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Dear Dranesville Families:
Hope you're having a great summer!
I wanted to share a few updates from the last School Board meeting and 2 Dranesville committee openings. Remember to check your students' immunization records to ensure all are up-to-date before the first day of school, especially for 7th and 12th graders. Construction is going on across Dranesville so be aware of changes and delays all summer long.
For high school students, there are a few volunteer committee openings, Teen Chopped contest, and pilot training. For juniors and seniors, the NoVA Early Online College deadline is today, June 30. Want to learn a language, send in your college essay to a writing tutor, hone your science or math skills, or prepare for your ACT/SAT, Tutor.com is available all summer.
Have a great Fourth of July and hope to see you at the Great Falls parade!
Elaine
At the Cappies Gala
Kent Gardens ES Boundary Scoping
The Fairfax County School Board will consider a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Kent Gardens Elementary School (KGES). The School Board received recommendations from FCPS staff at their June 26 meeting. The School Board is scheduled to vote to approve the boundary scoping study at the July 13 meeting.
If the scoping 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.
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. Stay informed by checking the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage. While there, sign up for the project mailing list.
McLean HS
Facilities Updates
I have shared the updates and improvements that McLean HS received over the last several years and what work is coming this summer including building-wide bathroom renovations below. You can read my full newsletter on Capital Improvement Program Information here to learn more about McLean HS facilities updates.
Summer 2023
- Building-wide bathroom renovations
- Tile flooring and carpet replacement on first floor
- Stadium bathrooms installed
- Upgrades to the Softball Field
School year 2022-23
- Carpet replacement in Dept. of Student Services
- Main gym bleacher replacement
- Softball bleacher replacement
- Roof work summer 2022, December 2022 and early January 2023
- Pending- senior lounge flooring replacement
- Stormwater/drainage improvements
Previous years
- Tennis Court refurbishment- 2021
- Gym and stadium maintenance and improvements- 2012, 2019, 2021
- Auditorium improvements- 2016
- Flooring replacement and improvements across the building- 2015-2018
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Adopted
On Monday, June 26, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. FCPS’ SR&R document, Regulation 2601, explains expectations for student behavior, parent/guardian engagement, and adult responses. With a focus on promoting positive, prosocial behavior, the SR&R enhances school safety and creates an equitable, supportive school environment. Read more about the changes to the SR&R here.
School Board Adopts Equity Policy
The Fairfax County School Board has unanimously voted to adopt an Equity Policy to codify and elevate the educational equity beliefs held by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The Equity Policy defines and guides the work in schools and central offices to ensure alignment with our values, vision, and commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and opportunities for all. This policy is an extension of the 2017 One Fairfax Policy and will be in alignment with and enacted through the FCPS Strategic Plan, other policies, and all actions under our purview. Read more about the policy here.
Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-2025 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in July and August to review the instructional materials under consideration and community feedback. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting. See below to volunteer as the Dranesville Representative on the review committee.
Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources may be accessed in person and online July 1 to July 31. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website. Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review Mon. - Thurs. 9a.m.- 9p.m. at:
- Pimmit Hills Center (Lisle Ave., Falls Church)
- Room 2077510 (enter through door #4 and check in at the main office or with the building coordinator on duty)
Mental Wellness Summer Supports
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations through 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
Top Athletes as Faces of Mental Health
Even top athletes are human too and can suffer from mental health issues. Watch interviews of several athletes and their road to better mental health.
Unapologetically Himself: NBA-Star Kevin Love
NBA-Star Kevin Love sits down with Jackie MacMullan to discuss suffering with anxiety and depression, having his first panic attack and how he can help others suffering from mental illness open up and get the help they need.
In November 2017, Kevin Love suffered a very public panic attack during a game. During a huddle, Love tried to catch his breath, but he couldn’t and his heart was racing. Love was sure he was having a cardiac event, and went to the Cleveland Clinic. It was then he admitted that he needed help. Love details what had kept him from getting help in the past, including gender stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental health. Plus, Love opens up on how therapy helped him become unapologetically himself, and how his grandmother’s sudden death impacted him.
Olympian Michael Phelps on Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps sits down with Jeremy Schaap to share his journey with depression and discusses the impact of other athletes coming forward with stories of their own struggles with mental health.
NFL Players: Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health
Four NFL players who are working to break the stigma around mental health issues sit down with TODAY’s Carson Daly: Solomon Thomas of the Las Vegas Raiders, D.J. Chark of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints and Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings.
Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center 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 Family Resource Center (FRC) provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. For more information, call 703-204-3941, email frc@fcps.edu or visit their website.
