers are doing that work to serve our students. Watch the presentation on YouTube.
November 14: FCPS Innovative Assessment Practices
During the Academic Matters portion of the November 14 School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid discussed the innovative assessment practices happening in FCPS as part of our School Division of Innovation designation from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
This recognition means that VDOE has approved a plan to improve student learning, educational performance, and college, career, and citizenship readiness skills. It positions FCPS as a state leader in innovative practices with the opportunity to impact statewide policy decisions. Watch Dr. Reid’s November 14 presentation.
Strategic Planning Process
The strategic planning process is a community-wide effort. There will be many opportunities to share feedback or participate in a community meeting. We want our community to stay informed and be involved. You can help!
Be a Key Communicator!
If you are a member of a community organization or group, consider signing up to be a key communicator during the strategic planning process. FCPS key communicators are active members of the community who people turn to for information, and have an interest in sharing information about the school division and encouraging involvement. If this describes you or someone you know, please get the details and complete this form by Monday, November 28.
FCPS Calendar Survey
FCPS parents/caregivers, employees, and students in grades 7-12 were emailed an invitation to take the 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey. This survey is part of an annual process to gather input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. Please complete the survey by Thursday, December 1, and make your voice heard! For more information or help filling out the survey, please visit our website.
Encuesta del Calendario, ¡Haga Que Su Voz Sea Escuchada!
Los padres/cuidadores de FCPS, empleados y estudiantes en los grados 7-12 recibieron una invitación por correo electrónico para tomar la Encuesta del Calendario del Año Escolar 2023-24. Esta encuesta es parte de un proceso anual para reunir información de la comunidad para ayudar a desarrollar el calendario del año escolar para el año siguiente. Por favor, complete la encuesta antes del Jueves, 1 de Diciembre, y haga que su voz sea escuchada. Para más información o ayuda para llenar la encuesta, por favor visite nuestra página web.
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Recommended Changes to Family Life Education Curriculum- Share your thoughts
The public may review recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and share feedback through Thursday, December 1. Recommended changes are based on leading education and child development research, and expert advice. The goal is to create a more inclusive learning environment, support higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.
Please review the recommended changes on our website and complete the brief feedback form. Public feedback will be shared with the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee and the School Board. FCPS staff and the Board will consider all feedback but are unable to provide replies to individuals.
World Day of Remembrance at Oakton HS
Traffic Safety
I would like to remind everyone how we can work together to ensure that everyone has a safe school year, and more vigilance is needed now we have less daylight. FCPS runs more than 1,600 buses daily. While it may be tempting if you’re in a hurry, it is never OK to pass a school bus, speed through a school zone or ignore a crossing guard’s direction.
School Buses
Many drivers get confused about when they have to stop and when they can pass a school bus with flashing lights. Drivers must stop when the red lights are flashing on a school bus when there are no raised medians or walls between their travel lanes and the school bus. Police follow school buses and are ready to issue reckless driving tickets.
Crossing Guards
Heeding the whistles and waves of our dedicated crossing guards is yet another way you can ensure the safety of students.
Pedestrian’s Legal Rights in Crosswalks
In Virginia, a pedestrian has the right of way if they are not crossing in disregard of oncoming traffic when they are in a crosswalk, or if they are crossing at an unmarked crosswalk on a road that is 35 miles per hour or less. At a traffic signal, a pedestrian must obey the traffic signal. If a pedestrian is crossing and did not disregard oncoming vehicles, a driver that approaches must yield and allow the pedestrian to safely cross the street.
Take a Moment- Fairfax County’s Safety Campaign
Whether you are walking, biking or driving, keep in mind that safety is a two-way street and is everyone’s job. Every year, the number of pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities and injuries continues to rise at an unacceptable rate. Fairfax County is committed to enhancing pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety by implementing a multi-faceted plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries. Learn more at the Take a Moment Website.
Here are some Early Winter/Time Change safety tips:
- To make sure you will be seen by lighting up and wearing reflective, light-colored clothing.
