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Year-End Reminders & Special Announcement
Dear FCPS Families and Community Members:
The end of the 2022-23 school year is fast approaching. It has been an exciting learning adventure. As we wrap-up, this newsletter provides information on the release of student testing results and how to access Tutor.com services for test preparation and year-end support. Check out the SIS ParentVUE article to make sure your account is updated so you can actively monitor and stay informed of your child’s academic progress. I have also listed a few summer and scholarship opportunities.
We continue to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and staff. We also celebrate the life and legacy of my colleague and friend, Dr. Larry Bussey, a long-time advocate for children.
Next, I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2023 as graduations begin this week. This is a bittersweet moment for me as this will be my last graduation season as a FCPS School Board Member. I am not seeking re-election to this office.
It has been my honor to serve as one of your At-Large Members since 2017. Whether working as Audit Chair, Comprehensive Planning Development Committee Chair, on the Board of Educate Fairfax, or as a liaison to one of our school board committees, I never forget that public service is a privilege. As I reflect on my tenure, below are just some of the priorities and accomplishments achieved over the years:
- Provided strategic leadership to navigate unprecedented challenges during the pandemic.
- Developed solutions for our students who were facing food insecurity, lacked access to broadband, needed assistance with vaccinations, and were reluctant to return to school.
- Revised the law enforcement memorandum of understanding to address safety concerns.
- Advocated for mental health supports for students and families.
- Successfully led efforts to establish the John R. Lewis Leadership program, which focuses on leadership development, understanding of civics, and providing public service opportunities to our students.
- As Audit Chair, expanded the duties of the Auditor General to include a study and review of the FCPS special education programs which resulted in a 3-year study that produced recommendations that are currently being reviewed and implemented.
- Worked to address discipline disparities, including review of data on disproportionate impact, professional development in restorative practices, and co-sponsored efforts to review our SRO program to improve support for all students.
- Spearheaded revisions to the Child Abuse Reporting Policy to better recognize mandatory reporting requirements.
- Worked with community members and staff military ombudsman to better serve our military-connected students.
- Advocated for a military family Advisory Committee to address their unique needs.
- Advocated for increased teacher pay.
- Proposed Board Study of Advanced Academics and Language Immersion programs.
- Proposed Budget Amendment to fund behavioral intervention specialists.
- Supported name changes to remove confederate names from our schools.
- Expanded anti-bullying efforts so that our kids feel safe.
- Passed balanced budgets with competitive salaries and reduced class sizes.
- Advocated and secured full funding for Title I programs.
- Supported and advocated for environmental stewardship actions and programming.
- Supported and launched a pilot program to achieve menstrual equity.
I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to serve our community. My tenure on the school board ends on December 31, 2023. As always, I welcome opportunities to meet and talk with you. Feel free to message me via the School Board portal. My staff and I stand ready to serve.
 Inside this newsletter:
School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2024 Budget with Focus on Student Achievement
On May 25, I was honored to join my School Board colleagues to unanimously vote to adopt the Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Approved Budget at our regularly scheduled Board meeting. This budget focuses on closing the achievement gap for all students, and maintaining a world-class public school division by recruiting and retaining outstanding educators.
The FY 2024 Approved Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $221.7 million or 6.7% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the Approved Budget is targeted at instruction, including:
- $15.0 million to support the implementation of the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, with evidence-based language arts basal resources for students.
- $2.0 million to increase access to Pre-K programs by providing resources to accommodate 10 additional Pre-K classrooms.
- $1.6 million for implementation of the final implementation of recommendations from the advanced academic external review to support students in Advanced Academic Programs.
- $65.2 million and 679.2 positions to address changing student needs, including increased numbers of students requiring English as a Second Language Services and special education services, and enrollment growth.
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Increase in student and family supports including additional family liaisons and access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.
In an attempt to offer competitive financial packages to attract and retain excellent teachers and staff, the approved budget also includes:
- $80.9 million to provide a market scale adjustment of 3.0% for all employees.
- $58.2 million to provide a step increase for all eligible employees.
- $4.3 million to provide a step extension for all scales.
Special Education Teacher Extended Day contracts currently funded in FY 2023 with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds will continue to be funded with ESSER III in FY 2024.
Increased security measures and the continuation of green investments are also acknowledged in the FY 2024 Approved Budget.
MSAOC Announced the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award Nominations Due: June 15.
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) is seeking nominations for their newly established Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. I had the privilege to work with him as part of his many efforts to advocate for children who are often marginalized or underserved.
I also got to know Dr. Bussey well during my tenure as the School Board’s Liaison to MSAOC. This award honors the legacy of Dr. Bussey by celebrating the efforts and impact of those who work to redress inequitable systems and practices in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Dr. Lawrence Bussey was a founding member of the FCPS Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC). In his professional career, he worked as a teacher, administrator, and senior member of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. After retiring from the Federal Government, Dr. Bussey became an educational consultant and served as an integral member of the MSAOC for nearly 30 years until his passing in 2022.
Eligibility: Staff or community member(s) who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
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Help Fund the Future: Educate Fairfax Launches the Innovators Fund
Educate Fairfax is pleased to announce the launch of the Innovators Fund, an ambitious effort designed to closely align the business community and our students to help prepare them to be the workforce of the future.
At the elementary (K-6) level, the Innovators' Fund will support STEAM equipment, supplies and education for every school in the district, for both in-school and after-school programs.
