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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ።
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Hello Community Members!
Championing Outdoor Learning and Sustainability
The results of years of my advocacy with colleagues, staff, friends, and community members is bearing results to the tune of $6.05 million dollars to fund K-12 outdoor learning and environmental education in FCPS!
Now in the proposed budget, for implementation beginning this coming school year, funding is slated for bringing outdoor classrooms to all FCPS schools! This includes funding for a Get2Green resource teacher for each of the five FCPS Regions, and monetary stipends to compensate the Get2Green program leads at each school! Often these leads are passionate volunteers from the school community or FCPS staff members that go above and beyond their main occupation. The combination of safe, accessible outdoor space plus trained staff to support instruction means students will access the research-proven benefits of outdoor learning!
This funding is the result of a Virginia State construction grant, with $6.05 million specifically allocated for outdoor learning spaces. To learn more about how the new positions and school-based stipends will impact the Joint Environmental Task Force goals and improve overall academic achievement click here and scroll down to question 21 on page 31.
I have been overjoyed to recently participate in many Earth Day celebrations with Hunter Mill students and staff. At Floris Elementary School, I took part in environmental science activities, guided by teacher instruction.
I visited the Rachel Carson Middle School Going Green Club, alongside my colleague, School Board Member Elaine Tholen. Rachel Carson MS has a special place in my heart because it’s named after the woman who spurred the modern environmentalist movement! And as I experienced on my recent visit there, students are living up to this namesake. Going Green club students created the following four videos in honor of Earth Day 2023:
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Students and parents at Marshall Road Elementary are being true leaders - spurring a composting effort that is reducing school food waste by over a ton of food so far! A special shoutout to Marshall Road volunteer, Monica, who was recently honored by the Mayor of Vienna for her driving force to bring sustainability practices to the school and community.
The pick up service is funded by the PTA and a Whole Foods grant. But equity means every school has this service so students learn sustainable behaviors to help our environment, and we lower the school division’s carbon footprint. I’m working on it!
Also, I recently learned of the Care to Share Toolkit, developed by Get2Green and the Fairfax Food Council. The toolkit informs schools of ways to rescue and redistribute acceptable, unwanted, and unopened foods from cafeteria waste. Learn more further down below!
Louise Archer to Receive New Playground Equipment
Governance Updates that Improve School Board Meetings
As one of the four School Board Members on the Board’s Governance Committee, I think it’s critical that the Board continuously look at how to improve its work for the benefit of students, staff, and the public. I worked to lead the following two updates, over many months of development, that were recently adopted by the full Board in a public meeting:
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.
The Board voted to add a new School Board Code of Conduct, Standards, and Protocols policy 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.
Supporting Students Who Learn Differently
FCPS has innovated three new positions to support neurodivergent students and make sure that they reach their unique potential. Kristen Haynor (a Madison pyramid grad!), Nonye Oladimeji, and Rachel Rubio are Neurodiversity Specialists helping FCPS lead the way in this field and create an equitable learning experience.
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. Learn more about neurodiversity in FCPS.
On Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m., Kristen will host a webinar for high school families of neurodiverse students. Topics 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. You can search neurodiversity in the PRC YouTube channel to watch the other recent PRC webinars on neurodiversity in elementary and middle school.
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ESSER III Public Hearing: April 27
The 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. at Jackson Middle School. For information about signing up to speak at the Public Hearings, click here.
Provide your Feedback
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.
FCPS would like your feedback on how well the school division is responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which will be open through Friday, May 5.
FCPS Increases Background Checks for Employees
FCPS announced increased background checks for employees in a continuing effort to provide safe schools and workplaces for all students and staff. Starting in April 2023, all FCPS employees (including temporary employees, hourly staff and substitutes) will be reviewed through the National Sex Offender Registry. This is the beginning of a process that will expand over the coming school year. New Regulation 4116 details the process. Read more on the FCPS website.
Safety and Security Town Hall
FCPS will host a community conversation to discuss the division's approach to safety and security, and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. Join us Monday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School.
Staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Thursday, April 27, 6pm: ESSER Public Hearing
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Thursday, April 27, 7pm: Regular Meeting
- ESSER
- Safety and Security
- Special Education Annual Plan
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Tuesday, May 9, 10am: Retreat
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Thursday, May 11, 7pm: Regular Meeting
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Fiscal Year 24 Approved Budget
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Tuesday, May 16, 6pm: Budget Public Hearing
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Thursday, May 18, 10am: Budget Work Session
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Accessing Board Meetings
View this link for a comprehensive list of upcoming meetings and associated information.
