Hello, Springfield District!
Happy March! With news of freezing temperatures on the way this weekend, I wish spring would make up its mind! Even with the crazy weather, this month has presented lots of opportunities to get to be with you and your amazing students. The Knights of Newington Forest and the Scottie Dogs of Bonnie Brae were having so much fun when I got to catch up with them this month. Happy students and tired, but amazing, teachers were laughing and learning. I even got a quick lesson from a super fun student on how to multiply fractions (it’s been a while!).
The LBSS Principal’s Cabinet meeting was terrific, and I had an opportunity to show off our incredible Student Rep, Michele Togbe, to my much-loved Bruins. Though she still kept her SoCo stallion pride on display, even she admitted that LBSS is a pretty great place to be. :)
Several of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit Woodson High School’s International Night thanks to an invitation from the amazingly talented Opal Cohen. We ate our way across the globe and learned so much about our Woodson community. It was an incredible evening!
One of the best parts of this job, by far, is getting to go read with our students. March was Read Across America Month and my colleague, Stella Pekarsky, and I got the chance to go visit Greenbriar East ES to get to read to some super fun classes. While we all agreed that Rick the Rock needed to get out more, we still enjoyed our silly story time together.
Another awesome part of this job is getting to meet with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. This month, my colleague, Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and I had the opportunity to do just that when we met up with the Arrow of Light Cub Scouts of Pack 1683. The den asked us to come to discuss gun violence in our schools and had prepared loads of thoughtful and tough questions for Rachna and me. The students were so reflective and, as always, gave me so much hope and excitement for our next generation.
Recently, the Governor’s decision to single out an Advanced Placement (AP) course - African-American Studies - for review has been in the news. State officials are spending resources reviewing this newly-offered course by the College Board, created by over 300 educators, to determine whether it violates the Governor’s Executive Order 1, to “end the use of inherently divisive concepts…”. This course is slated to be offered in select FCPS schools, including in Springfield District. Several of my colleagues and I have communicated to the Governor and state Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera, via letter that this action coupled with last year’s cancellation of Virginia’s Black History Month Historical Markers contest for students, and the Youngkin administration’s upcoming changes to Virginia’s History and Social Studies Standards of Learning (SOL) establish an alarming pattern of disregard for the academic needs of the Commonwealth's students. We will continue to advocate to support our students’ desire to pursue rigorous curriculum offerings, not deny them these opportunities.
I hope you’ll be able to join me for several upcoming community meetings. Megan McLaughlin and I will be hosting a Joint Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall on Tues, 3/21 at Lake Braddock SS, and Supervisor Herrity and I will be hosting a community conversation on fentanyl on Tues, 3/28, also at Lake Braddock SS (more details on both are included below).
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve this community. It is truly my greatest honor.
Happy Spring-
Laura Jane
Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall
Join Springfield District Representative Laura Jane Cohen, Braddock District Representative Megan McLaughlin, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and Student Representative to the School Board, Michele Togbe for a town hall. All Braddock and Springfield District parents/guardians, staff, and students are welcome. We hope to see you there!
When: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Braddock Secondary School, (Little Theater) 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
Feel free to submit your questions or comments in advance.
SPANISH
Únase a la Representante del Distrito de Springfield Laura Jane Cohen, la Representante del Distrito de Braddock Megan McLaughlin, a la Superintendente de FCPS la Dra. Michelle Reid, y la Representante Estudiantil de la Junta Escolar, Michele Togbe para un ayuntamiento. Todos los padres/tutores, personal, y estudiantes del Distrito de Braddock y Springfield, son bienvenidos. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!
Cuando: Martes, 21 de marzo, 2023 de 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Donde: Escuela Secundaria Lake Braddock, en el “Little Theater” (Teatro Pequeño) 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
No dude en enviar sus preguntas o comentarios por adelantado.
KOREAN
Springfield 교육구 대표 Laura Jane Cohen 교육위원, Braddock 교육구 대표 Megan McLaughlin 교육위원, 교육감 Michelle Reid 박사와 교육위원회의 학생대표 Michele Togbe와 함께 타운홀에 참여하세요. Braddock과 Springfield 학군의 모든 학부모/보호자, 교직원 및 학생을 환영합니다. 여러분을 현장에서 직접 뵙기를 기대합니다!
일정: 2023년 3월 21일 화요일 저녁 7시부터 8시 30분 장소: Lake Braddock Secondary School, (Little Theater) 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
궁금한 점이나 의견 사항이 있으시면 미리 제출해주시기를 바랍니다.
ARABIC
تفضلوا بالإنضمام الى لقاء مفتوح بحضور كل من Laura Jane Cohen، الممثلة عن مقاطعة سبرنغفيلد Springfield))، و Megan McLaughlin، الممثلة عن مقاطعة برادوك Braddock))، والدكتورة Dr. Michelle Reid، المديرة العامة للهيئة التعليمية لمدارس مقاطعة فيرفاكس الحكومية FCPS، وMichele Togbe، ممثل الطلاب في المجلس التعليمي. نرحب بحضور جميع أولياء أمور الطلاب/الأوصياء الشرعيين، والموظفين والطلاب في مقاطعتي Braddock و Springfield. نأمل برؤيتكم هناك!
متى: الثلاثاء الموافق 21 مارس/آذار 2023، من الساعة 7:00-8:30 مساءً.
أين: Lake Braddock Secondary School, (Little Theater) 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
نرجو عدم التردد في تقديم أسئلتكم أو ملاحظاتكم مقدماً.
VIETNAMESE
Sự Kiện của Hội Đồng Giáo Dục Tại Tòa Thị Chính - Ngày 21 Tháng 3
Xin hãy tham gia cùng Laura Jane Cohen, Đại Diện Học Khu Springfield, Megan Mclaughlin, Đại Diện Học Khu Braddock, Tiến Sĩ Michelle Reid, Tổng Giám Đốc Học Vụ FCPS, và Michele Todbe, Đại Diện Học Sinh trong Hội Đồng Giáo Dục. Toàn thể quý phụ huynh/người giám hộ, nhân viên và học sinh của Học Khu Braddock và Springfield đều được chào đón. Chúng tôi trông mong được gặp quý vị vào đêm sự kiện!
When: Thứ Ba, ngày 21 tháng 3, 2023 từ 7:00 đến 8:30 tối.
Where: Tại (Little Theater (Nhà hát nhỏ)) của Trường Trung Học Tổng Hợp Lake Braddock 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
Xin quý vị đừng ngần ngại để gởi các câu hỏi hoặc nhận xét của mình trước.
Springfield District Town Hall - “Fentanyl is in Our Schools and Neighborhoods - What you Need to Know and Do”
Join Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and me for a town hall. Illicit drugs of all kinds are laced with fentanyl. A lethal dose of fentanyl is the size of 2 grains of salt. One pill can kill! Learn how to keep your students safe. Free Naloxone (NARCAN®) training and distribution will be available. All Springfield District residents are welcome. We hope to see you for this very important community event!
When: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Braddock Secondary School, (Little Theater) 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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March 30 at 7:00 p.m. - Fiscal Year 23 Third Quarter Budget Review, Liberty MS Chiller Replacement, Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County Appointment, etc.
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April 11 at 11:00 a.m. - Forum: School Resource Officers and School Food & Nutrition Policy
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April 11 at 12:30 p.m. - Work Session: To be Determined
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April 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: World Languages Basal Resources, Architectural Services, Engineering Services, etc.
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April 27 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Special Education Annual Plan
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 de 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
Policy 5011 - Authority to Contract
At the March 9, 2023, regular meeting the School Board approved Policy 5011 - Authority to Contract.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Policy 5015 - Procurement of Professional and Consultant Services
The School Board approved Policy 5015 - Procurement of Professional and Consultant Services at the March 9, 2023, regular meeting.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Collective Bargaining Resolution
At the March 9, 2023, meeting, I was pleased to join the Board in voting to approve a collective bargaining resolution. Through collective bargaining, an exclusive representative (often called a union or association) will be able to represent a group of employees (a bargaining unit) when negotiating over terms and conditions of employment. FCPS believes that collective bargaining will ensure that staff feel seen, heard, and supported, and position FCPS as an employer of choice.
In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly approved collective bargaining for public sector employees. Following that, the Fairfax County School Board invited all 17 certified employee associations in FCPS to work with leadership toward the development of a Resolution.
The resolution is the first step that describes how the process will be managed and governed. The group worked for more than 18 months to draft the resolution, to which they agreed by consensus and presented the document to the School Board on December 15, 2022.
The resolution outlines the three bargaining units eligible to engage in collective bargaining.
The bargaining units are
- Licensed instructional staff.
- Operational employees.
- Administrators, and supervisors.
With the approval of the resolution, FCPS will move toward the next stage of the process: certification of organizations seeking to become exclusive representatives of the bargaining units. Certified groups who win elections will be able to bargain for wages, benefits, and working conditions with FCPS.
