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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Hello, Springfield District!
I hope you have been able to take advantage of the lovely weather these last few days. I’m hoping we can hold off on summer temps just a little while longer (I’m not quite ready for swimsuit season!).
I was so grateful to see so many folks come out to the three town halls that I have co-hosted these last few weeks. I so appreciate Supervisor Herrity’s support in putting on our Fentanyl community conversation and I’m grateful to my colleagues Megan McLaughlin and Stella Pekarsky for their willingness to help host town halls at Lake Braddock and Chantilly. Special thanks to Dr. Michelle Reid and our amazing student rep to the board, Michele Togbe for joining us on the panel.
Rolling Valley ES was kind enough to host me and my ACSD appointee, Amanda Campbell, this month. We had a blast talking to the 6th graders about the salad bar and joining some friends for snack time. The Rockin’ Robins are always having fun and Ms. Campbell and I even got to weigh in on their Cereal tournament bracketology!
At our April 11 School Board Work Session we discussed specific approaches for improving special education, prompted by the findings of the Board’s commissioned report from the American Institute for Research (AIR). This is a critical area and the Board shared our feedback on how improvements and innovations can be made while also remembering that the current workload for our Special Education teachers is untenable.
Finally, I got to spend some time on my home turf of Lake Braddock SS. I was so honored to be chosen as the keynote speaker for the 2023 National Honor Society Induction ceremony. I was immediately transported back to my induction ceremony 30 years prior and reflected on what my 17-year-old self might have needed to hear. Life doesn’t give us many opportunities to do things like that and it’s something I will always remember. I also got to attend the Lake Braddock Pyramid Art Show and while I know I am completely biased (since my favorite artist was on display there), I just could not get over how incredibly talented our students are. My husband commented that we didn’t know a single kid that was half that talented when we were in high school, and I couldn’t agree more. I am forever grateful for our fine arts teachers who give so many of our children a reason to be excited about going to school. In our house, music and art have been my kids’ saving graces at many different times in their school careers and I honestly don’t know how we would’ve survived without these incredible teachers who give so very much of their personal time to helping our kids feel successful and have once in a lifetime opportunities to shine.
As always, I am beyond grateful to represent our amazing community,
Laura Jane
Clockwise from top left: Superintendent Reid, Sully District Representative Ms. Pekarsky, myself, and Student Representative to the School Board Ms. Togbe at Joint Springfield and Sully District Town Hall; me with Braddock District Representative Ms. McLaughlin, Superintendent Reid, and Student Representative to the School Board Ms. Togbe at Joint Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall; speaking at Lake Braddock Secondary School’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony; speaking at Springfield District Fentanyl Town Hall with Supervisor Herrity; Joint Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall fun with Braddock District Representative Ms. McLaughlin, myself, Chair and at-Large Representative Ms. Sizemore Heizer, Student Representative to the School Board Ms. Togbe, and fellow students; and me with Rolling Valley ES principal Ms. Boland and Springfield District Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Representative Ms. Campbell
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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April 25 at 10:00 a.m. - Retreat: Strategic Plan
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April 27 at 6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER) In-person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
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April 27 at 7:15 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Special Education Annual Plan, Fairfax High School ADA Home Bleacher Upgrades, etc.
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May 9 at 12:30 p.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan
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May 11 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Virginia School Board Association Excellence in Workforce Application, Hunt Valley Elementary School HVAC Upgrades, West Springfield High School Track Replacement, Greenbriar East Elementary School ATC Control System, Robinson Secondary School Cooling Tower, etc.
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May 16 at 6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing: Fiscal Year (FY) 24 Budget
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May 18 at 10:00 a.m. - Work Session: FY24 Office of Auditor General Risk Assessment and Audit Plan and FY24 Budget
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May 18 at 6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing: FY24 Budget (if needed)
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May 23 at 5:00 p.m. - Work Session: PreK and Early Head Start Parent Policy Committee and Student Rights & Responsibilities
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May 25 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: FY24 Approved Budget, etc.
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the below QR code.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones 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
Secondary World Languages Basal Instructional Resources
At the April 13 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve the titles for Secondary World Languages instruction as recommended by the Instructional Resources Review Committee and Instructional Services Leadership.
Find more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Periodic Audits, Policy 5410.6
Also at the April 13 meeting, the Board voted to update the School Board policy for annual audits by external auditors.
Read the policy.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
School Board Code of Conduct, Standards, and Protocols Policy
The Board voted to add a new School Board Code of Conduct, Standards, and Protocols to the School Board Bylaws at the April 13 regular meeting. This policy exemplifies our commitment to professional conduct as stewards of the school system.
Read the policy.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Governance Committee Amendment to the Strategic Governance Manual
The School Board voted to amend the Governance Committee Strategic Governance Manual regarding Recognitions and Resolutions at the April 13 meeting. This amendment will ensure consistency and be respectful of the public’s time when attending regularly scheduled Board meetings.
Read the amendment.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Month of the Military Child Recognition
At the April 13 regular meeting, the School Board recognized April 2023 as the Month of the Military Child. Fairfax County Public Schools has over 14,000 students who are part of a military family.
Our military-connected students bring a strong sense of community and a wealth of life experiences to our schools. They are resourceful and adaptable while living with numerous challenges presented by frequent moves, parental deployments, and a host of life transitions. Throughout all of this, military children are resilient and patriotic. They know first-hand what it feels like to be the new kid, so they are usually the first ones to welcome a new student to school.
Celebrating the Month of the Military Child provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize and thank military children for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices, and continued resilience.
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 19 for “Purple Up Day” as we encourage everyone to wear purple to celebrate our military-connected students.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Special Education Enhancement Plan
At the April 11 School Board work session, the Board received and discussed an update on the development of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. The emphasis was on draft actions in response to the American Institute for Research (AIR) external review of FCPS’ Special Education program.
To address the recommendations received by AIR and prioritize work to support students with disabilities, the Department of Special Services proposed the development of a three-year Special Education Enhancement Plan constructed by a diverse group of FCPS stakeholders to focus the work in the division, specifically as it relates to students with individualized education programs (IEP) and students with Section 504 plans.
Strategic Plan
At the School Board’s March 28 Retreat, we continued our work around the Strategic Plan in which we reviewed and discussed the feedback from student and adult stakeholders around the draft Goals for Student Success and the Four Pillars or building blocks. The Board also defined the Measures of Student Progress as aligned with the Goals. Additionally, we discussed the process and timeline for completing the Strategic Plan.
At our April 25 Retreat, the School Board will provide feedback on the drafts of the Strategic Priorities, Key Actions, Professional Practices, and a preliminary draft of the overall Strategic Plan.
FY 2023 Third Quarter Budget Review
At the March 30 School Board regular meeting, the Board approved the FY 2023 Third Quarter Budget Review.
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 on BoardDocs.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
March 30 Resolutions and Recognition
Also at the March 30 meeting, the Board approved several resolutions honoring Arts in Our School Month, the Virginia School Boards Association Business Honor Roll, and Arab American Heritage Month.
The Board also recognized Autism Acceptance Month.
Superintendent Board Briefings
Non-Professional Services Contract Awards/Amendments
Per Policy 5011, the Office of Procurement Services will provide written notification to the School Board a minimum of two business days prior to award of any contract for nonprofessional services as defined in the Fairfax County Purchasing Resolution that exceeds $500,000. The following nonprofessional services contracts are being amended as follows:
Nonprofessional Services Contract Award
Vendor: Immediate Mailing Services, Inc. (IMS)
Contract: 4400011883
Contract Title: Mail Presorting and Metering Services
Method of Procurement: Invitation for Bid
IFB Issue Date: March 03, 2023
IFB Closing Date: March 24, 2023
Contract Expiration Date: March 31, 2028
Renewals: Three (3) one-year periods
Department: Financial Services
An Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Mail Presorting and Metering Services was issued on March 3, 2023. For the IFB there was a public bid opening on March 24, 2023. One bid from Immediate Mailing Services, Inc. was received in response to the IFB.
Presorting mail allows FCPS to save money as USPS offers lower postage prices to customers that presort mail. The vendor aggregates FCPS mail with mail from its other customers to increase mail density and apply deeper sort level to ensure that FCPS benefits from the best possible discount.
The contract term will be from date of award through March 31, 2028, with 3 one-year renewal options. The total contract value during the initial 5-year term is $536,900.
Goods and Nonprofessional Services Contract Award
Vendor: VEX Robotics, Inc.
Contract: 4400011630
Contract Title: Technology Solutions, Products, and Services
Method of Procurement: Cooperative, The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS)
Solicitation Issue Date: January 7, 2021
Contract Expiration Date: May 31, 2026
Renewals: One (1) additional one-year period
Department: Instructional Services
A cooperative procurement option to utilize The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) contract RFP 210101. The TIPS contract was completed through a formal solicitation process. The RFP contained a rider clause that authorizes any county, city, town, or school board to purchase goods and nonprofessional services from a contract awarded via the formal solicitation. The contract was awarded to VEX Robotics.