- To put your lights on at dusk and be aware of your surroundings so you don’t kill or hurt someone.
- To allow extra time for errands and commuting when it’s dark.
- To slow down in neighborhoods during winter weather when roads are icy or slick.
Community Review of Secondary World Languages Basal Resources
FCPS will adopt new Secondary (Grades 6-12) World Languages Basal Resources for the 2023-24 school year. Basal resources are the primary instructional resources used to teach a given subject. The process for selecting new resources includes an opportunity for the public to review the instructional materials being considered. Public review will run through Thursday, December 8. A review committee made up of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December to evaluate the materials under consideration as well as feedback from the community. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
Tutor.com
Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring
Did you know?
Students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback.
Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology.
Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels.
Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
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November 14 School Board Meeting Updates
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel. Below are the key votes:
2022-23 FCPS Purple Star Schools
Congratulations to the 40 FCPS schools To qualify for a Purple Star, schools must have a staff member designated as the point of contact for military students and families. Schools must also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of military students by providing student / peer transition teams, resources and programming on issues important to military families.
Here are the Dranesville Purple Star Schools:
- Kent Gardens ES- 1st time
- Longfellow MS- 2nd time
Staying Healthy this Cold/Flu Season
Although the community level of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is currently low, cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses are on the rise.
It continues to be important to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and stay home if you are sick. For more tips, visit our Return to School website.
Post-Thanksgiving COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county November 28-30 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Kent Gardens Elementary School- Capacity Challenges
Addressing the Capacity Challenges
Kent Gardens Elementary School is over capacity, and we understand the strain that puts on the building and more importantly, the students, employees, and families within that building. Determining the best way to address these issues is a task that we are all invested in. It was encouraging to see the depth of care the Kent Gardens community has for their school at the Oct. 7 meeting. I hope you will continue to stay involved and informed.
School Board Approves Rooftop Solar Power Purchase Program
Since June, FCPS has worked with IpSun Solar to develop a proposal as part of a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Fairfax County, FCPS, Housing & Community Development, and the Park Authority. Last week, the School Board approved the implementation of the solar power purchase program.
Annandale High School will serve as the pilot project for FCPS to develop a working knowledge of these installations. The installation at Annandale will begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
New Issue of Audit Buzz
The November 2022 Issue of Audit Buzz is now available. This issue includes updates on current engagements, information promoting a “speak-up” culture at FCPS, and a training opportunity for FCPS employees.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, November 29 at 10:30am – Work Session
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Thursday, December 1 at 7pm – Regular Meeting
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Tuesday, December 6 at 11am – Work Session
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Tuesday, December 13 at 11am - Work Session
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Thursday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. - Recognitions: Virginia High School League Fall Championship Winners
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Thursday, December 15 at 7pm - Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
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
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.
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Community Updates
Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
Please go here to sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter for Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Traffic Updates
Please be aware of the major roadway construction projects in Dranesville. Travelers should expect potential delays when traveling in the area, and are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org for current information on travel conditions and work zones in Virginia.
Construction George Washington Memorial Parkway
Thanksgiving Week Construction Schedule
- Today, November 22: Construction all day
- Wednesday, November 23: Construction until 1 p.m.
- Regular construction efforts will resume on Monday, November 28.
Daily Lane Closures Beginning November 28
Weekday lane closures:
- Northbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Southbound left lane from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday lane closures:
- Northbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Southbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Drivers can view construction updates on the project webpage or opt-in to receive email updates (about traffic impacts, meeting notices and project milestones) by emailing gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov.
Route 7 Update
Construction activities continue along Route 7, and additional traffic shifts will occur in November and December. Please see the project website for information on upcoming lane shifts and other roadway impacts.
495 NEXT Project
Beginning on or about November 17, drivers traveling on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway) to westbound Dulles Toll Road will take an earlier exit, rather than the existing left exit (Exit 45), which is closing to allow room for construction of a new, replacement I-495 bridge over the Dulles Toll Road ramps.
There will be no lane closures from Wednesday, November 23, through Sunday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the 495 NEXT website, or send an email to495NorthernExtension@VDOT.Virginia.gov; or call the Project Inquiry Line: 703-592-6430.
