April 2023 Newsletter

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Mason District Community,

Welcome to the 4th quarter! The end to the school year is in sight! It has been an exciting year and our students continue to thrive - often defying difficult circumstances. 

Construction preparations are occurring at Justice High School and the design for the renovation has been completed and shared with the community for Bren Mar Park Elementary School. Our students are excelling, as noted by the number of student achievements included in this newsletter.

As we race toward the end of the school year, we must also prepare for high school graduations, an important milestone in the lives of our students and their families. The Mason District graduation schedule can be found below.

In addition to presenting at PTA meetings, in the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of visiting Timber Lane ES with School Board Member Karl Frisch and Principal Chiet to address the security issues raised by the community. I have also been able to view the construction progress at Falls Church HS with School Board Member Karl Frisch and Principal Nowak. 

During the last Mason District Roundtable meeting, which typically includes PTA and PTO leadership, family liaisons and the advisory committee representatives from the Mason District, Joash Chung, Manager of Tutoring Services at FCPS, presented a highly informative session about Tutor.com – an extremely helpful tool for our students to provide academic support.

I value the input I receive from the Mason District Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at rjanderson@fcps.edu. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at cmcoffey@fcps.edu to arrange a time.

Checking on FCHS construction progress and walking the grounds of Timber Lane ES to address security issues.

In This Issue:

2023 Graduation Schedule

Justice High School Pyramid Community Working Group

As I mentioned in an earlier communication, a working group to address outstanding and ongoing parking and transportation needs at Justice High School is being formed to explore parking and transportation needs, and potential solutions in response to a proffer requirement which was part of the rezoning process.

Today, April 19, 2023, is the deadline for parents of students in the Justice Pyramid and staff at Justice High School to express interest in participating by submitting this form. Interested students at Justice High School should use the form emailed to them by the principal, as parental consent is required.

Participants will be chosen to represent all voices in our community and will be notified by April 24. The first meeting is scheduled for May 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., in the library at Justice High School. The public is invited to attend all of the work group meetings.

Bren Mar Park Update

At the Bren Mar Park ES community meeting on April 12, FCPS Facilities staff provided additional information about green initiatives, storm water management, and parking connected to the school design in their presentation to the community. 

Please visit the Bren Mar Park Capital Project webpage for more details on the renovation plans and to share your feedback by April 26, 2023.

Updates to Regulations 2240 and 8617

Since the fall of 2021, I have been working with staff to address provisions in the regulations which failed to provide access to both parents in a joint custodial arrangement to request for transportation to their homes when within their child’s school boundary. I am pleased that Regulations 2240 and 8617 have recently been revised to permit either custodial parent who meets the requirements to request a transportation Exception to Ride.

Volunteer Opportunity - 2023 School Bond Referendum A citizen’s committee supporting the 2023 School Bond Referendum is forming and seeking volunteers. The committee’s general duties will be sharing information that supports passage of the bond to HOA boards, other organizations, and chambers of commerce; and distributing information electronically and in print.  This is an organized, positive, and short-term way to support Fairfax County Public Schools. Along with the distribution of information, the volunteers will be invited to strategize on approaches and execution at 6 to 9 meetings between late May and Election Day, November 7, 2023. The meetings take place in the Tyson’s Corner Area. If you live in the Mason District and are interested in serving, please contact my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at cmcoffey@fcps.edu by 5 p.m. on May 11, 2023.

Feedback Opportunities

Proposed Updates to the SR&R

FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-2024 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed.

Parents/caregivers should check their email for a link from FCPS, sent on April 10, for a survey on the proposed changes to the SR&R. All responses to the survey are anonymous. The information provided will be used to revise the SR&R document that is presented to the School Board for approval in June. 

Proposed changes include:

• Language in the dress code has been modified to be more specific and objective. The focus is on the specific clothes that are/are not permitted rather than the amount of skin permitted to be shown.

• Draft proposals for several substance misuse infractions include changing the minimum FCPS Student Behavior and Administrative Response (SBAR) Level to at least Level 3, in alignment with Model Guidance and given the increased concern regarding substance misuse.

• The definition of discriminatory harassment has been revised to define what constitutes an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive student environment,” and specific examples of how discriminatory harassment may be expressed are provided.

• Hazing is currently listed as an FCPS SBAR Level 2-5 infraction. It is proposed to be a Level 5 infraction only to align with the model policies established by the Department of Education.

• Principals or their designees would be required to notify the parent/guardian of any student who is involved in an alleged bullying incident of the alleged incident within 24 hours of learning of such allegation.

Please complete the survey by 8 p.m. on Friday, April 21.

ESSER COVID Relief

FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding beginning in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.

