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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

Dear Dranesville Families,

As we officially close out the 2022-2023 school year and move forward with the next year, I hope you can take some time to rest and enjoy your family. We are looking forward to starting school on August 21!

We had a busy school year, and I am pleased with the progress we have made on many fronts. I am so proud of our students and their accomplishments this school year. I cannot thank our assistant superintendents, principals and all school based staff, custodial staff, food and nutrition staff and bus drivers, PTA/PTO leaders, parent and community volunteers enough for the efforts to support our students. I appreciate the time you have spent with me, the hard work, and the long hours. There is always more to do and more conversations that need to be held. I am here to continue this work as I finish my School Board term at the end of the calendar year. If we keep our students in the forefront and always work with them to be sure they are succeeding, we can do amazing work together. 

The passage of our Strategic Plan at our June 15th Meeting sets us on a path forward that will allow us to be more focused on the goals our community defined during our months of work. The board will be working in the months ahead to begin implementation of the plan by defining expectations and measurements of accountability for Dr. Reid and her staff. See below for more information on the plan. A huge thank you to those of you that participated in the work to develop the plan.  

Work is continuing on coming up with a solution for the overcrowding at Kent Gardens. The next step is for the board to vote on what schools will be included in the full analysis that will be done by our Facilities professionals.  This is an administrative step that will be taken over the next few weeks. A presentation will be done at the June 26 School Board meeting to present the list of schools, and the Board is scheduled to vote on this July 13. This will allow us to have full conversations and public participation around actual scenarios in the fall.  

Welcome to Amy Briggs as the new principal at Spring Hill ES. She is not new to Spring Hill ES. Amy grew up in Falls Church and attended Spring Hill Elementary School. She has worked at Spring Hill as a student-teacher, teacher, School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), and Assistant Principal. She has a deep affection for the school and community, and she will continue to bring the same passion to her work as principal of Spring Hill Elementary School as she has throughout her life. 

Spring Hill ES New Principal, Amy Briggs, Announcement

As Dr. Fabio Zuluaga, our Region 2 Assistant Superintendent and Dr. Frances Ivey, our Deputy Superintendent, retire next week, I want to give them a huge thank you for their years of service. They have been truly dedicated to the betterment of our students throughout their long careers, and they will be missed.  

In preparation for our August opening, our principals and regional leaders have been working to hire staff for months already, and we are hoping to be in good shape. If you know of anyone that would make a good substitute teacher, have them apply. That is a nice way to make some extra money and to work in our wonderful schools.  

Dranesville will be a busy place this summer with facilities improvements at many of our schools including McLean High School. We are gearing up for renovations at several schools, and the Cooper MS renovation will continue.  

I have several projects that will continue into the next school year, such as the Kent Gardens ES capacity solution. Some other examples of my priorities are fentanyl awareness for students and parents; Tyson development and its impact on the Dranesville schools; continued work and collaboration with our PTA/PTSA/PTO leaders; overall school, student and parent support; strategic plan implementation; and continued work on our sustainability goals. I look forward to sharing more as this work continues.  

I am excited to be a part this ongoing work and look forward to our continuing efforts in the next school year. 

See you on August 21!!

Elaine

If you have a friend that would like to get my newsletter,  please share this newsletter and have them sign up HERE. 

In this newsletter:

• Updates
• 2022-23 School Year in Review
• Thank you
• Student Opportunities

Updates

School Board to Consider KGES Proposed Boundary Scope

The Fairfax County School Board will consider a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Kent Gardens Elementary School (KGES). As a next step, the School Board will receive recommendations from FCPS staff at their June 26 meeting and vote on the proposed scope of the boundary study July 13.

Schools that may be included in the boundary scope include: 

• Chesterbrook Elementary School
• Churchill Road Elementary School
• Franklin Sherman Elementary School
• Kent Gardens Elementary School
• Haycock Elementary School (only for AAP realignment)
• Spring Hill Elementary School

In April, a community meeting was held to explore options for the boundary scope. A summary of the feedback gathered at this meeting is available on the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage. From that meeting and additional study from FCPS staff, a list of schools to be considered as part of a possible boundary scoping study was determined. 