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Metro Silver Line now Open
 As of Tuesday Nov. 15, passengers will be able to take the Silver Line to Ashburn in Loudoun County including a stop at Dulles Airport.. Read this DCist article answering your questions on the Silver line. The six new stations are Reston Town Center, Herndon, and Innovation Center in Fairfax County, Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn in Loudoun County.
National Family Engagement Month
National Family Engagement Month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong parental and family support is vital to the well-being and success of students. FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
The following resources are available to all FCPS families. Visit the links below to learn more about workshops and classes for families, digital and printable resources for early childhood, mental health, military families, special education, multilingual and wellness topics.
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. It is also a time to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Learn more about Native American Heritage Month and events here.
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American Diabetes Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, and 90% don’t even know it. The good news is that most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable. Healthy lifestyle changes can help you avoid, control, or even reverse the disease.
National Veterans and Military Families Month
Veterans and Military Families Month is all about the bravery, dedication, strength, unity, and friendship of the community. We honor the strength and sacrifices of the families, caregivers, and survivors of our veterans and our current servicemembers. Thank you to active duty members, their families, and our veterans and their families.
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High School and Middle School Performing Arts Events
Subscribe to the 2022-23 Fine and Performing Arts Calendar
If you enjoy high school theater, check out the Fine and Performing Arts Calendar on our website. Individual listings for many middle and high school theater events are featured. Users can subscribe to the calendar to be notified of upcoming performances, and each event can be added to a calendar or shared on social media
Few events in Dranesville before the Winter Break
Upcoming plays
Upcoming concerts
Herndon MS
Herndon HS
- 12/13 Band Concert
- 12/15 Orchestra Concert
Langley HS:
- 12/6 Orchestra Concert
- 12/13 Choral Concert
- 12/15 Band Concert
McLean HS
- 12/8 Band Concert
- 12/13 Orchestra Concert
With Herndon HS's Mr. Pafumi and McLean HS play's set
Congratulations to VMEA Performers!
The Virginia Music Educators Association sponsored three honor groups at the state music conference November 17-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Students throughout the Commonwealth went through a rigorous audition process to compete for a position in these groups including Cooper Middle School's Symphonic Band.
Fourteen FCPS students were invited to participate in the All-Virginia Jazz Band Concert, one FCPS student was selected for the All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble concert and thirty-one FCPS students were chosen for the Senior Honors Choir. See the full list of names.
Herndon HS
Gift of Reading Donation Drive
The Herndon HS PTSA is proud to work with Educate Fairfax on Herndon's Gift of Reading Donation Drive. This Herndon pyramid-wide book drive will gift books to Hutchison and Herndon Elementary students - just in time for the holiday. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the best cause there is (http://bit.ly/Herndonreads)- the gift of reading!
Holiday Meals Program
Holiday meals are a special time when families come together. Can you help make the holidays special for a local family struggling with food insecurity? Since 2016, Food For Neighbors has been providing holiday meals to students in middle and high schools throughout Fairfax and Loudoun counties. For every $50 donated to the Food For Neighbors Holiday Meals Program, they will provide a $50 grocery store gift card for a local family to purchase a nutritious and delicious meal this season. To donate, visit FFN Holiday Meals Program.
Hunger is an unwelcome guest during the holidays and with your generosity, families throughout our community will experience the joy of gathering around a table together to enjoy a nice meal. Thank you for your generosity!
Langley HS events and visit; Safe Community Coailiation speaker Meghan Leahy and President Courtney Brown
Langley HS
Alex Pomper's Give a Kid a Book event with RIF
From the RIF Northern VA November newsletter: When Langley high schooler Alex Pomper realized that 61% of low-income children don't have any books at home, he went into action with a book drive, a website (Giveakidabook.org), and book donations to area charities. Now, as a NOVA RIF Young Ambassador, he has connected NOVA RIF with the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). In the photo above, Alex is shown (r) at an early November Book Bash with his mom Anne Kim (m), and NOVA RIF board member Sari Warren (l). Great work, Alex!
