Hello, Springfield District!

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the middle of February! Valentine’s Day is upon us, and I hope you’ll take the chance to remind the folks you love how very much you care about them. Of all the things that I have saved over the years, the sweet valentine’s notes, written painstakingly (likely under the direction of some wonderful teacher) by little hands are some of the things I cherish the most. My favorite one is a fill-in-the-blank that says “Mom, I love that you ______” and my child wrote, “find my shoes”. :) All these years later, I can assure you that we still spend all kinds of time on these quests. We spent this weekend with our oldest child at VCU’s open house and it really hit me how soon I won’t need to be the reigning queen of finding lost things. It has gone by so fast.

This month the Board has continued our work on the strategic plan and the budget. We passed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the school year calendar for the next three years. While I did not vote in favor of the adoption of the amended Blue calendar, I am committed to ensuring our staff is provided more clarity regarding PW days and will continue to advocate that staff have maximum flexibility around PW days after the school year has ended. I so appreciated how many Springfield District residents participated in the multiple surveys and conversations around the calendar development. I remain disappointed that a calendar that had not been advertised was adopted, but like so many of you, I am grateful that we can now determine childcare needs, sign up for summer camps, start vacation planning, schedule doctor’s visits, etc for the next three years with confidence.

Thank you to all who were able to come out to the Braddock Community Strategic Plan Community Forum and all who tuned in for the joint town hall discussion with Delegate Kathy Tran regarding the safety concerns around Lee Chapel Rd. Both meetings included robust conversations about how to improve things. There is no better feeling in this position than when our community comes together around solving a problem. Our hearts remain with the South County community in their tragic loss.

In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit Kings Glen ES, Kings Park ES, Fairfax HS, Fairview ES, Silverbrook ES, and even my old stomping ground, Cherry Run ES. I was also able to visit with our DECCA and FCCLA leaders as we celebrated National Career and Technical Education Week. The highlight this month was getting to introduce a 97-year-old holocaust survivor to the entire freshman class at West Springfield High School. As he told his story, every student listened patiently and with so much compassion. As always, your students continue to amaze me. Their knowledge, leadership, and communication skills are just outstanding and far beyond what I imagine any of us possessed at their ages. I cannot wait to see where their journeys take them and all they contribute to our community and country. Thank you for all you do at home and all our incredible staff does to support them on their path.

This Wednesday, please join Superintendent Reid and me for another community forum to discuss the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan (details below). If you can’t make it, please feel free to email or call with your thoughts around the strategic plan. Also, I hope you won’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you and your family.

It remains my good fortune to get to represent you on the school board. As always, I am forever grateful to be a member of the Springfield District.

All my very best-

Laura Jane

Strategic Plan Development Input Opportunity:

This is an opportunity for families, students, staff, and community members to review student achievement, access, and perception data and identify strengths and challenges.

In small groups, participants will use research-based strategies as a framework to transform their observations into recommended goals for the strategic plan. The data from the Community Forums will be synthesized and shared with the Core Planning Team to incorporate into the final strategic plan goals.

When: Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: West Springfield High School cafeteria (blue). 

Registration: Google Form.

Find more information below.

This newsletter includes information on the following issues:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• School Board Work
• Superintendent Board Briefings
• FCPS News
• Student Opportunities
• Summer Opportunities
• Community News
• Springfield District Scene
• Family and Student Resources
• What’s in a Name?
• Quick Links

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• February 21 at 1:30 p.m. Work Session: Governance
• February 23 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Advertised Budget, etc.
• February 28 at 11:00 a.m. - Work Session: Collective Bargaining
• March 7 at 1:00 p.m. - Work Session: Policy Governance
• March 9 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Collective Bargaining, West Springfield HS Stadium Track Overlay, Woodson HS Stadium Track Overlay, etc.
• March 28 at 11:00 a.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan and Governance
• March 30 at 7:00 p.m. - FY23 Third Quarter Budget Review, Liberty MS Chiller Replacement, etc. 

Please note, that times and topics are subject to change.

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.

For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the below QR code.

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.

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.

School Board Work

Fiscal Year 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program

At the February 9 regular meeting, the School Board unanimously approved an annual update to the capital improvement program (CIP) that includes continuing work on upgrading school facilities across the County, the building of three new elementary schools, and acquiring land to be used for a new high school during the School Board meeting on Thursday evening.

The new elementary schools and the acquisition of land for a new high school will address current and projected overcrowding.

Other projects in the FY 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)  include three new and/or repurposed school facilities, the renovation of 25 schools in the renovation queue, and the relocation of modular buildings. Timelines for capital projects will be posted on project web pages on the FCPS website.

The Fairfax County School Board adopted amendments to the CIP. One amendment directs staff to address capacity issues at Kent Gardens Elementary School. A second is to reallocate funding for the design and planning of an Early Childhood Education Center in the Route 1 area.

The board will consider follow on actions to the CIP at the next meeting on February 23.

The CIP also demonstrates the school division’s value of environmental stewardship. FCPS has been a partner in the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program since 2014, earning numerous awards and recognitions. Additionally, the division’s Get2Green program guides sustainability work. Construction and renovation projects are designed to meet current environmental and energy standards, supporting these important goals.

CIP projects are funded by voter-approved bond referendums, not the division’s operating budget. The FY2024-28 CIP reflects a $205 million investment approved by Fairfax County voters in the bond referendum of November 2021, which is included in the program’s funding.

Funding allocations to FCPS from bond sales have increased in recent years due to positive collaboration and partnerships of the Joint CIP Committee of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the School Board. Renovation projects identified in the CIP are placed in ranked queue, which allows for some adjustments of timelines to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while continuing to improve educational spaces. This also allows FCPS to adjust for and accommodate the atypically high construction costs that the region has experienced over the past two years as a result of inflation and supply chain issues.

Voters will have the opportunity to approve additional bond funding for school projects included in the CIP in November 2023 which supports the division’s ability to continue to address construction and renovation needs.

FCPS is currently reviewing its engagement process around capital projects to ensure increased transparency and accountability. The progress of each approved project can be found online. Project web pages will keep the public informed of the details and progress of the project, including upcoming engagement opportunities, recordings or minutes from past engagement sessions, project details and timings, progress updates, and more. 

Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.

School Year Calendar

Also at the February 9 regular meeting, the Board approved a calendar for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. The approved calendar was an amended version of the draft BLUE calendar.

This is the first time that FCPS has designated a calendar for three school years. Community input guided this decision, based on a need to plan well in advance. 

The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21, and the last day will be Wednesday, June 12. Cultural observances and holidays have been adjusted for future calendars, depending on whether they fall on a weekday or weekend.