ESSER III focus areas include ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs; maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff; and addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.

FCPS is seeking feedback on how the school division is responding to the areas above. Please complete the Online Feedback Form, which is open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of this work. See how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.

The School Board will hear public comment on FCPS’ ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding ESSER III. Register to speak at the public hearing. 

Spring 2023 Student and Family Survey

FCPS’ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) is seeking to understand students’ experiences this school year. Student and family feedback is critical to the division’s  understanding of the successes and challenges of teaching and learning this year.

A survey for parents/caregivers and students in grades 4-12 will be administered Monday, April 17, to Monday, May 1. The survey asks questions about satisfaction with teaching and learning, and perceptions of support for learning during this school year.

The information gathered will be used along with other data to make improvements that support schools, students, and staff. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please inform them to disregard the email survey invitation they will receive in their fcpsschools.net account.

Language Translation and Interpretation

Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. They can also get support with communicating with their child's school.

NEW! Newsletter Translation

You may have noticed a translation box at the top of this newsletter. There is now an RSS feed for my newsletters with translation available in over 80 languages!

Recent School Board Action

Governance Manual Amendment

At the regular meeting on April 13, 2023, the Board approved an amendment to the Strategic Governance Manual regarding Recognitions and Resolutions. The amendment stipulates the process for managing recognitions and proclamations (previously known as resolutions); provides a list of standard annual recognitions and proclamations; and outlines the guidelines for school board recognition of outstanding student teams, ensembles, and publications. 

School Board Code of Conduct Policy

The Board also approved the School Board Code of Conduct, Standards and Protocols Policy at the April 13, 2023 regular meeting. This new policy is meant to summarize the expectations and protocols regarding working with and supervising School Board staff.

Policy 5011 - Authority to Contract

At the March 9, 2023 regular meeting, the School Board approved Policy 5011 - Authority to Contract to reflect new contract notification and approval processes.

Policy 5015 - Procurement of Professional and Consultant Services

Also at the March 9, 2023 regular meeting, the School Board approved Policy 5015 - Procurement of Professional and Consultant Services to align with current policies and procedures.

FY 2023 Third Quarter Budget Review

The FY 2023 Third Quarter Budget Review was approved during the March 30, 2023 regular meeting.

There are no operating fund revenue and expenditure adjustments in this budget review. The agenda recognizes adjustments in the Adult and Community Education and Grants and Self-Supporting Programs funds to recognize grant award adjustments. Changes to other School Board funds are detailed in the attachment.

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 in March 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 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.

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students Now Available! FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior are able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.

School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten

FCPS recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a successful transition to kindergarten. 

See the easy to follow process for parents registering their children for kindergarten. 

Online Registration Available at 30+ Schools

Online registration is now available at more than 30 Fairfax County public schools. All FCPS schools will offer online registration beginning in June.

Families can register their students electronically via SIS ParentVUE at schools currently participating in online registration. All parents/caregivers continue to have the option of downloading the registration form bundle or completing paper registration forms. Visit the website for more information on registering your child for school.

Credit Recovery Academy

The FCPS Credit Recovery Academy and Thomas Jefferson Middle School Technology Institute is open as of Monday, April 24.

The Credit Recovery Academy is a three-week program that provides an opportunity for FCPS students to recover one high school course credit, or prep for a selected Standards of Learning or WorkKeys test. Visit the Credit Recovery Academy webpage for information.

Middle School Technology Institute

The Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI) is a summer STEM program that consists of experiential workshop-style sessions for middle school students in our community to explore STEM at TJHSST. Sessions occur weekly. Visit the TJHSST summer webpage for information.

ACE Courses Learn  a new skill, level up at work, or just have fun through Adult and Community Education (ACE). With locations throughout Fairfax County, affordable price points, and classes in everything from baking, to building a deck, there is a class perfect for you. In addition to in-person classes, ACE offers a multitude of online classes that you can take anytime, anywhere. These are perfect for busy families! Teens can take SAT/ACT prep while adults learn a new language or interior design. Current courses can be found in the Spring/Summer 2023 Course Catalog.

Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl Last month, the division hosted 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, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Transportation will be available from select elementary schools throughout the county, including several in the Mason District: Annandale Terrace, Bailey’s Primary, Camelot, Columbia, and Westlawn. Register to reserve your place and request language interpretation, American Sign Language accommodation, transportation, and childcare. Visit the Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how to get help for yourself or loved ones.

Register Now for Special Education Conference

The FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29. Registration is now open on the event website for this virtual event. Guest speakers have been added to the website along with the topics they will address. Interpretation can be requested during registration. Registrants who need language assistance can contact the Parent Information Phone Lines. 

Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options

Career and Transition Services is hosting an event to provide families and students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma an introduction to options available after high school. The event will take place at Woodson High School on Wednesday, April 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

Participants will receive an overview on postsecondary options such as college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment. There will also be an Options Fair, where representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs will host information tables. Register today.

Job Fairs

Bus Driver Job Fairs

Learn more about becoming a bus driver on Friday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stonecroft Transportation Center. Visit the Bus Driver Job Fair webpage for more upcoming job fairs and details on the competitive pay, paid training program, and other benefits.

Instructional Job Fairs

FCPS is searching for educators with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for making a difference. FCPS is hosting two upcoming job fairs to meet hiring needs in instructional areas. The first instructional job fair will be held virtually on Thursday, May 4 (6 - 8 p.m.). The second job fair will be held in person at Lake Braddock Secondary School on Saturday, May 6 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Registration is required.

Career Switcher Event

Considering becoming a teacher? Join FCPS online for a Career Switcher Event on April 19 from 6-7:30 pm. Military vets, community members & anyone interested can come learn how to become a licensed Virginia teacher. 

Learn more and register to attend.

Opportunities for Students

Student Member - Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2023 through June 2024 term. 

EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement, including preparing an annual report on the state of the physical environment in Fairfax County. 

EQAC is composed of one citizen representative from each of nine magisterial districts, four at large members, and one student representative. The council generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m. 

The student member application is open to all interested Fairfax County high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. To apply, complete and submit the student application form. All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3.

Tuition-Free Summer Course for High School Seniors

Considering attending NOVA? Earn up to four tuition-free credits this summer! Application deadline is April 28th.

Fairfax Connector - Expansion of Fare Free Services Recently, the Board of Supervisors approved expansion of fare free services on all Fairfax Connector routes for children ages 12 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. The expansion is effective beginning May 1st, 2023. Current policy allows for up to two children, ages four and younger, to ride on Fairfax Connector routes free when accompanied by a paying adult. This expansion is in addition to other fare reduction programs which include: A half-fare discount for seniors and passengers with disabilities; A Free Student Bus Pass for Fairfax County middle and high school; students, for all connector and City of Fairfax CUE routes; Free transfers to and from the WMATA bus rail service; and The Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) half-fare discount for economically disadvantaged residents. This new policy does not place a limit on the number of children under the age of 12 who can ride for free. This is a change that supports the One Fairfax policy by increasing access to transit services and reducing barriers.

NoVA Magazine Teacher of the Year Northern Virginia Magazine established this award to recognize the very best educators in our region. The teacher selected as Teacher of the Year will be awarded with a $10,000 prize and featured in the October issue of the magazine. The survey runs through April 23. Nominations are welcomed from school administrators, teachers, parents, students, former students, and the general public.

Nominations Open for 2023 Juneteenth Resiliency Award

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Juneteenth Resiliency Award for residents ages 13-21. This award recognizes the incredible resiliency shown by young people in Fairfax County who have made meaningful contributions in their lives and in the lives of others.

Juneteenth is an important holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is a time to reflect on the history, celebrate freedom, appreciate Black culture and encourage continuous self-development.

The Resiliency Award will recognize both youth and young adults who have exhibited true resiliency (also known as grit, determination, dedication, perseverance and persistence) to make meaningful contributions and outcomes in their lives and/or the lives of others in the Black community. 

The deadline for nominations is Friday May 5, and the award ceremony will be held on June 6 at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Learn more and submit a nomination.

Mason District Recognitions

Regional Science and Engineering Fair The 68th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased more than 300 high school science projects. Over 400 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 150 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses.  The following Mason District students were awarded 1st place, qualifying them to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair: Falls Church HS: Shri Bala and Isabella Phillips TJHSST: Shinyoung Jeon An additional 32 Mason District students received 2nd and 3rd place awards: Annandale HS: Sage Nagle, Krish Seth, Abel Webshet Edison HS: Maraky Alemu Falls Church HS: Jackson Borgia, Kai Ferro, Steffi Forde, Nhi Nguyen, Raegan Rajala Justice HS: Yasmin Ahmed, Eshak Akrache, Alejandro Andrade-Cruz, Brooke Campbell, Maya Campbell, Ahmad Choudhry, Raina Determan, Julia Franco, Jasper Gee, Halima Jama, Ketan Kane, Kaniz Mim, Christine Pham, Mohammad Rahman, Natalie Ryan, Katherin Salazar, Zainab Shahzadi, Ammar Sherian, Maddox Shreve, Dibora Yilma Woodson HS: Natalie Chandler, Samuel Golden, Valli Swaminathan Congratulations to all of the students participating in this year's fair!  See the complete list of winners.