He'll be continuing giveaways at AFAC at least twice a month and donating to area nonprofits. If anyone would like to contribute books, they can contact giveakidabook.com to schedule a pickup.
McLean HS
McShare Charitable Food Drive
As a part of McLean High School's year long "Be A Good Neighbor" initative, Highlanders held a food drive with Share McLean. Our students upported our community by donating over 80 items!
McLean HS visit with Dr. Reid and Delegate Sullivan
Cooper MS
Artemis Rocket Launched November 16
Last year’s Cooper Middle School symphonic band percussion section performance of an original song titled, The Artemis Generation: Exploration, Discovery and the Unknowns. You can get a sneak peak in this video!
Cooper visit with Dr. Reid
Longfellow Middle School
Matthew Leverett’s Painted Shoes Worn by Wizard’s Basketball Player, Jordan Schakel
Matthew presented sneakers he designed and hand painted to Washington Wizard basketball player Jordan Schakel. Matthew used a Sponge Bob inspired design he created and then painted it onto the shoes, box, and tissue paper that wrapped the shoes.
Become an MCC Youth Ambassador
To assist in fulfilling its mission to provide programs of interest to area teens, the McLean Community Center (MCC) is launching a new initiative, MCC Youth Ambassadors. The purpose of the new initiative is to empower teens to collect and share their classmates’ ideas and feedback with the MCC Governing Board. McLean and Langley high school students enrolled in 9th-12th grades, who reside in Dranesville Small District 1A, are eligible to apply for the volunteer positions. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 9.
Completed applications should be emailed to MCC General Programs Director Michael Fisher at michael.fisher@fairfaxcounty.gov no later than Friday, Dec. 9. For more information, visit the McLean Community Center Website.
Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship
Annually, the McLean Community Center recognizes the hard work and talent of young performing artists through the James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition. Following a preliminary round and final round of competition, three prizes are awarded in each of four categories: Dance, Theater, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music.
Who can apply: High school students who reside in or go to school in the MCC tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville) are eligible to apply. Students may enter in more than one category, but must submit an application form for each. Click here for the application. Deadline: Friday, Jan. 27 If you have any questions about the James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition, please email Danielle.VanHook@fairfaxcounty.gov
Sign up for FREE Books for Herndon children
Any child under the age of 5 living in Herndon can receive FREE books through the Imagination Library Program. Books are mailed once a month to your home. All you have to do is register here.
Early Online College Spring Sessions
Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors or seniors the opportunity to take up to two tuition-free college courses at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). EOC courses for the spring semester begin on January 31, 2023, and end on April 24, 2023. Courses are for college credit only. These courses were selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degrees. They are also courses that are most likely to transfer and count as general education requirements for most colleges and universities. Learn more about EOC on NOVA’s website.
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. 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. The Final Project Submission Form must be returned by Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.
Learn more about the technology challenge, the timeline and how to enter.
TJ Invitational Science Fair
We will be hosting our 10th anniversary science fair on March 18, 2023, and we would like to invite 5th-8th grade students to participate. Admission to the science fair is completely free. Participants will complete a research project of their choice and present in-person on March 18, 2023. We help students prepare for this fair by holding multiple sessions to teach them important skills in STEM like brainstorming, presenting, writing an experiment summary, statistics, creating an experimental diagram, and more. To learn more about the science fair, please email us tjhsstsciencefair@gmail.com or visit our website at tjsciencefair.wordpress.com
495 NEXT Community Grant program-Apply now
Deadline December 31
Transurban, developer and operator of the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes, has launched a new competitive grant program to benefit the local community. The 495 NEXT Community Grant program will award multiple grants each quarter worth up to $3,000 to non-profit organizations, educational institutions and other entities that sustain, enhance or protect the local environment and neighborhoods in proximity to the 495 NEXT project corridor. Over the past decade, Transurban’s Community Grant programs have contributed more than $2.3 million to more than 350 organizations, creating healthier communities across the region, including those providing educational programming, support to the vulnerable, environmental sustainability, and other critical services.