Click here for meeting logistics, agendas and handouts (to view the slides and materials, scroll down to the bottom of the page).
Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99. Meeting recordings can be found on FCPS YouTube. For more information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting, click here.
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For Spanish speakers -- to watch recorded School Board meetings or live Regular Meetings on YouTube, you can visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code.
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Hunter Mill Happenings
Fun with Families at Floris
Floris Elementary combined three school-community events, as a strategy for welcoming as many families as possible into school to connect. The International Night featured thoughtful displays and experiences from many of the families at the diverse school. And I loved how the flags of nations represented by the student body are permanently featured in the cafeteria, where festival happened! The book fair took over the incredible school library, which is decorated like a jungle to match the theme of the current school play – The Lion King! What a fun way to tie together multiple student experiences. And, the PTA, helping to coordinate all of this, basically had a speed-meeting, taking just a few minutes to provide remarks of welcome, and need-to-know info. Thank you to the PTA community leaders, families who volunteered and participated, and staff who stayed late after the school day to make this special trifecta of experiences happen for the community!
South Lakes HS Clubs Shine
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South Lakes DECA marketing club took 15 students to compete in the State Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach in early March. Three students qualified to attend the International Career Development Conference in Orlando and other students earned medals and accolades at states! The three students will be competing in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research. |
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South Lakes FBLA club had over 30 students compete at the Regional Leadership conference in early March. Ten students qualified to compete at states in various events including Digital Video Production, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Broadcast Journalism, Agribusiness, and Impromptu Speaking. The State Leadership Conference was held in Reston at the beginning of April and next up is Nationals this summer in Atlanta, Georgia.
Best of luck to these students as they advance to the next levels of competition! The opportunity to develop leadership skills and network with their peers in business and marketing is priceless.
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I was thrilled to recently receive my copies of "Odd Lunch Out" from Ink Children's Books, a nonprofit publishing company that uses South Lakes students as authors and illustrators!
Ink is the most recent venture of the South Lakes HS Entrepreneurship Club. Each year the club starts a new business that’s entirely student-run, allowing these adolescents to gain financial knowledge, communication skills, and leadership experience. The profits of the books will go to charities of the authors and illustrator’s choices.
Ink will be at Scrawl Books in Reston on April 29 for Independent Bookstore Day, I hope to see you there!
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Madison HS Latin Department Competes Nationally
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The Madison High School Latin Department was well represented at the 2023 National Latin Exam academic contest. They competed against students from all 50 states and 13 countries, with 19 Madison students bringing home awards including 8 Gold Medal/Summa Cum Laude awards. Incredible work! |
South Lakes IB Program Art Show
Student's work was on display from the South Lakes High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. I heard about the thoughtful and accomplished approaches to create their pieces. Our students are up to worthwhile things! |
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Madison HS Debate Team Takes Second Place in Virginia
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The Madison High School Public Forum Debate team of Austin Pemble and Calvin Kaplan took 2nd Place in the National Speech and Debate Association Virginia District Tournament, which qualifies them to represent Virginia — and JMHS — in the NSDA National Tournament in Phoenix, AZ in June. Way to go Warhawks! |
2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra
Congratulations to the many Hunter Mill students who auditioned and were selected for the 2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra! In total, 167 students representing Fairfax County high schools were selected!
Participants will now have the opportunity to rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians from throughout the Commonwealth.
To view the concert details and the full list of students selected, click here.
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Thank You, Principals Heiges and Monticchio!
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Two long-time, esteemed school leaders in Vienna and Reston have announced their retirement from FCPS, which will happen at the conclusion of this school year.
Principal Jennifer Heiges will be retiring, departing from Marshall Road Elementary School in the Madison Pyramid in Vienna. Ms. Heiges has worked in FCPS for 31 years, with 21 of them at Marshall Road!
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Principal Aimee Monticchio will be retiring, having spent 20 years in the South Lakes Pyramid in Reston! She served as an Assistant Principal at South Lakes High School for four years, and will conclude her leadership tenure after 16 years as Principal of Langston Hughes Middle School.
These two individuals have shown such commitment to student and community success – they are an inspiration for the kinds of adults who put children’s well-being at the forefront of not just their careers, but their lives. I thank them as a School Board Member, an FCPS parent, and a community member.
