Dear Dranesville Families,
Welcome to second semester! I hope you closed out the first half of this school year successfully and are looking forward to all that the remainder of the school year brings. We are in the middle of community meetings regarding the strategic plan the board is working on with Superintendent Reid. I want to extend a thank you to Springhill Elementary School for hosting the Saturday Forum meeting located in Dranesville. Thank you to all that attended. We reviewed data and had a robust discussion on goals for the district. Results from the previous meetings throughout the district were shared with us, and there are definitely some trends emerging. All of this information is shared on our strategic planning webpages. If for any reason, you did not make it to the meeting on Saturday and would like to participate, you are welcome to attend any of the remaining meetings including some that will be held virtually. Check out the schedule of Community Forums to find a time that works for you. Our Strategic Plan feedback form launched this week and we welcome all parents, students, staff, and community members to provide input. This tool is being used to gather continuous feedback from stakeholders. The upcoming scheduled events and other important information continues to be updated on the Strategic Planning website.
This week the board will move the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) forward. It is my intention to amend this CIP to identify Kent Gardens Elementary School as a school that needs staff to do a full scoping of alternatives to alleviate overcrowding at the school. This means a full analysis of student membership changes that are projected to occur with program changes or boundary adjustments. Staff will come forward to the community with this analysis and recommendations in 2023 taking into account the public input we have already gotten. Community input will be sought on any options before a decision is made. The Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee and the Facilities Planning Advisory Council will also analyze the options presented. I am also visiting Kent Gardens with facilities staff this week to look at improvements that can be made to the existing facilities to better serve our students.
The calendar is also up for a vote at this board meeting. Thank you to all of you that provided input to the calendar surveys. It seems the biggest message is that the two-week winter break is preferred over a shorter break. I am also looking for a calendar option that maximizes 5-day weeks and groups holidays and workdays as much as possible to allow our working families an easier time dealing with childcare issues. I am also hoping we can pass a multi-year calendar so that we can all be able to plan ahead for vacation time, childcare needs, etc.
I am looking forward to the next few weeks. I will be spending time at each of our high schools--Langley, Herndon, McLean and Thomas Jefferson to see what the daily life of a high school sophomore entails. The board had our own strategic plan meeting this week, and I appreciated the deeper dive into the survey data that has already been collected from our students and families. John Foust and I are going to Richmond this week to check in with our delegation that represents Fairfax County to stay up to date on any of their work that may affect us. Primarily, I will be focused on keeping the budget that the state promised us previously despite the errors in calculation that were discovered in the state budget. This miscalculation could cost our schools nearly $14 million in FY24. I am also hoping the state budget will allow us to give our teachers and staff the raises and bonuses they deserve and that the state will actually send Fairfax County the money to do this and not have us rely heavily on local funds.
Another issue I am focusing on is parent/caregiver and community education around drugs and alcohol. Our neighboring DMV school districts have had recent tragic events involving students, and we all need to be aware of the dangers. Fairfax County is working to develop programs, monitor trends, and provide resources such as the REVIVE class around Narcan (Naloxone) administration to combat this real danger for our students and community. See below to learn more about the Fairfax County REVIVE class and parent/caregiver presentations on ‘Difficult Conversations About Alcohol & Drugs’ in-person and virtually. We all need to learn more to keep our young people safe in our community.
Happy February and again thanks for all of your recent input on the budget, the CIP, the calendar, and the strategic plan. I know it is a lot to ask, but I really do rely on this input to represent you in the best way possible.
Elaine
In this newsletter,
Ms. McLaughlin, Braddock School Board Member, and I Met with Bhutanese Officials
Strategic Planning Community Forums
Couldn't Make the February 4th Dranesville Forum
Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will be held:
-
Today, Wednesday, February 8, 6-7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
-
Thursday, February 9, Noon-1:30 p.m., virtual.
-
Saturday, February 11, 9-10:30 a.m., virtual.
-
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
-
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 and walk-ins welcome.
What Happens at a Strategic Planning Community Forum?
- Community Forums will provide families, students, staff, and community members with an opportunity to review student achievement, access, and perception data and identify both strengths and challenges within the data.
- Working in small groups, participants will use research-based goals as a framework to transition their observations into recommended goals for the strategic plan that are focused on our desired future state for students.
- As a culminating activity, participants will identify the one guarantee they would like FCPS to make regarding our students’ education.
- The data from the Community Forums will be synthesized and that information will be shared with the Core Planning Team to incorporate those recommendations into finalized strategic plan goals.
