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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
Mason District Community,
The end of the school year marks the bittersweet period of celebrations for hard-earned accomplishments and the wistful acknowledgment of pending separations from friends, teachers and family. Congratulations to our high school graduates - relish the final moments of your high school experience as these years will leave an indelible imprint on your lives.
“Behind you – all your memories; Before you – all your dreams; Around you – all those who love you; Within you – all you need."
– Lilli Vaihere
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!!
2023 Graduation Schedule
| School |
Date/Time |
Location |
| Annandale HS |
June 5, 9:00 a.m. |
Annandale HS Stadium |
| Edison HS |
June 6, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Falls Church HS |
June 8, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Thomas Jefferson HSST |
June 10, 7:30 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Justice HS |
June 7, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Woodson HS |
June 6, 7:30 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
The end of the school year also brings the approval of two major School Board actions: the Budget and Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). Please be sure to review these documents carefully as each will impact our schools and students.
I value the input I receive from the Mason District Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at rjanderson@fcps.edu. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at cmcoffey@fcps.edu to arrange a time.
 In this issue:
Timber Lane Community Meeting
Glasgow Community Meeting
Upcoming School Board Action
Mason District Citizen Advisory Committee Representatives
New Principal at Sleepy Hollow ES
Academic Matters: AP, IB, PSAT, and SAT Testing
Seeking Audit Committee Applicants
Equity Award Nominations
Design Challenge for MS and HS Students
Mason District Recognitions
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Timber Lane Community Meeting
A new fence will be installed at Timber Lane Elementary School to address security concerns. Join us for a community meeting on May 30, 2023 to learn more about the project and share your views and concerns.
The May 30th community meeting will be in the Timber Lane Elementary School cafeteria, at 6:30 p.m. Please enter through door #2. Pre-registration is not required. Language interpretation will be provided based on the availability of interpretation staff.
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Glasgow Community Meeting
Glasgow Middle School is the largest middle school in FCPS, which creates unique challenges. Staff has been asked to review capacity data to determine options to “right-size” the school.
Policy 8120 specifies “the right size” of different educational environments in the following:
“SIZE AND LOCATION The preferred maximum sizes, absent any extraordinary circumstance, for new school buildings are; 38 classrooms (approximately 950 student program capacity) for elementary, 1,350 student program capacity for middle (grades 7-8), and 2,500 student program capacity for high school. Schools shall be located in accordance with the approved CIP and shall be constructed in accordance with the approved educational specifications."
Even with an adjustment for grade 6 at Glasgow Middle, the preferred size would still be much lower than its current capacity of 1,800 students.
Superintendent Reid has committed to a community meeting to discuss potential short and long term solutions. Please join me for this important conversation on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m. in the Lecture Hall at Glasgow Middle School. Language interpretation will be provided based on the availability of interpretation staff.
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Upcoming School Board Action
FY 2024 Budget
The Board held a Budget Public Hearing on May 16th, followed by a Budget Work Session on May 18th. Staff presented updates to align with funding levels expected from the County and State. There is an expected total revenue adjustment of approximately $27.8 million. The Superintendent recommended adjustments in three categories, outlined in items D-F on the chart below.
I plan to offer two follow-on motions: (1) to evaluate Safety and Security staffing across the division and (2) to develop a proposal for sick leave donation/bank plan for all employee groups.
The Board is scheduled to take action to approve the FY24 Budget at the regular business meeting on Thursday, May 25th.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
An update on the proposed changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document was presented at the May 11th School Board meeting. Watch the presentation or view the presentation slides. The School Board will discuss the proposed changes at tonight’s work session (May 23), beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Board is scheduled to approve the 2023-2024 SR&R on June 26, 2023.
Thank You to the 2022-2023 Mason District Citizen Advisory Committee Representatives!