I hope you will join me in the weeks ahead to celebrate and thank Ms. Heiges and Ms. Monticchio, and wish them all the best in their next chapter of life!
As per established process, FCPS will be conducting searches to identify the next leaders of each of these schools. Please stay tuned for information about how to participate, as the school community’s involvement is critical.
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Thoreau Middle School Assistant Principal Honored
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Congratulations to Thoreau MS Assistant Principal, Tracy Bromberg, for being named the FCPS Cares Region 1 winner of April!
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond. Thank you for all that you do!
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Hughes VIP Summer Camp
The VIP Camp will be held at Hughes Middle School this summer for rising 7th and 8th graders attending the following middle schools: Carson, Herndon, Cooper, Hughes, and Longfellow Middle Schools. Click here for the camp flyer: VIP camp costs $100 to attend. Some scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship; reach out to your Middle School's After-School Specialist for more information.
Program Details: Wednesday, June 28 - Thursday, July 27: 9am - 4pm (no camp on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4).
Upcoming Events in Hunter Mill
Scrawl Books Hosts Ink Children's Books: April 29
Mamma Mia at Madison High School
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Madison High School's Drama Department presents Mamma Mia from April 27-29!
ABBA's hits tell the heartwarming story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.
Timeless songs propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.
Buy tickets today!
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Bright Star at South Lakes High School
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South Lakes High School Theater presents their spring musical, Bright Star, directed by Mr. Michael Viola. With soulful bluegrass melodies and breathtaking choreography, Bright Star is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and redemption that will leave you spellbound. This Tony-nominated musical celebrates the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Showtimes: May 4th, 5th, & May 6th at 7:30pm with a matinee on May 6th at 2:00pm
More information can be found at https://www.slakestheatre.com/.
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Other Upcoming Productions with Hunter Mill Students
Kids at Hope Masters Seminar: May 17
Other Information of Interest
School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten
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.
Limit Food Waste - Care to Share Toolkit
Get2Green has partnered with the Fairfax Food Council to introduce a Care to Share Toolkit that schools can use to rescue acceptable, unwanted and unopened foods from the cafeteria trash. This food is then confidentially redistributed to families in need within the school, or to local food pantries. Eliminating food waste is crucial in addressing the growing problem of food insecurity.
The Care to Share Toolkit provides guidelines that individual schools can adapt to their schools' unique resources. Schools that have implemented this program have done so with the collaboration of school staff, the PTA, school nurses and aides, student clubs, cafeteria staff, parents, and student volunteers. School's should consider their own unique resources to identify who might be best situated to implement a version of Care to Share. To learn how other schools have resolved resource issues in implementing this program, please contact the Fairfax Food Council at fairfaxfoodcouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.
View this wonderful 2 minute video of students explaining the value of food share.
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Parent Resource Center: Change of Name
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is changing its name to the Family Resource Center. The purpose of this name change is to better reflect our inclusivity as we welcome all families in FCPS and encourage them to take advantage of the breadth and depth of services and opportunities we provide. Supports include free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources and tools to help adults support the success of each and every student. The name change will have a small budgetary impact, to include the coverage of signage at Dunn Loring Center until the relocation of the all staff to a new physical location in Spring of 2024. These costs have been assumed in the FY23 for approximately $200
TJHSST Middle School Technology Institute
Registration is now open for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Middle School Technology Institute. The Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI) is a summer STEM program that consists of experiential workshop-style sessions for middle school students in our community to explore STEM at TJHSST. Sessions occur weekly. Visit the TJHSST summer webpage for information.
Audit Buzz
Nominations Open for Juneteenth Resiliency Award
Nominations are now open for the 2023 Juneteenth Resiliency Award for residents ages 13-21. This award recognizes the incredible resiliency shown by young people in Fairfax County who have made meaningful contributions in their lives and in the lives of others.
Juneteenth is an important holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is a time to reflect on the history, celebrate freedom, appreciate Black culture and encourage continuous self-development.
The Resiliency Award will recognize both youth and young adults who have exhibited true resiliency (also known as grit, determination, dedication, perseverance and persistence) to make meaningful contributions and outcomes in their lives and/or the lives of others in the Black community.
The deadline for nominations is Friday May 5, and the award ceremony will be held on June 6 at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Learn more and submit a nomination.
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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.
Job Opportunities
Explore opportunities for:
Visit Current Job Openings for all posted positions.
Contacting Me
I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please take good care,
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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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