The school board will vote to approve the boundary scoping study at the July 13 meeting. If the study is approved, FCPS staff will develop possible program or boundary change scenarios using the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared in fall 2023. Community meetings will be held for all schools and communities identified in the boundary scope. These meetings will be an opportunity for the public to weigh in on these options and continue to engage in this important process.

Stay informed by checking the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage. While there, sign up for the project mailing list. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your school board representative, Elaine Tholen. 

School Board regular business meetings are open to the public and held in-person at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.  Meetings can also be viewed live on the FCPS website or on the FCPS YouTube Channel.

Free Summer Meals

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation and neither do we!  The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting the Summer 2023 Summer Meal Service at schools throughout FCPS. FNS will offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and younger.  There is no registration involved and everyone is welcome! Check out the school sites, dates, and times here.

Strategic Plan 2023-30 Adopted

The Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to adopt FCPS’ 2023 strategic plan at last Thursday’s board meeting. Our new plan serves as the division’s North Star, guiding our path forward through 2030, to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every FCPS student.

Our strategic plan comprises five student-centered goals; measures to monitor the progress toward those goals; equity commitments to support each and every student with attaining those goals; and four pillars that identify what FCPS must do well in order to reach our goals for all students.

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.

Learn more about FCPS’ 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 is scheduled to 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 reviewed the draft policy at the June 21,2023,  work session. The policy will be implemented during the 2023-24 school year.

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

Welcome Amy Briggs, New Spring Hill ES Principal

Amy Briggs, current assistant principal at Spring Hill Elementary School has been selected as the next principal of Spring Hill Elementary effective July 5, 2023. Mrs. Briggs is an instructional leader and relationship builder who grew up in Falls Church and attended Spring Hill Elementary School. She has worked at Spring Hill as a student-teacher, teacher, School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS), and Assistant Principal. She has a deep affection for the school and community, and she will continue to bring the same passion to her work as principal of Spring Hill Elementary School as she has throughout her life.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• Monday, June 26, 7 p.m.: Regular Meeting
• Tuesday, June 27,  2 p.m.: Work Session
• Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m.: Regular Meeting

Please note, times and topics are subject to change. 

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

• Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99.  

• Recordings of Meetings: Work Sessions and Regular Meetings are recorded and available here after the meeting. 

• To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, you can visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

• For information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings, click here.
• Latest schedule of School Board Meetings.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

2022-23 School Year in Review

Here are a few highlights of the work we have accomplished together this school year in Dranesville and across FCPS.

Dr. Reid's Oath of Office

School Board Actions and Work

• Welcoming and working with Superintendent Dr. Reid
• Strategic Plan development with School Board approved
• FY2024 Budget
• 85% of the Approved budget targeted at instruction and staff
• $15 million to support Equitable Access to Literacy
• Increased access to Pre-K programs
• Final implementation of advanced academic review to support AAP students
• Address changing students needs including increased ESOL and special education services, and enrollment growth
• ESSER III funding and evaluation for FY23 and FY24 
• Creation of school year calendar for the next 3 school years through 2025-26 
• Capital Improvement Program
• Special Education Audit Report and Comprehensive Review 
• Special Education Enhancement Plan
• Passage of collective bargaining agreement
• SY23-24 Student Rights and Responsibilities document

My Day Shadowing Bus Supervisor Annie Bridges

Facilities and Transportation

• Kent Garden ES capacity challenge (see above for an update)
• Boundary scoping process underway- presentation at 6/26/23 School Board meeting and scheduled vote 7/13/23 School Board meeting
• Summer temporary classroom replacement 
• Bathroom maintenance
• McLean HS capacity and facilities upgrades
  • Summer renovation of all McLean HS bathrooms
  • Roof work 
  • Installation of stadium bathrooms
• Addition of outdoor classrooms in the Dranesville high school and middle schools
• Safe Route of School position and evaluation of multiple school safety issues for walkers/bike riders across Dranesville with help from Supervisor Foust’s and FCDOT offices
• Chesterbrook ES pilot school for FC speed camera program
• Bus route adjustments and hiring of new bus drivers to decrease delays at the beginning of the school year

