December 2022 Newsletter - Happy Holidays & Quick School Board Updates!


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Dear Sully District Families,

With the holiday season upon us, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you to have a safe and restful winter break. I am looking forward to the opportunity to relax, reconnect with friends and family, and recharge. I wish you all the same.

For our Sully District families who are receiving this newsletter for the first time, welcome! The distribution list has been updated by the FCPS Office of Communication and Community Relations (OCCR) to include all families with students within the Sully District. In my regular monthly newsletters, I share important updates about policies and other School Board actions that impact Fairfax County Public Schools - especially Sully District. I hope you will find this information helpful, and I look forward to your feedback! 

You should already be receiving FCPS This Week, which has important information about Fairfax County Public Schools. Be sure to subscribe to your child’s school newsletter, as well. If you are not receiving those, make sure you go to the News Your Choose site where you can manage all your subscription preferences including this one. 

Inside this newsletter:

The School Board had 2 Work Sessions in the first half of the month. On December 6, we discussed the Strategic Plan Goal 1: Student Success & Strategic Plan Goal 2: Caring Culture reports. You can watch the full discussion here. We received a report about our Career and Technical Education offerings at our December 13 Work Session. I’m really excited for this to help FCPS' plan to expand access and opportunities especially in the high growth, high wage Computer technology job space! You can watch the full discussion here.

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 January Office hours in the newsletter below if you would like to schedule time to meet with me. 

As always, I am honored and privileged to serve this community. I look forward to seeing you back in January 2023!

In partnership, 

Stella Pekarsky


School Visits to Keys Center, Waples Mill Elementary and Centre Ridge Elementary

School Visits

School Visits to the Key Center, Centre Ridge ES and Waples Mill ES!

It was wonderful to visit the Key Center School, a special education center serving our students with severe intellectual disabilities and autism. Thank you Principal Smith for taking the time to introduce me to your students and the incredible staff and programs. I am truly grateful for the creativity, strength, unending patience and can-do spirit of the teachers and staff that have helped navigate the special education programs through some of the most difficult years in public education. Without their commitment and incredible passion for the students, our community would not be what it is today!

Thank you Principal Hertzberg for a wonderful visit to Centre Ridge ES! I particularly appreciate you being so willing to share your insights with me and our shared partnership to create policies that provide our students with safe places to learn that are reflective of the values of our diverse community. Centre Ridge Elementary School serves a unique and diverse population that represents over 30 countries and speaks nearly 50 languages at home. It is a Title-1 school that offers a variety of programs that help students master rigorous academic standards and to thrive academically and socially. I was so pleased to meet the amazing staff and teachers and observe first-hand all the students engaged and learning in their classrooms!

It was great to visit Waples Mill Elementary School with Superintendent Reid along with my colleague Laura Jane Cohen from the Springfield district. Thank you Principal Thirus for welcoming us and giving us many opportunities to interact with students and observe the amazing student engagement experiences that their teachers have created that reinforce the skills of persistence, curiosity and joy of learning!


Sully District Happenings

Franklin MS Students Award Winning Recipe Served at High Schools!

Food for kids

With Franklin Middle School students, serving their award-winnng recipe at Chantilly High School!

Last week, it was exciting for me to be at Chantilly High School along with Franklin Middle School students Anvita Gandi, Hannah Lee, Jayna Patel and Ellie Whiteman to serve their award winning – Vegejita Wrapadilla – lunch entree! This was the Real Food For Kids Culinary Challenge Award winning recipe that I watched them prepare back in May. I’m so proud of these students!!

There is an such an important connection between healthy eating and a student’s ability to learn effectively and thrive academically, socially and emotionally. I have proposed that the School Board create a comprehensive School Food and Nutrition Policy to ensure all students have access to freshly prepared, appealing, nutritious, locally sourced, and culturally-inclusive meals that nourish their minds and physical wellbeing. Stay tuned for updates on when that will be scheduled as a Forum topic for discussion in 2023.

Sully District Student heading to Antarctic!

Antarctic Expedition 2023

What an amazing experience for our Sully District student from Oakton High School who has been selected to participate in the Antarctic Climate Expedition 2023!

Andrew Kearley, 12th grader, applied for and was selected to be a member of this expedition in February 2023 (2/13-2/25) where he will spend 12 days participating and assisting in the formulation of 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.

About the Expedition

Ocean Geographic, Aurora Expeditions and Mission Blue invite thought leaders in the fields of science, art, education, and economics, alongside inquisitive teenagers and corporate executives, to participate in an expedition to Antarctica with Dr Sylvia Earle. The principal expedition team for this most important climate summit will be comprised of conservationists, celebrities, and ocean luminaries. More details here.

Constituent Meeting Hours in January

Office hours

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!


Adult Panel Discussion - Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs

Drug Awareness

The FCPS Student Safety and Wellness Office, along with each pyramid’s Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS), will be presenting an in-person, adult-only panel discussion designed for parents/caregivers of students in 5th grade through high school. Receive basic information about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids; learn what caregivers can do; and identify and connect with community resources. 