In the next few weeks, FCPS will secure a Labor Relations Administrator (LRA) who will manage the certification and election processes. The LRA is a neutral party retained to ensure fairness and accuracy throughout the different processes.
More information about collective bargaining in FCPS is available online.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Fiscal Year 2024 Advertised Budget
At the February 23 regular meeting, the Fairfax County School Board adopted the FY 2024 Advertised Budget, which prioritizes student achievement and recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
The FY 2024 Advertised Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. To support the investments included in this budget, the superintendent is requesting an additional $159.6 million, or a 7.0% increase, from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nearly 86% of the Advertised Budget is targeted at instruction.
The budget includes innovative investments that aim to close the achievement gap for all students. Read more about those investments.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Fiscal Year 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program Follow-On Motions
The Board approved several Capital Improvement Program follow-on motions at the February 23 meeting directing the Superintendent to
- Develop a plan to update the Ed Specs for renovations and new construction projects to include food preparation facilities that are most capable of delivering fresh and diverse food options.
- Develop an annual School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment Program.
- Bring forth a plan for the creation of a performing arts warehouse to be used to catalog and share sets, props, costumes, and other equipment.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
School Year 2023-24 Calendar Follow-On Motions
At the February 23 meeting the School Board approved two follow-on motions for the school year calendar 2023-24 directing the Superintendent to
- Develop a plan for the promotion of enrichment and/or recreational activities that may be available for students to participate in when schools are closed for professional work days and extended periods of time.
- Work with the Governance Committee on improving the school year calendar development process. Specifically, looking at which factors are considered in the process, how they are prioritized, and the timeline by which this work happens.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Superintendent Board Briefings
Restraint and Seclusion Quarterly Report (Q2: 2022-23 SY)
The Superintendent Second Quarter Restraint and Seclusion Quarterly Report update to the School Board may be viewed in the March 7, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.
The report provides an update on the following for the second quarter of the 2022-23 school year: a) data regarding restraint and seclusion, b) implementation of the Behavior Education Plan, and c) collaboration with consultant Dr. Ross Greene.
Contracts Activity Second Quarter Report (10/1-12/31/22)
The Superintendent Second Quarter Contracts Activity Report update to the School Board may be viewed in the February 22, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.
The School Board report of contract shows activity from October 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, where (a) the total contract value is over $250K; and (b) all sole source contract activity. This report is organized to separate Sole Source contracts and Consultant Service contracts from all other contracts.
FCPS Policy 5011, Authority to Contract, requires that a quarterly report of all contracts to the School Board (a) the total contract value is over $250K; and (b) all sole source contract activity be prepared. The report includes both new contract awards and contract amendments with potential cumulative spending over the length of the contract exceeding $250,000. The columns of the report provide:
- Contract # - Contract number. This number can be used to view the contract register: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cregister/
- Supplier Name – Vendor to which the contract was awarded.
- Contract Title – Descriptive title of goods and services purchased
- Contract Type – method of procurement
- Category – Indicates if the item purchased was goods or services
- Contract Valid From Date – start date
- Contract Valid To Date – expiration date
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Procurement Action Taken
- New Contract – a newly-awarded contract (shaded on the report)
- Amendment – An agreed addition to, deletion from, correction, or modification of an existing contract
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Description of Amendment/Changes – Description of goods and services purchased, or description of amendment/changes
- Contract Target Value – All contracts with projected spending of $250,000 and higher over the length of the contract are included in the report
- Effective Date – Date of contract award or date of contract amendment with the report being sorted by effective date
- FCPS/County Joint Contract - Contract award comprising joint effort between FCPS and County
FCPS News
Judges Needed for Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held March 17-19, is a competition for students attending high schools in Fairfax County. Students may earn honorable entry to the regional competition through a science fair held 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. Ideally, those volunteering to serve as category judges would hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic and/or professional experience in their selected STEM category.
Learn more about the science fair and how to become a judge.
Apply Now! Tutors Needed
FCPS is recruiting qualified tutors to provide in-person academic support 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.
Tutors hired through this program will be strategically placed across the region where there is the most need for in-person tutoring to benefit students.
Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours.
Site-Based Substitutes Needed
FCPS is looking for talented individuals with strong academic backgrounds to become site-based substitutes. These substitutes will work primarily at one specific school and report to that school daily. Starting pay is $24.86, and health insurance benefits are available.
To learn more about the position and which schools have vacancies, visit the Site-Based Substitute webpage.
Improved Access to Language Translation on FCPS Websites
In a continued effort to prioritize access for our diverse communities, FCPS is launching a language translation feature that will be available on every division and school webpage. The feature has been added to the header at the top of the page and will scroll with the user as they navigate the page. Learn more about our new translation feature.
Traducción de Idiomas en los Sitios Web de FCPS
En un esfuerzo continuo para priorizar el acceso a nuestras diversas comunidades, FCPS está lanzando una función de traducción de idiomas que estará disponible en cada página web de división y escuela. La función se ha agregado al encabezado en la parte superior de la página y se desplazará con el usuario a medida que navega por la página. Obtenga más información sobre nuestra nueva función de traducción.
FCPS웹사이트 다국어 번역 지원
다양한 커뮤니티의 편의를 우선시하기 위한 지속적인 노력의 하나로, FCPS는 모든 부서와 학교 웹페이지에서 사용이 가능한 다국어 번역 서비스를 시작합니다. 이 기능은 페이지 상단 머리글에 추가되었으며 사용자가 페이지를 둘러볼 때 함께 이동합니다. 새로운 번역 기능에 대해 자세히 알아보세요.
Virtual Strategic Planning Community Forums Coming Soon
We invite employees, parents/caregivers, students, and community members to join us for a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for Monday, April 10, at noon; Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish); and Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration links will be available soon.
We invite employees, parents/caregivers, students, and community members to join us for a virtual community forum to discuss the first draft of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Forums are scheduled for Monday, April 10, at noon; Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (in Spanish); and Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration links will be available soon.
Strategic Planning Survey Closes March 20
If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to share your perspectives on the current draft of work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.
Parents and caregivers of current FCPS students, please check your email for a message from FCPS dated Tuesday, March 14. For Community members who do not currently have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.
All responses are anonymous. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
Proposed Updates to Student Rights and Responsibilities
The Department of Special Services will be hosting two virtual meetings for the FCPS community regarding proposed updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Regulation. Please join one of the meetings below via Zoom (click the date to register):
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the suggested updates and ask questions via Zoom Chat. Language interpretation will be available in Spanish. A certified deaf interpreter will be available as well.
Beginning Monday, March 20, staff and families will also be able to provide input on proposed updates to the SR&R via an online feedback form. Please stay tuned for details. Visit FCPS’ website for more information.
Dr. Reid's Community Meeting on Dangers of Fentanyl
Monday evening, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis hosted nearly 400 families, staff, and community members for a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives.
The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, with our next community meeting on the critical topic of fentanyl danger and opioid awareness. More information is coming soon. Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for updates as they become available.
Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.
High School Assessment and Grading Survey
Instructional Services is conducting a survey to gather perceptions and preferences around assessments and grading elements. High school students, their families, and high school-based staff will be surveyed. Students and their families will be asked about their current classes and how they feel about assessment, grading, and grading practices and policies.
The survey results will be used along with information from student focus groups, research, best practices, and benchmarking to propose recommendations to the School Board later this spring. Surveys will be sent Monday, March 20, and individuals will have until Friday, March 31, to respond. For more information, contact Michael Gillespie in Instructional Services.
Academic Matters
Work-Based Learning
At the March 9 School Board Meeting, Superintendent Reid shared information on work-based learning experiences for students that help develop career readiness.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and Early Childhood Education
Superintendent Reid shared a video on Early Childhood Education, and STEAM and computer science learning during her Academic Matters segment in last Thursday’s School Board meeting.
Thirty-six Teachers Earn or Renew Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Thirty-six Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers have achieved or renewed certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Eight teachers are newly certified by NBPTS.
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Camelot Elementary School: Rayna Rossini
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Daniels Run Elementary School: Michelle McCarten
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Edison High School: Pam Miles and Corinne Nuttall
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Key Center School: Rebecca Edmondson
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Mount Vernon High School: Lee Haeyoung
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Shrevewood Elementary School: Nadeen Zoorba
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Westfield High School: Gretchen Snyder
Twenty-eight board-certified teachers have renewed their board certification for an additional ten years. Read more about the certification process.