Missed a webinar? View our latest webinars on YouTube.
Making the Transition to Middle or High School
FCPS Multilingual Podcast
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and child. Listen to a recent episode of the FCPS multilingual podcast, En Pocas Palabras, to learn ways to ease the transition including:
- Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
- Getting to know middle school culture.
- Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
- Offering emotional support to your child.
- Reiterating your family values and expectations.
- Staying involved in your child’s school.
The most recent episode covers the transition to high school. When teenagers move from middle school to high school, a world of opportunities opens up. High school offers new courses, friends, activities, and responsibilities. Hear about these new opportunities in your teenager’s life and how parents can be supportive in the transition.
En Pocas Palabras is available in Arabic, English, Korean, and Spanish. Listen and subscribe.
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Immunization Requirements
Do You Have a Student Entering 7th 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.
INOVA Free School Physicals and Immunizations
Inova Cares Clinic for Children (ICCC) and Inova Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) are now scheduling appointments in June, July, and August to provide children ages 5 and up with FREE school physicals and immunizations to begin the 2023-24 School Year. This will take place at the Inova Cares Clinic for Children in Herndon, Manassas, and Falls Church.
PHC will be on site to screen and enroll qualifying families in Medicaid/FAMIS and connect them to an appropriate and affordable source of quality healthcare providers.
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.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Check your eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or or by calling 877-384-2575.
Internet de Bajo Coste para Estudiantes que son Elegibles para Alimentos Gratuitos o a Precio Reducido
El Programa de Conectividad Asequible (ACP) es un nuevo programa de FCC para reducir los costes de Internet para las familias con niños que han sido elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido en los últimos 12 meses. Las familias que reúnan los requisitos recibirán 30 dólares al mes para los servicios de Internet y un descuento único de hasta 100 dólares para un ordenador portátil, un ordenador de sobremesa o una tableta. Las familias pueden comprobar su elegibilidad y registrarse en AffordableConnectivity.gov o llamando al 877-384-2575.
Tutor.com 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 a variety of subject areas. Students may also choose to access other services such as practice quizzes as well as self-paced study courses for SAT/ACT preparation. Check out https://www.fcps.edu/tutor.dot.com-summer-access for more information.
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Enjoy FCPS 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 the Availability, Fees, and Hours webpage for details on using school grounds and facilities. See the 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.
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.
Educate Fairfax in 2022-23
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.
Herndon ES Grant for Classroom project
This past fall, art teacher, Marianne Estornell, received a grant from Educate Fairfax called Art-trepreneurs: Board Game Design. This project was for 5th grade students to create their own board games based on an existing game, a reinterpretation of a board game or to create a new concept. Students employed their Portrait of a Graduate skills to plan, collaborate, and give constructive feedback to their peers.
“ROUND UP AT THE REGISTER”- Through July 27
Everyone who shops at Giant Food will be invited to “ROUND UP AT THE REGISTER” their grocery purchase through July 27. Those funds will be donated to Educate Fairfax to support students with food insecurity. In the 2022-2023 school year, we raised over $26,000 through this program to clear delinquent lunch accounts around the district. Spread the word and help us raise even more this summer, and thank you in advance to Giant Food and Nourishing Our Youth for supporting FCPS students.
School Supply Drive
While July means the thick of summer fun, at Educate Fairfax, summer is our busy season. We're collecting funds to be used to purchase school supply kits for some of our 60,000 Kids in Need. Donate now and help provide students with a supply kit to start the school year ready to learn. Your $10 donation will purchase one complete kit for a student, with 10 items inside.
Upcoming School Board Meeting
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Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm – Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
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.
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Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
Please sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter here for Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
2023-24 SACC Registration
Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program for the 2024-25 school year will open on July 11, 2023. 2024-25 enrollment start dates are alphabetical by location. The SACC program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Learn more about SACC and registration dates here.
Did you know? 11 McLean and 2 Reston Home Burglaries since February
The Fairfax County Police Department is encouraging residents to make their homes a hard target for burglars. Officers from FCPD’s Crime Prevention Unit have identified some simple tips that can help strengthen the security of your property and deter crime. You can read these tips and more by visiting FCPD Shares Home Security Reminders Ahead of Vacation Season(wordpress.com). If you see any unusual things in your neighborhood, call the FC Police non-emergency line (703) 691-2131 and state your concern as related to the McLean Burglary ring.
Weekend in Fairfax County: Accessibility Gem
Spend the weekend exploring the county's accessible attractions, including parks, historic sites, museums, restaurants and more. Explore a new part of the county with Visit Fairfax’s accessible weekend guide.