Other calendar features include

• 180 days of instruction to maximize permitted instructional time.
• 15 professional work days for teachers and staff to ensure the most highly-qualified instructional staff are serving our students and to allow staff time to close out each quarter. 
• Recognition of key community cultural observances or religious holidays. 
• A start date that allows for almost two full weeks of instruction before the Labor Day holiday. (School divisions that start before Labor Day are required to take both the Friday and Monday of the Labor Day holiday weekend as student holidays.)
• A two-week winter break.
• A spring break that is aligned with surrounding counties and school divisions, as many FCPS employees live outside of Fairfax County.

The creation of the school year calendar was guided by a framework that clearly outlines criteria FCPS must consider when developing a calendar. Factors include federal, state, and Virginia Department of Education guidance; the superintendent’s priorities as well as the School Board’s; student and staff absentee data; and surrounding jurisdictions’ calendars.

In addition to the School Board’s calendar vote, the Board approved an amendment directing the superintendent to develop a draft calendar policy for the Board’s consideration prior to any future calendar discussion. The policy will include but is not limited to, factors that are considered, how they will be determined, and how they will be prioritized.

Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.

National School Counseling Week

Also at the February 9 regular meeting, the Board recognized National School Counseling Week, February 6-10, 2023. FCPS employs close to 700 school counseling professionals, including school counselors, directors of student services, and college and career specialists.

National Career and Technical Education Month Recognition

At last Thursday’s regular meeting the School Board recognized National Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate the achievements of such programs nationwide. FCPS has a vast selection of programs that exemplify career and technical education and prepare students for a wide range of careers, requiring varied levels of education, including a high school diploma, a postsecondary certificate, and two- and four-year college degrees.

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget 

Employee compensation is the most significant part of the annual FCPS budget – it’s the investment in our people that allows our students to achieve success! The Board’s public Work Session on January 24 focused on the proposed investments in the developing Fiscal Year 2024 budget that the Board is working on through the spring.

Staff’s presentation shares a lot of valuable information about how FCPS seeks to recruit and retain our staff – from teachers and instructional aides, to operational staff who drive buses, serve food, maintain our buildings, provide business services – and more.

The January 24 work session recording is on the YouTube Tube channel.

Information and all budget documents are on this FCPS website.

The School Board will vote to adopt an “advertised” budget on February 23. This is the budget that is considered by the Fairfax Board of Supervisors, who control the total revenue available for all county services, including FCPS. The process continues with an ultimate adoption of the approved budget by the School Board on May 25. This budget then goes into effect on July 1, 2023, for the year ahead.

Strategic Plan Goals 1 through 4 reports for SY 2021-22/FY22

The School Board approved the Goals 1 through 4 Strategic Plan reports for SY 2021-22/FY 22 at the January 26 regular meeting.

Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.

Superintendent Board Briefings

Second Quarter Trust Policy Report

The Superintendent Second Quarter Trusty Policy Report update to the School Board may be viewed in the February 10, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.

Second Quarter Ombuds and Travel Reports

The following Superintendent update to the School Board may be viewed in the February 6, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.

• Second Quarter Ombuds Report
• Second Quarter Travel Report 

FCPS News

Strategic Planning Community Forum for the Springfield District - Join Us! 

Please join Superintendent Reid and me for an upcoming community forum to discuss the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity for families, students, staff, and community members to review student achievement, access, and perception data and identify strengths and challenges.

In small groups, participants will use research-based strategies as a framework to transform their observations into recommended goals for the strategic plan. The data from the Community Forums will be synthesized and shared with the Core Planning Team to incorporate into the final strategic plan goals.

When: Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: West Springfield High School cafeteria (blue). 

Registration: Google Form.

Child care will be provided at this event. When you register, please indicate if any accommodations or language interpretation services are needed. 

If you can’t join me on the 15th, please view the schedule of Community Forums, including several virtual options, and register for one that is most convenient for you.

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?

It's not necessary to do anything in advance. We want you to bring your thoughts and experiences to the discussion.

If you'd like to review in advance, the data reports that will be shared at the Community Forums are available on the Strategic Planning website.

Student Focus Groups

FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan Focus Group. This focus group will provide an opportunity to share feedback with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. There will be two virtual focus groups for secondary students in March:

• March 16: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID so caregivers can be contacted to secure consent to participate. If you have any questions about the student focus groups, please contact strategicplan@fcps.edu. 

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!

Read more about FCPS’ new Strategic Plan development, register to attend a Strategic Plan Community Forum, and share your thoughts.

Academic Matters

Equitable Access to Literacy

During the January 26 School Board regular meeting, Superintendent Reid unveiled our Equitable Access to Literacy Plan (EAL), which outlines the school division’s ongoing work to align literacy practices with science-based reading research. In 2021, the Board committed FCPS to this approach.

Data presented by FCPS and literacy experts show the urgent need for a new approach to literacy education. This conclusive research provides us with a foundational understanding of how students learn to read, what sequential skills are involved, and what professional learning is necessary to ensure access to evidence-based literacy instruction in each classroom. A strong foundation of these skills will ensure high levels of reading and writing across a variety of genres and a variety of disciplines. The ability to read and write is a fundamental contributor to understanding our world, creating empathy within and among communities, and engaging fully as a global citizen. 

Watch the presentation.

School-Based Mental Health Services Grant

During the February 9 School Board regular meeting, Superintendent Reid spoke about the U.S. Department of Education five-year grant awarded to FCPS. The first year of a five-year grant for $13.5 million, supports the  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 needs. 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.

Watch the presentation.

Equity, Excellence, and Opportunity

At Fairfax County Public Schools, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for each and every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined.

Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.

Job Opportunity - Clerk to the School Board

The Fairfax County School Board is looking for a highly qualified candidate to serve as Clerk to the School Board. Please view the job posting and share it with others who may be interested.

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. Find out how to become a teacher.

Targeted and High Impact In-Person Tutoring

FCPS' Department of School Improvement and Support (DSIS) is working with principals across the region to best identify where there is the most need for in-person tutoring to benefit students. The district is recruiting qualified tutors who will be matched to schools based on need.

Are You Interested in Tutoring?

FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide academic support in-person to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible, and the number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as the needs presented throughout FCPS. Apply now! Contact tutor@fcps.edu for more information. 

Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours.

Tutor.com Is Still Available and Free for All FCPS Students

Online tutoring through Tutor.com is available to all FCPS students as a resource for support and enrichment. As of January 2023, approximately 8,000 students have participated in approximately 34,000 tutoring sessions. Tutor.com remains available to all FCPS students at no cost. Find out more about Tutor.com.

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 have 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.

Elementary Magnet Schools Information Nights

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Parents/caregivers interested in sending their students to an elementary magnet school program are encouraged to attend school-based information nights on Monday, February 13, at Hunters Woods Elementary School; Wednesday, February 15, at Bailey’s Primary School; and Thursday, February 16, at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School. Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.

FCPS will be accepting applications for its elementary magnet school programs from Wednesday, March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Get more information about parent information nights and the magnet school lottery, or on the schools, their programs, and locations.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2, requires Virginia Public Schools to provide, on an annual basis, parent educational information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades five through twelve. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022),

“Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.”