Chesterbrook ES Speed Camera

Safe and Healthy Schools

• Provide security improvements across FCPS including lock replacement, security vestibule construction, and middle school cameras
• Addition of Narcan in every school in multiple locations throughout the building
• Regulation 2151 allows trained students to carry Narcan in their high school
• Working on Joint Environmental goals with the Board of Supervisors to make our schools cleaner and operationally more efficient and cost effective
• Salad bars at all elementary schools
• McLean HS’s Raising Student Voices’ efforts to provide student anaphylaxis training for all FCPS HS students
• Pilot for all McLean HS students in April

McLean HS's Raising Student Voices' team on Student Anaphylaxis Awareness

Meeting Student’s  Academics and Emotional Needs, Working with School Communities

• Equitable Access to Literacy Plan
• Schoology adoption across FCPS
• Tutor.com available for every student for academic subjects, executive functioning skills, and SAT/ACT test preparation
• Ensuring all base high schools offer advanced math and science courses
• Final implementation of phased full time AARTs at all elementary schools
• FCPS leading nation in supporting students learning
• Virginia’s first Neurodiversity Specialist, Kristen Haynor;  
• Virginia’s first Twice Exceptional  (2E) Education Specialist, Nonye Oladimeji 
• FCPS Dyslexia Specialist, Rachel Rubio
• Hazel Health- provide free online therapy for all high schoolers
• Regular student input from all 3 Dranesville HS in conjunction with our student school board representative
• Promoting the work of our Family Liaisons as they work to meet families' needs like the Coates ES’s Parent Academy
• Connect with Dranesville PTA/PTSA/PTO leadership and the Safe Community Coalition to share ideas and resources, and make connections  
• PTA/PTSA/PTOs supporting staff and building school community
• Creative programming by many FCPS and community groups
• The Family Resource Center, SEPTA, Safe Community Coalition, and other community groups provide a wide variety of parenting resources and events
• Middle school athletics starting SY 23-24

Cooper MS Artemis I Presentation

Unique Events 

• Shadowing a sophomore at Herndon HS, Langley HS, McLean HS, and TJHSST
• School visits highlighting: Science of Reading and literacy work; AVID; STEAM; Portrait of a Graduate POL; ESOL; Yoga; student led initiatives within their schools; and robotics team events; and much more
• Family science, math and reading nights; international nights; plays/musicals; concerts; art exhibits; and homecoming events
• Dangers of Fentanyl parent, community, and student meetings
• Cooper MS Artemis I song and presentation by NASA 
• Herndon HS team wins second place in Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge 
• Colvin Run ES 20th anniversary
• Herndon HS Band’s 75th Anniversary
• In-person Fairfax County Regional Science Fair

• 18 National Merit Scholarship finalists and a US Presidential Scholar for Virginia from Dranesville

• Across all sports seasons, multiple athletic team state championships and individual athlete state champions 
• Including McLean HS Softball Champion,  7th Langley State  Golf Championship to the Coed golf team, and Langley HS Hockey Back-to-Back NVHSL champion
• First Virginia Girls Wrestling State Championship held

Lemon Road R3 Student Planting Event

Giving Back

• Cooper MS and other Dranesville schools fundraising for the Turkey and Syria earthquake victims
• Schools are growing produce to share with local food banks
• PTA/PTSA/PTOs, schools, and students held drives to provide resources for those within their communities and sister schools
• Herndon MS teacher fundraising to clear lunch debt 
• Multiple elementary schools working with Fairfax County to plant native plants on school grounds through R3 (Revitalize, Restore, Replant) program
• Environmental clubs in Dranesville schools improving their school and FC through information campaigns, school composting and gardening, and volunteering for programs like invasive species removal at Great Falls Grange

Thank you

Dr. Zuluaga and Dr. Ivey-Thank you!