Summer Reading Adventure is as easy as 1-2-3!
Our Summer Reading Adventure is for YOUTH and ADULTS and participating is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Go to fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org and register for the Summer Reading Adventure appropriate for you or your children.
- Depending on your age, earn ten or fifteen virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20 or 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.
- Once you have earned your badges, visit your local library branch and receive prizes.
Make sure to attend some of our youth summer reading events! Watch our Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
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Traffic Updates
You can get real-time traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511virginia.org, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.
Spring Hill Road Closures 6/26-6/29
Detour in place during pipe replacement: Spring Hill Road (Route 684) between Georgetown Pike (Route 193) and Old Dominion Drive (Route 738) will be closed to through traffic, weather permitting, Monday, June 26 through Thursday, June 29, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. each day for a pipe replacement, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Click here to view an online detour map.
Route 7
Construction activities will be ongoing along Route 7 through the summer months. Surface paving throughout the corridor will continue, and traffic will be shifted towards the median between Baron Cameron Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive while crews work on the north and south sides of Route 7. Additional shifts and traffic pattern changes will take place in the Lewinsville Road area in preparation for the permanent configuration at the Route 7/Lewinsville Road intersection. Please see the project website for information on significant lane shifts, traffic pattern changes, and other roadway impacts.
495 NEXT
Read the Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for 6/25 - 6/30 for construction-related lane closures and traffic changes planned to occur in the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project corridor:
- Daytime and nighttime single lane closures on I-495 North and South
- Daytime single lane closures at the Georgetown Pike interchange
- Daytime flagging operations on Balls Hill Road and Lewinsville Road
- Daytime single and nighttime single and multi-lane closures on eastbound and westbound Dulles Toll Road
Click the image to learn more and sign up for Fairfax Alerts
July is:
Independence Day - July 4
Happy Independence Day! Please note that all FCPS schools and offices will be closed July 3 and 4. Learn more at National Geographic Kids.
Flag Disposal
With the Fourth of July coming up, it’s time to inspect your current flag. If the American Flag flying at your home or business is faded, torn, tattered or frayed, it should be replaced. Learn how you can dispose of your old flag with respect.
Fourth of July Events
Metro is making fares free for bus, train, and MetroAccess riders after 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Learn more here.
McLean-
Great Falls-
Town of Herndon-
- Tuesday, July 4, 6:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.
- Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon)
- For more information, including traffic detours, event tips, visit the Town of Herndon website.
For a full list of Independence Day celebrations in and around Fairfax County visit Fourth of July in Fairfax County - Parades & Fireworks - Visit Fairfax (fxva.com)
Dranesville Committee Representative Opportunities
If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please fill out this interest form. If you have any questions, please reach out to my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 7, 2023.
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 and if you have any questions please email my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 7, 2023.
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. to 3:30 p.m. on the following tentative dates at Luther Jackson Middle School: 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. If you have any questions, please reach out to my Aide, Wendy Biliter at wmbiliter@fcps.edu by July 7, 2023.
Northern Virginia Community College Early Online College
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 due by 5 p.m. on June 30, 2023.
INOVA Reality Check Driving Course- July 15
Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death for teens. Attend INOVA’s free Reality Check with your teenager to help keep them from becoming another statistic. The course is designed for teens and their parents or guardians and will take place on Saturday, July 15,10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the INOVA Fairfax Medical Campus Physicians Conference Center. Register here. Questions may be directed to linda.watkins@inova.org or 703-776-3259.
Student Contests
Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts Photo Contest
Virginia's Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) is committed to the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs, and they want to see it through your eyes. They are holding a 2023 Photo Contest with the theme, ‘Conservation: Small Actions, Big Impact.’ The contest is open to children and adults, and each applicant may submit up to 10 photos for judging. All photographs must be taken within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Learn more about the photo contest. The deadline to submit photos is August 1, 2023.
Teen Chopped Contest- Due by Aug. 18
Create your own unique recipe for FCPL's Teen Chopped Challenge! Use our three mystery ingredients to make something fun and delicious. A limited quantity of ingredient kits will be available at select library branches. These are first come, first served. This competition is for ages 12-18. Learn more here about the contest and register for free cooking basic workshops.
Teen Chopped Challenge Recipe Card: Unable to pick up a kit? You can still participate in the Teen Chopped Challenge! Download this recipe card for a list of mystery ingredients and submission instructions. This year's mystery ingredients are: one can of black beans, one box of Jiffy corn muffin mix and one packet of Swiss Miss dark chocolate hot cocoa mix. Recipes due Aug. 18.
