Therapy dog Micah visits Key Center for animal assisted instruction. Learn more in this video.
Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars
Thank you to the approximately 23,000 families, staff, students, and community members who completed FCPS' Calendar Feedback Form!
The School Board discussed the feedback during yesterday’s work session. If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts about the draft school year calendar options, please participate today. The form will close on Monday, February 6, at noon. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9.
Learn more about FCPS' calendar development process.
McLean High Student Chosen 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist
Ethan Zhou, a student at McLean High School, has been selected as one of the 40 finalists in the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
This year’s finalists represent 34 schools across 14 states.
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Scholastic Art Awards Program Names 337 Regional FCPS Winners
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The 2023 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has awarded 533 awards to 337 Fairfax County Public Schools students for outstanding artwork. This includes 174 Gold Key awards, 171 Silver Key awards, and 188 Honorable Mention awards. Four works by FCPS students were nominated for the best-in-show American Visions Award. Artworks were submitted and judged in categories including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, jewelry, fashion, film and animation, mixed media, and art portfolios.
The Gold Key and Silver Key artworks will be displayed at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from Friday, February 9, to Thursday, March 23, with an award ceremony on Wednesday, March 1. See the full list of winners.
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Academic Matters: Literacy
At last week’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted the Equitable Access to Literacy plan and major milestones that have been made since 2021. Watch her presentation.
Interested in Becoming a Teacher?
"I was always interested in teaching but ended up working in the music industry post-college,” says Melinda Ward, strings teacher at Rolling Valley Elementary School. “I started teaching private lessons on the side. As my private students grew and progressed, I found myself more invested in their successes and accomplishments than in my music industry job. I realized I felt more fulfilled by their excitement over their achievements and decided to pursue a teacher licensure program and career switch."
Do you think teaching might be fulfilling? We are searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference. Consider attending our job fair on Saturday, February 11, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Oakton High School. A virtual option will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Get more information on the job fair. Find out how to become a teacher.
2023 FCPS Gap Year Fair Is Tonight!
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair today, Wednesday, February 1, at West Springfield High School, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents/caregivers. Representatives from more than 40 programs offering gap year opportunities will be on site.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs.
Federal Grant Will Support School-Based Mental Health Staff
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the first year of a five-year grant to Fairfax County Public Schools for $13.5 million, to support a School-Based Mental Health Services Grant project. The goal of the grant program is to increase the number of credentialed mental health service providers delivering school-based mental health services to students with demonstrated need. With the funding, FCPS will focus on enhancing the division’s recruitment and retention practices for mental health professionals, including school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers.
Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.
Have Your Say on Our Future!
Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will be held:
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Thursday, February 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mason Crest Elementary School.
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Saturday, February 4, 9-10:30 a.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School.
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Monday, February 6, 6:30-8 p.m., at Edison High School.
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Tuesday, February 7, 6:30-8 p.m., at South County High School.
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Wednesday, February 8, 6-7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
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Thursday, February 9, Noon-1:30 p.m., virtual.
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Saturday, February 11, 9-10:30 a.m., virtual.
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Wednesday, February 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
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Thursday, February 16, 6:30-8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.
Click one of the dates above to register for a forum. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
Share Your Thoughts with Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future!
Calendar Reminder: Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History Month.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!
Career Expo for High School Students
From February 13-16, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region will be hosting a career fair. Industry experts in multiple fields will be speaking about their professional journeys and providing valuable insights into how to achieve success. Instruction 2 Industry is a live, virtual event that is free to all Northern Virginia high school students. For more information and to register, please visit the Instruction 2 Industry event page.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new Federal Communications Commission program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage for more information.
Judges Needed for Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a competition for students attending high schools in Fairfax County. The event will be held March 17-19. Students may earn honorable entry to the regional competition through a science fair at their local public or private school.
Each year 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in a wide variety of categories, ranging from plant sciences to robotics. It is preferred that volunteers serving as category judges hold an advanced degree or ahve extensive academic and/or professional experience in their selected science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) category.
Learn more about the science fair and how to become a judge.
A Jump Start to Careers for Students at Fairfax Academy
FCPS high school academies are holding open houses for interested students. Fairfax Academy, featured in this video, will have an open house on Tuesday, February 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more and find the calendar of all Academy open houses. View the YouTube playlist of Academy videos.
Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
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