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2023 June Newsletter
Dear FCPS Families and Community Members:
Happy Last Day of School! I'd like to congratulate our students and thank our staff for another great year of learning. June has been exciting for our FCPS families. In addition to finishing the school year with strong academic achievements, I also congratulated many of our 2023 graduates. The joy of our students and families was awesome to experience, and I wish all our graduates the best. Whether you are off to college, career, or vocational training, I trust you are prepared and will experience much success.
 Celebrating Class of 2023 graduations with South Lakes, Herndon, and John R. Lewis High Schools
This month marks the completion of our Strategic Plan. In this new document created with the collaboration of students, parents, staff, and community members, you will find guiding principles designed to increase our focus on academics while supporting all students for their success.
This issue also highlights many celebrations for our students. Twenty-three (23) FCPS students were named National Merit Scholars, four students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars, hundreds of our students received awards for their contributions to the arts, and we also recognized our VHSL achievers at the June 15th school board meeting. I also want to welcome our newly elected School Board Student Representative Rida Karim.
As part of the Board's ongoing work to improve school culture and environment, I visited John R. Lewis High School to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak on gun safety and participated in a discussion on the importance of conveying accurate history in our classrooms and programs.
Finally, you will find updates on coming events such as the Unified Champion School Workshop and other summer learning and fun activities.
As always, it is a pleasure to serve as your At-Large Representative.
 Inside this newsletter:
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Two Federal Leaders Visit John R. Lewis High School
 
The Lewis High School community, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid, and the Lewis High School band welcomed United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardova to talk about keeping schools safe. Lewis High School senior Jada Hughes (pictured above) introduced Vice President Kamala Harris to a gymnasium with more than 1,000 students and community participants.
On June 13, Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch also visited with Lewis High School students. Secretary Bunch oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo as well as numerous research centers and several education units and centers. Secretary Bunch met with participants of the John R. Lewis Leadership Program to discuss his reflections on the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis. He also spoke about the importance of learning and exploring history to prepare students for active learning and community engagement.
Capital Improvement Program Update: Thank You, Fairfax Citizens, for Supporting Our Schools!
Fairfax County Public Schools recently celebrated the completion of renovations and additions at seven schools. These projects were funded by voter-approved school bonds. As Chair of the Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC), I lead efforts to inform and make recommendations regarding our capital improvement program. I join our students and staff in saying thank you, Fairfax citizens, for supporting safe and welcoming schools. Enjoy a recap of all the ribbon-cutting fun!
Impact of Educate Fairfax in 2022-23
It is my privilege to serve as the board's liaison to Educate Fairfax, a nonprofit working to help students and the FCPS community. This year, with donor support, Educate Fairfax was able to provide funding for 52 grants totaling more than $82,000 for classroom projects. It is also providing five books each for 165 students to read over the summer through a new literacy program. Educate Fairfax helped the Family Resource Center acquire more materials for their library as well. Since 2018, more than $315,000 has been provided in grants to teachers to support work-based learning for all students.
Collecting for Kids in Need
It’s the time of year when Educate Fairfax begins collecting funds for school supply kits, so every student can start the next school year strong with the tools they need to be successful. Educate Fairfax donates 2,000 to 4,000 kits to students annually.
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Spread the Word Inclusion: Unified Champion Schools Workshop, August 16
I am excited to join Special Olympics Virginia to announce that a Unified Champions Schools Workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 16th in Northern Virginia from 10am-2pm. This workshop is FREE and teachers will receive a certificate documenting continuing education hours.
This workshop will empower administrators, teachers and students to transform your school into a community that welcomes and advocates for people with intellectual disabilities. Learn how to launch inclusive sports programs, form inclusive clubs, and educate the entire student body about the value of people with intellectual disabilities. Students and teachers who have transformed their schools will share their stories and provide tools needed to be successful as well. Special Olympics Virginia staff will work with educators and school partners during the school year to provide the supplies and support needed to transform schools into communities that celebrate diversity and embrace inclusion.
Lunch will be provided! The registration deadline is Sunday, August 13th. Learn more and register online.
School Board Policy Updates
Strategic Plan Vote at June 15 School Board Meeting
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recently presented FCPS’ new Strategic Plan to the School Board. The School Board approved the adoption of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
On June 15, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) 2023-30 strategic plan. FCPS’ new strategic plan will direct the school division’s work until the end of the decade.