Vex Robotics, Inc. will provide science and engineering products that encourage creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among all grade levels while helping teachers integrate robotics into classroom instruction. The Contractor will also provide tools, curriculum, and professional development for teachers, along with student robotic competitions and experiences.
The estimated total contract value is $575,000.
Nonprofessional Services Contract Amendments
Vendor: Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Contract: 4400011204
Contract Title: Student Transportation Routing Software
Method of Procurement: RFP
RFP Issue Date: July 20, 2021
Contract Award Date: January 25, 2023
Contract Expiration Date: December 31, 2027
Remaining Renewals: Four (4) additional one-year periods
Department: Transportation Services
The Department of Facilities & Transportation Services is requesting an amendment to add 2 county maps (Arlington County and Clarke County) to the transportation routing software. The cost of each map is $2,500.
The additional maps will be used to connect the counties that FCPS’ vans, buses, and vendors drive through to pick up and drop off certain FCPS students. Some multi-agency schools are also in Washington DC and Frederick County, VA; therefore, FCPS’ vans drive through Arlington County and through Clarke County respectively to get to the multi-agency sites. FCPS also transports students under McKinney Vento from Washington DC and Arlington County. These two additional counties were not considered at the time of the RFP and should be added to allow the routing software to consider these roadways to transport FCPS’ students in the safest and most efficient manner without manipulating the software by hand.
The estimated annual spend is $838,750 with a total contract value of $3,355,000.
Vendor: eVigilant Com, Inc.
Contract: #4400006668
Contract Title: Digital Monitoring Systems
Method of Procurement: Request for Proposal
RFP Issued Date: November 19, 2015
Contract Award Date: May 20, 2016
Contract Expiration: April 30, 2021
Remaining Renewals: Two (2) one-year renewal options
Contract Owner: Information Technology
Description: This contract supports the purchase of security intrusion and door access control equipment, including Digital Monitoring Products and Aiphone. In addition, this contract may be used for associated services including the design, implementation, software upgrades, training, and maintenance of the Digital Monitoring System.
The estimated annual spend is $441,341 with a total contract value (TCV) of $3,333,333.
Vendor: Washington Music Sales Center, Inc.
Contract: 4400007738
Contract Title: Rental of Musical Instruments
Method of Procurement: Invitation for Bid (IFB)
IFB Issue Date: June 28, 2017
Contract Award Date: June 28, 2018
Contract Expiration Date: June 30, 2023
Remaining Renewals: One (1) one-year renewal option
Department: Instructional Services
This contract supports the Instruments for All Program (IFA.) IFA is a centrally managed program that provides instruments to students on the Free and Reduced Meals (FRM) Program so that they may participate in school band and strings programs if they choose. IFA ensures equitable access to instrumental programs by providing 10,000+ rental instruments annually. The IFA program relies on this contract to provide continued access to instruments. Contract 4400007738 is being renewed to meet the continued need for instrument rental to support the IFA program.
The estimated annual spend is $775,000.00 with a total contract value of $5,295,000.00.
FPAC Semi-Annual Report
The Superintendent Facilities Planning Advisory Council's semi-annual update to the School Board may be viewed in the March 17, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.
The Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) reports on its activities to the School Board semi-annually. This document is being distributed through the Superintendent Briefing as it is the interim report provided as part of the two issued reports from FPAC. This mid-year report focuses on the activities and progress of FPAC in responding to its annual charge from the School Board. The FPAC 2022-23 Semi-Annual Report is available for viewing.
FPAC Charge 2022-2023
Continue to work with staff and build on our work to make progress in the following areas:
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Continue to work with staff and build on our work to develop the long-range vision for FCPS school facilities;
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Provide input to the proposed renovation queue assessment criteria and assist with the evaluation of the assessment to determine the updated renovation queue;
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Provide further support to facilitate implementation of the accepted FPAC major maintenance and asset management recommendations and to monitor the Falls Church High School renovation;
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Advise and assist with the development and implementation of updated boundary policies; and
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Assess how FCPS can incorporate and evaluate the Joint Environmental Taskforce (JET) goals and achieve greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability throughout its facilities.
Discipline Data Reports
The Superintendent First Semester Discipline Data Reports update to the School Board may be viewed in the March 17, 2023, Board Briefing on BoardDocs.
In response to the June 16, 2022, Follow-On Motion, the Superintendent is directed to “provide a detailed discipline report, disaggregated by all student subgroups and schools, for infractions of the SR&R. This report must be provided semi-annually, and prior to adoption of the SR&R.” The First Semester Discipline Reports (Part I and Part II) are now available.
In response to the June 16, 2022, Follow-On Motion, the Superintendent is directed to “report to the Board with data about implementation of the cell phone responsibilities portion of the Student Rights and Responsibilities, with quantitative and qualitative data that analyzes the strengths and potential changes needed, for the Board’s use in the next annual reauthorization in 2023.” The Cell Phone Report has been developed and is available.
In response to the July 23, 2020, Follow-On Motion, the Superintendent is directed to “provide the Board on a semi-annual basis the number of incidences reported to the police department broken out by school, age, gender, ethnicity, race, ELL status, IEP, and 504 status, violation, and any resulting charges”. The Police Report Summary has been developed and is available.
In response to the July 11, 2020, Follow-On Motion, the Superintendent is directed to “provide the Board a quarterly report of the number of all student suspensions related to either disruptive behavior or disorderly conduct in excess of 5 days disaggregated by school, race and gender, FRM, students with disabilities and ELL. This report should identify any student(s) who have been suspended more than once in a calendar year and identify interventions implemented for that student.” The Disruptive/Disorderly Conduct Report has been developed and is available.
FCPS News
Register Now for the Special Education Conference
The 18th annual FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Register now for this virtual event.
This year's theme is Unity Within Our FCPS Community. FCPS educators, administrators, and preservice teachers will be able to earn recertification points for attending the conference. Watch this short video for more information. Please email questions to SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu. Registrants who need language assistance can contact the Parent Information Phone Lines.
☑️ FCPS Feedback Opportunities
Proposed Updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document
FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-24 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed.
Parents/caregivers, please check your email for a link from FCPS, sent on April 10, regarding a brief survey on 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 their approval in June.
Proposed changes include:
- Language in the dress code has been modified to be more specific and objective, as well as less gendered. Focus is on the specific clothes that are/are not permitted rather than the amount of skin permitted to be shown. The Student Dress Code regulation (R 2613) is also being revised to reflect these changes and to include a belief statement and corresponding values relative to the dress code.
- 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 will now 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.
Our goal is to ensure each and every student's right to an education in a safe, civil, and caring environment. 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 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.
- addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
We encourage your feedback on how well we are responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which is open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff of the community’s view of our work. See how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., in the auditorium of Jackson Middle School. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding ESSER III. The speaker list is open.
Spring 2023 ESSER/Return to School Survey
FCPS’ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) is seeking to understand your child’s experiences this school year. Student and family feedback is critical to our 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 from Monday, April 17, to Monday, May 1. The survey asks questions about satisfaction with teaching and learning, perceptions of learning support, and how things are going 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 tell them to disregard the email survey invitation they will receive in their fcpsschools.net account.
Please be on the lookout for the survey link on Monday, April 17.
Safety Measures in FCPS
Fairfax County Public Schools' main goal is to keep students and staff safe at school. Our crisis and emergency response plans have been cited as a national model. We continually work with county, state, and federal health, safety, and emergency personnel leaders to ensure coordinated responses to potential threats.
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 click on the link below.
Online: https://www.fcps.edu/tipline
Text: 888777 Keyword TIP FCPS
Call: 571-423-2020
Academic Matters
FCPS Science: The Power of Authentic Science Experiences in K-12
During the Academic Matters segment of the April 13 School Board meeting Dr. Reid shared examples of FCPS’ robust science programs such as the participation in the Annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair. In the Fair students present authentic, externally moderated research projects and go on to compete in state, local, national, and international fairs. In 2023,
K-8 science instruction is also supported within FCPS via quarterly inquiry-based units for each grade level, outdoor learning experiences embedded in our curriculum, and by our warehouse team who prepare the science learning kits that are distributed to schools providing hands-on instruction. Additionally, FCPS partners with George Mason University and the Fairfax County Park Authority to provide a meaningful watershed educational experience.
High school science instruction includes core classes such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, and geosystems. Our electives include human anatomy, astronomy, forensic science, geospatial analysis, and more. For the class of 2022, approximately 50% of students took at least one AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment science course.
Students in grade kindergarten through 12 are engaged in the power of authentic experiences by exploring and understanding the natural world around them. They are empowered to take informed action in their lives and the community and world around them.
View Dr. Reid’s Academic Matters presentation.
Curriculum for Core Content Added to Website
At the March 30 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented updates to the curriculum overview on the FCPS website during the Academic Matters segment. Parents can go to our website to see what their students are learning in their core classes by grade level. We hope this information will allow us to better partner with parents and caregivers to support academic success.