What Can I Do to Prepare?
At each event, participants will review student achievement, access, and perception data, and identify both strengths and challenges within the data. It's not necessary to do anything in advance. We want you to bring your thoughts and experiences to the discussion.
Share Your Thoughts with Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Our Strategic Plan feedback form launched this week and we welcome all parents, students, staff, and community members to provide input. Help shape our school division’s future!
February is:
National Career and Technical Education Month
February is Career and Technical Education or “CTE” month. Career and technical education prepares both youth and adults for a wide range of careers. All of FCPS's career and technical programs incorporate workplace readiness and portrait of a graduate skills, industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations. Learn more about FCPS's CTE high school programs here and middle school programs here.
|
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day- Today, February 8
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (CGAD) is a statewide event devoted to saying thank you to those who help students cross the street safely on their way to and from school
National School Counseling Week February 6 - 10
February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
|
School Resource Officer Appreciation Day- February 15
The National Association of School Resource Officers encourages schools and communities to recognize the valuable work of their school resource officers during National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day February 15.
FCPS Updates
Scheduled Vote on School Year Calendar, Building Projects
Calendar
Thank you to the nearly 36,000 employees, parents/caregivers, students, and community members who provided feedback on the draft calendar options! A summary of the feedback and the draft calendars are available on the BoardDocs website. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the 2023-24 School Year Calendar at their meeting on Thursday, February 9. See below how to watch the meeting live or the recording.
Future Construction and Renovations
The School Board is also scheduled to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan, to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of building projects over five years.
Kent Gardens Elementary School
Kent Gardens ES is overcrowded. What is being done to alleviate this problem?
Due to a very popular French Immersion program, the establishment of a Local Level 4 Advanced Academic program, and development in the surrounding neighborhoods, Kent Gardens is one of FCPS’s most overcrowded elementary schools. This overcrowding is straining the existing infrastructure and creating traffic issues.
Kent Gardens has been listed as a high priority school to monitor in the CIP since 2020. Facilities has been working with school staff to utilize space as efficiently as possible, a new duplex was added in summer 2022 and a quad of classrooms was added. In addition, the immersion program’s (which is open to out of boundary students) incoming first grade class was decreased for school year 2022-23 to 25% from 40% students out of boundary. This 25% is continuing for the 2023-24 school year .
Facilities and Instructional Services staff have been meeting regularly since winter 2021 to analyze and discuss data and long-term and short-term options for Kent Gardens. In October 2022, a public information session was held, and Kent Gardens ES parents/caregivers’ input and ideas were gathered. This Information is housed on the Kent Gardens ES Capacity Challenges webpage. In addition, Facilities staff is analyzing short term improvements that can be done for the aging trailers at Kent Gardens and the over-utilized common spaces.
I will modify the CIP at our February 9th Regular Meeting to identify Kent Gardens ES as a school requiring staff to do a full scoping of alternatives to alleviate overcrowding at the school. This means a full analysis of student membership changes that are projected to occur with program changes or boundary adjustments. Staff will come forward to the community with this analysis and recommendations in 2023 taking into account the public input we have already gotten. Community input will be sought on these options before a final decision is made. The Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee and the Facilities Planning Advisory Council will also analyze the options presented.
FY 2024 Budget
At the January 12, 2023, School Board meeting, Dr. Reid proposed a budget for FY 2024 that focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students which widened during the pandemic. This budget also gives our youngest learners a strong start and includes investments for our special education students who were impacted during the pandemic, while continuing to attract and retain teachers and staff who are the backbone of our organization.
The Proposed Budget focuses on several key areas:
- Innovative investments that close the achievement gap for all students:
- Equitable access to literacy.
- Increased access to PreK programming.
- Supports for students with special education needs.
- Funding for students in Advanced Academic Programs.
- Changing student enrollment needs.
- Increase in student and family supports, including access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.
- Continuation of green investments.
- Increased security measures.
- Proposed increases in employee compensation.
Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation to the School Board.
Academic Update
Updates on Equitable Access to Literacy
At the January 26 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Reid highlighted the Equitable Access to Literacy plan and major milestones that have been made since 2021. Watch the presentation.
Federal Grant Supporting 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.
FCPS Named Executive Member of Certification Nation
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of ENERGY STAR, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offered special, one-time recognition to any organization that earns EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification for five or more buildings in 2022. FCPS earned ENERGY STAR certification for 61 buildings, making it an Executive Member of Certification Nation.
