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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Sully District Families,
Graduation is here. Congratulations to all our 2023 Seniors!
It was a big moment for our family with my daughter Angela among the graduating students at Westfield High School. I was thrilled to share in the excitement of graduation day with all the other parents and guardians celebrating this important milestone in their child's life. I am so very proud of our talented and tenacious students. I can't wait to see what they achieve next!
CONGRATULATIONS also, to our sixth graders and eighth graders as they transition into a new school year and new opportunities next year.
One of the most important jobs of the School Board is the development of our $3.5 billion budget. The School Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget on May 25th. As vice-chair of the Budget Committee, I am happy that the budget clearly identifies our priorities: investing in student achievement and better pay for our world-class educators. This budget affirms the value we place on FCPS employees by providing a 3% raise for all staff and significant investments in access to advanced academics, research-based literacy instruction, early childhood education, school safety and security, and middle school athletics.
Other major Board work that was accomplished - reviewing advisory committee reports and reviewing changes to Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Board is scheduled to approve the 2023-24 SR&R on Monday, June 26, 2023.Watch the SR&R presentation or view the presentation slides.
Inside this newsletter:
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride month and a time where people across the globe come together to raise awareness, celebrate identity, and highlight the achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. Please join me in honoring our diverse community, and in building a culture of inclusivity and equity at FCPS and around the world. Happy Pride Month!
THANK YOU for your ongoing support. As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone.
As we approach the close of this school year, I am filled with hope and optimism for a joyful summer and a strong new 2023-24 school year.
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
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National Gun Violence Awareness Day - Vice President Kamala Harris Visit
National Gun Violence Awareness Day event, June 2nd - John R. Lewis High School
It was an honor to join Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Friday, June 2, for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, also known as #WearOrange Day. As your school board member, I will continue to ensure that we have all safety and security measures in place to protect our students as well as increased access to mental health supports, counselors, social workers, and trusted adults that they may feel comfortable speaking to. Information about gun violence prevention is available on our FCPS website.
Here are some ways you can help keep our students and schools safe from gun violence:
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Talking About Guns: Kids and unsecured guns are a potentially lethal combination. Fortunately, a simple conversation can help keep children safe. It doesn’t need to feel strange or awkward to bring up the issue of how guns are stored with family and friends.
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Using the Red Flag Law: Since July 2020, Virginia has had a “red flag law” in place to prevent individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing or transporting any kind of firearm.
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Firearm/Ammunition Disposal: The quickest and easiest way to get rid of a firearm or ammunition is simply to call the public safety non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 and request an officer respond to your home.
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Secure Storage: Make sure you follow Virginia law and securely store your firearms. Studies show that most school shootings involve guns obtained from the shooter’s home or a family member's home.
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Know The Signs: Know the signs of emotional or mental health crises and provide support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call Fairfax County’s 24-hour hotline at 703-573-5679, TTY 711.
School Board Adopts FY 2024 Budget with Focus on Student Achievement, Educator Pay
 The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Approved Budget at their regularly scheduled Board meeting last Thursday. The 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. Budget highlights include:
- $15 million to support the implementation of the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan, with evidence-based language arts basal resources for students.
- $2 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 for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 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.
Increased security measures and the continuation of green investments are also acknowledged in the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Read the news release.
Rida Karim to Serve as 2023-24 Student School Board Representative
I am very excited to welcome Rida Karim as our next Student Representative on the School Board!
Rida Karim, a sophomore at Woodson High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Karim will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Michelle Togbe, a senior at South County High School. She will be the 53rd student representative to the School Board.
Karim has three main focuses as student representative: ensuring equity in education, empowering students to recognize their self-worth, and making learning enjoyable for students so they can understand the significance of their education. “As a large school district with a student population of over 180,000 from various ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, it is essential to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive,” she said. “It is not uncommon that for students, going to school isn’t something to be excited about -- and I want to change that.” Read the full article and watch her video here. #TheFutureIsBright
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FCPS Students Win Awards at International Science and Engineering Fair
Five FCPS students won awards at the 2023 International Science and Engineering Fair, held recently in Dallas. So proud of their amazing accomplishments in STEM!
Winners of category awards included:
- Elizaveta Plis of Falls Church High School, fourth award in Animal Sciences for her project Effect of Larval Crowding of the Zophobas morio Beetle on Consumption of Polystyrene Foam.
- Mihika Dusad and Aryaman Khanna from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, third award in Engineering Technology: Statistics and Dynamics for their project HypeFL: A Novel Blockchain-Based Architecture Using Federated Learning and Cooperative Perception for a Fully Connected Autonomous Vehicle System.
- Rohan Kalahasty from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, third award in Robotics and Intelligent Machines for his project Hybrid Plasticity: Adaptive, Brain-Like Artificial Intelligence via Prefrontal Cortex Inspired Meta-Learning.
- Shinyoung Jeon from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, second award in Systems Software for her project MoodBox: Vocal Screening for Depression and Gamified Relief.
Over 1,600 students from 49 states and 64 countries, regions, and territories participated in the 2023 International Science Fair. Full details here.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
At the May 25 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented information on a new Virginia Department of Education report called Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary.
Virginia school divisions will be distributing the report to parents showing their student’s past Standards of Learning (SOL) testing data. Reports will be provided via SIS ParentVUE or postal mail for any student who has an SOL testing history in Virginia as of Spring 2022.
