Dear Sully District Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all were able to spend quality time with your friends and family over the holidays.
As we reflect on 2022, we know that there were some significant challenges and stresses on our students, families, and staff. Yet, there was much joy. We accomplished so much as we returned to full-time in-person instruction and a semblance of normalcy. Serving as good fiscal stewards and initiating policies that create opportunity and access for our students to be successful is a significant responsibility and my life’s passion. Our School Board was able to accomplish a number of things this past year with these goals in mind.
Highlighted below are just a few:
2022 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Appointed and Onboarded the new Superintendent: Conducted an extensive nationwide search and successfully recruited a highly-qualified, exceptional new Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid to lead the school district. It was a real pleasure to introduce her to our amazing staff and families in the Sully District during our many school visits and community conversations.
Developing a new Strategic Plan: Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. The Board passed a motion to direct the Superintendent to re-engage with the community to develop a new strategic plan. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future - and how we will best serve our students for this new era. We encourage you to join us in this important work which will help shape the school division’s future!
Eliminating Opportunity Gaps in Reading: Adopted a systemic, research and science based approach for literacy instruction to ensure success for all students.
Investing in Infrastructure: Allocated nearly $150 million in school renovations, construction, and improvement projects at schools attended by students living in Sully District and wider Fairfax County system, including the moving ahead in the process of a future Western High School.
Promoting Mental Wellness: Initiatives to promote a renewed emphasis on learning practices that are grounded in an understanding of trauma and its impacts, and that are designed to promote resilience for our students. Increased focus and funding on social emotional learning and mental health supports, universal behavioral supports, restorative practices, cultural relevance and relationship building. In a positive development since the pandemic, attending to students’ and educators’ mental health is now at the forefront of the national conversation and I look forward to working with our partners to expand mental health supports.
Increasing Outdoor and STEM Experiential Learning Opportunities: Increased funding for Get2Green, aimed at creating outdoor student engagement experiences that reinforce environmental sustainability, stewardship goals, as well as motivation, joy of learning, persistence, and curiosity setting students up to thrive in college and their careers.
Addressing COVID Learning Loss: Invested more than $188 million in ESSER funds to address pandemic learning loss with increased academic, social/emotional, and mental health supports, including unfettered access to tutors. Offered robust summer school offerings to students across the district.
Boosting Teacher and Staff Pay: Provided teachers and other staff increased pay and bonuses, and committing to work toward establishing a living wage for all school division employees.
Supporting Immigrant Families: Protected immigrant students and families privacy by keeping their personally identifiable information confidential and prohibiting voluntary cooperation with immigration officials unless there is an imminent safety concern.
Preventing Gun Violence: Directed staff to review all curriculum, safety protocols, and professional development around gun violence prevention and to notify parents annually about their legal obligation to store their guns securely. We also extended gun prohibitions from schools to ALL system property as well, including buildings like those that house our school board and superintendent.
A new calendar year offers a fresh slate and the chance to implement new programs and initiatives that support a more inclusive and positive school environment. In 2023, we will continue the progress that we have made to maximize our students’ education, prioritize their emotional wellbeing, and continue to strengthen the social connections to their school communities. I feel a sense of gladness and gratitude to be in a position to serve and lead this incredibly diverse Sully District community.
Inside this newsletter:
At our Regular School Board meeting on December 15th, we were thrilled to recognize our Fall 2022 Virginia High School League Championship Team achievements. So proud of all our students! We also held a Public Hearing on Collective Bargaining and reviewed the FY 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program and FY 2023 Midyear Budget. You can watch the full discussion here.
THANK YOU for your ongoing support. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with observations, suggestions, questions and celebrations. You can do that through this form School Board contact form or you can call or sign up for my monthly constituent office hours. Please see my January Office hours in the newsletter below if you would like to schedule time to meet with me.
I hope 2023 brings you lots of love, laughter and joy. Welcome back!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Green Hour of Power @ Centreville Elementary!
 School Visit to the Centreville ES!