Since 2014, FCPS, partnering with the ENERGY STAR program, has saved 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, more than $70 million in energy costs, and achieved more than 230,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 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.
Internet de Bajo Coste para Estudiantes que son Elegibles para Alimentos Gratuitos o a Precio Reducido
El Programa de Conectividad Asequible (ACP) es un nuevo programa de FCC para reducir los costes de Internet para las familias con niños que han sido elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido en los últimos 12 meses. Las familias que reúnan los requisitos recibirán 30 dólares al mes para los servicios de Internet y un descuento único de hasta 100 dólares para un ordenador portátil, un ordenador de sobremesa o una tableta. Las familias pueden comprobar su elegibilidad y registrarse en AffordableConnectivity.gov o llamando al 877-384-2575.
|
Instructional Job Fair on February 11
Fairfax County Public Schools wants you to be a part of our team! To meet hiring needs in instructional areas, we are hosting a job fair on Saturday, February 11. Networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various Fairfax County public schools will be available. The in-person fair will be held at Oakton High School from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. A virtual option will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get more details on the job fair here. Find out how to Become a Teacher and read teachers’ stories.
Clerk to the School Board- Position Available
The Fairfax County School Board is seeking a highly qualified candidate to serve in the role of Clerk to the School Board. To learn more about the Clerk position and to apply, click here. Please consider applying for the School Board Clerk position or share the opportunity with others who might be interested.
Kindergarten Registration
FCPS is excited to begin our thinking about 2023-24! Do you have a child at home who will be five by September 30th? If you have any neighbors with little ones, please send this information to them as well. Please contact your local school's registrar to start the registration process. To determine your local school, please go here. Here is the registration information for Kindergarten or any new student. Many schools have scheduled their Kindergarten Orientations in the next several weeks.
Graduation Dates for Class of 2023
Please go to this website to learn all the graduation dates for the Class of 2023.
Graduations Dates for Dranesville Schools:
- Davis Center: Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at Marshall High School
- Herndon High School: Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Langley High School: Wednesday, June 7 at 10 a.m. at DAR Constitution Hall
- Marshall High School: Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall
- McLean High School: Tuesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall
- Mountain View High School & AIM: Tuesday, June 6 at 5 p.m. at Centreville High School
- Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology: Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena
- Westfield High School: Monday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena
|
Tutor.com - Extra Help for Students at No Cost to Families
With Tutor.com through Schoology, FCPS students are able to get learning help at any time, even from bilingual tutors! Students in FCPS meet with tutors thousands of times each week to practice reading, prepare for an upcoming math test, write computer programs, study for the SAT, or to get feedback on scholarship essays–all at no cost to their families! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child. More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here.
|
Parent Resource Center- February Webinars
All webinars are free and open to parents, educators, and community members. Interpreters are available by request.
For more information about each webinar and to register, use this link: Webinar Information/Registration
January Audit Buzz
In this issue of Audit Buzz, we promote the Fraud, Waste and Abuse hotline, highlight the Office of Auditor General (OAG) Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report, summarize the status of current engagements and provide an introduction to school audits in the Knowledge Hive. Stay up to date with OAG's current and future work by subscribing to Audit Buzz.
|
|
 |
Upcoming School Board Meetings
-
Thursday, February 9, 7pm: Regular Meeting
-
Tuesday, February 21, 1:30pm: Work Session
-
Thursday, February 23, 7pm: Regular Meeting
-
Tuesday, February 28, 11am: Work Session
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 to sign up to speak
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.
NOVA Virtual Information Sessions for FCPS Families
Multiple dates- February, March, and April
NOVA will present to FCPS seniors and their families; learn about the opportunities, degrees, certificate programs, numerous services and resources designed to connect seniors to NOVA. Click here for NOVA information session dates and registration links. Open to all FCPS seniors and parents. For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu
Schools Respond: Teens and Substance Abuse, Updates From Northern Virginia Schools
Formed Families Forward and the Northern Virginia Family Network is holding a virtual panel presentation titled Schools Respond: Teens and Substance Abuse, Updates From Northern Virginia Schools. This panel will provide current information with representatives of local schools sharing current challenges, how they are addressing them and how families can get help. Please register for the webinar Schools Respond here.