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Annandale High School: Kathleen Mathis
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Bailey’s Elementary School: Catherine Giacomo
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Bailey’s Upper Elementary School: Glorett Durrant
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Bonnie Brae Elementary School: Michele Shirey
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Chantilly High School: Karen Molloy
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Chesterbrook Elementary School: Kathleen Limbaugh
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Columbia Elementary School: Michelle McKenna
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Crestwood Elementary School: Kristen Reynolds-Nittle
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Fairfax High School: Lisa Greeves
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Fairfax Villa Elementary School: Lisa Choi
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Fort Belvoir Elementary School: Jennifer Orr
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Great Falls Elementary School: Melissa Grant
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Halley Elementary School: Eula Delores Davis
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Herndon High School: Nancy Walker
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Hunt Valley Elementary School: Emily Vanderhoff
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Katherine Johnson Middle School: Dayle Ranallo
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Kings Park Elementary School: Jacquie Diggs
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Lake Braddock Secondary School: Richard Hoppock
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Liberty Middle School: Emilia Rastrick
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Marshall High School: Angela Rizzo
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Pine Springs Elementary School: Caren Eclarinal
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Ravensworth Elementary School: Andrea Trumball
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Robinson Secondary School: Bradley Webster
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South Lakes High School: Daniel Noll
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Terra Centre Elementary School: Rosemary Nevin
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Thomas Jefferson HSST: Jennifer Hitchcock
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Virginia Run Elementary School: Debbie Nix
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Westlawn Elementary School: Sydney Riffe
The National Board Certification program in FCPS began over 20 years ago, and more than 500 FCPS teachers have achieved this prestigious certification. FCPS is ranked in the top five for both new National Board certified teachers and current National Board certification candidates in the state of Virginia. FCPS ranks in the top 30 school districts nationwide for the number of National Board-certified teachers, with over 300 active National Board-certified teachers currently supporting students and schools. Seventy-five percent of National Board-certified teachers in FCPS work directly with students while others have moved into leadership roles throughout the division.
Initial certification and renewal of National Board Certification asks teachers to compile and submit a portfolio that documents their high-quality instruction and ability to differentiate, as well as demonstrates how their practices continue to align with the Five Core Propositions of Accomplished Teaching in their certificate area. The Office of Professional Learning and Equity provides free professional development, tuition reimbursement, and individualized support through the Academy Course program to those teachers renewing certification or seeking initial certification.
FCPS Tipline
As part of Fairfax County Public Schools' continuing efforts to maintain safe schools, a confidential and anonymous Tip Line is available to students, parents, staff, and other members of the FCPS community. To learn more about the tipline, click the photo or go to the link below.
Family-Facing Curriculum for Core Content Being Added to Public FCPS Website
On March 9, 2023, the curriculum overviews and unit standards from the planning and pacing guides will be posted on the FCPS public web and shared with the School Board. Over 86 web pages are being developed to reflect the scope and sequence of core content areas across K-12. The goal is to provide families a comprehensive overview of what students are learning and when they are learning it.
An introductory paragraph on each grade level or course page includes the following statements: “The objectives and outcomes for each unit are common across FCPS and based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. The pacing by quarter and by week provides an example of how the curriculum can be organized throughout the year. Teacher teams may adjust the pacing or order of units to best meet the needs of students.”
Information will be updated at the start of each school year to reflect curriculum updates. Grade level and content links to the family-facing pages will be included in the Schoology Curriculum Groups for teacher’s easy access beginning March 9, 2023, through March 17, 2023. To access the grade level and/or course web pages directly, first search for the level within the Academics page, select grade level or content, and click on Year at a Glance.
Lewis High School Hosts National Mental Health Town Hall
John R. Lewis High School leadership and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently for a national town hall on mental health and schools.
“We know learning is going to go better when you’re feeling better mentally,” Dr. Reid said, while welcoming more than 200 Lewis High School students to the forum. “This is the number one topic on the minds of our students, our staff, our community, and our country. It is so important that we talk about mental health, because we can’t work to improve things that we aren’t openly discussing.”
Read more about the town hall.
Kindergarten Registration
 Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our elementary schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events—including orientation—in the spring during March or April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare, and ensure they have the teachers and resources they need on the first day of school.
After determining which school their child will attend, families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. Access registration forms and get support in other languages by visiting the kindergarten registration webpage.
Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space
The FCPS Trust Policy supports a continued commitment to foster a caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families in our schools. The policy ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials.
Additional information is available in multiple languages on our Trust Policy webpage. If you have questions about the policy, please contact FCPS’ Office of Professional Learning and Equity at OPLFE@fcps.edu. Staff, students, and families can report possible Trust Policy violations to Trustviolations@fcps.edu.
FCPS Early Childhood and PreK Programs
 Fairfax County Public Schools offers programs for the youngest learners:
Community liaisons are available to assist families with the registration process and answer questions. For more information, visit the Early Childhood Registration webpage.
Understanding Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) Reports
Grade 3-8 students across Virginia took VGA tests in fall and winter of 2022-23. FCPS mailed score reports to families earlier this month that combine Fall and Winter results. When viewing students’ scores, it is important to keep in mind that there is no “passing” or “failing” for VGA tests and that each vertical scaled score reflects performance on a single day. VGA results should be used alongside other available data for a more complete picture of students’ academic progress. Also keep in mind that the VGA asks questions from the entire curriculum, including some standards that will not be taught until later in the school year.
The FCPS VGA Score Reports webpage now includes a section on Understanding VGA Results, featuring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). This section will continue to be updated throughout the spring to address incoming questions and to reflect additional state guidance as it is released.
Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association Excellence Awards
Nominate champions of inclusion for the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association’s (SEPTA) Annual Awards by Friday, March 17, 2023! You do NOT need to be a SEPTA member to nominate someone or be nominated! Please help us share the love and recognize our students, teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, community members, and more who champion the inclusion of students with disabilities!
Fill out a nomination form online.
For questions, please contact awards@fairfaxcountysepta.org.
Special Education First Class Award Nominations
First-Class Awards are presented each year at the Special Education Conference to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities is seeking nominations for these awards, which recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students in all facets of education.
Please complete this form to nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS. Nominations will close Friday, April 14. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions. Award winners will be recognized virtually at the Special Education Conference on Saturday, April 29.
Safety Around School Buses
Many drivers get confused about when they need to stop and when they may pass a school bus with flashing lights. Drivers must stop when the red lights are flashing on a school bus when there are no raised medians or walls between their travel lanes and the school bus. Police follow school buses and are ready to issue reckless driving tickets. The penalty includes $2,500 in fines and loss of your license for six months and up to 180 days in jail.
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Office of Auditor General Engagement and Office Updates
Current Engagement Updates
- The March Audit Committee public meeting was canceled. OAG is scheduled to present FY23 OAG Inquiry Status, in the April meeting.
- At the February Audit Committee meeting, OAG presented the following agenda items (full agenda and reports can be found on BoardDocs):
- In addition to the ongoing Continuous Monitoring, we are currently conducting the IT Cybersecurity and Employee Evaluation Process audits.
Overcoming Classic Myths About Auditors
In this issue of Knowledge Hive, we present common myths attached to the title, internal auditor. Just the title “auditor” alone can bring negative thoughts like fear and anxiety. The goal of this article is to dispel these myths and give a better understanding of why internal auditors are important for any organization and how their help can bring about positive change.
Auditors are the audit police.
Thinking that an auditor is out to get them and is simply coming to find issues during the audit process is simply untrue. OAG auditors are especially happy to see our schools and departments succeed. When an auditor walks into a school/department, that auditor is giving the school/department the opportunity to meet requirements even if what you are providing them does not meet their needs. Internal auditors must be seen as a great ally in search of the necessary adjustments to process improvements. Change is ever evolving and through recommendations come improvements.
Auditors are accountants.
Usually, after an auditor is asked what their job responsibilities are, it is usually assumed that accounting is one of them. Although an accounting background can be helpful and useful for this career, internal auditors address compliance issues, fraud, and internal controls. An accountant is usually hired for a specific company and enters financial data vs. an auditor is checking the financial data to ensure accuracy. Both positions require knowledge of accounting, but an auditor is an independent body here to review the organization's processes and maximize financial resources.
Internal auditors are the same as external auditors.
While some parts of an internal and external auditor’s day-to-day job are similar, an internal auditor’s services are broader in scope. Usually, both internal and external auditors are looking over bank balances and financial transactions, but their main objectives differ. While an internal auditor evaluates internal controls and ensures compliance with the laws and regulations, an external auditor’s purpose is to determine whether an organization is providing an accurate representation of its financial position. The users of the audit reports differ as well. Management/School Board are given the audit report from an internal audit vs. the members, shareholders and the public at large are given the audit report from the external auditor.
All and all, changing perceptions takes time but hopefully this article brings a better understanding of what to expect from an internal auditor at your organization.
Cybersecurity in K-12 School Districts
Is there a cyber threat to K-12 school districts?
According to Microsoft's Global Threat Activity monitoring, the education sector as a whole is one of the most targeted sectors in the world. K-12, from kindergarten to 12th grade, in particular, is a huge target, and reports by industry experts such as the K-12 Information Security Exchange indicates an alarming steady increase in cybersecurity incidents across US schools.
What are the cyber threats to K-12 school districts?