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022), In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The NEDA helpline has experienced a 107% increase in contacts since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NEDA Screening Tool, appropriate for ages 13 and up, can help determine if it’s time to seek professional help. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, surpassed only by opioid use disorder.

Consider these statistics from the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

• 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner.
• 81% of 10-year-old children are afraid of being fat.
• 46% of 9-11 year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets.
• 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives.
• In a college campus survey, 91% of the women admitted to controlling their weight through dieting.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Monday, February 27 - Sunday, March 5, 2023. This year celebrates Strength Through Experience and Knowledge by recognizing that It’s Time for Change. Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collective effort of individuals from every walk of life: those with lived experience, family members and friends; students, educators, and coaches; professionals, health care providers, and organizations committed to raising awareness of eating disorders.

Fairfax Academy Dance Presents True Reflections, a Benefit Concert supporting the National Eating Disorder Association

Join Fairfax Academy for True Reflections, a benefit supporting the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. in the Fairfax High School auditorium. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. Donations are encouraged.

Find more information and how to donate. 

Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity

Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from families, employees, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives. 

Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.

Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites

FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.  

The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available in English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.

Historical Marker Update

In 2022, area students submitted historical marker proposals to highlight the contributions of Black Americans in our communities. Six markers were chosen to be installed over the next year, and a committee is currently working on refining the language for the markers. 

The six markers to be installed will recognize

• Louise Archer, an educator, who supported numerous students over her time.
• Lillian Blackwell, who sued successfully to ban segregation of public accommodations.
• Annie Harper, who challenged the constitutionality of Virginia’s poll tax.
• Gunnell’s Chapel, which was built on land donated by once-enslaved Robert Gunnell. The chapel was also used as a schoolhouse.
• Colin Powell, a long-time county resident, four-star General, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, founder of the organization America’s Promise, and the first African American Secretary of State. There is an elementary school named after him in Centreville.
• The West Springfield 16, who were enslaved persons who labored and lived where West Springfield High School is located today.

The historical marker project was a joint effort between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County History Commission, and Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.

Academy Open House Videos

In case you missed some of the FCPS High School Academy open houses, see the videos below. Learn more about high school academies and specialized programs and view the remaining open house dates.

West Potomac Academy

Chantilly Academy

Marshall Academy

Falls Church Academy

Edison Academy

Fairfax Academy

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 30, 2023? 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. Determine your local school. Here is the registration information for Kindergarten or any new students. Many schools have scheduled their Kindergarten Orientations for the next several weeks.

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. 

Speed Camera Pilot Program Update

On December 6, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to launch a pilot program that will have ten speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) installed throughout the county. These cameras were launched on February 10 in school and construction zones. Thanks to our county partners for helping to improve the safety of our students and staff.

Studies show that speed camera enforcement is effective in improving safety by reducing speeding, accidents, and injuries. Read more about the school zone speed camera pilot program.

Five things to know about the pilot program.

1. Studies indicate that speed camera enforcement reduces traffic-related injuries and accidents and ultimately saves lives.
2. Speed cameras will help protect pedestrians, especially in congested and vulnerable locations.
3. The pilot program has one overarching goal: to improve the safety of roads for all residents.
4. For the first 30 days, motorists will receive a warning if the speed camera captures them speeding.
5. There are no points or insurance impacts resulting from a citation. An escalating fine structure, starting at 10 mph over the limit, maxes out at $100.

Speed Camera Locations 

• Irving Middle School: Old Keene Mill Road near the school
• Key Middle School: Franconia Road near the school
• London Towne Elementary School: Stone Road near the school
• South County Middle School: Silverbrook Road near the school
• West Springfield High School: Rolling Road near the school

An additional school zone speed camera near Oakton High School (Blake Lane near Sutton Road) and a work zone speed camera at Route 28 (near Old Mill Road) are forthcoming.

View the 2023 FCPS Graduation Schedule

The Class of 2023 graduation schedule has been finalized! See graduation dates, time, and locations by school.

Here are the graduation dates for students who reside in the Springfield District.

Office of Auditor General Engagement and Office Updates

Current Engagement Updates

The January 18 Audit Committee meeting was canceled. The Office of Auditor General (OAG) plans to present the following agenda items at the February Audit Committee meeting:

• Audit Recommendation Follow-Up as of October 31, 2022
• FY 2023 Business Process Audits (BPA) Summary and BPA reports for Mantua Elementary, Whitman Middle, Jackson Middle and the Office of Facilities and Transportation Services.
• Fiscal Year (FY) 23 Succession Planning and Leadership Development Audit

In addition to the ongoing FY23 Continuous Monitoring, the FY23 IT Cybersecurity Audit is currently in process. 

OAG FY22 Annual Report

The OAG FY22 Annual Report was presented in the January 10 School Board Work Session. The annual report is an initiative started in FY19 to raise awareness of OAG’s mission and accomplishments, highlight our internal audit, and summarize our results. 

Introduction to School Audits

Fairfax County School Board is responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, by visitation or other means, and for ensuring efficient operations (Code of Virginia 22.1-79). To aid the School Board in fulfilling its responsibilities, the School Board has formed an Audit Committee and has established the Office of Auditor General (OAG), whose reporting responsibility is to the Audit Committee. OAG is authorized to examine all operations of the school division and have access to all personnel and records.

School Audit Processes

There are three types of audits that are conducted in relation to the schools. Those audits are

1. Continuous Monitoring
2. Business Process Audits
3. Local School Activity Fund (LSAF) Audit

These audits are completed based on OAG’s approved fiscal year’s audit plan.

1. Continuous Monitoring

The objectives of Continuous Monitoring are:

• Assessing compliance with applicable regulations and policies
• Determining if internal controls are adequate and functioning as intended, and 
• Determining if transactions are reasonable and do not appear to be fraudulent

Schools are tested on a quarterly basis.  At the beginning of the fiscal year, all schools are randomly chosen and divided into quarters to be tested. All transactions for the chosen schools are put into one bucket, and from the available transactions, a random sample is chosen. OAG then reaches out to the schools and requests support to be provided electronically. From the same sample of schools, we randomly select ten schools to visit each quarter. During the school visits, OAG test procurement card and bank account reconciliations and review physical assets that are kept on property (procurement cards, check stock, and safe).

Once testing is completed, schools will receive a memo with the results.  All results related to the non-appropriated funds are reported to the Audit Committee within the Local School Activity Fund Audit report.

2. Business Process Audits (BPA)

The objectives of BPA are similar to Continuous Monitoring. The scope of the audit includes transactions that occurred during the current fiscal year.

These audits are completed on an ad-hoc basis depending on results from Continuous Monitoring testing, change in the staff of the principal and finance technician or administrative assistant position, or as situations are deemed necessary. BPA can occur at any point throughout the school year.

