2023 February Newsletter
Dear FCPS Families and Community Members:
As we close out Black History Month, I am grateful for our students, families, staff, and community. This month has allowed us to celebrate American History. Our nation has been blessed by the contributions of many cultures and it is fitting to take time to recognize our collective heritage. I was also pleased to second the resolution honoring the contributions of African Americans. But this month has also raised some issues of concern. In the last few weeks, state educational leaders have suggested that the Advanced Placement African American Studies course will be under review for possible removal from Virginia's curriculum. I believe that we must have access to accurate information regarding our history and we should not single out any particular group for possible removal from that discussion. Education is the bedrock of our community. Our children benefit from diverse offerings and we all learn and grow as we consider how we have each benefited from the labors of those who have traveled before us. Additional information on the State's proposal is found below. Read the School Board's Black History Month Resolution.
This issue includes some highlights of my ongoing work. First, I participated in multiple Strategic Plan Community Forums and committees which allowed me to hear from our community as we discussed priorities for our future focus. I also worked with my colleague Dranesville Representative Elaine Tholen as we spoke with the Kent Gardens Elementary School regarding capacity concerns. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit Herndon High School for a tour and discussions about how to best serve all of our students. Finally, I had the pleasure of attending a Special Olympics Unified Basketball tournament at Annandale High School. It was a joy to see our students work together to have fun, get some exercise and enjoy being together. Thanks to all who allowed me to share so many special moments. Many thanks to those who took the time to participate.
This newsletter also contains an update on efforts to support student success and a summary of the Special Education Enhancement Plan. There is also a section of key information for families that seek ways to support their student’s education. This is particularly important as we have been focused on supporting academic success. Additional updates include legislative updates and tutoring support.
In the month ahead, I look forward to celebrating Women's History Month and participating in a variety of activities in our schools and community during March. Due to staff scheduling conflicts, we must reschedule my Special Education Town Hall, originally scheduled to take place on February 22. Please stay tuned for a new date and time, which I will share with you as soon as it is available.
As always, it is my honor to serve this community. I welcome any and all opportunities to hear from you.
Best regards,
 Inside this Issue:
My Ongoing Work
- Addressing Overcrowding at Kent Gardens Elementary School
- Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee Update
Local Policy and State Legislative Update
- School Board Approves 2023-24 School Year Calendar
- School-Zone Camera Pilot Program Launched
- Proposal to Establish a Uniform System of Discipline for Disruptive Behavior: Understanding House Bill 1461
- State Review of College Board's Advanced Placement African American Studies Course
Supporting Student Success and Academic Excellence
- FCPS Actions to Address Learning Loss
- Special Education Enhancement Plan
- Targeted and High Impact In-Person Tutoring
Supporting Parent and Family Engagement
- Parental Notifications and Policy 3290: Sexually Explicit Content
- Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
- Opioid Awareness for FCPS Families
- Important Changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
Celebrating Excellence and Achievement
- Lewis Coach Named Washington Commanders Coach of the Year
- FCPS High Schools Honored for Press Freedom
- FCPS Students Receive 2023 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
School-Community Partnerships to Support Students and Schools
- Educate Fairfax Update: Teacher Wants to Erase Student Meal Debt
Community Announcements and Activities
- Sorensen Institute's High School Leaders Programs Applications Due: March 20
My Ongoing Work
 Top Photo: Kent Gardens Elementary School in McLean (via Google Maps)
Addressing Overcrowding at Kent Gardens Elementary School
The Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC) is charged to design and recommend a comprehensive planning process, monitor that process, and suggest improvements to the Board. As CPDC Chair, I recently had the opportunity to visit Kent Gardens Elementary School with my colleague Dranesville Representative Elaine Tholen. This visit provided an opportunity to observe and discuss concerns about overcrowding. The School Board heard those issues and concerns raised clearly and multiple times during the Capital Improvement Program Public Hearing in January. I want the community to know that the School Board is not just monitoring this situation, but is actively working with staff to determine what solutions can be applied to address the concerns we’ve heard from the community.
Read this article published by FFX to learn more about crowding concerns at Kent Gardens.
Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee Update
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) is actively working on the 2022-23 School Board charge to make recommendations which will create pathways to close opportunity gaps and eliminate discrimination and harassment of targeted groups. Members of the MSAOC are participating in multiple stakeholder engagement working groups including an Equity Policy focus group, the Special Education Steering Committee, and the Strategic Plan Core, Instructional, and Family teams.
Local Policy and State Legislative Update
School Board Approves 2023-24 School Year Calendar
The Fairfax County School Board approved a calendar for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years at their February 9 meeting. Learn more about the approved calendar.
The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21, and the last day will be Wednesday, June 12.
Developing a school year calendar is a balancing act, involving multiple factors that must be considered. Community input is one of those factors, and we appreciate our community for being involved in the calendar development process.