K-12 school districts are a target because they collect and maintain a range of sensitive information from students, parents, staff, volunteers, etc. In addition, the education sector has not invested in cybersecurity controls or training over the past decade as aggressively as other industries have. Vendors and partners who service the K-12 sector have historically not prioritized cybersecurity. These factors create a perfect storm of sorts that makes K-12 a prime target for attackers. K-12 all across the nation face a range of cybersecurity dangers from various threat actors using various methods. The threat actors may be motivated by the promise of monetary gain, by the desire to steal data, or simply to cause disruption of K-12 classes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have noted that threat actors target K-12 remote education to cause disruptions and steal data. Cyber threat actors include criminal groups, nations, and terrorists. In addition, insiders, including students, staff, and vendors, can threaten K-12 security.
What are the cyberattacks used against K-12 school districts?
The threat actors conduct cyberattacks using various methods, including but not limited to ransomware, video conferencing disruptions, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing.
- Ransomware: A type of malicious software that attempts to block access to a data system and demands a fee to be paid in exchange for restoring access. In some instances, the attacker may gain access to the data, resulting in a data breach. They may also sell access to valuable student data to another malicious actor.
- Video Conferencing Disruptions: Disruptions of teleconferences and online classrooms, often with hate images and threatening language.
- Denial-of-Service Attacks: Prevent or impair the authorized use of networks, systems, or applications by exhausting resources.
- Phishing: An attempt to acquire data or other resources through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a website where the actor pretends to be a reputable person or business. Phishing accounts for 90% of all breaches.
What is the total number of K-12 cybersecurity incidents?
Although the total number of K-12 cybersecurity incidents is unknown, research from federal and private sector sources show that cyber threats are escalating, and becoming more sophisticated, and pervasive. According to data from the MS-ISAC, reported ransomware incidents against K-12 schools increased significantly in August and September 2020. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 57 percent of all ransomware incidents reported to the MS-ISAC involved K-12 school districts, compared to 28 percent of reported ransomware incidents around the end of the 2019-2020 school year (January through July 2020).
Do cyber incidents impact K-12 school districts?
Incidents can significantly impact schools’ ability to continue operations and cause learning and loss due to downtime and the time it takes schools to recover from an incident. Monetary losses could be significant due to technical and legal assistance needed to recover data, restore services, implement corrective controls, and post-breach assistance to impacted parties. In fact, the average cost of data breach in the education sector is almost $4 million.
Does FCPS take cybersecurity seriously?
FCPS established the Office of Cybersecurity in the summer of 2021, and has introduced several cybersecurity controls since that have made the district safer. Examples of controls include Multi-Factor Authentication, revoking administrative rights for laptops, and Domain Name System security. Recent security projects include launching an email security awareness program and an enterprise logging solution.
OAG is currently performing an IT Cybersecurity Audit, with the objectives to:
- Assess the sufficiency in monitoring the security of FCPS’ IT network, both schools and non-school-based environments,
- Evaluate compliance with applicable FCPS policies and regulations, and their reasonableness and applicability in the current IT environment,
- Determine if the Department of Information Technology processes are aligned with leading practices to manage network security to protect the information they hold, and
- Determine opportunities for employee awareness of IT security and evaluate the effectiveness.
OAG expects to complete this audit in about six months, and will then report the results to the Audit Committee.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:
(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail)
InternalAudit@fcps.edu (email is not anonymous)
Student Opportunities
Reminder: 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 remaining fairs will take place as follows.
Students, please register in advance.
Children Science Center Internships
Children’s Science Center Internships close March 31 and include paid Lab and Cyber Internships, as well as summer camp internships that are eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Students and families can reach out to internships@childsci.org for interview tips and resume help.
FCPS Military Night
Fairfax County Public Schools students and families are invited to virtually attend FCPS Military Night on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to learn more about the various military pathways available to high school graduates. All presentations will be virtual. High schools may have additional in-person events throughout the week of March 20 - March 24, 2023.
Explore the FCPS Military Night website to learn more about the event and the various military pathways.
Sorensen Institute High School Leaders Program
The Sorensen Institute High School Leaders Program (HSLP) provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to experience a university environment, engage with peers who have an interest in public service and public policy, and develop leadership skills. Participants connect with peers of different backgrounds and philosophies from around the state. The students also interact with outstanding instructors, curriculum, and Virginia policymakers and stakeholders who visit as guest speakers.
HSLP is a two-week summer program. The 2023 program will be held July 15-29. Admitted students reside in dorms at the University of Virginia.
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.
Online applications for the 2023 HSLP are open now through Monday, March 20, 2023.
Calling all Young Entrepreneurs
Kid Biz Inc. is sponsoring a FREE event for you to showcase your talents. Whether you are an aspiring artist, inventor, entrepreneur or looking to start and grow a business this is the place for you! On May 13, 2023, at Hayfield Secondary School there will be over 100 booths of kids with amazing ideas and businesses. It is free to attend and free to host a booth. Booths are available to any student in grades 1-12! There will be guest judges, networking opportunities, community leaders, and members ready to support these young professionals.
If you are interested in learning more about the event or even hosting a booth - feel free to apply! Booth applications are due by April 14, 2023.
Northern Virginia Community College Virtual Information Sessions for FCPS Families
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will offer FCPS seniors and their families information sessions to learn about the opportunities, degrees, certificate programs, numerous services, and resources designed to connect seniors to NOVA.
Find more information including session dates and registration links.
For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu.
FBI Future Agents in Training - Accepting Applications
The FBI Washington Field Office is accepting applications for its 2023 Future Agents in Training program through Friday, March 31, 2023. The program will welcome high school students between the ages of 16 and 18 years old on July 17-21, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (applicants must be 16 by 7/17/23 to apply)
This program offers students an inside view of the FBI; a chance to meet special agents from SWAT, Evidence Response, and HAZMAT; and tours at Quantico and FBI Headquarters.
View and download 2023 FAIT program application.
Summer Opportunities
Fairfax County Park Authority Spring and Summer Camps
Registration is open for Fairfax County Park Authority spring and summer camps. Camps are designed for children 3-16 and provide opportunities for social, physical, and cognitive growth. Save $8 on summer camps by registering before May 5, 2023.
Don’t forget! Park Authority summer camps offer employment opportunities for teens!
Visit the Park Authority website for more information.
Camp Fairfax Registration Open
Registration is open for Camp Fairfax, a full-day program run by Fairfax County for rising 1st through 7th graders, features exciting opportunities in outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports and recreation, visual arts, science, technology, engineering and math exploration, and much more.
For more information visit the Camp Fairfax webpage.
Summer Jobs at Water Mine Water Park
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole is hiring for a wide range of employment opportunities. There are more than 200 openings from lifeguards, park attendants, and cashiers, to security guards. Pay ranges from $13 to $17 per hour. The FCPA is holding hiring sessions through May 21, 2023. Find more information on the Park Authority website.
Summer Adventure Working at Waterfront Parks
The Fairfax County Park Authority is accepting applications for summer jobs at their four waterfront parks filled with a sense of adventure. The parks include lakes, riverside activities, forests, wildlife, and amusement activities.
Search for jobs and apply on the Nature and History Jobs webpage.
Fort Belvoir Aquatics is Hiring
Fort Belvoir Aquatics is hiring summer lifeguards. Make a difference in our community. If you enjoy swimming and have what it takes to be a lifeguard, apply now. Pay ranges from $18 to $24 per hour.
Find the application and more information.
Youth Conservation Camp Applications due April 28
Applications are now open for Youth Conservation Camp, held July 9-15 on the Virginia Tech campus. The program brings together 70 students for a week of learning about Virginia's natural resources from hands-on experience with conservation professionals and faculty from Virginia Tech. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply and may receive a partial scholarship from NVSWCD. Learn more about Youth Conservation Camp, including how to obtain an application. Contact NVSWCD with questions.
Lake Braddock Secondary School 2023 Bruins Sports Camps
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Athletic Department is holding weekly summer sports camps for students in grades 2-12 from June 20-July 21, 2023. Camps include baseball, boys and girls basketball, field hockey, football, boys lacrosse, soccer, softball, track, and field distance, track and field jumps and sprints, and volleyball.
Find more information on the Bruins Sports Camps 2023 webpage. Registration is open.
Community News
Public Hearing on 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will hold public hearings on the Proposed Revised 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The Standards of Learning identify the essential content, processes, and skills for grade levels and subject courses.
Public comment regarding the proposed revised 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning may be offered through public hearings or public comment on the VDOE website until Tuesday, March 21. Visit the VDOE website for more information.
Changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government passed a law to temporarily increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to support families. Recently, the federal government changed the law. In March, all SNAP benefits returned to normal amounts, without the added supplement.
Here are some Fairfax County resources:
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Spring Break Camps
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is offering several spring break camps, Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, 2023, for students of all ages. The SACC Spring Program will Delve into Dinosaurs! Exploring all things prehistoric. Out-of-School Camps will offer opportunities for fun and creativity to students in grades 1-6. Lastly, Teens in Action, geared toward ages 12-18, will offer engaging, healthy, and affordable programs.