During this audit, OAG will review appropriated and non-appropriated transactions, monthly reconciliations, cash receipts, cash deposits, and physical assets. These visits will last all day.

3. LSAF End-of-Year Audit

The objective of the LSAF audit is to verify that local school funds and year-end cash reporting are not materially misstated.  This audit begins around mid-July and does not require additional work from the finance technician or administrative assistant unless clarification is needed.

Before the end of the school year, OAG sends out an Internal Control Questionnaire and Audit Representation Letter to be completed by the school and returned to OAG.

You can learn more about OAG and school audits in this online training.

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:

(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail)

InternalAudit@fcps.edu  (email is not anonymous)

Educate Fairfax Teacher Grants in Action Centreville High School  At Centreville High School, a grant from Educate Fairfax is helping first-generation college-bound students learn about and explore their options. The College Partnership Program met with students in November to review financial aid availability, and in March, the students will tour three nearby college campuses! Centreville has also identified some Student Ambassadors to work with their peers to discuss, evaluate, and make these important decisions.

Terra Center STEAM Night Students and families were learning together at the Terra Center Elementary School STEAM night in December. There were 36 stations hosted by community members and parents with various STEAM careers and activities represented. Some stations focused on environmental topics, others on robotics or engineering, or 3D printing. Over 100 families participated, and everyone had a wonderful time!

West Springfield High School Uses Teacher Grant to Attend Job Fair Students from West Springfield recently had the opportunity to participate in the Fort Belvoir Growing Your Career Fair, hosted at the National Museum of the Army. Over 20 students and faculty sponsors were enabled to participate in the event through the Educate Fairfax grant awarded to West Springfield's Career and Transition Instructional Services Department.  The event was a networking career and education fair offering transitioning service for military members, military spouses, dependents, and veterans, and giving participants the opportunity to connect with career enhancement programs, certification programs, employer-sponsored internships, fellowships, and degree programs. Students were exposed to available apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring, potentially resulting in walking out of the fair with a job or internship role for next summer in their anticipated future career field!   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.

Student Opportunities

Application for the 2023 Student Representative to the School Board

Each year FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information on this role, see FCPS Policy 1802.  The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) student delegates will vote to elect the representative to the School Board.

Eligibility

• Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11.

• Be a resident of Fairfax County or Fairfax City and a student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

• Students do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) to apply.

Application Information and Deadlines

To be considered for the Election, students are required to provide: 

• A written component; due March 17, 2023.

• A thirty-second candidate statement via Flip video; due March 31, 2023. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on March 20, 2023.

• Both application components are required to be considered for the Election.

Find more information and apply.

Fairfax County Public Health Youth Ambassador Program

NPR recently profiled the Fairfax County Health Department's "Public Health Youth Ambassador Program" which brings African, African American, and Hispanic high school students into the healthcare field through an extensive introductory program. Read the article.

Learn more about the program.

U.S. Department of Education Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking student performing artists (such as bands/marching bands, choirs, color guards, dancers, drumlines, poets/spoken word artists, soloists, theatrical performers) currently enrolled in institutions of elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, diversity, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events, as well as awards and recognition ceremonies, and professional development trainings that support the Department’s programs, priorities, and initiatives and social media campaigns. No formal training or experience is necessary.

For additional information including Frequently Asked Questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance visit their website.

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.

One Day Dance Camp  

The South County High School Dance Team invites all K-6 children to attend a dance camp on February 20th, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Campers will enjoy learning basic dance techniques, pizza lunch, a movie break with a snack, and a commemorative t-shirt! Dancers will show off what they learned with a Parent/Guardian showcase at the end of the camp. 

Register for the Dance Camp. 

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kristin at kmmcintire@fcps.edu.

World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest

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, 2023.

Doodle for Google

"Do you like drawing or doodling? Would you like your drawing to be on the Google homepage and to receive a $30,000 college scholarship?  This year's Doodle for Google theme is 'I am grateful for...'  Use your imagination to create a Google Doodle based on what you are grateful for. 

Submit your doodle by March 7, 2023, at doodles.google.com.

National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest

The National Wildlife Federation’s National Wildlife Photo Contest is accepting entries through March 26, 2023. Students between the ages of 13-17 may enter the Young Habitat Photographers category.

Learn more about NWF’s National Wildlife Photo Contest and how to get a fee waiver.

Girls Who Code Artificial Intelligence Challenge

 Girls Who Code is challenging our students and community to create a project that explores how AI may be used for good. You may record a song about algorithmic bias, animate a short on automation, or code a game. The sky's the limit! Learn more about eligibility and how to enter.

Submit your project to HQ by March 28, 2023. 

Summer Opportunities

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs

During the free Girls Who Code 2-week Summer Immersion Programs for current 9th-11th graders, you’ll join live virtual classrooms where you’ll learn the fundamentals of game design, user experience, the iterative design process, and more. You can even apply for tech access and grants of up to $300 for financial support!

In our 6-week Self-Paced Program for current 9th-12th graders, you’ll learn to code through independent study and real-world projects. By the end of the program, you’ll earn beginner-level certificates of completion in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript for web development or intermediate-level certificates of completion in Python for Cyber Security or Data Science.

Apply now before the early application priority consideration deadline of February 15, 2023.

Summer 2023 Self-Directed Economics/Personal Finance

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance requires students to complete work without direct teacher support.

Students will

• Access content for this course through FCPS Schoology.
• Read through 14 modules, complete 140 exit tickets, 14 module tests, and a final exam.

This course does not meet face-to-face. Students may only take this course as "Pass/Fail".

Eligibility

Current FCPS Students (Grades 9-12*)

*Only, current FCPS 12th graders are eligible if they are graduating in August of 2023. Current FCPS students who will be in grade 9 in 2023-24 are eligible but must discuss the course with their school counselor and parent/guardian before registering.

Dates

Monday, June 5 - Friday, June 28, 2023

Registration

Tuesday, January 3 - Friday, May 19, 2023

Tuition

• Full: $100
• Reduced Lunch: $50
• Free Lunch: $10

Register online.

Career and Technical Education Summer Academy

FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps are now open for registration. Visit the websites below for more information on schedules and fees. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. 

Career and Technical Education

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 to register. 

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 webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

Institute for the Arts (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 webpage to register. 

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 webpage to register. 

Northern Virginia Community College Summer STEM Camps and Paid Internships

Led by Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) teachers and college students enrolled in STEM programs, Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) STEM Camp program introduces STEM to thousands of grade-school students.

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. NOVA’s STEM camp tracks include coding, robotics, cybersecurity, fabrication, rocketry, and more.

Camps run from June through August throughout the summer.

More information about the STEM camps and paid internships may be found on the NOVA Summer Programs webpage.

Get a Summer Job that Makes a Difference with Rec-PAC

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is looking for dedicated individuals who enjoy working with kids to “lead the PAC” this summer! Rec-PAC is a six-week structured recreational program for elementary school children, which operates during the Fairfax County Public Schools summer break. Come make a difference and have fun while doing it! 