While it would be impossible to create a calendar that pleases everyone, we believe that our newly approved calendar will provide every student with ample time to access the rigorous instruction and resources they need to succeed. Research that shows regression when kids are not in school in summer. I decided to vote for this option because it provided the greatest number of five-day weeks in the fall to help tackle the effects of the summer slide as soon as possible in the academic year.
School-Zone Camera Pilot Program Launched
Fairfax County has launched a speed camera pilot program targeting several school zones where speeding is common. Speed cameras have been installed in the following locations:
- Chesterbrook Elementary School
- Irving Middle School
- Key Middle School
- London Towne Elementary School
- Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
- South County Middle School
- Terraset Elementary School
- West Springfield High School
An additional school zone speed camera near Oakton High School will be installed. Thank you to Fairfax County for helping to ensure we are all more safe as we travel to and from school!
Proposal to Establish a Uniform System of Discipline for Disruptive Behavior: Understanding House Bill 1461
HB1461 will require the VA Department of Education to establish a uniform system of discipline for “disruptive” behavior. In so doing, it removes local control from district School Boards and puts decision-making in the hands of those who are not familiar with the students, the environment, or other pertinent circumstances. This bill would mandate uniform responses for all students and staff that would not address individual students’ needs or best practice responses. Special Education advocates are concerned the bill could put students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income students at great risk.
State Review of College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies Course
Virginia education officials announced plans to review the College Board’s proposed Advanced Placement African American Studies course to determine whether it violates Executive Order 1. To date, Virginia is one of four states reviewing the curriculum to determine whether to make the course available for students.
It is my understanding that education experts advised the College Board and have a broad and professional perspective on the educational needs of our students. The College Board also has an understanding of the academic competitive environment at our colleges. It is concerning that Virginia students could lose access to classes that are designed to prepare them for college and beyond. Visit College Board to Review the Official AP African American Studies Course Framework
Academic Matters: FCPS Actions to Address Learning Loss
 
The COVID-19 Pandemic had significant impacts on student achievement outcomes around the world. On December 15, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid updated the School Board and the public on how FCPS is using ESSER funding to address pandemic learning loss.
In FCPS, overall student achievement levels declined by 8% points in Reading and 25% points in Math on state standardized assessments as a result of the pandemic. However, in SY21-22, the first full year of in-person instruction following pandemic school closures, FCPS students made significant learning gains.
Reading performance is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels and math performance is rapidly progressing towards baseline levels. Moreover, academic recovery in FCPS is significantly outpacing progress in Virginia as a whole.
Special Education Enhancement Plan
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 sought feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Stakeholders were invited to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives. Thank you to those who provided input. Your voice is essential to this work.
Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.
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.
Supporting Parent and Family Engagement
Parental Notifications and Policy 3290: Sexually Explicit Content
A Virginia law passed in spring 2022 requires schools to create a policy for parental notification of sexually explicit content/materials. In December 2022, the School Board adopted FCPS Policy 3290: Parental Notification Regarding Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content.
FCPS has had policies in place for many years regarding the review of instructional materials, communication with parents, and options for alternative instructional materials.
An expectation of this new policy is the 30-day parental notification requirement of sexually explicit content in instructional materials assigned or selected by teachers. After reviewing the notification letter, parents or caregivers who prefer to choose alternative instructional materials for their child must submit this form to the appropriate teacher within the 30-day notification window. View Policy 3290 for more information.
Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
|
Opioid Awareness for FCPS Families
As Dr. Reid wrote in her Superintendent’s Message on October 6, 2022, Northern Virginia is an amazing place to live and grow. Unfortunately, our community is not immune to an upward trend in fatal opioid overdoses among young adults and school-age children. FCPS wants to support our families by providing information to assist during this crisis and student support. You may find the following information helpful:
- Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain and can include both prescription medications as well as illegal drugs. Tragically, their misuse can lead to devastating outcomes.
- Fentanyl is an especially powerful opioid that is extremely lethal, even in small doses. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl.
- Although substance use has declined among Fairfax County youth over the past several years, fatal opioid overdoses continue to rise. In 2021 there were 111 fatal opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, according to the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- Particularly troubling are the ways that fentanyl is being produced to resemble other prescription opioids like oxycodone, or in the case of rainbow fentanyl, to have a candy-like appearance (both pictured below).
In FCPS, schools foster healthy life choices in our prevention and intervention programs including:
- Substance abuse prevention taught through health education courses in grades K-10
- Substance abuse prevention (education) and intervention (support for students who have had substance use or misuse) conducted through the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists (SAP) Program
- Expanding access to naloxone to designated staff in the unlikely case that someone experiences an overdose on school grounds
Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on our website.
For more information on Fairfax County behavioral health resources and the opioid epidemic in Fairfax, visit the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force. Northern Virginia is a community blessed with strong resources and support for families. If you suspect your child may be using drugs, please reach out to any of these organizations, or your school support team. Together, we can support a safe and healthy future for our children.
Many experts and community advocates assert that mental health services must play a key role in combating the current crisis and rise in teen substance abuse. At the February 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented information on a recent U.S. Department of Education five-year, $13.5 million grant awarded to FCPS to support a School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Services project.