  • Westfield Pyramid - Monday February 6, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Westfield Lecture Hall G108/G109
  • Centreville + Mountain View Pyramid - Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m @ Centreville Lecture Hall.
  • Chantilly Pyramid - Monday, January 30, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.@ Chantilly Lecture Hall 114.
  • Oakton Pyramid - Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.@ Oakton Lecture Hall 2240/2242.
  • Annandale + TJHSST Pyramid - Monday, March 6, 2023, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ Annandale Library 131

Strategic Planning Updates & Community Forum

Four kids in front of a mural of kids holding hearts. "FCPS Our Voices, Our Future. Strategic Planning"

At the December 13th work session, the School Board was presented with an update of activities surrounding the Strategic Planning development.

The consultants and staff reviewed the work of the planning teams, particularly the Family Team, the Core Planning Team, and the Faith Community/Houses of Worship Team, which include numerous community members. Please review the work session documents for additional information.

Strategic Planning Community Forum - Sully District

Beginning in late January 2023, FCPS will host a series of community forums in each of the magisterial districts as part of the Strategic Plan development. The meeting in the Sully District is scheduled for Monday, January 30th, 2023 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Stone Middle School cafeteria.

Interested parties may attend any or all of the forums. The full schedule, including several virtual options, is available on FCPS' Strategic Planning webpage.


Save the Date: Virtual Math Week January 9-13

Math Week

Come together as a community for students in K-8 for 5 nights the week of January 9, 2023, with delightful math games and stories - all on your own time and from the comfort of your own home. All content will be available for free directly to all families in English and Spanish. 

Through rich story-based mathematics experiences, math week offers families  an opportunity to experience  math, literacy, history, and geography in a positive way. The games and stories feature several countries including Lesotho, Madagascar, Ghana, and China. 

All content will be available completely free on the website starting January 9, 2023. To access the games, families will be able to simply click on the day of the week and find their child's grade and language. View the website at anytime for explanations and videos.

Families can play for as little as 15 minutes or replay over and over lasting more than an hour on any given night. For families that want to reduce screen time, we will have physical print options for access to the content and games as well.

Use the games and stories on our website or dust off your favorite math game and play it as a family.

Any and ALL math experiences outside of a normal week count. Our goal is for FCPS to experience 1,000,000 minutes of math outside of the school day. Join us!


Dr. Reid's Academic Matters’ Updates

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.

December 1st: Understanding English Learner Data

During the Academic Matters portion of the November 3 School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid provided information on FCPS English Learner demographics and 2022 SOL pass rates by English Language Proficiency Level in Reading & Math. As a former ESOL teacher, I am fully invested in improving the educational experience and outcomes of our English Learner students. It is the collective responsibility of our ESOL teachers, classroom teachers, school administrators, central office staff, School Board, and community. When we provide English Learners with the necessary resources and time for learning they achieve at the highest levels. Multilingualism is a superpower!  Watch Dr Reid's presentation on YouTube. 


Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. 

FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).

FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.


Outdoor Learning Spaces Coming Soon!

FCPS received $6.05 million from a Virginia state construction grant which is earmarked for outdoor learning spaces. Outdoor classrooms will be constructed at all middle and high schools not currently slated for renovation. Outdoor learning spaces will be included for schools undergoing renovations. A limited number of elementary schools across the division will also receive outdoor learning spaces. 

The FCPS Get2Green team will provide professional development and connect with community partners to support schools in designing, planting, and using these spaces. Construction will begin in summer 2023 and be completed within two years.


Student Opportunities

One Water Art Contest

ART

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is joining regional water utilities to host its second annual art contest with the theme of protecting our source water. Local student artists in grades 9-12 can submit their art which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources. The submission deadline is Sunday, January 22, 2023. Learn more about the One Water Art Contest for high school students and submit your entry.

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.

NWF EcoLeaders Environmental Justice Badge

NWF

What does Environmental Justice mean to you? High school students can explore the history and principles of EJ and take action for positive change! Earn the @nwfecoleaders Environmental Justice badge.


Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents

This month's theme: Do Good December

This month, we're encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness.

Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.

Do Good December

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.


Multicultural and Language Resources for Families

The Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the resources available to them:

  • Bilingual community liaisons support student registrars by providing families with information about school and community services offered in Fairfax County. Liaisons are available to help families speaking Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. Once registered at a school, families can contact their family liaison for assistance. 
  • Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean. 
  • Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English. 
  • A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
  • ESOL services are available in Fairfax County for students as well as adults. Information on spring classes will be posted in March 2023.

Additional resources are available on the Family Engagement webpage.


Upcoming School Board Meetings

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  • Tuesday, January 3 at 11am - Work Session
  • Tuesday, January 10 at 12:30pm - Work Session
  • January 12 at 6pm - Public Hearing* - Capital Improvement Program
  • January 12 at 7pm - Regular Meeting
  • January 17 at 11am - Work Session
  • January 23 at 6pm - Public Hearing* - Fiscal Year 24 Budget

Please note, times and topics are subject to change. 

*Public Hearing speaker sign up forms are forthcoming 

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.

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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