FCPA is looking to hire Rec-PAC camp counselors, camp directors, and area supervisors. Full position descriptions, lists of job duties, and qualifications can be found on the Rec-PAC Program jobs webpage. Pay is competitive for both inexperienced and experienced staff.

• Camp Counselors: $16 to $19 per hour, depending on experience, education, and certifications
• Camp Directors: $19 to $22.25 per hour, depending on experience, education, and certifications
• Area Supervisors: Starting at $20 per hour, depending on experience, education, and certifications

Applications are currently being accepted at the Rec-PAC Program jobs webpage.

Additionally, interested applicants may begin to register for a virtual interview session held via Zoom. Sessions are scheduled for March 8 and April 5, 2023.  

Job seekers attending a virtual interview session will have an opportunity to hear from Rec-PAC staff about what working for Rec-PAC entails and to ask questions. Pre Registration is required using the links below, and applicants are encouraged to sign up in advance. All interviewees must be present at the meeting beginning at 5 p.m.

• Register for the Zoom session on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 
• Register for the Zoom session on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 

FCPA will also host several in-person open hire sessions in May and June. Information on these interview options will be available at the Rec-PAC Program jobs webpage as details are finalized. 

For information, contact the Park Authority at FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-5933.

2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools, Supervisor Pat Herrity, Connection Newspapers, and local chambers and organizations are hosting three Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs and Career Building Workshops in March. The fairs are open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment, volunteer opportunities or resume-building tips.

Free table space will be provided for registered businesses and organizations to advertise their available positions.

The fairs will take place as follows.

• Saturday, March 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., West Springfield High School

• Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., South County High School

• Saturday, March 25, 2023, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Chantilly High School

Students, please register in advance.

If you are a business or organization, please register to attend.

Community News

Presidents Day As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

Public Schools Week Public Schools Week, February 27-March 3, is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.

National Women's History Month Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions to American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.   Equity in Education Month Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)—in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association—observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.

Celebrating Arts in Our Schools The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including Problem solving Creativity Observation Communication Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K – 12. For more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.   National Nutrition Month National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Read Across America Day Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. This year Read Across America Day is March 2nd.     National School Social Work Week March 5-10 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.   National School Breakfast Week National School Breakfast Week (NSBW), March 6-10, celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success.

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward) Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run or dart into the street or cross between parked cars.

Springfield District Scene

Chantilly High School Shout to Chantilly High School Gymnastics Team Coaches, Samantha Javanbakht and Kayla Wardell, who were recently featured in a Fairfax Times article!

New Chantilly High School Principal The Region 5 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Amy Goodloe has been named the new principal of Chantilly High School!  Dr. Goodloe holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in Special Education and Social Foundations of Education, a Master of Teaching: Special and Elementary Education-Dual Endorsement, and a Bachelor of Arts (with distinction) in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Goodloe has 16 years of experience serving as the principal of Oak Hill Elementary School and Rocky Run Middle School (both of which serve as feeders into Chantilly HS). Dr. Goodloe has 21 years of school administration experience having served as an assistant principal at Sangster Elementary School and Oak Hill Elementary School prior to becoming a principal.  She started her career with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) as a teacher at Lees Corner ES in 1996.  Dr. Goodloe is currently serving as the principal of Rocky Run Middle School, which is a diverse school with a large Advanced Academics Center, Enhanced Autism Program, and English Language Programs. During her nearly 8 years at Rocky Run, she has demonstrated her ability to connect with her school community, engage with all families, innovate, and effectively implement practices to impact student achievement. Dr. Goodloe collaborated with the administrative team, staff, community stakeholders, and students to implement the Rocky Run Middle School Vision which created opportunities for personal growth based on a culture of equity, collective efficacy, and collaboration. She led work to engage families through a variety of community events (coffees, learning walks, town halls, Welcoming Walkthroughs, book clubs, etc.) to ensure students and families felt connected, supported, and informed before, during, and post-pandemic. Dr. Goodloe led the school’s efforts in innovation by piloting FCPSOn, the 1:1 technology pilot for blended learning at the middle school level. This groundbreaking work led to Rocky Run MS serving as a demonstration site for internal and external school observations over multiple years as other schools and systems transitioned to this model. Dr. Goodloe has elevated student voice by creating and providing opportunities for students to engage as peer leaders, provide feedback on student activities, serve as mentors, participate in student focus groups, and by implementing the student-focused program, Sources of Strength. During her time as principal, Dr. Goodloe also oversaw a complicated $50 million complete school renovation project that transformed Rocky Run MS into an energy-efficient, welcoming, accessible, modern learning facility.   Franklin Middle School

Congratulations to Franklin Middle School! They announced a new partnership with the United States Geological Survey. Franklin is the newest location for one of their Precipitation and Meteorological Stations. You and your family can monitor all of the data it collects here. The data will be reporting rainfall volume and rainfall intensity to the website every 15 minutes. Franklin science and math students will be using this data for real-world projects later this year!

Key Center

Playing with Numbers: Therapy Dog Helps Students with Special Needs Learn A furry visitor at Key Center School is helping students with special needs learn math skills in a fun, interactive way. Micah the golden retriever and his trainer, Kris Campesi, help students practice counting, compare numbers, and learn addition through games and activities. The animal-assisted instruction is just one part of their visits. The pair also focuses on relaxing with students, practicing motor skills, and communication.  Many of the students at Key Center in Springfield are non-verbal, use wheelchairs, or have severe intellectual disabilities. The center, which serves students up to age 22, has welcomed therapy dogs for the past 11 years.