An introductory paragraph on each grade level or course page includes language indicating that: the objectives and outcomes for each unit are common across FCPS and based on the Virginia Standards of Learning; suggested pacing by quarter and week as an example of how the curriculum can be organized throughout the year; and teachers 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 changes. To access the grade level and/or course pages directly, visit FCPS' Academics page. The K-12 Curriculum links provide access to all family-facing curricula for those grades.
Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl
Opioid overdoses are on the rise across the country, including in Fairfax County. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
Last month, FCPS 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, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. FCPS principals and staff will share what is happening in our schools and update the work to prevent substance misuse and educate our students.
Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. Transportation information can be found once you begin the registration process.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.
💊 DEA National Drug Take Back Day
Safely dispose of unwanted medication on Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be nine drop-off sites across the county. Visit the Fairfax County Government website for locations and information on what will be accepted.
Community Conversation with Dr. Reid
In partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Dr. Reid will be hosting a Community Conversation in Reston at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation on Wednesday, April 26, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. JCRC and Dr. Reid will be providing a forum for members of the Jewish community to share priorities and concerns.
View more details.
Schoology: Upcoming Survey on Divisionwide Usage
The Instructional Services Department will be conducting surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, April 10, to Friday, April 21. In order to hear from all stakeholders who use Schoology, four surveys will be delivered to students in grades three and up and school-based teachers, professionals, and leadership.
Your feedback will inform our overall use of Schoology and help us improve our processes, communication, and professional learning. Instructional Services will also be reaching out to families through focus groups. Please don't hesitate to email schoology@fcps.edu with any questions.
COVID Relief Funds Help Students Make Big Gains In Small Groups
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Justin, a third-grader, struggled to identify most letters and their sounds in fall 2021 when students returned for the first year of fully in-person instruction since the pandemic began. After a year of reading intervention services—supported by ESSER COVID relief funding—testing data maintained by his school show he’s made more than two years of progress in his reading skills in one academic year! Read more about how schools are overcoming pandemic-related challenges.
FCPS Stance on Proposed History and Social Science Standards
The Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) is required to review the Standards of Learning (SOL) in all subjects at least once every seven years. The History and Social Science SOL—which seeks to build students’ understanding and skills in history, geography, civics, and economics—is currently up for review.
Multiple history and social science experts prepared a comprehensive analysis of the January 6 draft standards outlining significant concerns about the proposed standards. The Fairfax County School Board and Dr. Reid submitted a letter to VBOE’s president and the Virginia Department of Education’s acting superintendent of public instruction. The letter raises numerous issues with the proposed standards and their inability to provide students with history and social science instruction that prioritizes thinking, historical accuracy, diverse perspectives, and developmental appropriateness. Read their letters on our website.
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 our easy-to-follow process for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Register your child today!
Online Registration Pilot Begins at 30+ Schools
Online registration is available at more than 30 pilot Fairfax County schools. All FCPS schools will offer online registration beginning in June.
The new system reduces manual data entry of basic student registration information, allows online registration using the portal at any hour of any day, and enables secure electronic upload of student registration documents.
Families will be able to register their students electronically via SIS ParentVUE. Parents/Guardians will continue to have the option of downloading the registration form bundle or completing paper registration forms as needed. Visit our website for more information on registering your child for school.
Does Your Child Qualify for PreK or Early Head Start?
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a quality preschool experience at no cost to qualifying families who live in Fairfax County. Your family may qualify for PreK or Early Head Start if you:
- Have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30, 2023
- Receive free or reduced-price school meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), social security income, and/or are considered homeless per definition of the McKinney Vento Act
- Receive resources from a shelter and/or the FCPS Homeless Liaison Office, for example
Though many families may qualify, spaces are limited. Selection is based on need, not “first come, first serve,” with PreK priority given to 4-year-olds. It is important for all families to apply as soon as possible.
Early Head Start is for children 2 years of age and younger, and pregnant women who live in the Reston, Herndon, and Springfield areas.
Visit the PreK and Early Head Start webpage for more information, or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish)
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Update Your Emergency Care Information Via weCare@school
Fairfax County Public Schools provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system, to parents/caregivers who have registered for their own parent account. weCare helps manage emergency medical information by allowing parents/caregivers to enter and update their children’s medical data online at their convenience. That contact information automatically enrolls parents/caregivers to receive critical updates from the district and their child’s school through the eNotify system. FCPS uses eNotify to communicate emergencies, transportation, attendance, weather closing and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent by email, text, and occasionally by phone.
Learn more about updating your emergency care information.
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.
FCPS Named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year
Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected as a 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence.
Recent accomplishments that helped earn this sustained excellence award include achieving energy savings greater than 21% and $65 million since 2014, and winning the “Best Project in the Major Renovation” category of the ENERGY STAR Decarbonize Your Design Challenge for the renovation of Crossfield Elementary School.
FCPS has been an ENERGY STAR® partner since 1998.
No Money Needed for Prom Dress Shop at Centreville High School
FCPS marketing students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program opened their Prom Dress Shop on Friday, March 24, at Centreville High School. Since 2006, the dress shop has helped hundreds of financially challenged students attend prom in style each spring by providing dresses and accessories at no cost.
Any area student—not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools—who does not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Students must show a valid student ID, or another form of school identification, to choose a free dress on select days until Sunday, May 7. See the shop hours.
Fairfax County Public Schools Welcomes First-in-Nation Neurodiversity Specialist Amongst a Trio of Hires to Support Students Who Learn Differently
A recognition that the needs of neurodivergent students have been historically overlooked in U.S. public education has led to three innovative new hirings by FCPS, as the division works to ensure every student reaches their unique potential.
Kristen Haynor stepped into her dream role advocating for our neurodiverse students this school year. She is believed to be the first Neurodiversity Specialist in a U.S. K-12 public schools setting, and she hopes her appointment will inspire other districts to follow suit.
Haynor was joined recently by Nonye Oladimeji, who began as the division’s - and Virginia’s - first public school - Twice Exceptional (2E) Education Specialist. Those considered 2E students are identified as academically gifted in one or more areas of exceptionality and also identified by Federal/ state eligibility criteria to have a disability or multiple disabilities.
In addition, Rachel Rubio serves as the new FCPS Dyslexia Specialist, a highly specialized role dedicated to the reading and writing disability that affects 20% of the population. Without teachers having the tools to recognize the signs, it can often go undiagnosed.
All three positions reflect FCPS’ understanding that there are many different, yet equally valid, ways to learn and that we owe it to our young people to provide a school experience that is equitable and accessible to all. FCPS is proud to be leading the way in this field.
Both Haynor’s position and the 2e specialist role were created to begin the work of reframing the understanding of neurodiversity and changing long-held attitudes and beliefs about ability and achievement limitations.
Along with Rubio, a former special education teacher at Frost Middle School who returned to FCPS in November, the trio is committed to providing wide-scale professional development and guidance to our teachers across all grade levels.
Read the full news release.
FCPS provides multiple resources for families interested in exploring neurodiversity.
In addition, on Friday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m., Kristen Haynor is hosting a webinar for high school families of neurodiverse students. Topics for discussion will include strategies to set your child up for success; how to advocate for your child; and tools for collaborating with your child’s school. Registration is encouraged.
Teacher Residency Program
Saed Mohamed is a teacher resident in a first-grade classroom at Silverbrook Elementary School, fulfilling classroom duties while on a fast-tracked educational route to licensure. Interested in becoming a teacher or learning about our teacher residency program? Visit fcps.edu/teacher.
🚍 School Bus Driver Job Fair
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.
Ignite Partnerships in FCPS
Used Vehicles from Airports Benefit Automotive Technology Learning
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) recently donated twenty-two used cars to Fairfax County Public Schools.
The donations came from MWAA’s abandoned vehicle inventory.
The vehicles are being dispersed to the 13 FCPS high school Auto Technology and Auto Collision classrooms where students will practice their auto technician and auto body repair skills.
- Roughly a third of all vehicles donated to FCPS are environmentally prepared by students for the scrap yard.
- Another third become practice tools (tune-ups, brake jobs, collision repair, etc.) before being scrapped.
- The remaining salvageable ones of value are refurbished by students and sold through the Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE) Student Auto Sales (SAS) program.
As a part of their Ignite Partnership with FCPS, MWAA also shares career opportunities with students, especially those in the trades as MWAA regularly needs tradespeople as well as firefighters and law enforcement candidates.
Thank you MWAA for your generous donations!
We’re Open for Business and Community Partners
Businesses and community groups are encouraged to learn more about Business and Community Partnerships including our Ignite Partnerships program which offers eight ways for businesses and community partners to engage with FCPS.
One way is through an Arts Ignite Partnership. Recently the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) celebrated student artists through the art element of their partnership by cutting the ribbon at our first MWAA Cares Youth Art Walk at Dulles International Airport.
At the airport, student art is being exhibited, and the plan is to hang as many as two shows a year. The current exhibit will hang into the summer adjacent to the TSA Pre-Check counter on the ticketing level. Have a look.