It was exciting to visit Centreville Elementary School on December 16th, 2022 during their schoolwide sustainability event, Green Hour of Power! Along with my colleague Laura Jane Cohen from the Springfield District we observed the students, from the smallest kindergartener through the tallest 6th grader, actively engaged in composting, learning about trash and recycling and fully experiencing nature in their outdoor classrooms. As part of the Green Hour of Power, every student in the building is outside for an hour working on science, math, sustainable gardening, and all kinds of super cool environmental education initiatives. Thank you Principal Douds for inviting us to see the wonderful things happening at CES....and to partake in the holiday spirit with your amazing staff! #sustainabilityeducation #environmentalstewardship #thefutureisbright #handsonlearning
Sully District Happenings
Cub Scouts Pack 16 - Future Community Leaders!
It was a pleasure to be invited to speak with 5th grade Cub Scouts from Pack 1601 (Lees Corner Elementary School) about my priorities for learning and how Sully District works to promote high-quality early learning for all children in our district. In particular, the Cub Scouts wanted to learn about my role as an FCPS school board member and as a leader in our community. I really enjoyed speaking with the scouts (and their parents) and hearing what they had to say. #citizenship #leadershipbadge
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Connecting with PTA/PTO/PTSA's
I will be participating in PTA meetings to provide updates to our parents/caregivers on FCPS policies and budget related information as well as give them an opportunity to ask any questions that they might have. I will also be hosting discussions among our Pyramid PTA/PTO/PTSA executive board members and booster club representatives to share challenges, successes, and helpful resources. If you want to participate please email my staff at skhurana@fcps.edu.
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Constituent Meeting Hours in January
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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Adult Panel Discussion - Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs
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
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Strategic Planning Updates & Community Forum
 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
 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
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 15th: Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds
At the December 15 meeting, Dr. Reid presented information about how ESSER funds are being used to address learning loss. She mentioned that the rate of FCPS academic recovery is outpacing Virginia as a whole, reading performance is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels after one year and that math performance is progressing. Dr. Reid shared how FCPS is addressing learning loss by using ESSER funding for student academic and wellness support through hourly pay to provide intervention and tutoring support, instructional materials, professional development and summer programming. View the presentation.
Congratulations to our Fall 2022 VHSL State and National Champions!
 At the December 16 regular meeting, the School Board honored the Fall 2022 VHSL state and national championship teams and performing artists from this past fall season. Among them were the Fairfax High School Varsity Field Hockey Team, the Rachel Carson Middle School Symphonic Orchestra and the Fairfax High School Chamber Orchestra!
The Board was pleased to recognize the students, their coaches and teachers. Congratulations to all who participated!
Read the the December 13 Spotlight for the full list of winners.
Student Opportunities
U.S. Global Change Research Program Enlists Student Artists
Students can help others understand climate change and inspire people to take action through art. The U.S. Global Change Research Program is looking for youth ages 13-17 to submit artwork related to the topic of climate, people, and nature. Student art will help readers of the Fifth National Climate Assessment see how the climate is changing and what that means for the people, places, and activities that students love. Submissions are due Jan. 27.
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge - opening soon
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge will open for entries on Jan. 6, 2023 and close on April 28. The judges will choose winners in two categories: grades five through eight and grades nine through 12. Entries must be submitted by an educator or a student leader who's 18 years old or older. And don't forget all the tips, advice and lesson plans we've compiled over the years and read more here.
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.
Save the Date– 2023 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at West Springfield High School from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration is now open here.
Parent Resource Center January Webinars
Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are All Neurodiverse?
All human beings are neurodiverse. There is infinite variation of thinking and experiencing the world due to our identities, experiences, and brain wiring that is a valuable form of human diversity (Büdy, 2021; Singer, 2019). This webinar examines the brilliance and advantages of neurodiversity and the different ways brains may function as it relates to neurodivergence or neurotypicality. Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist.
January 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m or January 13, 2023 at 10 a.m:
Register here for either time of Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are All Neurodiverse?
Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
The first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development. Social and emotional development includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of their emotions, and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. Join us for this important webinar to learn about the social-emotional developmental milestones in early childhood.
January 20, 2023 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
NWF EcoLeaders Environmental Justice Badge
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Happier January!
Let's start the new year happier.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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January 12 at 6pm - Public Hearing* - Capital Improvement Program
- January 12 at 7pm - Regular Meeting
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January 17 at 11am - Work Session
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January 23 at 6pm - Public Hearing* - Fiscal Year 24 Budget
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January 24 at 5:00 p.m. - Work Session: FY2024 Budget (Budget Public Hearing if needed)
- January 26 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
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January 31 at 1:00 p.m. - Work Session: SY2023-24 Calendar
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.
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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