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Madison Bell for scoring a perfect 10 at the Patriot District Gymnastics Meet! Read about her big moment in a recent Washington Post article!   Schools Receive FCPS School Communications Awards Fairfax County Public Schools presented five schools, including two Springfield District schools, with awards for outstanding school communications at the School Communicators Conference held on January 27.  The 2022 Award of Communication Excellence celebrates the creation of excellent websites, newsletters, and social media content that informs and engages readers. The winners remind us of the substantial talent that exists among the community of FCPS school communicators. Key Center Key Center created a website page to highlight its fantastic ratings by parents completing the division-wide engagement survey. Features are created to highlight staff members and include home photos, such as one from a staff member in the water with a dolphin she used to train. The social media (Facebook and Twitter) accounts are upbeat and positive, described as "joyful" by some followers.  Lake Braddock Secondary School Lake Braddock uses three social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The school successfully engages audiences. During the winter holiday, an Instagram post asked "How is break going? Tell us what you are up to!" The newsletter offers a table of content for each issue, making it easy to find relevant information. The website has an abundance of announcements, all school events, and lots of feature stories. The academic advising webpage contains all the information parents and students need for course selection. The newsletter has all relevant information as accessible text rather than posting just an inaccessible image that contains the text (such as a flyer).  Read the full list of winners.   Springfield District Students Named Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Program Regional Winners Art Award Winners 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. Congratulations to the following Springfield District students! Centreville High School: Leannah Choi, Meera Jain, Ruby Min, and Esugen Orkhon Chantilly High School: Ashley Chang, Yajaira Lazo, Trinity Lillard, Gaayathri Mathuria, Natalie Nauss, Krystal Padilla, Donovan Poplin, Lauren Radcliffe, and Zara Syeda Fairfax High School: Zeren Dila, Jei Jeong, Justin Kim, Esther Lee, Maya Littman, and Lexie McGhee Lake Braddock Secondary School: Ellis Chang, Stephanie Groves, Catherine Kerns, Trinity-Grace Koo, Alison Little, Jonathan Manzano, Connor McCall, and Jian Su Oakton High School: Emujin Dasher, Maggie Zhang, and Kelly Zou Robinson Secondary School: Celeste Mahoney and Cavin Olech South County High School: Cassidy Ludwig and Alyssa West South County Middle School: Vivian Ngo Thomas Jefferson HSST: Sribhaavya Jilludumudi and Selina Sun West Springfield High School: Joon Lee and Marcus Liriano Writing Award Winners The Washington, DC metro area had 736 Scholastic Writing Awards winners with many Springfield students among them. This year's Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention recipients are invited, along with their guests and teachers, to the 2023 Awards Ceremony for the DC Metro Writing Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards on Sunday, March 5, 2023. See the full list of winners. Congratulations to the following Springfield District students! Chantilly High School: Jason Yoo Fairfax High School: William Choi Lake Braddock Secondary School: Anwesha Chowdhury, Stephanie Groves, and Michelle Wang Rachel Carson Middle School: Christina Park Robinson Secondary School: Sohan Jama South County High School: Aeryn Dahm Thomas Jefferson HSST: Neha Asuri West Springfield High School: Anisha Iqbal

Family and Student Resources

Schools Respond: Teens and Substance Abuse Webinar

Updates From Northern Virginia Schools

The Northern Virginia Family Network, in conjunction with Formed Families Forward, invites families, youth, and community members to hear from school leaders regarding abuse challenges facing students today.

Join them for, Schools Respond: Teens and Substance Abuse - Updates From Northern Virginia Schools, for a virtual panel presenting the latest information about how schools are addressing youth substance abuse. Local school division leaders will share current challenges, how they are addressing them, and how families can get help. 

Panelists include:

• Alexandria City Public Schools
• Arlington Public Schools: Jennifer Sexton, Substance Abuse Counselor
• Fairfax County Public Schools: Stefan Mascoll, Coordinator Student Safety and Wellness Office
• Falls Church Public Schools: Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services
• Loudoun County Public Schools: Blaise Carland, Student Assistant Specialist, 
• Prince William County Schools

The webinar will take place on February 22, 2023, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Register beforehand to receive the webinar link.

My Market Space

Food for Others is now offering the My Market space, a grocery store shopping experience where clients who qualify for a USDA box or have an emergency referral can go for emergency food assistance. Families will also be able to access wrap-around services, such as nutrition education and healthcare advice, at the new space to help them move towards greater food security. Find more information on the Food for Others website.

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 may check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.

Pyramid Drug & Alcohol Presentation for Parents and Guardians

FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions, and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:

• Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids.
• List what you can do as a caregiver.
• How to identify and connect with community resources.

Springfield District parents and guardians may attend the following pyramid events. Adults only, please.

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! 

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.

Free Youth Classes

Local nonprofit Formed Families Forward is excited to offer students and families a resource to address the challenges of poor social skills, impulsive decision-making, and trouble interacting with one another which are prevalent impacts of COVID. 

Formed Families Forward will be offering free classes weekly on Tuesdays, February 14 through March 28 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. for high school students, in person at Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax City. Health Relationships Plus Program, an evidence-based curriculum, focuses on how to recognize and engage in positive peer relationships along with promoting mental wellness. Using a strengths-based frame, participants will build individual resilience and coping skills to enhance interpersonal functioning.  

Students register through Fairfax Parks and Recreation.

These classes are offered with the generous support of Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services Partners in Prevention Fund. 

Dinner is served every session and students who attend regularly earn a gift card. Learn more about the class offering.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Parent Training

Communication: A Foundation for Independence

This workshop is intended for parents of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC), and CAT B secondary classrooms.

Topics covered will include:

• Communication wants and needs
• Using social interactions and environments to facilitate communication
• Breaking down how to teach communication

Date:  February 15, 2023

Choose one virtual session: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. or  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Join the meeting.

All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Parent Training. To register or to request an interpreter, contact Liane Sprunk at (571) 423-4110 or by email at lsprunk@fcps.edu.

Inclement Weather Statement: If FCPS announces a two-hour delay, training will take place as scheduled. If there is an early closing and/or cancellation of afterschool activities the evening session will be canceled. If there is a full-day closing both training sessions will be canceled.

Register for Free Webinars from the Parent Resource Center The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) is offering free parent webinars. They are:   Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education *For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.* Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school! It’s never too early or too late to prepare for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring the postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future. You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, and postsecondary education considerations, and Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success. This event also includes a student/parent panel where members describe their firsthand experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and planning for their child’s future. A questions/answer session will follow. FCPS Educators register in MyPDE to receive 2 recertification points for attending the entire event February 15, 2023, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Snow Date: February 22, 2023) Luther Jackson Middle School Register for Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Supporting Mental Health Through Play Join us for a 2-part interactive session designed for parents, caregivers, and educators to discover how to incorporate more unstructured play & sensory foundational activities to support all young children’s development, including children with special needs and mental health concerns.  Session #1 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. The power of unstructured play in creating opportunities to build executive functioning skills Differences in play experiences over the past 30-40 years Benefits and Ways of incorporating unstructured play into a child’s day Session #2 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Angie Voss’ “power sensations” (movement & touch)  Reflecting on our own temperaments, including sensory preferences, in order to provide a “goodness of fit” for our child or student Creating an environment where all young children can thrive This webinar is presented by Early Childhood Special Education Assistant Director, Amber Gant, with George Mason’s Training and Technical Assistance Center.  Session 1: February 17, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Session 2: February 24, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Register for Supporting Mental Health Through Play. SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Share sibling experiences and receive peer support. Play games and have fun! Friday, March 3, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - noon at Providence Community Center Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs. IEP Updates: A Webinar for Families The Department of Special Services would like to invite families who have children with special needs and are or could receive special education services in Fairfax County Public Schools to participate in a highly informative webinar.  Highlights for the webinar include New communication protocols Strategies for improved family input in the special education process Updated policies and procedures  Overview of the FCPS Special Education Enhancement Plan Resources for Families March 6, 2023, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. March 7, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Register for IEP Updates: A Webinar for Families. Neurodiversity at Middle School How can families partner with schools? Strategies to set your child up for success How to advocate for your child Tools for collaborating with your child's school March 10, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist Register for Neurodiversity at Middle Schools. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain Scientists have long recognized that getting enough sleep during childhood can benefit developing brains. Join us for this series on the importance of sleep and the developing brain. Webinar Highlights: Define sleep and understand the importance of sleep for children’s healthy development Provide an overview of the sleep and wake cycle Identify common sleep concerns and sleep disorders in children and adolescents and how to approach them Illustrate the consequences of insufficient sleep  Recognize some developmental aspects affecting sleep in children and adolescents  Part 1: March 14, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Part 2: March 28, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others. Presented by Dr. Shu Buckley, Director of the Sleep Disorders and Neurodevelopment Consult Service at the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Concepcion Zayas is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Sleep Disorders and Neurodevelopment Consult Service at the National Institute of Mental Health. Register for Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain. Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes Parte #3: Apoyando a sus hijos durante tiempos estresantes Construyendo Resiliencia . Reestructurando nuestro pensamiento . Cómo reparar la relación con nuestros hijos. March 17, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Registro Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes. Vea la página del evento individual si desea compartir este evento con otros. Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs What knowledge and information do you need to engage in meaningful conversations with your children about alcohol and drugs? Webinar Highlights: Understand basic info about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids List what you can do as a caregiver Identify & connect with community resources Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Register for Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs. Suicide Prevention: A School and Family Partnership Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of suicide in youth is the first step in preventing youth suicide. As a caregiver, you can serve as a trusted adult for your child and other young people.  In this session, caregivers will learn about the topic of youth suicide and how to respond to youth who may be demonstrating warning signs of a mental health challenge or who are in crisis.  Highlights of the webinar will include Understanding protective factors and their impact on mental health Warning signs of suicide How to have conversations with your children about youth suicide Building strong school and family partnerships Presented by Bethany Demers, FCPS Mental Wellness Specialist, and Kristen Biernesser, FCPS Counseling Resource Teacher. March 24, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Register for Suicide Prevention: A School and Family Partnership. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.   What’s New on The FCPS Parent Resource Center YouTube Channel