Find more information on the NCS Spring Break Camps webpage.
School Year 2023-34 School Age Child Care Registration
Registration for Fairfax County School Age Child Care (SACC) has begun. Registration will open on a rolling basis in alphabetical order by school. The schedule is as follows:
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Beginning Thursday, March 9: Enrollment for schools beginning with letters A - E (Aldrin – Eagle View)
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Beginning Tuesday, March 14: Enrollment for schools beginning with letters F - I (Fairfax Villa – Island Creek)
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Beginning Thursday, March 16: Enrollment for schools beginning with letters K - N (Keene Mill – North Springfield)
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Beginning Tuesday, March 21: Enrollment for schools beginning with letters O - S (Oak Hill – Sunrise Valley
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Beginning Thursday, March 23: Enrollment for schools beginning with letters T - W (Terra Centre - Woodley Hills)
The SACC School Year Program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Children with special needs are fully included in all SACC centers. In addition, SACC programs at Key and Kilmer centers serve youth, ages 5-21, with multiple types of disabilities.
Find more information about SACC on the Neighborhood and Community Services website.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as "The Night of Power." During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline — of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
This year, Ramadan begins with a half O Day on March 22, followed by an O Day on March 23. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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Springfield District Scene
Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s Matthew Bray for winning the Boys 1 Meter Dive at the VHSL Swim & Dive Championships!
Kudos to Chantilly’s Wrestling Team for their 3rd place finish in the VHSL Wrestling Championships!
Shout out to Chantilly’s Justin Hopler and his teammates for placing 3rd in the First Annual Commonwealth Cyber Cup Capture the Flag competition!
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The Chantilly Academy Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program hosted the Regional Director from the Headquarter Air Force JROTC for the unit evaluation. The results of the evaluation report that our AFJROTC has a four-tier rating system and the highest rating you can receive overall or in any category is Exceeds Standards. Our cadets earned an overall rating of exceeds standards! This award qualifies them for earning the highest honor a Corps of Cadets can receive, a Distinguished Unit with Merit.
For a breakdown of the evaluation, there are seven sections on the checklist; the unit earned exceeds standards in all seven sections! Overall, the cadets earned exceeds standards in 21 different categories!
The major portion of the evaluation is Cadet Operations. This section is the one that validates the program as a cadet-run operation. There are six categories in this section and the cadets earned exceeds standards in all six sections! Congratulations to the instructors and cadets!
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Way to go Fairfax High School High School’s Harry Maltese for placing 3rd in the VHSL Wrestling Championships 215 lb. weight class! |
Congratulations to the Lake Braddock Secondary School Gymnastics Team for winning the VHSL championship two years in a row! Madi Bell was named Virginia’s All-Around Individual Champion and placed 2nd in vault and beam and 3rd in bars! The winning continued with Zoe BroKamp tying for 1st, with a new school record, on the bars! Additionally, Rianna Nagle placed 3rd on the floor! Go Lady Bruins! 👏
At the VHSL Swim & Dive Championships, Lake Braddock’s Josh Howat won the 50 and 100 Yard Free setting a new school, class 6 state, and all-time VA record in the latter! Josh was also part of the champion Boys 200 Yard Free Relay Team and joined Ben Tuininga in the winning 400 Yard Free Relay Team! Additionally, Elisabeth Rockefeller placed 3rd in the VHSL Swim & Dive Championships Girls 1 Meter Dive! Amazing! 😲
Kudos to Lake Braddock’s Trent Pane, for placing 2nd in the VHSL Wrestling Championships 215 lb. weight class!
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Congratulations to Oakton High School’s Boys 4x800 Meter Relay Team for winning the VHSL Indoor Track & Field championships! A shout-out also goes to Iyasu Yemane who placed 2nd in the Boys 1000 Meter Run!
Kudos also go to Oakton’s Varsity Dance Team for placing 7th in the Small Varsity Kick category at the Universal Dance Association High School National Dance Team Championships!
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The Robinson Secondary School Wrestling Team won the VHSL championship! This is the team’s third consecutive win! Caden Smith won the 106 lb weight class, Tristan Corbin won the 138 lb. weight class, and Robert Kucharczk won the 175 lb. weight class! Wow! 😲
Shout out to Robinson’s JT Schmid who won the Boys 200 Yard IM and placed 2nd in the Boys 100 Yard Backstroke at the VHSL Swim & Dive Championships! Additionally, JT joined Jack Fulham for a 2nd place finish in the Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay! Also at the VHSL Championships, Aleena Stukus placed 2nd in the Girls 100 Yard Free and 3rd in the Girls 200 Yard Free while Lilla Wilbur placed 3rd in the Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke! Robinson rounded out the Swim & Dive Championships by placing 2nd in the Boys 50 Yard Free Swim-off! Amazing! 👏
Congrats to Robinson’s Harry Economon for claiming the Boys 500 Meter Dash VHSL Championship title! Additionally, the Girls 4x400 Meter Relay Team placed 3rd! Way to go!
Congratulations also go to Robinson’s Future Business Leaders of America Lifesmarts Team Norway on their state championship win!
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TJ Earns Prestigious Patriotic Employer Award from NOVA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher Barry Potoker has served in the Reserves for the better part of the past three years. During that time TH’s HPE department has mentored a variety of long-term subs and have creatively reorganized classes or taken on additional students to support Barry’s duty.
Col. Richard Erenbaum, Employer Outreach for the NOVA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, recently visited TJ to give the school a Patriotic Employer Award for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
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Dave Arthur, Nick Thompson, Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, Barry Potoker, Col. Richard Erenbaum, Caroline Taylor, and Rodney Boyle with TJ's Patriotic Employer Award.
Our Heroes: A TJHSST Athletic Trainer
Dr. Heather Murphy is referred to by some as an "institution" at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Her colleagues say that TJHSST sports would not be where it is today without her guidance, expertise, and her kind heart as an athletic trainer. Learn more about Heather in this video.
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Shout out to South County High School’s Girls 4x200 Meter Relay Team for winning the VHSL Indoor Track & Field Championships! South County also placed 2nd overall in the Girls Team ranking! Way to go! |
Kudos to West Springfield High School’s Ronald Vernem for placing 2nd in the VHSL Wrestling Championships in the 113 lb. weight class!
A special congratulations goes to West Springfield’s Elaina Primozic for winning the inaugural VHSL Girls Wrestling Championship in her weight class! Wow! Learn more about Elaina’s impressive win on NBC Washington’s website.
West Springfield’s Daunte Lord placed 2nd in the Boys Long Jump VHSL Indoor Track & Field State Championships! Additionally, the Girls 4x800 Meter Relay Team placed 2nd and Chloe Miller placed 3rd in the Girls 1000 Meter Run! The Boys 4x400 Meter Relay Team placed 2nd! Lastly, West Springfield placed 1st in the Boys Team rankings 3rd in the Girls Team rankings! Way to go Spartans!
Congratulations to West Springfield Assistant Principal Shannon Matheny, recipient of a Northern Virginia Leadership Award, for her work to assist students in finding their pathway to success!
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Community Meeting - Willow Springs ES Renovation
Planning and design for the renovation of Willow Springs Elementary School is underway and we would like to hear from you. Join us for a community meeting on Wednesday, March 22 to learn more about the project and design process to date and share your views on the project and design process. Public feedback will be shared with the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, School Board, and FCPS staff on the community’s view of the project and design process to date. Please be aware, at this stage in the design and construction process, no major changes may be made but small adjustments may be considered.
The March 22 community meeting will be in the Willow Springs Elementary cafeteria from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Language interpretation will be provided based on the availability of interpretation staff.
Learn more about the Willow Springs Elementary School renovation project.
Join the Email List.
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Way to go Woodson High School Boys 4x400 Meter Relay Team for winning the VHSL Indoor Track & Field Championships!
Congratulations also go to the Woodson Varsity Dance Team for placing in the top ten in two categories at the National Dance Alliance National Championship for the first time in school history! The team placed 7th in Small Varsity Hip Hop and 8th in Small Varsity Jazz! Great job ladies!
High Schools Recognized for Press Freedom Awards
Chantilly and West Springfield High Schools are among the three FCPS schools and 16 schools nationally that have been selected as 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award winners. The award recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach, and protect the First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions on content.
Fairfax County 2023 Student Peace Awards Winners
Congratulations to Springfield District students Jessica Sim of Lake Braddock Secondary School, Frank Marquez of Quander Road School, John Claude Shaffer of South County High School, Thomas Jefferson HSST’s Social Change Club, and Woodson High School’s UNICEF Club for receiving a Fairfax County 2023 Student Peace Award!
The awards are designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Twenty-seven schools chose a recipient for the 2022-2023 award. See the full list of winners.
Recipients will be honored at a reception on March 19, 2023.
FCPS Students Win Awards at Virginia DECA Conference, Earn a Trip to DECA International Conference
A total of 46 students from 7 Springfield District high schools were recognized as competitive event winners at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference held in Virginia Beach March 3-5. These students earned the right to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 22-25.