Successful grant applications will support an organization or neighborhood; provide benefits to a directly-affected community near the 495 NEXT corridor; or demonstrate social, environmental or safety benefits within the corridor.
Deadlines to apply for a community grant program occur quarterly, with the next deadline on December 31st. To learn more about Transurban’s Express Lanes Community Grant programs and how to apply, visit https://www.expresslanes.com/about
FCPS Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members.
PRC Upcoming Webinars
To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.
Dec. 3- Volunteer Opportunity
If you like to work outside and in a park, here's a great volunteer opportunity. Help restore a mature oak tree grove at the Great Falls Grange Park Saturday, Dec. 3, 9-11:30 a.m. by planting and caring for natives that help oak trees thrive. The project, sponsored by the Great Falls Citizen Association, will include tasks like spreading mulch, removing invasives, planting native plants, and watering the seed islands.
Sign up for the upcoming workday, Saturday, December 3 at the Fairfax County Park Authority Invasive Management Area website (IMA)then click on "Volunteer, IMA Workday Calendar" then search "Great Falls Grange Park" for workday listings. Meet at the Great Falls Grange at 9am until 11:30. Please wear garden gloves and bring a rake if you can.
Dec. 3- IEP Palooza and Resource Fair
Upcoming SEPTA Event
SEPTA is launching Inclusive Schools Week 2022 with an in-person event on December 3, 9 a.m. – noon, designed to help families and staff learn more about critical aspects of the IEP process. Attendees will experience a simulated IEP meeting and learn more about various parts of the IEP process in breakout rooms (ex: writing goals, accommodations, prior written notice). FCPS will provide continuing education credits to staff and will coordinate language interpretation services as needed. Register for IEP Palooza.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) Join us and support the community with your life-saving blood donation. For an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org
Upcoming Holiday Events
Click to learn more about the Grange holiday events.
Find Your Favorite Holiday Adventures at FCPark Authority''s Seasonal Events Page
Wouldn’t it be great if you could find lots of Park Authority holiday programs and events listed conveniently in one location? That’s what we thought so we have the Seasonal Events in the Parks webpage. Between now and the end of the year, this is your go-to location of listings that bring out the cheer and lead you to holiday fun for the whole family.
Dec. 2-4- McLean Holiday Arts and Craft Festival
This three-day, indoor show features approximately 80 talented, juried, regional artisans. Shop local, support the arts and find one-of-a-kind gifts for every budget. Stay for coffee, pastries or lunch at the onsite café. For more information, visit the McLean Community Center website.
Dec. 4- Great Falls Celebration of Lights
Celebrate the beginning of the season with our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as the sounds of the season fill the air with performances by local school choirs. Learn more about the event here.
Dec. 4- Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Over 70 artisans and craftspeople will exhibit and sell their work at this annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the Town of Herndon Department of Parks and Recreation. Please go to this website to learn more about the Arts and Crafts Show. Free Admission and Parking! Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon)
Through Dec. 9- Light Up McLean Decorating Competition
The Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Competition is your opportunity to show off your home in all its holiday splendor! Think your holiday decorations are the best? Enter the competition and prove it! Contest and Voting Runs Dec. 19–Jan. 1. Go to the MCC Website and register by Dec.9.
Dec. 10- McLean HS 20th Holiday Bazaar
McLean High School's Highlander Holiday Bazaar will be Saturday, Dec. 10, 10am-3pm. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment from the MHS Orchestra group while shopping for friends, family, coworkers, teachers, and anyone else on your holiday shopping list!
Dec. 10- Herndon WinterMarkt
The Herndon WinterMarkt is bringing the Old World charm of Christmas in Europe to our community. This event is family-focused with entertainment, and activities for all ages. Lynn Street in front of the Municipal Center, Herndon. For more information, visit the Herndon WinterMarkt website.
Dec. 20- Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and we’re bringing the celebration to you! Join us as we light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more! Free. Mosaic District (Strawberry Park, 2910 District Ave., Fairfax)
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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