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. Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are all Neurodiverse? All human beings are neurodiverse. There is an infinite variation of thinking and experiencing the world due to our identities, experiences, and brain wiring which is a valuable form of human diversity (Büdy, 2021; Singer, 2019). This webinar, presented by FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist, Kristen Haynor, examines the brilliance and advantages of neurodiversity and the different ways brains may function as it relates to neurodivergence or neurotypicality. Where to Start: Supporting Children When Someone They Love Has Cancer If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, this presentation will provide information and guidance on how to support your children throughout the cancer journey. إﺳﺗراﺗﯾﺟﯾﺎت ووﺳﺎﺋل ﻟدﻋم اﻷﺳرة ﻟﻠﺗﻌﺎﻣل ﻣﻊ اﻟﺿﻐوطﺎت اﻟﻧﻔﺳﯾﺔ اﻟﻌﻮاﻣﻞ اﻟﻨﻔﺴﯿﺔ واﻷﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋﯿﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺆدي اﻟﻰ اﻟﻀﻐﻂ اﻟﻨﻔﺴﻲ. أﺛﺮ اﻟﻀﻐﻂ اﻟﻨﻔﺴﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ طﺮﯾﻘﺔ اﻟﺘﻔﺎﻋﻞ ﺑﯿﻦ أﻓﺮاد اﻟﻌﺎﺋﻠﺔ ﻣﮭﺎرات اﻟﺘﻜﯿّﻒ واﻟﺘﺄﻗﻠﻢ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺴﺎﻋﺪ اﻟﻌﺎﺋﻠﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺘﻌﺎﻣﻞ ﻣﻊ اﻟﻀﻐﻮطﺎت اﻟﻨﻔﺴﯿﺔ اﻟﺠﺰء 2: أﺛﺮ اﻟﻀﻐﻮطﺎت اﻟﻨﻔﺴﯿﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻷطﻔﺎل Meet the Author Series: The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers Socially, mentally, and spiritually, teenagers face a variety of pressures and stressors each day. Despite these pressures, it is still families who can influence teens the most, and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers equips parents to make the most of that opportunity. Join Dr. Chapman as he shares his insights and thoughts about loving our teens. Bullying and Harassment Intervention and Prevention Webinar FCPS is deeply committed to creating a safe and positive school environment where all students can learn. Through school-wide positive behavior approaches and participation in K-12 health and guidance lessons students are taught to behave respectfully and to resolve conflicts in positive ways. Everything you Need to Know about Opioids Join us for this important webinar designed to inform and raise awareness about the dangers of children and adolescents using and overdosing on opioids. Modern Families: Fostering Resilience and Inclusivity while Welcoming and Affirming All Families Highlights from this webinar include identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by modern families raising children and youth, including those with special needs. Additionally, participants will practice effective communication strategies between families and school partners to increase comfort and inclusivity for students and families. Manejar los momentos estresantes de las vida - Parte 1 Manejando el estrés - Parte 2 Si está interesado en aprender sobre el estrés y cómo manejarlo, está invitado a este seminario web gratuito . Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day Paige is a happy kid with a unique fashion sense and creative imagination. Despite being bullied because of the things that make her different, she enjoys using her creativity to entertain her family and friends with stories in which she and her dog, Peppermint, are SuperHeroes who always save the day! Join us as the authors, Nalani Butler and Leila Butler, read Paige Saves the Day and share their experiences with families. Dads: Stop the Power Struggles and Get the Respect You Want As dads, we want to be respected so our kids don't make the same mistakes we made. But how do you discipline and motivate kids who don't respond to consequences? Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin will give dads practical strategies to de-escalate situations and stop common power struggles.