DECA is a career and technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, DECA members are enrolled in a marketing education class at their high schools. More information about Virginia DECA is available online.
Congratulations to the following students:
Chantilly High School: Dorothy Philip
Fairfax High School: Kiran Ashok, Victoria Brown, Elle Duangmanee, Lauren Lee, Ronit Manchanda, Riya Menon, Ella Modes, and Samantha Murphy
Lake Braddock Secondary School: Bianca Blancaflor, Melanie Dang, Brooke Duncan, Emma Eismeier, Sophia Feazell, Alicia Rebello, and Annelisa Rebello
Oakton High School: Maya Agarwal, Iman Chaudhry, Ashley Gim, Joanne Jung, Savit Nair, Seongjae Weon, and Amber Zhang
Robinson Secondary School: Shaan Agarwal
South County High School: Kylie Arnott, Rachel Brockway, Avery Clanton, Lillian Gilmore, Grace Lathrop, Tiffany Ling, Annabelle Logan, Carly Schipono, John Claude Shaffer, Caleb Shirey, and Campbell Shouse
West Springfield High School: Eunice Choe, Vishal Green, John Ogden, Olivia Reeves, Rhea Sidhu, Makdalena Solomon, and Edon Zike
See the full list of winners.
“You Are Enough as You Are Right Now,” says Alumna Actor
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As part of Black History Month, FCPS staff recently interviewed two famous alumni. Grace Duah (right), West Springfield High School Class of 2016, is a series regular on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot. Olympic gold medalist and South County High School alumnus Trevor Stewart (left) is a talented track star who wants to help youth. We are thrilled to spotlight these remarkable alumni as they discuss how FCPS has aided in their success.
Family and Student Resources
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for Students
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to begin offering virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Starting Monday, April 10, parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior will be able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist.
Teletherapy services for students are short-term, evidence-based, and culturally-responsive.
Teletherapy is available on any device, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Therapists will be locally-licensed clinicians; 50% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC); and 40% of whom are bilingual. More than 15 languages are available.
Hazel Health’s licensed therapists can help students who are experiencing:
- Mood/behavior changes, lack of motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Bullying, sexual identity challenges, challenging peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.
"The Science of Well-Being for Teens" Free Online Course
Yale University's most popular class is now free for teens. This 6-week course aims to curb this mental health crisis by bringing together the best insights from Dr. Laurie Santos’ popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. In this course, you will explore what the field of psychology teaches us about how to be happier, how to feel less stressed, and how to thrive in high school and beyond. The lessons along with short weekly ‘happiness homework’ assignments will ultimately prepare you to put these scientific findings into practice. The ultimate goal is for you to feel better and build healthier habits. Parents, teachers, and other professionals supporting teenagers may also find the course beneficial.
Find more information on The Science of Well-Being for Teens website.
Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association March General Membership Meeting
Join the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) virtually on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. for their March General Membership Meeting. We will be announcing our slate of officers for the 2023-2024 school year, and having a presentation entitled "Talking to Your Children (of all ages) About Relationships & Sex Ed," presented by the local non-profit EASE. They specialize in online sex ed classes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Register for free.
College Access Fairfax
Paying for College - The Financial Aid Process for Underclassmen
College Access Fairfax is offering two virtual Paying for College - The Financial Aid Process for Underclassmen presentations designed to help current students in grades 9-11 and their families understand the financial aid process.
The presentation will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Join the meeting.
For questions or concerns, please email info@collegeaccessfairfax.org.
SACC Camp Fairfax
Registration is now open for the Camp Fairfax full-day program for rising 1st through 7th graders. Features include exciting opportunities in outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports and recreation, visual arts, science, technology, engineering and math exploration, and much more!
Sites serving children and youth, ages 5 - 21, with multiple disabilities include:
Key Center, 6404 Franconia Road Springfield, VA
Kilmer Center, 8102 Wolftrap Road Vienna, VA
Enrollment
- Families with a SACC account can log in to SACC Registration Online (dynaxys.com) to view current services and request to add or cancel weekly Camp Fairfax sessions.
- Families new to SACC and Camp Fairfax can access SACC Registration Online (dynaxys.com) to create an account and submit a request for services for Camp Fairfax 2023.
- Families will receive an automated response and a SACC registrar will follow up within five business days regarding enrollment and/or waitlist status.
- Families may also call SACC Registration to request services at 703-449-8989, TTY 711 Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except holidays.
Space is limited.
Eligibility
Camp Fairfax is available for rising 1st- through 7th-grade children residing in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.
Program Dates
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Community Centers: Weekly Sessions from Tuesday, June 20 – Friday, August 18, 2023 (Closed Monday, June 19 and Tuesday, July 4)**
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FCPS Sites: Weekly Sessions from Monday, June 26 – Friday, August 4, 2023 (Closed Tuesday, July 4)**
Hours
7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dates and locations subject to change; please contact SACC Registration for the most current information.
Fees
- 2023 Camp Fairfax fees will be available in May following the Board of Supervisors adoption of the County budget.
- A sliding fee scale is available for income-eligible families.
- A discount is applicable for families with two or more children enrolled. The discount for the second child is 10%; the discount for the third child is 20%; and for each additional child, there is a 30% discount.
- Employment is not required for SACC program eligibility.
To determine if your family is eligible for reduced fees, please review the Sliding Fee Application and applicable deductions. If your family may be eligible for reduced fees, please complete and submit the Sliding Fee Application and supporting documentation to SACC Registration. If your family was eligible for reduced fees for the 2022-2023 school year and you have had no changes to income or deductions, you do not need to re-submit financial paperwork for the summer program. Sliding Fee Application: English Spanish The completed Sliding Fee Application may be submitted by
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Email: ncssaccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov
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Fax: 703-653-1304
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Mail: 12011 Government Center Pkwy., Suite 936, Fairfax, VA 22035
- If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact SACC Registration at 703-449-8989, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 pm
Find more information.
Helping Students Learn® is a newsletter published in English and Spanish, September through May, with school success ideas for parents, tailored to the ages of your children! The Daily Planner provides ideas families can use to help students do well in school. Tools for the month of March are now available on the FCPS website.
FCPS Wellness
A Little Self-Care Can Go A Long Way
It’s the middle of the school year and whether you are a student, teacher, administrator or parent, June seems so far away still. The colder weather and shorter days can often lead to the winter blues. Add on the additional stress of school, work, and family obligations, and just getting through the day may seem overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for individuals to put taking care of themselves at the bottom of their priority list, however, self-care may be just what someone needs to kick those winter blues.
Self-care is exactly what it sounds like, “The practice of taking action to preserve one’s own health.” It sounds simple enough, right? The reality is, we often make excuses to avoid the thing our minds and bodies need most. So how do we make self-care a priority? By making it a natural part of our daily routine. Self-care doesn’t mean you need to carve out 30-60 minutes each day. It means deliberately taking care of yourself by incorporating restorative activities into your daily actions. Here are some examples of restorative activities and how to incorporate those into your daily routine.
Choose Healthy Foods
We have to eat anyway, so focus on choosing one or two healthy food options each day. It could be as simple as adding a fruit or vegetable as a snack, increasing your protein intake or trying a new food. No one is saying to give up the french fries, just try to include a few healthy options each day and take notice of how you feel.
Practice Relaxation or Mindfulness
There are many physical and mental health benefits from practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Some of those benefits include reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, improved sleeping patterns, and relieving pain. Mindfulness can be practiced in simple ways that can be incorporated into a daily routine. Common forms of mindfulness include sitting quietly, focusing on breathing, or taking a walk, which are all activities that can be easily done each day for as little as 5-10 minutes.
Build in Exercise
Exercise, for some, may be the deal breaker. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity, but it only takes 10 minutes of exercise to reap the self-care benefits. So go out and take a walk, do some yoga, or just dance in the kitchen. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel when you’re done.
Spend Time with Others
Spending time with people you care about is a great way to recharge and care for yourself. Taking time to connect with friends and family can increase your happiness, so make a phone call or send a text. The time you spend will be beneficial to everyone.
Spend Time in Nature
Finally, spend some time outdoors. Research has shown that when a person spends time in nature, it can improve their mood, reduce stress, and increase cognitive function. Take 5 minutes of your day to enjoy the natural surroundings, such as grass, the sun, or a breeze; even if it's just to walk to the car in the morning. Just a few minutes of being aware of the natural setting can help energize your mind and body.
Resources
Definitions from Oxford Languages
Self Care Activities
Caring for Yourself When You're Depleted
Mindfulness for Your Health
Beat the Winter Blues
Mindfulness Exercises
Benefits of Mindfulness
Self Care Made Simple
Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health
Find more information and subscribe to the FCPS Wellness newsletter on the School Health and Wellness webpage.