Educate Fairfax Teacher Grants in Action
Career Visit to Interstate Van Lines
Funding from Educate Fairfax allowed Lake Braddock Secondary School and West Springfield High School to take 33 students on a field trip to Interstate Van Lines for a business tour and lunch. Students learned about the different opportunities and growth potential within the company. They also learned about student internships and met several employees who started working there in high school and have moved up within the company. It was a great experience for students, some of whom could see themselves working at a company like Interstate.
Our mission: Educate Fairfax energizes the power of the community to invest in educational excellence and prepare students for the future.
Our vision: Every FCPS student has a path to success.
Visit our website for more information.
Office of Auditor General Engagement and Office Updates
Current Engagement Updates
In addition to the ongoing continuous monitoring, we are currently conducting the IT Cybersecurity and Employee Evaluation Process audits.
Internal Audit Awareness Month
To raise awareness and recognize the Office of Auditor General, May has been designated as Internal Audit Awareness Month by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
The FCPS Office of Auditor General (OAG) serves and operates at the direction of the School Board. The School Board Audit Committee serves to promote the independence and objectivity of OAG by ensuring broad audit coverage, adequate consideration of audit reports, and appropriate action on recommendations. OAG has an important purpose within FCPS, as our internal auditors, and it provides a variety of roles and responsibilities. These duties can include:
PROVIDE INSIGHT AND ASSESS CONTROLS –– Through their expertise, knowledge, and broad perspective of FCPS, OAG can evaluate efficiency and effectiveness, and provide management and the School Board with the assurance that adequate controls are in place to respond to the risks that may threaten the organization.
EVALUATE RISKS – Risks can be everywhere (reputation, inefficient operations, fraud, lawsuits, policy violations, regulatory compliance, theft, etc.). OAG assesses the significance of the organization’s many risks and the effectiveness of risk management efforts, communicates these to management and the School Board, and develops recommendations to improve risk management.
IMPROVE OPERATIONS – With a solid understanding of the organization’s objectives, OAG can examine operations to determine whether they are efficient and effective.
PROMOTE ETHICS – Professional internal auditors abide by a Code of Ethics that upholds the principles of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competency. They raise red flags when they discover improper conduct.
MONITOR COMPLIANCE – OAG assesses the organization’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contracts to ensure that management is addressing these requirements adequately. They also offer insight into the impact that non-compliance would have on an organization and inform senior management and the School Board of noncompliance.
INVESTIGATE FRAUD – Because fraud can affect any level of the organization, OAG is provided access to all records as well as the authority to conduct audits and investigate possible fraudulent behavior throughout the organization.
COMMUNICATE RESULTS – After conducting thorough audits, OAG reports its findings and recommends appropriate courses of action to strengthen organizational success.
In carrying out OAG work, we follow the generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS). The standards are used by auditors of government entities and other audit organizations performing audits to obtain guidance, requirements for audit reports, and audit organization quality control. The standards also provide a framework for performing high-quality audit work with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence to provide accountability and to help improve government operations and services.
OAG is scheduled to be recognized for internal audit contributions to FCPS during the School Board Regular Meeting on April 27, 2023.
OAG Outreach and Education: Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Opportunity
OAG is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and serves as the sponsor for the FCPS Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs, dedicated to supporting FCPS employees with complimentary CPE credits required by various certification agencies. OAG is pleased to offer a new NASBA training opportunity for FCPS employees to earn up to 3 CPE credits:
Course: Internal investigation overview, with a focus on discrimination, child abuse, and fraud waste or abuse-related matters
Date: May 5, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
This training is designed for all FCPS employees and will cover (a) mandatory reporting requirements, (b) roles and responsibilities of various internal stakeholders, and (c) real-life scenarios. The Office of Division confereCounsel, Department of Human Resources, and the Office of Auditor General, will be presenting and sharing their experience at this training.
FCPS employees may sign-up for the training on MyPDE.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:
(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail)
InternalAudit@fcps.edu (email is not anonymous)
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FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents/caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. With Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week occurring next month please consider submitting your story so we may acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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Student Opportunities
WETA PBS Kids Writers Contest
WETA PBS Kids is holding a writing contest for students in grades K-4 in the Washington, DC area. Students may submit an original story, poem, or piece of nonfiction that starts with the following: “When I look out the window…” Schools and classroom teachers are encouraged to participate. The deadline to enter is Friday, April 21, 2023.
Find more information on the WETA website.
Earth Day Fairfax Volunteer Opportunities
Fairfax County Park Authority will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sully Historic Site. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to assist in activities such as
- Event setup crew
- Check-in greeters
- Nature and recreation activity attendants
- Guest assistance
For more information visit the Fairfax County Park Authority website. All volunteers must sign up in advance at the Fairfax County volunteering website.
Fairfax County Youth on Course Partnership for Junior Golfers
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Burke Lake and Oak Marr Golf Centers in conjunction with Youth on Course and the Virginia State Golf Association have collaborated to provide junior golfers aged 6 to 18 the opportunity to access golf. The partnership aims to create inviting, inclusive, and accessible golf to eliminate common barriers for young golfers such as cost and accessibility.
Youth on Course members may now play a round of golf for $5, Monday-Thursday after noon and Friday-Sunday after 2:00 p.m. at the Burke Lake and Oak Marr Golf Centers. One round of golf consists of nine holes at Oak Marr Golf Center and either 9 or 18 holes at Burke Lake Golf Center.
Learn more on the Fairfax Junior Golf website.
Anglers with Autism
Looking for a sensory-friendly, fishing activity for the entire family? Registration is open now for this fun, family activity at Lake Fairfax Park. The Anglers with Autism event is planned for Sunday, April 30 from noon to 3 p.m. It is designed for participants with Autism and their families to learn about fishing during World Autism Awareness Month. Learn how to fish together through basic fishing education and a guided fishing opportunity. All fishing equipment will be provided.
This program is made possible through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Fish and Explore, and the Fairfax County Park Authority. The event is free and advanced registration is required. Participants 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license.
Register for Anglers with Autism.
Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston, Virginia. For more information, call 703-471-5414 or visit Lake Fairfax Park.
2023 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman Gerry Connolly is excited to announce the start of his 2023 Congressional Art Competition. This competition is open to all high school students who are residents of the 11th Congressional District regardless of where they attend school; public, private, and home-schooled students are invited to participate. Due to space limitations, students may not submit more than two pieces of art. Please verify that you live in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia.Students will get the chance to see their art professionally as all of the artwork that is entered into the competition will be exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. The display will be up from May 5 to May 21, 2023.The first-place winning entry will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol. The second place entry will be exhibited at the Workhouse Arts Gallery for a year, and with the permission of the artists, additional high-ranking pieces will be displayed in Congressman Connolly’s Capitol Hill and district offices.
Please check Congressman Connolly’s website for information, submission forms, and competition guidelines.
All entries, including the artwork AND entry forms, must be dropped off at Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax District Office by close of business Monday, May 1, 2023. For additional information, please contact Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax District Office at 703-256-3071 or email: maddy.white@mail.house.gov.
Woodson High School Precisionettes Break it Down Camp
Current 7th-11th graders are invited to join Woodson High School’s Dance Team, The Precisionetters, for their Break it Down Camp. Classes will cover jazz, pom, hip hop, and dance team turns and technique. The camp will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 2nd-25th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Woodson Dance Room. The cost is $250 for the full session or $35 per class.
Visit the Woodson Precisionettes Break it Down Camp website for more information or email wtwdanceteam@gmail.com.
Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council Student Member
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. Each year, the council also administers the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, and employees for advancing or supporting the county’s environmental goals and policies.
EQAC is composed of one citizen representative from each of the 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.
Find more information and application materials.
2023 Virginia School Boards Association Student Essay Contest
The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the finalists will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 300 school board members and administrators at the 2023 VSBA Conference on Education held at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump on July 13, 2023.
This is the third year the Virginia School Boards Association will hold this contest with the hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts to allow our attendees to witness examples of the bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the Commonwealth. This year's topic is The Meaning of Civility.
Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous sponsor, the top finalist will receive a $500 scholarship. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12) as a great opportunity to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education.
Applications must be submitted in their entirety by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023. Complete the entry form.
For questions, please contact communications@vsba.org.
Nominations 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, 2023, and the award ceremony will be held on June 6 at the Board of Supervisors meeting. Check online for more information on the Juneteenth Resiliency Award and to submit a nomination.
Fairfax County Poetic Musings 2023 Poetry Contest
Celebrate National Poetry Month by entering Fairfax County’s Poetic Musings Poetry Contest. Entries may be any poetry style or theme that is either free verse, rhymes, or an ode. Participants must be 15 or older. Winners will be announced on June 5 and each will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and an invitation to read their poem at the Poetic Musings Celebration on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Burke Centre Library at 7:00 p.m.
Online submissions will be available through May 7, 2023.
More information may be found on the Poetic Musings Poetry Contest website.