Tips from the Healthy Minds Blog Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account When we put money aside and make deposits into a bank account, we’re saving. This builds up a balance of cash reserves to use during times of withdrawal. Think of your emotions like that bank account. The amount of funds in your emotional bank account reflects the amount of trust that's been built up in a relationship. Emotional Deposits Build Trust and Security Every time we interact positively, treating another person with courtesy, dignity, kindness, compassion, honesty, and integrity, it makes a deposit into their emotional bank account. You build up a balance and they trust you more. You develop a feeling of security with another person by making constant predictable deposits in each other’s emotional bank accounts. If you make mistakes that hurt the other person, like losing your temper, those occasional withdrawals from the account are offset by the positive balance. When the trust level in the account is high, communication is easier and more effective. Your communication may not always be clear, but that person will generally assume you mean well. When a relationship is full of deposits it is easier to do for others or have others do for us. Emotional Withdrawals Break Trust The opposite is true if you have a habit of showing rudeness, disrespect, interrupting, overreacting, ignoring, lying, and threatening. Overwhelmingly displaying these negative behaviors will eventually lead to overdrawing an emotional bank account. The trust level gets very low. You have to be very careful of everything you say. There‘s a lot of tension in the relationship or some might say that you have to walk on eggshells around the other person. When the emotional bank account is in the negative because of spending all the goodwill, it’s harder to care for others or rely on them to do something for us. Just think about how you would feel if your child forgot to take out the trash for the third time in a row. If your trust account is low, then you would likely feel less forgiving of their actions. Experiences Impact Our Relationship Expectations Everyone has things that make them feel positive, safe, close, or connected to another person. If we know a person’s love language we can more effectively make deposits with that person. Also, there are things that annoy us, hurt our feelings, or make us feel distant or disconnected from another person. As a result, we have a different emotional bank account for each significant relationship in our life. Relationship deposits take time and consistency. A strong history of healthy relationships may create hope and trust with our relationships. While a strong history of unhealthy relationships may create distrust and fear with our relationships. We must be committed to caring and showing acts of compassion to create healthy relationships and break cycles of unhealthy ones. Practice Putting These Principles into Action Talk with your child and explain the concept of emotional bank account deposits and withdrawals. Ask your child to share examples of deposits and withdrawals in your relationship. You might be surprised at what matters to your child. Together, you can write down things that each of you do that deposit and withdraw from each other’s relationship emotional bank account. Deposits and withdrawals are different for each person. Having this conversation with your child can be very empowering for them, and lead to more transparency and greater understanding and fulfillment for both of you.   Family Tech Planners Entertainment and tech have the potential to spark meaningful conversations. Tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time. Use the planners from Common Sense Media to inspire conversation about tech use as a family.   College Partnership Program (CPP) Application Season The College Partnership Program (CPP) Application window is now open. Students must apply online. The application deadline is March 10, 2023. Access the Application. Students must log in to their G Suite account to complete the online application. Academic transcripts and letters of recommendation are not required.  Students should fill out the entire application, including essays. Students can make edits until the application closes on March 10. About CPP: The College Partnership Program is designed to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access, opportunity, and attainment; and supports students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses including Students who are the first in the family to attend college in the U.S. Black or African American Hispanic, of one or more race Students with disabilities English language learners Economically disadvantaged students   Spotlight on Drugs: Healthy Relationships With People and Substances Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult but vital for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and well-being. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive. There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse and abuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for. Common values to develop in healthy relationships include  honesty reciprocity effort respect safety & security laughter acceptance healthy boundaries unconditional love friendship non-judgmental As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe. For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270. Resources Healthy Relationships Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships

Scholarship Opportunities

2023 Virginia Department of Education Granville P. Mead Scholarship

The Granville P. Meade Scholarship provides scholarships to students who have achieved academically, but who are financially unable to attend one of Virginia’s public or private colleges, universities, or community colleges. Each scholarship is in the amount of $2,000 per year for four years, provided the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements.

Applications will be completed, submitted, and reviewed via an online application portal that opened on January 30, 2023. All students interested in applying must create an account to access the application, request letters of recommendation, and upload academic records. 

Find more information about the application process and important deadlines. The deadline to apply is March 3, 2023.

Scholarship Guidance

Below you will find a list of scholarship programs from Scholarship Guidance’s weekly scholarship newsletter. These scholarships are awarded during the 2022-2023 school year and all students are eligible.

Scholarship Deadlines between February 28, 2023 - May 31, 2023:

1) Information Security Undergraduate Scholarship - $5,000 – 20 Awards (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree with a focus on cybersecurity or information assurance
• Have a GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31152/information-security-undergraduate-scholarship 

2) Niche College Scholarship - $2,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a senior in high school or a current college student
• Be attending or planning to attend college, university, or professional training school in the fall of 2023

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/37972/niche-2k-no-essay-college-scholarship 

3) DAV Scholarships - $30,000 - 10 Awards (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be 21 or younger and have volunteered for a minimum of 100 hours through DAV or DAV Auxiliary
• Have accumulated the volunteer hours at a VA medical center, and/or the Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP) *Note that hours must be credited to Disabled American Veterans.

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/29648/dav-scholarships 

4) Donald and Barbara Mozley Scholarship - $5,000 - 7 Awards (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be planning to pursue a mechanical engineering degree through a U.S. ABET accredited program
• Be able to detail the importance of their desired major in industry today and the future contributions they hope to make

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/30468/donald-and-barbara-mozley-scholarship 

5) NC Scholarship - $2,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be currently enrolled as a high school senior or enrolled at an accredited college or university located within the United States and carry a GPA of at least 2.5

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36026/nc-scholarship 

6) Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships - $20,000 - 50 Awards (Deadline: March 15, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a U.S.-based high school senior of African descent (African American, African, Ethiopian, etc.)
• Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing)

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/29965/blacks-at-microsoft-scholarships 

7) Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship - $10,200 - 1 Award (Deadline: March 17, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a current high school or college student
• Be fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian, or loved one

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38179/cat-zingano-overcoming-loss-scholarship 

8) Folds of Honor Scholarship - $5,000 – 100 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a family member of US military personnel
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program of study at an accredited college or university, or an accredited technical or trade school program, which results in a certificate or license

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/37379/folds-of-honor-scholarship 

9) Orchard Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM - $2,500 - 3 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a female high school senior of color interested in pursuing a STEM degree in college
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38388/orchard-scholarship-for-women-of-color-in-stem 

10) Overcoming Disability Scholarship - $2,500 - 2 Awards (Deadline: April 13, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be attending an accredited college or university for the fall 2023 semester
• Be at least 17 years of age and have a physical or psychological disability

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38453/overcoming-disability-scholarship 

11) Lift Parts Express Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: April 30, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a current senior in high school and a legal resident of the United States
• Be enrolled or expected to be enrolled by the fall of 2023

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28085/lift-parts-express-scholarship 

12) American Bus Association Foundation Scholarships - $5,000 - 21 Awards (Deadline: April 14, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student in college, university, or professional training school in the fall of the upcoming year and carry a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38538/american-bus-association-foundation-scholarships 

13) Abbott Painters Scholarship Program - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: April 30, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be attending college or university on a full-time or part-time basis no later than September 2023
• Have achieved a GPA of 2.75 or greater during their last academic year

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/37543/abbott-painters-scholarship-program 

14) Review It Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 15, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be attending college or university no later than September of 2023
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater and plan on attending a school in the United States

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31345/review-it-scholarship 

15) Healthy Communities Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 31, 2023)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

• Be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to helping others and be able to describe personal examples of a time you have encouraged sustainable and local health-initiatives in your community
• Be in good academic standing and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Applications may be found by going to:

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/35800/healthy-communities-scholarship

What’s in a Name?

Each month I will feature a different Springfield District school from the What’s in a Name video series. This month let’s learn about the history behind Cardinal Forest Elementary School’s name.

Click above to learn more about the history of Cardinal Forest Elementary School's name.

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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.

© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Laura Jane Cohen  |  Phone: 571-423-1080

Stephanie Sheridan, Executive Admin Assistant,
571-423-1065, srsheridan@fcps.edu