Preventing Youth Suicide: Acknowledge, Care, Tell
Middle and high school students in FCPS learn to prevent youth suicide through a program called Signs of Suicide. Through this program, students learn how to identify the signs of depression and suicide in themselve and others and ways to access support. The lesson uses the Acknowledge, Care, Tell (ACT) framework to empower students to support others in seeking help and to seek help themselves. This framework can be used with youth and other people we care about.
Acknowledging the warning signs of suicide is the first step to supporting someone. Some warning signs include: talking or writing about suicide, death, or wanting to die; feelings of hopelessness or feeling trapped; withdrawing from friends and loved ones; engaging in risky or reckless behavior; giving away possessions; experiencing unbearable pain; acting anxious or agitated; and looking for ways to end one’s life.
If these signs are observed in a loved one, show that you Care by talking to the person. Ask how they are, and ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” It can be a difficult question to ask, but studies show that asking someone if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal thoughts. You can also show you care by being there for the person. Listen with empathy and avoid judgment. Stay with the person until you can connect them with help.
Students are taught to Tell a trusted adult when they are worried about themselves or a friend. Caregivers and school staff often serve as trusted adults for youth. Know that if a young person reaches out to you, you can support them by connecting them to a school-based mental health professional or medical professional. If the person is in crisis, these resources are also available. Once the person has accessed help, continue to check in on the person over the days and weeks following your conversation. It is important to remember that help is available.
Please note that these actions (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) can be used with anyone who might be experiencing a mental health crisis. They help us to create a caring and responsive community for all.
You can learn more about preventing youth suicide via this upcoming webinar offered through the Parent Resource Center.
Find more information and subscribe to the FCPS Wellness newsletter on the School Health and Wellness webpage.
New Care To Share Toolkit Helps Address Local Food Insecurity
According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2022 Hunger Report, 41% of Fairfax County households with children experience food insecurity. Across the U.S. in 2019, 10% of households were, at times, unable to acquire adequate food for one or more household members because they had insufficient money and other resources to purchase food.
When one Fairfax County mom learned of this, it bothered her and spurred her into action. Working as a substitute teacher in her child’s school, she noticed the amount of food that was untouched and was thrown away each day. After attending a night meeting at another school, she saw baskets full of milk, bananas, and carrots that had not been consumed that day, and a lightbulb went off: Care to Share was born.
Alisa Brooks, BSN RN, a Public Health Nurse in Maternal Child Health with the Fairfax County Health Department, started as a volunteer with the program, and as the pandemic strains eased a bit, she was asked to step up to lead it.
Brooks was amazed at how many questions she received from interested schools and organizations across the county who wanted to set up similar programs. In answer to this, she approached the Fairfax Food Council and, together, they established a “how-to” guide and posted it on their website for all to view and use.
The Care to Share toolkit provides important information to anyone interested in starting a program at their school. Research, organization, communications, and volunteerism are critical to local Care to Share programs. The toolkit is also a component of the Healthy Eating priority of the Live Healthy Fairfax 2019-2023 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that calls for the development of a protocol for school lunch donations.
Care to Share is currently active in several sites around Fairfax County, including Lake Braddock Secondary School, Kings Park Elementary School, Kings Glen Elementary School, and Cub Run Elementary School. Several other schools are now planning implementation thanks to the collaboration of school and PTA leaders, school nurses and aides, cafeteria staff, students, and parents. By donating unopened, unwanted perishable, as well as non-perishable items, local food banks and food pantries can keep their shelves stocked. Volunteers often include students who are seeking service hours, high school clubs and organizations, along with parents, school personnel, and a site food coordinator.
“The more people who have heard about this program, the more interest seems to be growing," Brooks said. “I hope that this toolkit will provide a roadmap for schools or other organizations to help ensure less food waste and reduce food insecurity here in our county, towns, and cities where we live, learn, work, and play.”
Want to share your experience or have questions? Reach out to the Fairfax Food Council.
Find more information and subscribe to the FCPS Wellness newsletter on the School Health and Wellness webpage.
FCPS Multilingual Family Podcasts
Tutor.com: FCPS Online Tutoring Resource for Students
Joash Chung, manager of Tutor.com is the featured guest. Listen to learn about the features and accessibility of this online tutoring service. Students have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand service at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects. Tutoring is focused instruction provided to students in a one-on-one format (voice and/or text chat). Tutoring services may be accessed before, during or after school hours and/or weekends.
Listen and subscribe:
FCPS Office of Ombuds: A helpful, supportive, and confidential resource
This episode features Dawn Clements, FCPS Ombuds, and Kathy Murphy, Assistant Ombuds for Special Education. Listen to learn why these roles are supportive and important for students, parents, and staff. Contacting the Office of the Ombuds is an easy, confidential resource to resolve concerns and student-related issues. Call 571-423-4014 Email: ombuds@fcps.edu.
Listen and subscribe.
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Register for Free Webinars from the Parent Resource Center
The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) is offering free parent webinars. They are:
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.
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, April 14, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 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!
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options
This event is designed to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school.
W.T. Woodson High School
9525 Main St. Fairfax, VA. 22031
Schedule
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6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Overview Presentation on Postsecondary Options
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7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Options Fair
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Presented by FCPS Career and Transition Services
Register for Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Neurodiversity at High 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
April 28, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist
Register for Neurodiversity at High Schools
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
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Tips from the Healthy Minds Blog
Sleep Matters in Children and Youth
Sleep is a necessary part of life. We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping. Our bodies do a lot of work while we sleep which helps us to refuel and stay healthy and happy. Sleep is also when we consolidate all the information we learned during the day and thus, plays an important part in memory and learning.
The Impact of Not Getting Enough Sleep
We have long known the importance of sleep in helping children and youth perform their best at school. However, research shows that sleep deprivation is widespread leading to serious consequences such as:
- Academic struggles and low grades in school.
- Impaired cognitive functioning and low standardized test scores.
- Emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety.
- Behavior problems and inattention.
- Health problems including weight gain and asthma.
- Greater risk of injuries or automobile accidents.
Did You Know?
- A single night of partial sleep deprivation is enough to impair our immune system and heighten our risk of acquiring a virus or illness.
- The hand-to-eye coordination of being deprived of sleep for 24 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol content of 0.1.
- Sleep deprivation in children has the opposite effect than it has on adults. It tends to cause children to become more active rather than slow down.
- Research suggests that over 70% of teens are not getting enough sleep (at least 8 hours of sleep) during school nights.
- The onset of puberty brings hormonal changes that may make it more difficult for adolescents to fall asleep earlier in the evening.
- Sleeping in during the weekends does not compensate for lack of sleep during the week. It confuses our bodies in making it harder to fall asleep at a routine time each night. Continually relying on daily naps has a similar effect.
How Much Sleep do Children and Youth Need?
Children and youth have significant differences in the number of hours of sleep appropriate for their development. Here are sleep recommendations by age offered by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF):
- Newborns (birth to 3 months) need 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day.
- Infants (4 to 11 months) need 12 to 15 hours of sleep per day.
- Toddlers (1 to 2 years) need 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day.
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years) need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day.
- School-age children (6 to 13 years) need 9 to 11 hours of sleep per day.
- Teenagers (14 to 17 years) need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per day.
- Younger adults (18 to 25 years) need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day.
There is no exact magic number to the amount of sleep one needs as this can vary by individual. The sleep one person needs to be rested and alert can be completely different from the sleep needed for a person of similar age. Thus, it is important to learn about your child’s personal sleep needs.
Is My Child Getting Enough Sleep?
Parents can gauge if their child is getting the proper amount of sleep if one does the following three things on a regular basis:
- Your child falls asleep within 15 to 30 minutes.
- Your child wakes up easily at the time needed to get up without you constantly bugging your child to get up.
- Your child stays awake and alert all day without a daytime nap.
If your child meets these three guidelines, it can be reasonably safe to assume that your child has good sleep habits. However, if you would more likely describe your child as continually feeling tired all the time, having trouble falling to sleep or waking up, spending much less or more time in bed, napping during the day, or cutting down physical activities, then your child probably is not getting enough sleep and needs your support.
Strategies to Improve Your Child's Sleep
- Set an example. Show your child that your own sleep is a priority.
- It is essential that parents monitor and enforce the amount of sleep of their children. Refer to the sleep guidelines by the National Sleep Foundation and ensure that your child falls within the recommended hours. Since children and youth have to get up early for school, bedtimes should be pushed back earlier in the evening.
- Ask your child to try going to bed earlier for just a few days. Hopefully, they notice a positive change in how they feel. Once children and youth experience that their performance improves in all things, from sports to academics, they will likely need less convincing to stick to a reasonable bedtime.
- Keep the same sleep/wake schedule, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. Consistency is key, so make an effort to not let bedtime differ by more than an hour. Children and youth sleeping longer on the weekends is a sign they are sleep deprived. Likewise, high energy levels with less emotional control in children at night may signal sleep deprivation.
- Make sure that your child has daily exercise which tires them by evening.
- Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as taking a bath or reading books that begins about an hour before bedtime. This helps provide the body with a trigger indicating that sleep is coming.
- Caffeinated drinks should be limited during the day, but especially late in the day or evening (3 to 5 hours prior to bedtime). Dinner time should also be kept as constant as possible as late night eating can throw off sleep schedules.
- Ensure that the bedroom is for sleeping, not entertainment. This means shutting off phones, TVs, computers, and video games...consider moving electronics out of the bedroom altogether. Exposure to bright lights at night has been shown to make people more wide awake as it stimulates the brain. Children also need time at night to unwind. Thus, avoid electronics an hour or so prior to bedtime and encourage quiet activities (reading) that lower the level of arousal.
- When possible, children should have their own consistent sleeping space with bed sharing avoided. A dark, quiet space with adequate temperature control is also helpful.
- White noise in the background may be helpful for some children.
- Adults staying up later than children should make an effort to keep down sound and light levels in the house.
- Keep a sleep diary to track quantity and quality of sleep to better understand sleep habits and to measure progress.
- For children suspected of having a serious sleep problem, consider consulting with your school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor. In some cases, seeking out support from a pediatrician or a sleep medicine specialist may be necessary.
Spotlight on Trauma and Coping
There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations.
Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are more important than ever post-COVID. During the height of the pandemic there were heightened feelings of unsafety and struggles with increased time spent in stressful family environments. Earlier ACEs studies highlighted traumatic events in the household as primary factors leading to future substance abuse, misuse, and lack of feeling safe and secure. Current ACEs studies have expanded the categories of traumatic events to include experiences such as exposure to racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. Effective coping skills or a brilliant strategy increases levels of resilience and feelings of wellbeing.
Coping strategies include:
- Developing healthy relationships (internal and external support)
- Teaching self-regulation skills
- Encouragement
- Increasing self-esteem
- Promoting independence and strength
- Modeling healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations
- Early intervention and mental health care
Resources
Why Historical Trauma is Critical to Understanding Black Mental Health
Addressing Childhood Trauma Starts with Family Support
Violence Prevention
ACEs and Minorities
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Natural High
The Problem: Studies have shown that 13 is the average age of first-time drug and alcohol use. 9 out of 10 addictions start in the teen years. 90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 18.
Natural High is “a drug prevention nonprofit that inspires and empowers youth to find their natural high and develop the skills and courage to live life well.” The Natural High campaign highlights helping children and teens find healthy thrilling activities to fulfill the dopamine (feel good) levels in the brain.
Solutions: For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources
Natural High
Fentanyl Is Now The Leading Cause of Death For Young People In the US (Video)
Live Your Life Naturally High
Knowing The Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Use (Video)
Adolescent Substance Use: America’s #1 Public Health Problem
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Benefits for People With Disabilities
People with disabilities may not apply for benefits that are available to them, causing them to miss out on saving money and receiving services. There’s an online tool called BenefitsCheckUp® that can help people with disabilities (and older adults) find the benefit programs they may qualify for. The tool is free to use and is confidential.
BenefitsCheckUp shows you information about benefits programs before you apply and provides contact information for the agency that offers the program. It matches you with benefits that may save you money in three simple steps:
- Enter your zip code to view benefits, choose the categories of interest, and answer some questions.
- Check to see if you qualify and receive a personalized report, or provide further information if required.
- Find out how to apply or view more details about the benefits program on the agency's website.
Find benefits you may qualify for. If you have questions, call the BenefitsCheckUp helpline at 1-800-794-6559.
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Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options
This event is designed to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school.
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6:30 – 7 p.m.: Overview Presentation on Postsecondary Options: Options such as college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment will be shared.
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7 – 8:30 p.m.: Options Fair: Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs will host information tables.
When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Woodson High School (Cafeteria A & B), 9525 Main Street, Fairfax VA 22031
Register online.
Springfield Challenger Baseball for Those With Special Needs
Springfield Challenger Baseball, Little League Baseball for kids, teens, and adults with special needs is looking for new players!
2023 Spring Season
April 2- June 18
Beginning in 1993 with only 9 players, they have grown to become one of the largest Challenger programs in the world, fielding over 150 players annually in three age appropriate divisions.The program is geared to all ages, Little Challengers (ages 4-12), Majors (ages 13-19), and a young adult league.
All games are on Sunday afternoons at West Springfield Little League Byron Avenue fields. Games are non-competitive and adapt to each player’s individual needs.
For more information visit www.springfieldchallenger.org.
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Scholarship Opportunities
Laura Ashley Piper
Any Fairfax County high-school senior may apply if he/she meets the following criteria:
- Is a United States citizen
- Is a graduating senior currently enrolled at a Fairfax County Public Schools high school
- Demonstrates personal integrity, student leadership, and service to school and community
- Demonstrates academic excellence
- Demonstrates athletic merit
Students must ask their school counselor to complete the recommendation form. The counselor will deliver it to the student’s high school College and Career Specialist. The student must ask their school counselor to include with their letter of recommendation, the student’s current unofficial transcript.
Women's Caucus for Art of Greater Washington DC Visual Arts Scholarship
The Women’s Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC (WCADC) offers twelfth-grade students (enrolled in a public or private school in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia for the last 2 years) who plan to attend a two or four-year college or university to study Fine Arts, the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and encourages and recognizes artistic excellence among DC, MD, and VA BIPOC(Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) female-identifying students. The deadline to apply is Saturday, April 1, 2023.
For more information and to apply visit the WCADC scholarship web page.
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a $1,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors or college freshmen pursuing a degree in natural resource conservation or a related field. The deadline to apply is Saturday, April 1, 2023. Learn more and apply for the Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship.
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 March 31, 2023 - May 31, 2023:
1) Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship - $10,000 - 200 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a High School senior with a 2.5 or above GPA
- Be enrolling in one of the following majors: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33470/lockheed-martin-stem-scholarship
2) University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship - $10,000 - 80 Awards (Deadline: Mar. 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a graduating high school senior planning to be a full-time student in one of the following disciplines: Automotive, Heavy Duty, or Collision Repair School
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/32733/university-of-the-aftermarket-foundation-scholarship
3) USPAACC Scholarships - $5,000 – 20 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior of Asian Pacific Island heritage
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a 3.3 GPA or higher
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/27845/uspaacc-scholarships
4) Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program - $5,000 - 14 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be age 23 years or younger and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Be a child/adopted or stepchild of an active duty, retired or veteran member of USAF, ANG or AFRC
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38905/airmen-memorial-foundation-scholarship-program
5) Educational Theatre Association Scholarships - $2,000 - 8 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Be currently participating in Theatre or Film in school or the community
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33872/educational-theatre-association-scholarships
6) HITEC Foundation Scholarship Program - $5,000 - 35 Awards (Deadline: April 14, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be of Hispanic/Latinx heritage (i.e., at least one parent must be of Latinx descent)
- Be a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate or graduate student
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/37463/hitec-foundation-scholarship-program
7) Minority Students x STEM Scholarship - $8,050 - 1 Award (Deadline: April 15, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a first-generation high school senior or undergraduate student
- Be pursuing a two or four-year degree in engineering, computer science, or a similar field
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/39125/minority-students-x-stem-scholarship
8) National Dairy Shrine Scholarships - $3,000 - 42 Awards (Deadline: April 15, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior planning to enter a four-year-college or university with intent to major in Dairy/Animal Science with a Communications emphasis or Agricultural Journalism with a Dairy/Animal Science emphasis.
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/30209/national-dairy-shrine-scholarships
9) Snapology STEM Studies Scholarship - $2,500 - 1 Award (Deadline: April 30, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a female high school senior pursuing a STEM degree in college
- Be a US student planning on attending first year studies in the fall
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/32149/snapology-stem-studies-scholarship
10) Shawn Carter Scholarship - $2,500 – 10 Awards (Deadline: April 30, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year undergraduate program, trade school or vocational school in the fall of 2023
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31314/shawn-carter-scholarship
11) LM Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be currently enrolled or expect to be enrolled in a degree program (2 years of length or greater) by September 2023
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit an answer to the essay question prior to the submission deadline
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28083/lm-scholarship-program
12) PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships - $10,000 – 52 Awards (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in a PHCC-approved plumbing or HVACR apprentice program.
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31741/phcc-educational-foundation-scholarships
13) Got a Spine Scholarship - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 2, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be attending college or university no later than October of 2023
- Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28302/got-a-spine-scholarship
14) Women's Equality Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student
- Be enrolled in a vocational program OR a two-to-five-year post-secondary institution in the fall
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38556/womens-equality-scholarship
15) AISES Chevron Scholarship - $5,000 - 5 Awards (Deadline: May 31, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a full-time high school senior, undergraduate freshman, undergraduate sophomore or undergraduate junior enrolled at an accredited four-year college/university
- Be planning on majoring in Information Technology, Engineering or Earth Science
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38888/aises-chevron-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 Fairfax High School’s name.
Click above to learn more about the history of Fairfax High 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
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