Important Changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP benefits to support families. Recently, the federal government changed the law and the temporary increase to the SNAP benefits will end February 16, 2023. Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement.
- The Virginia Department of Social Services has created a temporary information line. Please call: 1-855-635-4370
- If you need food now, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880
- For more food resources, visit the Human Service Resource Guide online and search “food.”
If you receive SNAP you may also be eligible for Medicaid, TANF, Energy Assistance, Child Care Assistance and more. Apply at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov/access or apply by phone at 1-833-5-CALL-VA (1-833-522-5582).
Celebrating Excellence and Achievement
Lewis Coach Named Washington Commanders Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Coach Larry Choates at Lewis High School who was named by the Washington Commanders as the team’s nominee for the 2022 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. The league-wide award honors high school football coaches who display the integrity, achievement, and leadership qualities exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL History, Don Shula.
Choates has served as Varsity head coach at Lewis for two years and, according to the Commander's press release, "has made an immense impact on his team, school, and community. Choates has an empathetic and education-first mentality ensuring that his players feel supported in the classroom and in their personal lives. His goal is getting his athletes to graduate with honors, continue playing football in college, and leave high school with real world experience that will influence their lives for the better."
Lewis is the smallest high school in the county, and Choates fundraises tirelessly to ensure that his team has proper funding. Since he started, the high school football team has experienced a 100% graduation rate.
“We are so proud of the recognition that the Washington Commanders are extending to our football coach, Larry Choates. Coach Choates works tirelessly to not only coach our student-athletes on the field, but he serves our community by also leading our student-athletes off the field,” said Principal Alfonso G. Smith. “At John R. Lewis High School, we build bridges to connect all of our Lancers to their full potential. Coach Choates’ football program helps to make this happen with a very special group of our students.”
Don Shula Coach of the Year Award winners (one from the AFC & one from the NFC) will be announced by the NFL in the coming days. Congratulations Coach Choates!
Are there FCPS staff heroes at your school working to support students in their interests and academics? Visit this page to let us know.
FCPS High Schools Honored for Press Freedom
Three Fairfax County high schools—Chantilly, McLean, and West Springfield—are among 16 schools nationally that have been selected as 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award winners. West Springfield is among four schools that were first-time award recipients.
The award recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content. Learn more about Student Press Freedom Day. Visit our website to learn more about the awards presented.
FCPS Students Receive 2023 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student writers won 35 Gold Key awards in the 2023 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 213 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students.
Riva Jain, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), was named an American Voices Nominee for her dramatic script, “The Interview,” and Aileen Zhao, a student at McLean High School, was named an American Voices Nominee for her poetry, “Catalog of Ants.”
Winners in the regional competition came from 27 Fairfax County middle and high schools.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio. Visit our website for a complete list of FCPS winners.
School-Community Partnerships to Support Students and Schools
 Photo Credit: The Connection Newspaper, 1/25/2023
Educate Fairfax Update: Teacher Wants to Erase Student Meal Debt
Excerpted Story By Mercia Hobson, The Connection Newspaper, 1/25/2023
Student meal debt is becoming a financial burden for some Fairfax County families who do not qualify for free meals. Just ask Gabe Segal, a Herndon Middle School special education teacher. As the school division approaches the halfway point of the school year, he is collaborating with the nonprofit Educate Fairfax to raise money to pay off the school's ballooning student meal debt.
“I want to pay this big debt off,” said Segal. “I want local community organizations and businesses to help ... get it accomplished by the end of the year. It’s only $7,000,” he said, noting that the total varies. Segal wants to "raise awareness and let people know that there is a problem."
Segal must be experiencing déjà vu. In 2020, when many families lost their jobs at the start of the pandemic, he helped pay off student accounts at his previous school, Sleepy Hollow in Falls Church. Sleepy Hollow, however, was a much smaller school with significantly less debt, $600, according to Segal.
Educate Fairfax's executive director is Elizabeth Murphy. "Murphy works toe-to-toe with Fairfax County Food and Nutrition Services,” Segal said. Educate Fairfax is a non-profit and one of its programs accepts donations to help offset or eliminate student lunch debt in the public school system.
Community Announcements and Activities
Apply for the Sorensen Institute's High School Leaders Program. Applications due: March 20.
Applications for the Sorensen Institute's 2023 High School Leaders Program (HSLP) are due Monday, March 10, 2023, 1159 pm.
The Sorensen Institute HSLP is a two-week summer program hosted July 15-29, 2023, at the University of Virginia. The HSLP provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to experience a university environment, develop leadership skills, and engage with peers of different backgrounds and regions who have an interest in public service and public policy. The students also interact with outstanding instructors, curriculum, and Virginia policymakers and stakeholders who visit as guest speakers. The program is open to current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in or attend high school in Virginia. Upon completion of the program, students will earn 3 graded college credits from UVA.
Applications are due Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:59PM. Supplemental Materials (transcript, resume, and up to 2 recommendation letters) are due via email Friday, March 24 at 11:59PM.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