FBLA State Leadership Conference Congratulations to the following Falls Church High School FBLA members who placed in their events at the recent state conference. They will be competing in Atlanta this summer at the FBLA Nationals! Ngan Tang - 2nd in Computer Problem Solving Megan Vo - 3rd in Database Design & Application Alexandra Vo- 4th in Journalism Omer Do Santos- 4th in Cybersecurity

VHSL Girls Wrestling Congratulations to all of the participants in the 1st VHSL Girls Wrestling Open Championships! A special shout out to Sofia Cardoza-Flores from Justice High School, named State Runner-Up in her weight class!

VHSL Swim and Dive Congratulations to the Justice High School Girls Swim team for their strong showing in the 6A State Meet! • Emma Redman - State Champion in the 200 Yard Individual Medley and State Runner-up in the 100-Yard Breaststroke • Claire Coughlin, Reagan Kampschror, Emma Redman, and Annika Wentland - State Champions in the 200 Yard Medley Relay and State Runners-up in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay

VHSL Indoor Track Congratulations to Nicholas DeWolfe from Falls Church High School. Nicholas earned 2nd place in pole vault at the state indoor track championships! Nicholas recently broke his own school record of 14-6 in the event and has earned entry into the prestigious Penn Relays.

State Science Olympiad Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology for taking first place at the recent Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament in the high school division. Of the 23 events, TJHSST placed 1st in nine! Good luck as you move on to the National Tournament! In the middle school division, both Glasgow MS and Jackson MS qualified to participate and ranked in several categories: • Glasgow ranked in three categories: Bridge, Wheeled Vehicle, and Storm the Castle. • Jackson students ranked in five categories: Wheeled Vehicle (1st!), Write It Do It, Crime Busters, Codebusters, and Crave the Wave. More information is available on the VASO website.

VHSL State Forensics Congratulations to the Justice High School Forensics team for their second place finish at the 6A State Meet - a historical first for their school! The team placed first in the Occoquan Region for the 5th year in a row. Great job, Wolves! Elias Kassa- 1st in Serious Dramatic Interpretation Valeria Peterson- 1st in Storytelling Richard Do- 2nd in Prose Interpretation Maysam Ider & Morelym Palomo- 2nd in Serious Duo Interpretation Grace Rutherford- 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking Alessandra Simmons-Robles- 2nd in Poetry Interpretation Laura Stoker- 2nd in Humorous Dramatic Interpretation

Mason District Events

Edison Theatre Company presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee One remaining date: April 22 Get tickets

FCHS Spotlight Theatre Company presents: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe April 27-29 Get tickets

The Wolfpack Theatre at Justice High School presents: Much Ado About Nothing April 27-29 Get tickets

Thomas Jefferson Theater Arts presents: Pippin April 27-29 & May 5-6 Get tickets

Annandale High School presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical May 4 - 7, 2023 Get tickets

Luther Jackson Middle School Drama presents: Descendants May 4 - 6 Get tickets

Woodson Drama presents: Little Shop of Horrors May 5-7, 12, & 14 Get tickets

Poe Middle School's Raven Theatre presents: Willy Wonka Jr. May 11 - 13

18th Annual Jaguar 5K

This weekend! Register for the Jaguar 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Taste of Annandale

The Taste of Annandale is organized by the Annandale-Mason Roundtable, a nonprofit formed by volunteers. The festival was developed with two major goals in mind: to bring the community together to celebrate Annandale and to shine a spotlight on local businesses and restaurants.

TJ Techstravaganza for grades K-8

Register for this free STEM activity fair that provides fun, hands-on labs and demonstrations for K-8 students. 

Facilities Update At the School Board meeting on March 30, 2023, the School Board approved the contract for the ventilation system upgrades at Belvedere Elementary School.

Audit Buzz The latest issue of Audit Buzz summarizes the status of current engagements, promotes Internal Audit Awareness Month, and offers a training opportunity to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived on the Office of Auditor General’s website.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• April 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.
• May 11, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)

• April 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (Strategic Plan Retreat)
• May 9, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.

Public Hearings (Luther Jackson Middle School)

• April 27, 2023 at 6 p.m. (ESSER)
• May16 (and May 18, if needed), 2023 at 6 p.m. (Budget)

All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR. We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.

@MasonDistrictSB on Twitter!

Mason District School Board - FCPS on Facebook!

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Ricardy Anderson |  Phone: 571-423-1083 | Twitter

Cristy Coffey, Executive Admin Assistant, 571-423-1064, cmcoffey@fcps.edu