TJ Twist Techstravaganza 2023
Join TJ Twist for Techstravaganza 2023, an annual science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activity for students of all ages! Hands-on activities and mind-blowing demonstrations will inspire students to explore their passion for STEM. Raffles, merchandise, and goodie bags will be available too!
TJ Twist Techstravanza 2023 will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Register in advance.
For more information contact TwistCoordinators@gmail.com.
Summer Opportunities
Programs at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
The FCPS Credit Recovery Academy and Thomas Jefferson Middle School Technology Institute will open registration 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.
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.
Northern Virginia Community College Summer Jump Start
Attention Seniors! Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is pleased to bring back JumpStart2NOVA for Summer 2023. This opportunity is for seniors who are thinking of coming to NOVA in the fall.
All classes will be offered through NOVA Online and run May 30th through August 9th, 2023. Students are required to pay for textbooks or other course materials. Courses have been selected based on their usability in NOVA degrees and their status as part of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies.
The application will close at 5 p.m. on April 28, 2023. First-time NOVA students will need to apply to NOVA and create an account to request the course in nvcc.dualenroll.com. Current DE students can skip the NOVA application and go straight to nvcc.dualenroll.com, selecting term “JumpStart2NOVA 2023.” All students will be required to upload a high school/homeschool transcript and any qualifying test scores if they do not have a 3.0 GPA.
To learn more about JumpStart2NOVA, including course offerings, minimum qualifying scores, and details on how to apply, please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/jumpstart/.
The Future Brighter Journal of Emerging Investigators Free Mini Ph.D. Program
The Future Brighter, a Virginia-based nonprofit aims to build children’s interest and excitement in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. This summer the organization is offering free Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) mini Ph.D. programs to learn the scientific method process of performing an independent research project. The eight-week program for 8th-10th graders will hold virtual sessions Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from June 3 - July 23, 2023.
More information may be found on The Future Brighter website.
Fairfax County Girls Fire and Rescue Academy Summer Camp
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s 2023 Girl Fire and Rescue Academy Summer Camp is taking place June 20-23 and June 27-30. The camps are open to rising 7th-12th grade students and is free of charge. Each camp will be limited to 24 applicants, so apply today! Spots are first come, first serve. Applications are due by May 19, 2023.
Find more information on the Girls Fire and Rescue Academy website.
2023 Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp
Registration is open for Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) 2023 Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp. Children and young adults ages 5-22 may participate in up to three weeks of safe and fun summer programs such as art activities, sensory play games, sports, outdoor play, music activities, special events, and more. All programs are designed to meet the different abilities and interests of campers, and all camp sites are open to individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or attention deficit disorders. Camps will be located at Key Middle School, Kilmer Middle School, and Rocky Run Middle School.
Camps will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as follows.
Ages 5-12
- June 27-June 30, 2023 (no camp June 26)
- July 3-July 7, 2023 (no camp July 4)
- July 10-July 14, 2023
Ages 13-22
- July 17-21, 2023
- July 24-28, 2023
- July 21-August 3, 2023 (no camp August 4)
For more information visit the NCS website.
🏀🥍Centreville High School Boys Basketball and Lacrosse Summer Camps
The Centreville High School Boosters is sponsoring a Boys Basketball Camp for boys 7-15 years old and a Boys Lacrosse Camp for boys aged 7-14.
During the lacrosse camp boys will learn lacrosse fundamentals including stick skills, dodging, shooting, and game simulation with top players and coaches. The camp will take place June 17-20, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and costs $125 per camper.
The basketball camp will include daily instruction by the coaching staff and varsity players, daily competitions, a 3v3 tournament, and more. The camp will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 26-30, 2023 in the Centreville High School Gym. The cost is $175 per camper.
More information on both camps may be found on the Centreville High School Summer Camps website.
🏀Chantilly High School Girls Basketball Camp
The Chantilly High School Athletic Boosters is offering a Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp for ages 7-14 July 17-21 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The camp will be held at Chantilly High School and the cost is $165.
For more information view this flyer, visit the 2023 Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp registration website, or email CHS Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, Josh Regan at jgregan@fcps.edu.
Oakton High School Summer Sports Camps
Oakton High School is offering baseball, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, and dance camps this summer. Find more information on the Oakton High School Summer Camps website.
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.
🎻Summer Music Camp at South County Middle School
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings (formally Stallion Summer Strings) is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School on weekdays from July 10-21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. Find more information and register.
🏀South County High School Boys Basketball Camp
South County High School is offering summer boys basketball camps for ages 7-15. The camps take place in the South County HS gym and include daily skill instruction from coaches and players, 5 on 5 league play and a championship tournament, a 1 on 1 tournament, hot shot and free throw contests, and individual and team awards. The cost is $190, however, a $15 first sibling discount is available. The camps will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the weeks of
- June 19-23
- June 26-30
- July 3-7 (Not on July 4)
- July 10-14
Visit the South County High School 2023 Boys Basketball Camp website for more information.
Woodson High School Summer Camps
The Woodson High School Athletic Boosters is offering baseball, boys and girls basketball, cheer and dance, field hockey, and volleyball summer camps for elementary through high school students.
Baseball
Woodson and West Springfield High Schools are offering Prep and Little League Camps for ages 7-14 including rising 7th-9th graders. The camps will take place at West Springfield High School during the weeks of June 19-23 and June 26-30 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The cost starts at $275.
For more information visit the Woodson and West Springfield Prep and Little League Summer Camp website.
Field Hockey
The Woodson High School Field Hockey Camp for rising 2nd-9th graders will take place on the Woodson auxiliary field the week of June 19-23 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. The cost is $125.
Visit the Woodson Field Hockey Camp website for more information.
Girls' Basketball
The Woodson Lady Cavs Basketball Summer Camp for ages 8-15 will take place at Woodson High School June 26-30 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The cost is $250.
Find more information on the Woodson Lady Cavs Summer Basketball Camp website.
Boys' Basketball
Woodson’s Boys’ Basketball Camps for ages 8-15 will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. July 10-14 and July 17-21 at Woodson High School. The cost is $225 per session.
Visit the Woodson High School Boys Basketball Summer Camps website for more information.
Volleyball
The Woodson High School 2023 Volleyball Summer Camps will be held July 10-13 and July 17-20. Session 1 will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and Session 2 will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. All sessions will be held in the Woodson Main Gym at a cost of $125 per session.
Find more information on the Woodson 2023 Volleyball Summer Camp website.
Cheer and Dance
Woodson High School Cheer and Dance are offering Kid Camps got Talent Summer Camps August 7-11. The Dance Camp will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and the Cheer Camp will take place from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The camps are open to students in grades K-8 and students may attend one ($200) or both ($375) camps.
Email wtwcheerdance@gmail.com for more information.
Community News
Teacher Appreciation Giveaway
Five outstanding teachers will win $500 each!
Educators work hard each day to inspire their students to love learning. To celebrate outstanding educators for Teacher Appreciation Week 2023, SignUpGenius is giving a total of $2,500 to teachers who matter most to you.
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 28, 2023. Submit nominations online.
Fairfax Connector’s New Youth Fair Policy
Starting May 1, 2023 children ages 12 and under may ride Fairfax Connector for free when accompanied by an adult. The new policy, in addition to the Connector’s Free Student Bus Pass Program, enables all youth in Fairfax County to ride for free!
Middle and high school students may obtain a free student bus pass from their school’s main office.
Host a French Student This Summer!
Join other host families in welcoming fifteen French students ages 15 to 17 to our community for a short visit to make new friends, visit Washington, D.C., experience the American way of life, and improve their English. Host families will enjoy a unique, rewarding, educational, cultural, and fun summer experience!
Students will arrive at Dulles International Airport on July 6, 2023, and will need host family volunteers to provide a spare bed, three meals a day, and a willingness to welcome a student into the normal rhythm and activities of their home for three weeks in this State Department approved homestay program.
Sightseeing trips to Washington, D.C., originating at the Vienna Metro Station, will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the French students and any interested host siblings.
The other days of the week are for the student to spend time with you, their host family, immersed in the American way of life. To help hosts juggle hosting with vacations, the student can travel with their host family on vacation or two families can share the hosting of one teen.
Don't miss this invaluable summer experience! If you are interested in hosting one of these students, please contact Woodson High School parent, Kathleen DeCarlo, today at kdecarlo@verizon.net or 703-388-6525 for more information.
🎖️ Month of the Military Child
Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have more than 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
To show our support for all military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” and wear purple on Wednesday, April 19. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force blue.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter.
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People ages 12-34 are at the highest risk for rape and sexual assault. The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30. One out of every six American women has been the victim/survivor of an attempted or completed sexual assault. One out of every ten males is a sexual assault victim.
Alcohol can play a part in sexual assault. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and alcohol consumption by perpetrators and victims tends to co-occur, meaning, when one of them is drinking, the other one is generally drinking as well. At least one-half of all violent crimes involve the use of alcohol. Although a person’s alcohol consumption is one risk factor for sexual assault, they are in no way responsible for what happened to them.
Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270.
Sources and Resources
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National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans.
Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
The goal of Autism Acceptance Month is to be more inclusive of the very community it seeks to celebrate. It promotes not just education about the differences of people with autism but understanding and respecting those differences.
Background Information About Autism
Start Here: a guide for parents of autistic kids. This booklet by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, is designed for parents of children who recently received an autism diagnosis.
Guidebooks for Families
https://researchautism.org/families/guidebook-series/
The Organization for Autism Research publish and provide comprehensive guidebooks, manuals, and booklets for families that are written by experts in the field and backed by research.
Virginia Department of Education
Tools for educators, administrators, and parents working to improve services for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – created in collaboration with staff at the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU ACE).
FCPS
Webinars
Public School Volunteer Week - April 16-22
Public School Volunteer Week provides a yearly opportunity for schools and families to honor and highlight the powerful contributions parents and caregivers provide at school and home to support student success. Schools are encouraged to host a new event or move an existing event to Public School Volunteer Week, to honor volunteers. Thank you!
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). Read more at Britannica.com.
FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset Thursday, April 20, to sunset Friday, April 21. April 20 is a half-O Day, and April 21 is a student holiday.
See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
🌎 Earth Day
All students and staff are encouraged to join FCPS Get2Green in celebrating our division-wide Earth Week 2023 from April 17-20. Earth Week is an engaging way to foster conversation and learning about environmental topics that are essential in developing students as environmental stewards and ethical and global citizens.
This year’s materials will be posted to the Get2Green Earth Week webpage soon. Engage students with FCPS Earth Week Connect Four boards for elementary and a Day of Service for secondary for the chance to win prizes.
Earth Week 2023 Themes
Students and Staff wear the color matching each day’s theme to show your Earth Week spirit!
- Monday, April 17 – Watershed Day (yellow)
- Tuesday, April 18 – Zero Waste Day (green)
- Wednesday, April 19 – Climate Change Day (purple)
- Thursday, April 20 – Conservation Day (red)
This year’s themed colors align with those for Purple Up Day and other Month of the Military Child events.
Thinking about your spring garden and getting outside with your class? Looking for someone to support your green team? Fill out Get2Green’s new Support Request Form to easily request environmental stewardship help from the Get2Green Team.
Learn more about the history of Earth Day in National Geographic Kids.
Earth Day Fairfax
Fairfax County Park Authority will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sully Historic Site. Celebrate Healthy People—Healthy Planet with a fun day of entertainment, food vendors, touch-a-truck, prizes, and activities! Learn what Fairfax County is doing to support environmental sustainability and what you can do to help. For more information, visit the Earth Day Fairfax website.
🚲 Bike to School Day
Bike Month has been celebrated since 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give biking a try. Fairfax County has an extensive network of both paved and natural surface bike trails. You can access a map to all the trails in Fairfax county online.
Wednesday, May 3, is the official Bike to School Day. You may register as a school, family, or neighborhood. Plan your ride whether you ride to school, to a park, or just within your neighborhood. Register for Bike to School Day.
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Springfield District Scene
Spotlight on Hunt Valley Elementary School’s Tracy Tashima
Tracy Tashima, a second-grade teacher at Hunt Valley Elementary School is “an exceptional educator not just for teaching the educational standards, but for modeling empathy and collaboration every day in the classroom,” said a parent who nominated her for FCPS CARES.
“She understands that in order for students to be successful, they need to feel safe and valued in the classroom,” the parent says. “Anytime anything happens outside of school that is remotely positive, my child wants his teacher to know about it because he feels like she is his biggest fan. In speaking with her students, both current and past, every child feels this way about her. To have every child in the class feel that personal connection with the teacher is phenomenal.”
FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Read more about all the recipients. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
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New Key Middle School Principal
The Region 3 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Mr. Andrew Campbell, currently an assistant principal at Centreville High School (HS), has been appointed as Principal of Key Middle School (MS) effective Friday, April 14, 2023. Mr. Campbell is returning “home” to Key MS as he previously served as assistant principal at Key MS.
Mr. Campbell has 17 years of experience as an educator. He began his career as an English teacher at Eagle Academy, Bronx, NY. After moving to Virginia, he served as an English teacher, special education department chair, and assistant principal at Sandburg MS, as well as an assistant principal at Key MS before accepting an assistant principal position at Centreville HS.
Mr. Campbell is an experienced instructional leader. He has extensive experience supporting teachers and teams, having supervised most departments during his assistant principalships. He has created professional development to improve teachers’ skills, he has coordinated FCPS central office supports to accomplish school improvement goals, and he has empowered Multi-Tiered Systems of Support teams to ensure that teachers and teams provide academic and wellness interventions to students. While at Key, Mr. Campbell spearheaded a multi-part dialogue with elementary feeder schools to accomplish better math outcomes for students. This led to more strategic course selection in middle school and impacted instruction at elementary schools.
Mr. Campbell is an engaging leader. He is visible and approachable, and he understands that positive relationships with students will result in stronger relationships with their families. Mr. Campbell is excited about rejoining the administrative team at Key and reestablishing himself into the culture of belonging that Key MS has embodied, affectionately stated as “Key, the place to be, the place for me.”
Mr. Campbell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and English from The State University of New York, Geneseo, his Master of Arts degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, New York, NY, and his Licensure Endorsement in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.
Mr. Campbell is looking forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to continue to foster a warm, safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Campbell as the new principal at Key Middle School!
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New Rocky Run Middle School Principal
The Region 5 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Mr. Peter Kownacki has been named the new principal of Rocky Run Middle School!
Mr. Peter Kownacki holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Teaching in Secondary Social Studies, and an administrative certification, all from the University of Virginia. Mr. Kownacki has 11 years of school administration experience having served as an assistant principal at South Lakes High School and Rocky Run Middle School prior to becoming a principal at South County Middle School four years ago. He started his career with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) as a teacher at Robinson Secondary School in 2005.
Mr. Kownacki is currently serving as the principal of South County Middle School, which is a diverse school with a large Advanced Academics Center, Intellectual Disabilities Program, and English Language Learner Programs. During his tenure as principal of South County Middle School, Mr. Kownacki has developed numerous curricular programs that support student academic and social/emotional well-being. He collaborated with teacher leaders to create and implement a multi-year, data-driven, school improvement and innovation plan that targeted growth in disciplinary literacy, supported student social and emotional learning through connectedness, decreased discipline referrals among demographic sub-groups, increased enrollment in honors level courses for minority students, and incorporated feedback and choice to students through Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning. He established a comprehensive and data-driven Multi-Tiered System of Support that focused on Tier 1 instructional and behavioral strategies for all students, data-driven Tier 2 targeted interventions through an innovative six-week rotation model during learning seminar, and Tier 3 support classes for students who needed a more intensive level of support. This model has served as an exemplar within the division.
Mr. Kownacki has demonstrated throughout his career that being a clear, transparent communicator is a strength. During his time at South County, Mr. Kownacki led the entire school community in the development of a new vision, mission, and motto statements that strive to empower Honorable, Empathetic, Resilient, and Dedicated (HERD) learners. In addition, Mr. Kownacki designed and facilitated bi-weekly book studies with members of the extended administrative team, and led professional development sessions for staff, to explore the concept of dignity and equity in the school. Mr. Kownacki has empowered student leadership and voice through the establishment of a Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) student group, a Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC), and a Student Equity Ambassador Leaders (SEALS) Committee. These student-led groups create and facilitate lessons for their peers based on Tier 1 behavior expectations and meet regularly with the leadership team to advocate for the student perspective.
Mr. Kownacki is a leader who is thoughtful, reflective, decisive, collaborative, and empathetic. He has a strong belief in the power of relationships and the importance of ensuring that ALL students, families, and staff members feel seen, heard, and connected to their school community during these important middle school years. Having previously served as an Assistant Principal at Rocky Run MS, he is uniquely suited to work with the students, staff, and parents in this community during these important transitional years of adolescence.
Mr. Kownacki is happily married to another FCPS educator (his wife Katy is an Assistant Principal at Frost Middle School). They met as first-year teachers at Robinson SS and have three children. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family at soccer fields, basketball courts, and swimming pools all over Virginia. He is an avid (and long-suffering) UVA and DC sports fan. When he is not “principaling” you can find him watching sports, gardening, cooking, or at the gym.
Please join our Region Leadership Team in welcoming Mr. Peter Kownacki as the new principal of Rocky Run Middle School! He starts his new position on July 3. We are pleased to share that Mrs. Amanda Burke, Acting Principal, will continue to serve the Rocky Run community for the remainder of the school year. Mrs. Burke, collaboratively with the administrative team, stands ready to lead and support students, staff, and families through the next few months and work with Mr. Kownacki to plan for the leadership transition.
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Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s Forensics Team for placing third in the VHSL Forensics Meet and to Seonghyeon Hwang who got first place in Video at Hanbol, a Korean competition! |
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The Fairfax High School Science Olympiad Team won third place in the 2023 Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament! Way to go! |
Story submitted by Devon Rudolph, Editor-in-Chief, Valor Dictus, at Robinson Secondary School.
NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren returned to Robinson Secondary School to speak to students on March 31. Lindgren–a Robinson graduate–talked about his career at NASA, and the advice he would give students aspiring to reach their dreams.
“People will tell you that [some] things are impossible; you will convince yourself that things are impossible,” he said. However, “Part of what NASA does is to make the impossible possible.”
Initially inspired by science fiction stories, Lindgren knew he wanted to pursue a future in the space field from the second grade. At Robinson, he advised the students to pursue their dream career. “Be the best at what you’re doing right now,” said Lindgren. “Here and now is what’s important.”
Lindgren attended Robinson Secondary School beginning in his sophomore year. He described Robinson as an integral part of his journey. “It gave me a foundational launch pad for my dreams and set me on a trajectory that has come full circle so that I am able to come back here and share with you all today,” he said.
After graduating from Robinson in 1991, Lindgren continued on to the Air Force Academy, then Colorado State University, graduating with a master’s in cardiovascular physiology. While at the Air Force Academy, he was medically discharged due to asthma. Lindgren spoke about his struggles after being dismissed, and his three pillars of success: hard work, teamwork, and kindness.
Read the full story.
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Thomas Jefferson HSST’s Daniel Kim placed first in Humorous Dramatic Interpretation at the VHSL Forensics Meet! Way to go!
The winning continues with TJ’s Science Olympiad Team taking first place in the 2023 Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament! Fantastic!
Wow! TJ students, including Om Gole of the Springfield District, have made the finals in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge international competition. Read more in this Connections Newspaper article.
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Congratulation to the West Springfield High School Chamber Orchestra who performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll. The performance was made possible by a U.S. Department of Education Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists, allowing student performers to showcase their talent and gain exposure to an appreciative audience invested in education and student success. Congrats to our Spartan Chamber Orchestra!
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Shout out to Woodson High School’s Science Olympiad Team for their fourth-place finish in the 2023 Virginia Science Olympiad State Tournament! |
🏆 Students Earn National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
FCPS students received 33 national awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The students were recognized for original art and writing with one American Visions Medal, 10 Gold Medals, one Silver Medal with Distinction, and 21 Silver Medals.
Congratulations to Fairfax High School’s Jei Jeong and Maya Littman of the Springfield District for their art awards! Jei received the American Visions Medal for Consequences of Ignormance and Maya received a silver medal for Depths.
Read about the winners on our webpage.
📰 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Honors FCPS Schools with Crown Awards
This year, three Fairfax County school news publications were honored with Crown Awards in a ceremony at Columbia University on March 17. The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) offers annual competitions to honor excellence in student publishing. The Crown Awards are for overall excellence.
News, magazine, yearbook, and digital/online formats are all eligible for Crown Awards. Publications are judged on their excellence in design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing. A total of 805 publications were eligible for judging in this winter’s contest. See a full list of winners in the press release from CSPA.
Silver Crowns were awarded to Chantilly High School’s The Purple Tide news magazine and website and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s tjTODAY news magazine and website.
Read more about the awards.
🏆 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 Grand Prize Winners, including Frank Chang and Jason Yoo of Chantilly High School and Samuel Stankiewicz of West Springfield High School, are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May, and many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair to be held in April.
Congratulations to the below Springfield District category awards winners.
Chantilly High School
Shreya Sheth - third-place, Microbiology
Abraham Tuluva - honorable mention, Chemistry
Fairfax High School
William Choi - honorable mention, Biochemistry
Rohan Soma - honorable mention, Biochemistry
Alicia Lee - second-place, Plant Sciences
Sarah Soliman - third-place, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Dhanvi Patel - third-place, Microbiology
Grace Sanchez - third-place, Microbiology
Robinson Secondary School
Chip Dinh - second-place, Chemistry
Veronica Mariduena - second-place, Chemistry
Liam Basye - second-place, Chemistry
Eli Fugate - second-place, Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics
Lillian Voyer - third-place, Biochemistry
Gabriel Presidio - third-place, Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics
Jacqueline Dougherty - third-place, Microbiology
South County High School
Jessica Wiriadinata - honorable mention, Animal Sciences
Jocelyn Tran - third-place, Animal Sciences
Hope Baxter - third-place, Biomedical and Health Sciences and Engineering
Thomas Jefferson HSST
Sara Elanchezhian - first-place, Behavioral and Translational Medical Sciences
West Springfield High School
Samuel Stankiewicz - first-place and grand prize, Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Breilynn Daniels - honorable mention, Behavioral and Translational Medical Sciences
Woodson High School
Nathaniel Kurland - second-place, Physics and Astronomy
Congratulations to the below Springfield District category and organization awards winners.
Chantilly High School
Frank Chang - first-place and grand prize, Environmental Engineering and certificate and Clean Fairfax Swag bag from Clean Fairfax Council
Jack Evans - honorable mention, Earth and Environmental Sciences and honorable mention from the George Mason University Department of Mechanical Engineering
Jason Yoo - first place and grand prize, Environmental Engineering and a certificate and Clean Fairfax Swag bag from Clean Fairfax Council
Fairfax High School
Benjamin Deadman - honorable mention, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design and honorable mention from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, Northern VA Chapter
Gauri Manocha - second-place, Biochemistry and a certificate and $100 from the American Water Works Association, Virginia Section and a certificate, $75, and entry into the Virginia Stockholm Jr. Water Prize
Drishti Nishar - second-place, Biochemistry and a certificate and $100 from the American Water Works Association, Virginia Section and a certificate, $75, and entry into the Virginia Stockholm Jr. Water Prize
Oakton High School
Brinda Patel - third-place, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design and the Promising Engineer Award and a $20 Amazon gift certificate fom the Society of Women Engineers, Baltimore Washington Section
Kelly Zou - first-place, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Sustainable Development Award from Ricoh USA
Robinson Secondary School
Evelyne You - third-place, Biomedical and Health Sciences and Engineering and a certificate and $25 Amazon gift card from the American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC Branch
Woodson High School
Caelan Hagopain - third place, Behavioral and Translational Medical Sciences and a certificate and $100 from the American Industrial Hygiene Association; the Meritorious Achievement Award in Medicine and Public Health from the Commissioned Officer Association, U.S. Public Health Services, District of Columbia Branch; and the Excellence in Mobility Engineering certificate and a $50 Amazon gift card from SAE International, Washington DC Section
See the full list of winners on our webpage.
Family and Student Resources
Opt-in No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for 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.
“Heads Up” and “Talk it Out” Virtual Recovery Groups for Teens and Parents
The Fairfax County Community Services Board (CSB) is offering weekly recovery groups for teens working through emotional, mental health, or substance abuse challenges and their parents or guardians. In “Heads Up”, teens will learn strategies and tools to manage stress and life challenges. Parents and guardians will learn ideas on how to help their teen live a healthy, full life after trauma or times of emotional distress.
The concurrent groups are offered virtually every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Find more information on the CSB website. For more information or to get the access code to join the groups, contact Anna Davis (703-383-8404) or David Edelman (703-481-4008).
Mental Health First Aid
The Fairfax County Community Services Board (CSB) is offering virtual and in-person Mental Health First Aide courses which teach the common warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health concerns, as well as a five-step action plan to assist someone in crisis. The overall course is eight hours. The virtual course includes two hours of self-paced prework and six hours of live virtual training. The course is free to Fairfax County residents.
For more information visit the CSB Mental Health First Aid Registration webpage.
Binge Drinking
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol quickly. It’s a practice that pushes up blood alcohol levels fast. For men, binge drinking is typically five or more drinks in two hours. Women reach a blood alcohol level of .08 or more with four drinks in two hours or less.
Why is Binge Drinking Risky?
Teenagers who binge drink even once are at higher risk of getting alcohol poisoning. not being able to look after themselves while drunk. taking dangerous risks and having accidents – for example, being killed on the road while walking home drunk.
What can you do to Help Stop?
Stop Teenage Drinking: 10 Ways to keep your kid safe
- Talk to your kids, not at them.
- Education is key.
- Help teens understand the risk
- Get involved
- Be a positive influence
- Eliminate Temptation
- Be aware of the warning signs
- Establish clear rules
- Teach refusal skills
- Create and commit to a family pledge.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270.
Medicaid Coverage for Families Post-Pandemic
In 2020, the federal government declared a public health emergency. In response, state agencies—including Virginia Medicaid—instituted a continuous coverage requirement that provided healthcare coverage for all medical assistance programs, including for individuals who were no longer eligible or whose eligibility status has changed.
Because the health emergency has ended, please be aware that Virginia began reviewing members' eligibility for Medicaid, Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid-Managed Care Organization (MCO) health plans in March.
To ensure Virginia Medicaid has the necessary information to determine eligibility, Virginia Medicaid is asking members to do the following:
- Contact Virginia Medicaid to provide any updated contact information.