At the middle school (7-8) level, we will support STEAM after-school programs, particularly by connecting students with mentors from the business community.
At the high school (9-12) level, the fund will help connect student-led innovative ideas with businesses, like a Shark Tank or a start-up company in the school or even an innovation lab learning space for students to explore. The possibilities are endless!
Oakton High School student Ashley Wang is the first Chinese-American crowned Miss Virginia Teen USA in history. She's the second Asian-American winner, and the first Chinese-American, to ever be selected. Ashley plans to study biochemistry and wants to promote cultural awareness and understanding while celebrating the diversity of our society.
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Announces First Class Award Winners
The Fairfax County Public Schools Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) presented their First Class Awards at the 18th Annual Special Education Conference. The awards recognize educators, administrators, and students who support, implement, or design programs and activities that include students with disabilities and improve outcomes for all students. Read about this year’s winners.
Share Your Graduation or Promotion Ceremony Photos on Social Media
Graduation season is almost here! FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures from this year's graduation or promotion ceremonies on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram by tagging FCPS and using the hashtag #FCPSgrad23. We will retweet and share some of the photos.
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Summer Learning Opportunities Now Available
For any questions about the FCPS Summer Programs, please visit the FCPS Summer Learning Webpage or email SummerLearning@fcps.edu
Student Testing Results Coming Soon
Starting in late May, caregivers will receive reports for assessments their students completed this spring. Not sure what assessments your student took this year? A list of tests by grade level is available. Scores will be delivered in SIS ParentVUE, by mail, or from the school or testing organization. Learn what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Some families will also receive a Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary report with historical Standards of Learning (SOL) test results from 2015-2022.
How to Support Your Child’s Success
If you do not already have a SIS ParentVUE account, sign up now to monitor and support your child’s academic success! Through ParentVUE, you are able to view your student’s attendance, grades, and assignments at any time. You can also access special reports for your student like progress reports and assessment score reports.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account?
Tutor.com Offers Live Tutoring and Test Prep
Writing help, practice quizzes, and SAT test prep are available to all FCPS students at no cost through Tutor.com. Find out how your child can get these services, in addition to 24/7 live tutoring, through their Schoology account: Elementary School | Middle and High School.
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Podcast on Family Resource Center
In the latest episode of En Pocas Palabras, hear how the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides support for all families and school staff in FCPS. Meet Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, manager of the FRC, and Amal Elsayed, FRC liaison.
The Family Resource Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Contact the Family Resource Center at 703-204-3941 or frc@fcps.edu.
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Update Your Contact Information in weCare@School
Within SIS ParentVUE, FCPS provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system. weCare helps manage contact and emergency medical information by allowing parents/caregivers to enter and update their children’s data online.
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 emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closing and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent by email, text, and occasionally by phone.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!
It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important for families to remember to check their students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families who earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2023-24 school year will be available near the end of August.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, fill out the FRM application for the 2022-23 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price lunch.
If you are interested in helping to relieve lunch debt for families currently going through the FRM application process, donate to Educate Fairfax.
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Pre-Participation Physicals for Middle and High School Athletes
FCPS will offer middle school students a chance to participate in cross country this fall and track in spring 2024.
Any students who would like to participate in athletics will need to have a Virginia High School League (VHSL) pre-participation examination (PPE). The physical exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
Fairfax County public high schools are offering PPEs at a cost of $50 per student through Saturday, June 17. Students who receive free and reduced-priced meals are eligible to receive an exam at no cost.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for High School Students Now Available
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior are able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.
Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage at the Library
 It's never too late to learn more about Asian/Pacific American Heritage! The Fairfax Library encourages everyone to seek out books written by or about people with Asian & Pacific Islander heritage. Check out this list of reads to get started!
Volunteer Opportunities for Teens, June 2.
 Need community service hours? Like helping out your community? Want to meet other teens? Stop by Patrick Henry Library on Friday, June 2 for our volunteering sessions! Come at any point during the 2-hour session and stay as long as you want. Learn more about this fun opportunity to serve!
Have Fun with the Reston Regional Library
 Calling all teenage wizards, rogues, clerics & more! Join us Tuesday at Reston Regional Library for a game of Dungeons & Dragons. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join. Bring your own character or use one of ours! Register now.
Rising Scientist Awards
Deadline: June 9, 2023. Award: $2,000
The Rising Scientist Awards, presented in partnership with Hunter College, are given annually to outstanding high school students who show exceptional promise in research areas related to mental health. The 2023 awards will be presented at our annual On the Shoulders of Giants scientific symposium on October 12, 2023.
To be selected for the Rising Scientist Awards a student must demonstrate:
- Outstanding interest and achievement in psychology, neuroscience or biomedical engineering research
- Strong academic performance in science courses
- Participation in related extracurricular activities
- Scientific research studies or independent research in one of the three areas of focus.
Visit the program's website for more information.
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Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
Deadline: June 15, 2023. Award: $20,000
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be considered low-income and be in their junior or senior year of high school.
B) Planning to attend art school.
Visit the scholarship's website for more information.
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Women in Trades Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2023. Award: $2,500
TransAlta is committed to investing in our communities through meaningful contributions and enhancing the quality of life where our employees work and live. With this in mind, we are introducing TransAlta’s Women in Trades Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 for eligible students entering in post-secondary trade programs or apprenticeships. The program aims to assist women in obtaining an education in trades by showcasing and rewarding successful female role models.
Visit the scholarship's website to learn more and apply directly.
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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