Wednesday, February 22, 7 - 8:30 pm
Urgent need Blood Donations
Inova’s Urgent Call for Blood Donations O negative blood in critically short supply! Blood donations often decline during the holiday season when busy schedules, inclement weather, and seasonal illness can make it more difficult for donors to make and keep donation appointments. Yet the urgent need for blood doesn’t get a break for the holiday season. To give the gift of life, please contact Inova Blood Donor Services.
|
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.
George Washington Memorial Parkway Construction
Throughout the next month, crews are scheduled to repair the façade of supporting structures for the Pimmit Run Bridge. Lanes will be closed daily Monday- Saturday and nights. Lane closures may occur in the left or right lane with varying lengths; however, at least one lane of traffic in each direction will always remain open. Drivers can view construction updates on the project webpage or receive email updates (about traffic impacts, meeting notices and project milestones) by emailing gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov
Route 7 Update
Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing, storm pipe work, paving and other construction-related activities on Jan. 29 - Feb. 3 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets. Please see the Upcoming Lane Closures for Feb. 5 - 10, 2023 for updates.
495 NEXT Project
Please be aware when driving in the 495 NEXT construction site as traffic lane shifts can occur daily. 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.
During the week of February 13-16, 2023, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region, are hosting a Career Fair with panel discussions. Industry experts, in multiple fields, will be speaking on their professional journeys and providing valuable insight into how to achieve your own success. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry, is free to all Northern Virginia high school students.
For more information about the schedule and to register for the event, visit the Instruction 2 Industry event page.
Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations About Alcohol & Drugs
Upcoming Pyramid Parent/Caregiver Nights and virtual presentation
Adults only
Presented by: FCPS Student Safety & Wellness Office. What knowledge and information do you have to engage in meaningful conversation with your children about drugs? You Will: ·
- Understand basic information about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids ·
- List what you can do as a caregiver ·
- Identify & connect with community resources
Upcoming dates:
-
TJHSST Pyramid Parent/Caregiver Night:
-
March 6, 6-8pm: Annandale HS
- Virtual session- Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 10-11:30am
The Safe Community Coalition
March Speaker Event
Lynn Lyons returns to McLean on March 15!
The Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with the McLean Community Center, invites you to this speaker event on Wednesday, March 15 from 7 to 9 pm at The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean)
Anxiety and worry are normal and expected parts of learning and growing, but when teens and children face challenges cognitively, socially or emotionally, anxiety can step in and take over. Anxiety can be overwhelming and rigid, but it’s also based on predictable patterns that can be shifted once we learn how it operates.
Lynn Lyons, licensed independent clinical social worker and best-selling author of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and the newly-released The Anxiety Audit, presents Helping Your Family’s Emotional Health: Practical, Strategic Skills and Solutions for Managing Anxiety, Enhancing Flexibility, and Creating Wellbeing.
Based on current research and over 30 years of clinical experience, Lynn Lyons presents a strategic approach based on skill-building, with prevention as the preferred route. Using creativity, connection and awareness of their own patterns, parents will learn how to increase their child’s flexibility, support the tolerance of uncertainty, and emotionally and preventatively equip themselves and those they love as we all move forward.
This program takes place March 15th from 7 to 9 pm at The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://mcleanscc.org/.
Visit the Safe Community Coalition website for more information: http://mcleanscc.org/.
|
McLean HS Student Services and McLean PTSA present
Helping Your Kids Build a Life They Want: Parent Talk with Authors Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 6:30 – 7:30 PM
McLean High School Auditorium
No registration needed!
We all want our kids to be happy and successful in life. Too often, many parents feel that if kids aren’t pushed harder, they won’t be successful. This approach can result in anxiety and depression, chronic stress, and a negative parent-child relationship. Bill and Ned will share strategies parents can use to help our kids achieve a life where success is defined by happiness, strong relationships, and overall wellness. If you are interested in learning about Bill and Ned’s work, please check out this podcast on achievement culture, as well as their books, linked below.
https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/thisisyourbrainonachievementculture
https://theselfdrivenchild.com/
Click to learn more about the 2023 Special Education Conference
School and Student News
Celebrating Hutchison ES's Principal Aiello as the Region 1 Outstanding Principal
Both Region 1 and Region 2 nominated Dranesville school principals for outsatnding staff awards. Good luck in the competition!