- Respond right away if you receive any official communication from Virginia Medicaid, your local Department of Social Services, or your health plan regarding your health coverage.
To learn more about Virginia Medicaid returning to normal eligibility practices, how this change may impact your coverage, how to contact Virginia Medicaid, or what to do if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, visit the FCPS Medicaid Reimbursement Program Public site.
Family Resource Fair
The Robinson Secondary School Parent Teacher Student Organization and Robinson English for Speakers of Other Languages Department are holding a Family Resource Fair for the entire community. The following questions and more will be answered.
- How can I support my child?
- Substance Abuse?! Now what?
- How do I get health insurance?
- How can I afford college?
- How can I get a new job?
The fair will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Robinson Secondary School Gold Cafeteria, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, 22032.
FCPS Multilingual Family Podcasts
Meet Dr. Reid: Hear Her Appreciation and Vision for FCPS
Dr. Reid, FCPS Division Superintendent, offers a message of appreciation for the FCPS Community. As she concludes her first year, she reflects on what she has learned and how thankful she is of the students, staff, and families. Dr. Reid discusses the importance of family contributions to education and her vision for the future. Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections and see how she is making an impact.
Listen and subscribe.
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Special Education PTA April Meeting and “What Parents Need to Know About Drugs and Their Students with Disabilities” Presentation
Join the Special Education Parent Teacher Association’s (SEPTA) for their last general membership meeting of the year! They will begin with PTA business, featuring the election of officers for the 2023-24 school year as well as some additional business related to their budget and wrapping up the school year. Please note that you do need to be a paid SEPTA member to participate in all voting matters. You may become a member on the Fairfax County SEPTA website.
Following the PTA business will be a presentation entitled "What Parents Need to Know About Drugs and Their Student with Disabilities" by Tiffany Jones. Tiffany is an FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist and is tailoring this workshop specifically to address issues related to students with disabilities, including the latest research findings. Please note that this presentation is geared toward adult caregivers, not students.
The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Please register in advance.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center Parent and Professional Training
The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) is presenting a virtual workshop for parents and professionals, Let’s Talk About It, Sexual Health!
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often not included in discussions around sexual health and wellness. In fact, many people don't view individuals with IDD as sexual beings, but we are all sexual beings.
It is critical for youth with disabilities to develop self-care skills, cultivate social skills, gain an understanding of appropriate behaviors, increase personal safety, and work toward becoming a more independent adult. This training will provide information for parents/guardians of students with IDD and the professionals that work with them to offer practical tools and strategies along the journey.
This training has two sessions. Registrants should plan to attend both the April 24 and April 25 virtual session.
This virtual training will be hosted via Zoom and will NOT be recorded. Register for the training at this link.
Dates
April 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
April 25, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
You may find more information on the Virginia Family Special Education Connection website.
Our Stomping Ground - Inclusive Communities
The mission of Our Stomping Ground is to build inclusive communities and strengthen neighborhoods through diverse programming, sustainable, affordable housing, and social spaces for people of all abilities. In addition to their residential programming, this organization offers a variety of programs including book clubs, games nights, art and fitness classes, and more. Their activities are open to families in our community. Please check their events calendar for upcoming activities that may be of interest to your family.
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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
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
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.
Parent Resource Center Books and Recordings
Below are new books and the Parent Resources most recent webinar recordings available to families and staff. Please contact the Parent Resource Center at 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu for help accessing the materials.
Books
- Challenges for LGBTQ teens
- Grief in children: a handbook for adults
- Let them play: the power & joy of mindful sports parenting
- The explosive child: a new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children
- Social skills and adaptive behavior in learners with autism spectrum disorders
- It's my way or the highway: turning bossy into flexible and assertive
- Unplugged play. Grade school: 216 activities & games for ages 6-10
Videos
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Tips from the Healthy Minds Blog
Five Strategies to Activate Empathy in Children
Feeling understood and cared about is a human need and a way we relate to others. Such is why empathy is considered essential for building strong communities. Empathy is the ability to understand another person's perspective and share in what that person is feeling, thinking, or experiencing. In other words, it is having an understanding of what it must be like to walk in another person's shoes while demonstrating compassion for that individual.
Empathy is a key ingredient in having children show caring, acceptance, and tolerance of others. Individuals who show empathy are more likely to be happier and healthier; they are also known to be viewed as more likable by others, work better in groups, and form better interpersonal relationships. Empathy additionally works to protect our community from disconnectedness, despair, bullying, and other cruelty.
While we are born with a capacity for empathy, it is developed and shaped over time. Research suggests these five strategies to activate empathy skills in children:
- Model empathy. Listen to children as they explain their hurts or other feelings. Model empathy by labeling and validating feelings while staying positive.
- Practice empathy in your family or classroom. Encourage children to reach out to siblings or classmates, identify their feelings, and offer support.
- Explore perspectives, intentions, and roles of others in readings. While reading together, ask children about the main character or others in a story. How did this person feel? How do we know that? How did this person solve the problem? Engaging in this activity helps children develop perspective-taking of both their own minds and others.
- Broaden their horizons. Encourage curiosity about others different from oneself. Get out of your usual environment and look to interact with different kinds of people, travel, learn a new skill, or join a new group. Encourage children to ask open-ended questions to learn about the experiences and perspectives of others. Talk to others to figure out what it is like being in their shoes and let them know you value what they share.
- Volunteer or do community service. Researchers have found that people who volunteer are happier. Whether you set up a lemonade stand and donate profits, organize a sock drive for a local shelter, or volunteer at a local organization (see Volunteer Fairfax for opportunities), you are likely to spark increased empathy and life satisfaction.
Need More Information?
The Making Caring Common project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education offers these five tips for cultivating empathy in children.
The Big Life Journal offers these four key strategies for teaching children empathy. The site breaks down strategies by age.
Scholarship Opportunities
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 April 24 - June 30, 2023:
1) OAR Scholarship - $3,000 - 32 Awards (Deadline: April 24, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be pursuing full-time, post-secondary, education in any of the following: four-year undergraduate college or university, two-year undergraduate college, trade school, technical school, or vocational school
- Have been diagnosed with autism
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28379/oar-scholarship
2) Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarships - $10,000 - 20 Awards (Deadline: Apr. 28, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be enrolling in college or university in the fall of 2023
- Have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/27132/boomer-esiason-foundation-academic-scholarships
3) Eleven Scholarship - $5,000 - 2 Awards (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a black, indigenous, or person of color high school senior or undergraduate student pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
Applications may be found by going to: ttps://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38043/eleven-scholarship
4) Culinary Institute of America Scholarship - $10,000 – 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior eligible to graduate the same year for which the scholarship is applied
- Be currently accepted to the institution with a major in either culinary or pastry arts
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/26780/culinary-institute-of-america-scholarship
5) CodeWizardsHQ Educational Scholarship - $2,500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior and/or an incoming freshman
- Be planning to study one of the STEM subjects and currently have a 3.5 GPA or higher
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38588/codewizardshq-educational-scholarship
6) Odenza Vacations Scholarship - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be between the ages of 17 and 24 on September 1, 2023
- Submit an answer to the essay question prior to the deadline
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28334/odenza-vacations-college-scholarship
7) Carrington-Philbert Scholarship Program - $2,500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Plan to attend a U.S. two-year community college or four-year college
- Be Black/African American
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38300/carrington-philbert-scholarship-program
8) Nurse Corps Scholarship Program - $10,000 - 225 Awards (Deadline: May 4, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be accepted in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing and begin classes no later than September 30, 2023
- Be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/32935/nurse-corps-scholarship-program
9) Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship - $2,500 - 1 Award (Deadline: June 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Have keen interest in any facet of harness racing
- Be at least a high school senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/30321/curt-greene-memorial-scholarship
10) Future Nurse Scholarship - $1,000 – 2 Awards (Deadline: June 1, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at an accredited U.S. nursing school
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/31970/future-nurse-scholarship
11) PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship - $2,000 – 2 Awards (Deadline: June 5, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Be enrolled or accepted in a college or university in the United States
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/33464/pixelplex-bi-annual-stem-scholarship
12) Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarships - $5,000 – 6 Awards (Deadline: June 6, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Have participated in community or volunteer service
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. college for the 2023-2024 academic year
Applications may be found by going to: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/36882/burress-law-underdog-scholarships
13) Feeding Tomorrow First Year Scholarships - $1,500 - 10 Awards (Deadline: June 15, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
- Plan to enroll as a full-time freshman student pursuing an undergraduate degree in science of food at a U.S. or international university for the 2023-2024 academic year
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/27429/feeding-tomorrow-first-year-scholarships
14) Barbeques Galore Culinary Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: June 30, 2023)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Be currently enrolled, or due to be enrolled, as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited US college or university for the academic year of 2023-2024
Applications may be found by going to:
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38424/barbeques-galore-culinary-scholarship
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What’s in a Name?
Each month I feature a different Springfield District school from the What’s in a Name video series. This month let’s learn about the history behind Willow Spring Elementary School’s name.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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