The Strategic plan goals include:
- Goal 1: Every student will develop foundational academic skills, curiosity, and a joy for learning necessary for success in Pre-K through 12th grade.
- Goal 2: Every student will experience an equitable school community where student health and well-being are prioritized, and student voice is centered.
- Goal 3: Every student will acquire critical and creative thinking skills, meet/exceed high academic standards, and achieve their highest academic potential.
- Goal 4: Every student will have access to high-quality academic programming and resources to support their success.
- Goal 5: Every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future.
Visit our website to learn more about the Strategic Plan.
School Board to Vote on Equity Policy June 26
Following more than a year of work by FCPS staff and community members, the School Board will vote on the proposed Equity Policy on Monday, June 26.
The FCPS Equity Policy makes commitments in six areas: Family and Community Partnerships, School Environment, School Funding, Student Agency, Teaching and Learning, and Workforce.
We will see the Equity Policy in action in the following ways:
- Explicit opportunities for engagement of marginalized students in school and division decision-making.
- Access to scaffolds and supports in Tier 1 instruction.
- Universal accessibility for students with disabilities.
- Access to information and personnel for multilingual families.
- Continuous opportunities for professional growth for all staff.
- Differentiated distribution of resources and access to facilities.
The Equity Policy was drafted through a collaborative effort including FCPS staff, association members, students, families, and community members. The School Board will review the draft policy at the Wednesday, June 21, work session. The policy will be implemented during the 2023-24 school year.
🎓 Twilight Program Helps At-Risk Seniors Graduate on Time
For some seniors, graduating comes down to a tough reality—attending school or helping to support their family. To combat this, FCPS began a pilot program to provide instruction outside of traditional school hours. Read more about twilight school.
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🏆 23 FCPS Students Named 2023 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship Winners
Twenty-three Fairfax County Public Schools students from 10 high schools have been named winners of 2023 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. See the list of students.
🏆 Four FCPS Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Four Fairfax County Public Schools students have been named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars by U. S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. They are part of a group of 161 students from around the country — and four of five Virginians — selected for the honor. Read more about our Presidential Scholars.
🏆 Cappies Award Winners
The Cappies of the National Capital Area held its annual awards gala honoring excellence in high school theater on Monday, June 12, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Read about the awards brought home by FCPS students.
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Student Representative Elected to School Board
Rida Karim, a sophomore at Woodson High School, has been elected by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
Rida 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. Read more about Rida.
FCPS Honors Recognizes This Year's Outstanding Employees
Excellence in teaching students, leading schools, and providing support is what Fairfax County Public Schools is all about. The Department of Human Resources sponsors the recognition of outstanding employees as they seek to create and demonstrate the best instructional and support practices.
Congratulations to this year's winners, finalists, pyramid, and school recipients. Review the complete list of award winners.
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Seeking Applicants for Committee Review for the 2024-2025 Basal Resources Adoption Committee: Elementary Language Arts
In compliance with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS will be engaging the basal resource adoption process for Elementary Language Arts. The process, governed by FCPS regulation 3004.5, will include both a community review period and a deep review by a committee made up of representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups - teachers, administrators, and community members.
Email my office if you are interested in serving on this committee.
Appointed representatives must be able to meet in person from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates at Luther Jackson Middle School*:
- July 31, 2023
- August 1, 2023
- August 3, 2023
- August 7, 2023
- August 8, 2023
- August 9, 2023
- August 10, 2023
*Location and times to be confirmed in July. Additional dates will be added for the committee to reconvene in the winter after additional resources are added to the approved state list. Staff will work with committee members to schedule additional dates.
You can learn more about the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resources here.
📘 Summer Reading Makes a Difference!
The Fairfax County Public Library understands the importance of summer reading. Summer learning loss, or the summer slide, is when children forget learned reading skills because they are no longer using them regularly. Reading and participating in engaging reading activities throughout the summer are two effective ways to combat summer learning loss.
Fairfax Library will kick off their annual summer reading program with Summer Reading Festivals. The event at Lorton Library took place on June 10. The event at Chantilly Regional LIbrary takes place on Saturday, June 24, 4-7 p.m.
Families can enjoy games and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, a mini zoo, caricatures, food, and other activities.
More information on Fairfax Library's Summer Reading Program will be available on June 16.
⚾ Enjoy Our School Grounds This Summer
School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals (not organized groups) without being scheduled.
Please keep the following in mind when using these facilities:
- Use is allowed from dawn to dusk, except during school hours or when being used for school activities or other scheduled programs.