In addition to showing a student’s performance on SOL tests over time, it also shows how that performance compares to other Virginia students who took the same test. This report, along with a companion letter, will be available mid-June.
FCPS uses various data sources to determine student growth and success. The VVAAS Student Assessment Summary Report is just one piece of information in the larger picture of student assessment in FCPS. Learn more about assessment reporting practices and timelines.
New Strategic Plan Presented at School Board Meeting
 Superintendent Reid presented FCPS’ new Strategic Plan to the School Board during last Thursday’s Board meeting. The new plan was developed after months of dedication and hard work from our entire FCPS community. It will be our North Star in charting our course through 2030. The student-centered and data-driven plan will be guided by five goals and four supporting pillars. Watch the Strategic Plan presentation. The School Board will vote on the plan at their meeting on Thursday, June 15. Find out how to view the Board meeting.
Student Opportunities and FCPS Summer Camps!
 Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 9. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.
Credit Recovery Academy Registration
Registration is open for the 2023 Summer Credit Recovery Academy. The academy provides an opportunity for students to recover one high school course credit. Students may not take these courses for new course credit. In addition, the Credit Recovery Academy provides an opportunity for students to take one of several selected Standards of Learning (SOL) or WorkKeys tests.
Students will attend class in person at Hayfield Secondary School, or Marshall, Oakton, or South Lakes high school. Courses are free, and transportation is provided.
Operation Purple
The National Military Family Association is hosting its first-ever Operation Purple Summer Challenge - a free, self-paced activity experience to stay entertained and connected with other military kids and families for eight weeks this summer! Every military-connected kid who completes a registration is guaranteed a spot! Register and learn more about Operation Purple Summer Challenge, including their Wednesday “Global Gatherings!”
Chantilly Academy CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp
Chantilly Academy is supporting STEM and cybersecurity education by hosting a CyberPatriot Summer CyberCamp. This camp welcomes students of all skills levels, so anyone interested in cybersecurity is encouraged to register! The camp is for anyone looking to learn about cybersecurity. This is an opportunity to learn the importance of cybersecurity and gain the skills to protect yourself and others from cyber threats on a variety of operating systems! Recommended ages are rising 5th-8th graders.
The camp will take place at Chantilly High School June 26-30, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The cost for the week is $150 and includes lunch, supplies, and swag.
Register for the CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp. For questions contact Bonnie Wannett at bjwannett@fcps.edu.
Teen Police Academy
The Teen Police Academy is opened to all Fairfax County High School students (public, private or home schooled) entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades during the 2023-2024 school year. Students will learn about patrol, crime scene investigation, different types of careers in law enforcement, SWAT, police vehicles and much more. The Academy will take place July 24-28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters. The deadline to apply is June 21, 2023.
Learn more at their website.
Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement
This class is for female Fairfax County High School students (public, private or home schooled) entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades during the 2023-2024 school year. Meet today's women leaders in law enforcement. Explore what it takes to become a police officer and skills you will need to learn in the police academy. The class will take place July 31- August 4, 2023 at Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters. The deadline to apply is June 21, 2023.
Learn more at this website.
Family Resource Center - June Events
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center has changed its name to the Family Resource Center (FRC), as a way to acknowledge and support the broad diversity of families in our community. The FRC continues to offer a wide range of essential resources and education for caregivers and students including these Math webinars in June:
ST Math
This event is designed to provide families of students currently in grades K-6 in continuing their math learning over the summer utilizing ST Math. During this session participants will learn how to log on and navigate the tool, discuss how students can work more independently, and how families can support their students.
June 8, 2023, 7-8 p.m.
Register for ST Math.
Kindergarten: What Every Family Needs to Know
Transition to kindergarten can be an exciting time for children and families. It can also be stressful. Join us to learn more about these important topics:
- Myths about Kindergarten
- What to expect
- Strategies for a smooth transition
- How to support your child's academic and emotional growth
Presented by Lisa Pilson, Director of FCPS Early Childhood Curriculum and Grant Management, and Denise Forrest, Coordinator of FCPS Early Childhood and Special Education
Register for Kindergarten: What Every Family Needs to Know
Friday, June 9, 2023, 10:00-11:30 a.m. View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Families can find printable resource guides and details about the center’s free lending library on FRC’s homepage. They may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Joyful June
Let's look for what's good.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
Healthy Minds Podcast
Hear about how we are all handling uncertainty; get new ideas to help your child, friends and families feel better; and learn to help yourself feel stronger and more energized
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email prc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
FCPS Special Ed and Other Job Opportunities
Make an Impact! Become a Special Education Teacher!
Attend Our Special Education Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, June 7 (5-6 p.m.) We are searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion for making a difference. To meet hiring needs in Special Education we are offering an information session to help interested individuals understand the variety of Special Education positions available within FCPS. Discuss the pathway to licensure as well as learn about the supports available to FCPS Special Education teachers.
Questions should be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources through our online web portal or by calling 571-423-3000.
FCPS is searching for individuals who have a passion for making a difference. Explore FCPS opportunities for:
Visit Current Job Openings for all posted positions.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- Thursday, June 15 at 7:00 pm – Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, June 20 at 10:00 am – Work Session
- Monday, June 26 at 7:00 pm – Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, June 27 at 2:00 pm – Work Session
- Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm – Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
*Public Hearing speaker sign up forms are forthcoming
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.
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.
New! For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can 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. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for our Newsletters.
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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