I am extremely appreciative of the dedication of the hardworking Mason District residents who volunteered their time to participate on the various School Board Advisory Committees this school year. While their current term ends at the end of June, I have been fortunate enough to have several of these individuals represent the Mason District for many years, with some continuing their service into next year.
It is apropos to extend special gratitude to Mr. Dan Aminoff, who has served on the Facilities Planning Advisory Committee (FPAC) for 12 years. Mr. Aminoff has been integral in multiple Mason District projects, including the Justice High School addition and Bren Mar Park ES renovation.
Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC)
Leah Richardson is a parent of two children in FCPS and an FCPS graduate (South Lakes HS). This is Leah's first year serving as the Mason District representative on the AAPAC and she is deeply committed to an equitable and inclusive educational experience for all FCPS students.
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Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC)
Javier Alejandro Caballero Cantarero is a father of twins in FCPS. He is completing his second year as the Mason District Representative on the ACEAC.
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Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
Harry Henderson has served on ACSD for almost seven years and was selected as Chair of the committee for the past two years.
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Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC)
Adam Phillips is an attorney and investor focused on building partnerships between businesses. He is also a former basketball coach and FCPS teacher. He has served on the CTEAC since 2017.
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Facilities Planning Advisory Committee (FPAC)
Daniel H. Aminoff has over 40 years of experience in the mortgage finance business. A graduate of the University of California-Davis, Mr. Aminoff is a parent of FCPS students and a subject matter expert in the field of residential lending. He has previously served on the Board of Governors for the Mortgage Bankers Association of Metropolitan Washington and is a member of the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals.
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Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC)
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Greg Martin is the proud father of two FCPS elementary students, and presently in his fourth year as president of their school’s PTA. A child of an Air Force family, Greg is a career professional in health and health care policy and clinical research funding. His work has focused on engaging diverse stakeholders to broker compromise and implement evidence-based solutions. Mr. Martin has served in roles with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, American Academy of Family Physicians, and National Conference of State Legislatures.
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Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC)
Leonard Bumbaca retired from teaching at Annandale High School but has a returned as a long term substitute for math and science classes. He has previously served as President of the Fairfax Education Association (FEA) and Chair of the Fairfax Teacher's Retirement Fund (ERFC). Leonard has served on the HRAC since 2017.
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Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
Edward Osborne is an employee in FCPS and a parent of two recent graduates. “It is my honor to serve the community and especially to contribute all that I can to efforts to close the educational achievement gap.” He has served on MSAOC for over six years.
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School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
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Dr. Holly Spanier has served as the Mason District Representative on the School Health Advisory Committee since 2017.
A practicing physician, Dr. Spanier brings her expertise to support FCPS students.
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New Principal at Sleepy Hollow ES
Congratulations to Ms. Mirnaly Vega, the new principal at Sleepy Hollow Elementary, effective July 5th. Ms. Vega joins Sleepy Hollow after serving most recently as assistant principal at Bailey’s Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences. Welcome to the Sleepy Hollow Elementary community!
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Academic Matters: AP, IB, PSAT, and SAT Testing
During the Academic Matters segment of the May 11th School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid reported on Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), PSAT, and SAT testing.
It was presented that students who enroll in AP and IB courses are more likely to graduate high school on time, enroll in college at higher rates, and save time and money while in college.
In FCPS, AP exam mean scores have increased since 2021, as have passing rates and the number of students taking the exams. The number of participants in IB exams have also increased since 2021.
FCPS invests in these opportunities to allow students to experience rigorous, college level exams. The first six AP and IB exams are funded for any student enrolled in an AP/IB course. Watch the presentation or view the presentation slides.
Fairfax County School Board Seeks Audit Committee Applicants
Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from community members interested in serving on the School Board Audit Committee. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City. The Board will be appointing two committee members for a term ending June 30, 2025.