- Facilities must be shared with anyone else who wishes to use them.
- Please leave the facilities as you found them. Remove waste or debris from the property.
Visit our Availability, Fees, and Hours webpage for details on using school grounds and facilities. See our Community Use webpage for a list of items community users are prohibited from having in school buildings, on playgrounds, and on fields, and additional information on reserving facilities. Groups interested in formally reserving school facilities should contact FCPSCommunityUse@fcps.edu or call 571-423-2340.
Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation
The Family Resource Center (FRC) has recently published a list with dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel. They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.
The FRC provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Learn more by calling 703-204-3941, emailing frc@fcps.edu, or visiting the FRC's webpage.
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Coursera Career Academy Pilot Program in Fairfax County
An FCPS job certification student pilot program by the Department of Information Technology (DIT) and leading industry coursework provider Coursera will allow up to 1,000 high school students to access the full contents of the Coursera Career Academy. The academy program will allow students to:
- Explore popular digital jobs and career paths, from marketing to data science.
- Learn from experts at leading companies, including Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
- Earn a valuable career micro-credential.
- Access more than 27 professional certificates.
Using their FCPS organizational accounts, interested students should complete the Coursera Student Interest Form. The pilot program has a limited number of licenses available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a student completes the interest form, DIT will contact a parent/caregiver for consent and enable access to the online coursework.
Coursera courses are not Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)-recognized industry credentials and do not count toward high school graduation requirements. Please contact Scott Simmons in DIT with any questions.
📝 Tutor.com — Online Tutoring Services During the Summer
FCPS students will continue to have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com during the summer. Students are able to use Tutor.com to review and/or practice in subject areas of interest or need. Students may also choose to access other tools and services such as practice quizzes in a variety of subject areas as well as self-paced study courses for SAT/ACT preparation.
Details about how students can access Tutor.com via archived courses in Schoology are provided in the Tutor.com Summer Access webpage.
Mental Wellness Summer Supports
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual mental wellness consultations from June 26 to August 4. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:
- Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
- Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.
All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Consultations can be requested online or by calling 703-503-2520 and leaving a message.
Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services for High School Students
Teletherapy services will continue to be available for all FCPS high school students at no cost this summer. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hazel’s highly-qualified therapists specialize in speaking “teen.”
Caregivers must first opt in their students to access Hazel Health. Then, a caregiver or school counselor, social worker, or psychologist can refer the student to Hazel for services. Learn more on the FCPS teletherapy webpage.
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SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE
Families can see current and historical Standards of Learning (SOL) reports in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section. Log into your ParentVUE account to access the following reports, which should be available by the end of this week:
Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about assessment reporting practices and timelines.
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 such as progress reports and assessment score reports.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
🏫 Have a Child Heading to Kindergarten?
Families play an important role in helping children to prepare for kindergarten and have a successful year. The following resources provide families with strategies to support their kindergartener:
It’s not too late! If your child has not been registered yet, check out this easy-to-follow process.
Do You Have a Student Entering Seventh or 12th Grade This Fall?
Immunizations are required for all students entering seventh and 12th grades. Visit this Immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.
Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students cannot begin school in August without documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines, and 12th grade students cannot begin school in August without documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.
Get more information on all student immunization requirements.
💻 Digital PSAT Replaces Paper in 2023-24
This October, the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) will be administered in Fairfax County in a digital format. Some testing accommodations are administered differently for digital tests than for paper/pencil tests. See information about accommodations for students with disabilities.
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day
The district will offer access to the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day for rising 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 11.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and English Learners
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or supports. If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; or have an English Learner (EL) student entering 12th grade; please review the accommodations request process and/or EL support request process and return forms to the high school by Tuesday, August 8.
Find out more about SAT assessments and PSAT assessments.
🏃♀️ Pre-Participation Physicals for 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. Learn more about middle school athletics and sports physicals.
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Celebrating Juneteenth
Monday, June 19, is a holiday for FCPS employees. Schools and offices will be closed.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 that word of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, effectively marking the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth.
Celebrating Pride Month
We recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we affirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of all people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. See more about how FCPS provides a safe and respectful environment for all.
LearnServe Fellows: Student Leaders Apply by June 23
Are you a high school student who is eager to change the world? Do you know someone who is? Calling all youth leaders, changemakers, and social entrepreneurs: Join our #LearnServe Fellows Program!
Apply by June 23rd via the program's website for the priority deadline.
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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