Region 1
- Principal Vereb, Herndon MS, Outstanding New Principal
- Principal Aiello, Hutchison ES, Outstanding Principal
Region 2
- Principal Reilly, McLean HS, Outstanding Principal (photo below)
My Visit to Herndon MS to celebrate Principal Vereb's nomination for Region 1's Outstanding New Principal
MPA Children's Art Walk Exhibition at Dulles Airport
The rain out of the McLean Project of the Arts’ October MPAartfest canceled Children’s Art Walk which displays area student’s art. A youth art exhibition is now on display in the check-in area of Dulles International Airport. The display can be found by the Transportation Security Administration’s west precheck security checkpoint on the airport’s departures level. For now, the artwork will remain for an indefinite period of time. Enjoy the art from our students while at Dulles.
All-District Band
Congratulations to all the Dranesville students accepted into the 2023 All-District Band!
My visit with the Longfellow MS after school Eco-club
Scholastic Award Winners
Art Award Winners
Congratulations to the Dranesville MS and HS students who received recognition at the Regional Scholastics Art Awards Program. Their artwork was chosen for this honor by a distinguished panel of judges who selected from nearly 3500 outstanding entries from the Fairfax County region. Please click here to view the full list of FCPS winners.
Writing Award Winners
The DMV had 736 Scholastic Awards with many Dranesville students among the winners. This year's Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention recipients are invited, along with their guests, teachers, and our esteemed jurors, to the 2023 Awards Ceremony for the DC Metro Writing Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards on Sunday, March 5th, 2023. See the DMV writing winners here.
Dranesville American Vision and Voice Award Winners
The Region American Vision Awards for art and American Voice Awards for writing are equivalent to their region grand prize and go on to further levels of competition. Elina Liu of TJHSST won an American Vision award for her painting entitled ‘For Sale.’ Aileen Zhao of McLean HS is an American Voice award winner for her poetry piece titled ‘Catalog of Ants.’ Congratulations and good luck!
Herndon HS
My visit as a judge for the Herndon HS Improv Competition
(the) Unruly Theatre Project and the Herndon High School Improv Group
Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Arts Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon)
Free admission. Come enjoy a night of laughs on us! (the) Unruly Improv is The Alden’s professional teen improv company dedicated to bringing comedic performances to the community. In May 2022, UTP was named 1st place Champions at Improvicon of Northern Virginia!
My visit to McLean HS for Raising Student Voice's Project on Allergy/Anaphylaxis Awareness and celebrating Dr. Reilly's as Region 2's Outstanding Principal
McLean HS
McLean High School students, Rafik Hanna and Ava Stewart, won the "Excellence in Acting Award" at the 2023 Liberty District Theatre Festival. Congratulations to McLean Theatre and all our students who participated in the VHSL One Acts.
Ethan Zhou, a student at McLean High School, has been selected as one of 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. The 40 finalists will gather in Washington, D.C., in March. Read more here.
Congratulations to Michael Wang! He has been named a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. Students are chosen for outstanding performance on the ACT or the SAT and nominated by the Chief State School Officer.
Langley HS
My visit to Langley HS's Saxon Service
At the January 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board recognized Coach Al Berg and the Langley High School Golf Team for winning its seventh consecutive High School League (VHSL) Golf Championship!
Congratulations to the Langley Forensics team for taking home the second-place trophy in the team competition at the Northern Regional Tournament!
The Langley Science Olympiad Team which finished 3rd place overall against competitive teams from all over the east coast the University of Pittsburgh competition.
Langley's Model United Nations team competed in the University of Pennsylvania’s Model UN competition for high school students. The team won the Outstanding Large Team Delegation award (equivalent to second place).
My visit to Lemon Road Elemntary School
Haycock ES and Great Falls ES
There is now have a graft of Newton's apple tree growing at Haycock! This graft is from a tree at MIT. Thank you to Ms. Muralidhar who organized this for Haycock. Great Falls ES also has received a graft of Newton's apple tree.
Herndon ES Renovation Progress
Herndon Elementary is in the beginning stages of being renovated. The renovation progress can be located on the FCPS website here.
American Association of University Women
STEM Essay Contest
Our STEM Essay Contest challenges 7th and 8th girls and boys to discover and publicize women including women of color (non-white) who made a difference in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, but who received little or no recognition for their contributions while they were alive. Strong preference is given to essays about women who are not well known even today.
Each student is asked to write an essay of no more than 500 words to describe one woman's contribution to STEM, discuss the impact, and clearly state why he or she picked that woman. We will award four prizes. The deadline is February 10, 2023, at 11:00 pm ET, and the McLean Area Branch will recognize the winners at its annual potluck dinner on March 14, 2023, at the McLean Community Center. To learn more or get the applications go to the McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) website here.