Message From Dr. Zuluaga, Region 2 Assistant Superintendent

It is with bittersweet emotions that I am announcing my retirement from Fairfax County Public Schools effective July 1; my last day with the school division will be June 30.  I have been in education for 35 years: 10 years in Kansas City, MO, 11 years in Lexington, KY, and now 14 years in Fairfax. I feel like it is the right time for me to start a new chapter in my life. When I first came to the United States, I started out as a secondary science teacher in Kansas City, MO. I culminated my professional journey by being appointed an assistant superintendent in the best school district in the country: Fairfax. I have had incredible opportunities and gifts during my career, for which I am very grateful. Some of the most amazing gifts I have been given over the years have been the relationships I have been blessed to have with our faculty/staff, students, and families.

Thank you Dranesville Advisory Committee Representatives

Every year, the School Board appoints members to our nine  Citizen Advisory Committees. I appreciate the time, expertise and commitment of the Dranesville representatives helping Dranesville and all FCPS. The addition of our community representatives add invaluable insight, expertise, and personal experiences to the work of these Committees and the School Board. Their advocacy and knowledge provide me with a broader understanding of their committee’s goals, needs, and future directions. Thank you to Suzanne Raber, Shareem Annan, and Jennifer Adeli for their service as they are finishing their time with AAPAC, HRAC, and ACE AC. Thank you all for your advocacy and service!

I have 2 Dranesville vacancies, ACE and ACSD, for School Year 2023-24. See below to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please fill out this interest form by July 7, 2023. If you have any questions, please  email my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu

Dranesville Committee Representative Opportunities

Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACE) Opening

The ACE committee represents the community and brings to the School Board’s attention to resource and programmatic issues associated with adult education. This committee meets monthly and appointees serve a 1-year term. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please fill out this interest formby July 7, 2023. If you have any questions, please email my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu 

Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities is a State Mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). A local advisory committee for special education, appointed by each local school board, shall advise the school board through the division superintendent. This committee meets monthly and appointees serve a 1-year term. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please fill out this interest form July 7, 2023. If you have any questions please email my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu

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.  Participation on the committee requires the following:

• In-Person attendance at all meetings
• Independent review of submitted resource materials
• Email communication 
• Commitment to additional dates in the winter for any additional resources the state provides on the approved list. (Dates and times are TBD.)

Appointed representatives must be able to meet in person from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.  on the following tentative dates at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd., Falls Church): 7/31, 8/1, 8/3, and 8/7-8/10/23. The committee will also meet later in the school year. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please fill out this interest form by July 7, 2023. If you have any questions, please email my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu.

Thank you Michele Togbe; Welcome Rida Karim

Michele Togbe and Rida Karim

Thank you Michele for your tireless work with students and for providing thoughtful student input on the many topics during SY22-23. We will miss you and can't wait to hear updates on how you are doing in college. 

Welcome Rida Karim, our next Student Representative! Rida, a sophomore at Woodson High School, has been elected by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to serve a one-year term as the student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Read more about Rida.

Student Opportunities

Northern Virginia Community College Early Online College- Deadline June 30

Early Online College (EOC) allows qualified juniors and seniors to take up to two tuition-free courses. The program provides an accelerated opportunity to earn transferable college-only credits. Fall 2023 EOC courses run from September 18 - December 12, 2023. Students must meet placement requirements and understand there may be textbooks or other material fees associated with courses. Since these classes are online, classes will not meet in real time. Students will need access to a computer and the Internet.

Find more information about EOC on the Northern Virginia Community College’s website. Applications close 5 p.m., June 30, 2023.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Teen Volunteers Needed

The Teen Smithsonian Folklife Festival is seeking teen volunteers for the 2023 Festival from June 29-July 4, 2023.  Teen Volunteer activities are needed in the areas of sustainability, gardening, accessibility, visitor services, program aid, pre-festival, and post-festival. Find more information on the Smithsonian Folklife Festival Volunteer webpage

FCPS Cares The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

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.

© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Elaine Tholen  |  Phone: 571-423-1087

Wendy Biliter, Staff Aide, 571-423-1068, wmbiliter@fcps.edu