Applicants cannot be current FCPS employees and must be able to understand general government processes, and technical and complex financial reporting issues. Applicants should be knowledgeable about internal controls, financial statement audits, management and operational audits, and risk. The deadline to submit an application has been extended to Friday, May 26, 2023. Get more information about the Office of the Auditor General and submit an application here.
Equity Award Nominations Open
The Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award recognizes advocacy by FCPS staff or community members on behalf of students who are marginalized or underserved. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, June 15. Recipients will receive awards at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, July 25. Visit the award website to learn more about the award’s namesake, the nomination process, and criteria.
Design Challenge for Middle and High School Students
FCPS is looking for students to submit artwork to represent the observances on the FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar. Selected entries will be featured on FCPS social media and newsletters in the next school year! Entries are accepted through June 11, 2023. Review the guidelines and submit an entry.
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Mason District Recognitions
2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra
One hundred seventy-six students from FCPS high schools were named to the 2023 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Students from throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for a spot in the band, chorus, or orchestra.
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These groups rehearsed and performed with other premier musicians from across the Commonwealth, under the direction of nationally recognized conductors. Students performed at the Richmond Convention Center on April 29, 2023. Congratulations to the selected Mason District students!
Annandale High School: Ramzy Tabbah, Chorus
Falls Church High School: Colt Armstrong, Chorus; Mariela Palencia, Chorus
Justice High School: Benjamin Loeffler, Band
TJHSST: Serenna Semonsen, Orchestra
Virginia Science and Engineering Fair
Congratulations to the two FCPS students named grand prize winners at the Virginia Science and Engineering Fair, including Mason resident Shinyoung Jeon from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology! Their projects qualified for participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair. See a complete list of FCPS winners and honorable mentions.
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FCCPTA High School Volunteer of the Year
The Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA) announced their 2022-2023 award winners at their General Membership meeting on May 3rd. Justice HS PTSA President Kim Lanoue was selected as the High School Volunteer of the Year for her work in establishing the Wolf Shack food pantry, her advocacy throughout the renovation planning process, and her role in starting a new annual social and fundraising event Wolves at the Lodge, in addition to all the regular duties and responsibilities of a PTSA President. Congratulations Kim and thank you for all your work for our community!
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Outstanding Instructional Support Staff
The Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) held the 6th Annual SEPTA Awards Ceremony earlier this month. Congratulations to two nominees for Outstanding Instructional Support Staff from Glen Forest Elementary: Shahida Mughal and Adriana Rosas!
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Teacher Quarterfinalists for GRAMMY Music Educator Award
Congratulations to Ær Queen, music teacher at Braddock Elementary School - one of two FCPS teachers selected as a quarterfinalist for the 2024 GRAMMY Music Education Award. In addition, Annie Ray, strings teacher from Annandale High School, is a Legacy Applicant and will also be eligible to win the Music Educator of the Year Award.
Virginia Computer Science Educator of the Year
Rebecca Otaizo, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) teacher at Weyanoke Elementary School, was announced as the third to fifth grade category winner of Virginia’s Computer Science Educator of the Year. Watch this video about her STEAM student program and innovative teaching. Congratulations, Ms. Otaizo!
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2023 Cox Education Heroes
Teachers from across the Commonwealth were nominated for continuously going above and beyond in support of student education. Cox employees reviewed the nearly 100 nominations to select this year’s recipients. Congratulations to all of the winners, with a special shout out to the teachers in the Mason District:
Ms. Anne Quigley, Glasgow Middle School
Ms. Laura Wagner, Bailey’s Upper Elementary School
Each Cox Education Hero’s school will receive a $1,000 grant for their classroom.
Justice HS Teachers Honored by SEPTA
Congratulations to Mr. Edward Kelliher and Ms. Miranda Lansberry from Justice High School for being honored by SEPTA earlier this month!
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- May 25, 2023 at 7 p.m.
- June 15, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- May 23, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
- May 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
We are cognizant of the significant language needs of the Mason District and I will continue to advocate for their availability and inclusion.
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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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