I'm Determined Youth and Family Summit - June 2023
The 2023 Youth and Family Summit is a three-day event held in June and sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Youth with disabilities across Virginia meet to network and discuss issues of importance to youth and young adults with disabilities.
If you are 14-18 years old and would like to be considered to attend this in-person event, please complete the 2023 I'm Determined Application by February 12, 2023.
DIVERSEartLANGLEY
Call for Submissions
The LHS PTSA DEI committee invites Langley HS’s 9th- 12th graders and Cooper MS’s 7th and 8th graders to submit their responses to their Second Annual DEI art show, to be held Feb 27, at 6 p.m. Original pieces should reflect on the driving question: American voices telling American stories: What is YOUR American Story?
Please contact Heather Murphy Capps heathermcxx@gmail.com or Stefanie Stayin stefaniestayin@earthlink.net with questions.
|
Summer Camp Registration
From Washington Post’s parenting expert, Meghan Leahy, read her article Summer camp conundrum: Let them play or send them to educational camp?
NOVA STEM Camp Registration: Now Open!
Camps are focused on hands-on, project-based learning that provides students with excellent opportunities to begin exploring STEM fields and to chart a course for future STEM education and workforce opportunities. Our STEM camp tracks include Coding, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Fabrication, Rocketry and more! Registration for our hands-on summer 2023 STEM Camps is now LIVE here.
FCPS Summer Learning Programs Registration: Now Open!
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage for more information.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA website for more information and registration.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration.
MCC Summer Camps & Trips: Now Open!
Magical adventures await your child this summer at the McLean Community Center. Whether you need a full-day, all-summer-long camp or just a few select weeks of a half-day camp, the wide range of options in this guide allows you to customize a plan that meets your family’s unique needs. Find out more here.
McLean Project for the Arts Summer Art Camp: Now Open!
Join us for our 2023 Summer Art Camps, featuring a variety of imaginative and fun week-long in-studio camp sessions for ages 6-13! Taught by experienced classroom art teachers, each week will feature different art themes to ignite your child's creativity. Half and full-day options are available.
NOVA STEM Internships
NOVA is recruiting high school and college students interested in STEM education for paid summer STEM internships in support of our summer STEM camps. Interns will support camp instruction, contribute to curriculum development, and learn to teach technical skills in a low stress, fun environment. For more details and to apply, please go this website: intern.novastem.us/apply.
Native Youth Community Project
Click the photo to learn more about the NYCP
Opportunity for Hispanic Students
Originally established in 1990, the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics (Initiative) was re-established in 2021 through executive order. There are opportunities for students and experienced professionals to apply for positions in the federal government whether at the White House, the White House Hispanic Initiative or a federal agency. For additional information, email whitehousehispanicinitiative@ed.gov
For Students
Email whitehousehispanicinitiative@ed.gov your resume and note of interest to be considered for a student volunteer role with our Initiative office.
Additional links:
Please use this link for additional information that includes Frequently Asked Questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance.
World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest
Open to Middle and High School Students
Through the World of 8 Billion Student video contest, middle and high school students are given a platform to think critically about global challenges related to population and to share solutions. Students explain how population growth impacts the global topics of climate change, gender equality, or waste and offer an idea for a sustainable solution. More than 80 students will be awarded cash prizes of up to $1,200. The deadline to submit is February 22.
|
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge will 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.
Smithsonian's Morning at the Museum
The Smithsonian's Morning at the Museum is a sensory-friendly program open to families of children and young adults with disabilities who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities. Registered families will have access to the entire museum, including the new Entertainment National exhibition, Spark!Lab which offers children hands-on inventive fun, and Wegman's Wonderplace, an area for Young Historians.
The program is free and all ages are welcome! Learn more about Morning at the Museum.
Stuff the Bus- Dranesville Date
Fight Hunger in Our Neighborhoods! Help us support our local nonprofit food pantries as they work to provide assistance to individuals and families in need throughout our community. Donations of food and cash contributions will be accepted. Please go here to learn more about the program.
- McLean Area- February 18 at 10am- 4pm
|
February Events From the Alden Theatre
Tickets are going fast for "Paddington Gets in a Jam" on Feb. 25 (holy moly, is it adorable), the most fun you'll have with numbers, "Danny Carmo's Mathematical Mysteries" on Feb. 10, and the kickoff of the Sweet Honey in the Rock® on Feb. 11, 50th anniversary tour. All performances are at the Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean)
FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Please submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees
|
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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