NVSWCD Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is seeking students to design posters to submit to the 2023 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘One Water.’ This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year will feature a new digital poster contest open to students in grades 7-12. Learn more about both poster contests and download your entry form on the Conservation Poster Contest website. Entries are due by September 30, 2023.
Library of Congress Launches Video Game Challenge for Civic Engagement
The Library is calling on video game developers to create fun and lightweight video games related to civics that incorporate Library resources. This challenge is part of an effort to improve public knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. Winning video game entries, to be announced early next year, will receive $35,000 in cash prizes. The deadline for all entries is Nov. 27. Learn more here.
Student Volunteer Opportunities
EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency’s First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. The NEYAC will provide a critical perspective on how the impacts of climate change and other environmental harms affect youth communities.
EPA is soliciting applications for youth (16- 29 years old) to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by the Administrator.
Applications to the NEYAC are due by August 22 at 11:59p.m. ET.
EPA will be hosting virtual application webinars where the public can ask EPA staff questions live. The webinars will be on Zoom and will be hosted at the following times:
Visit the EPA NEYAC webpage for more information on the council and to apply.
Fairfax Food Council Youth Representative
The Fairfax Food Council is seeking two youth representatives to serve on the Fairfax Food Council Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is charged with overseeing the work of the Council, setting priorities, and raising resources, among other duties. The time commitment is approximately 6 hours of service each month. Applicants should both live and attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church, and be a rising high school junior for the 2023-2024 school year. Representatives will serve a one-year term, with the ability to extend to a two-year term. Applications are due by September 15, 2023. Contact fairfaxfoodcouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit the Fairfax Food Council website for more information.
Reading is Fundamental NOVA Young Ambassador Volunteer Program
There are many ways to volunteer your time and efforts to help provide books for Northern Virginia children and to encourage them to read! Reading is Fundamental Northern Virginia encourages young people in middle and high school to apply for their Reading is Fundamental Young Ambassador Volunteer Program. Volunteers may assist with book collections, fundraising, event help and participation, social media expertise, research, creating a photo slideshow or movie, or even authoring a blog of children’s book review. The application process is now open for the 2023-2024 academic year. Apply on their website.
Student Opportunities
I See Change Project- Children’s Science Lab
Looking for something fun and meaningful to do this summer? Look into our Citizen Science Project! Join us for this summer project with the whole community! I See Change is a global weather journal that tracks changes in weather patterns. To participate, just download the free app and record data about the weather from any location! Bonus! Stop by the Lab and show your first recording for a prize during our weekend timed entry sessions. No purchase or registration is necessary! Learn more here.
NOVA Helps Higher Schoolers “Aim High”
In partnership with NOVA and the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), representing over 460 of the region’s technology companies, announced a new workforce initiative. Called “Aim High,” the initiative will connect Fairfax County high school students with area technology companies to prepare them for future careers by giving them real-world experience with technology-related jobs. As many as 500 FCPS high school students will be matched with participating NVTC member companies during the 2023-2024 academic year. Learn more here about “Aim High”
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. Coursera courses are not Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)-recognized industry credentials and do not count toward high school graduation requirements. 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.
Free National Park Passes for 4th Graders
Heading to a national park or other federal recreation site this summer? All 4th grade students can get a free year-long national park pass through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative. Learn more about Every Kid Outdoors and get your free national park pass for 4th graders!
Blue Star Museums through Sept. 4
In collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, more than 2,000 museums across the country are offering free admission to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel and their families. Military-connected families can visit sites such as the Washington National Cathedral, the B&O Museum in Baltimore, the Annapolis Maritime Museum, and many more! Visit here for more information and a list of participating museums. The program ends on September 4.
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 all of this year's winners, finalists, pyramid, and school recipients. Review the complete list of award winners.
Here are the Dranesville Schools' Finalists:
2023 Outstanding Elementary New Teacher Finalist:
2023 Outstanding New Principal Finalist:
2023 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Finalists:
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Tara A. Dutton, Literacy Leader, Forestville ES, Region 1
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Sarah Español, Speech Language Pathologist, Marshall HS, Region 2
2023 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist:
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Kristen Ceglie, Fourth Grade Teacher, Coates ES, Region 5
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Maureen E. Mehrer, ESOL Teacher, Hutchison ES, Region 1
2023 Outstanding Principal Finalists:
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Sarah C. Aiello, Hutchison ES, Region 1
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Ellen T. Reilly, McLean HS, Region 2
Cappies Award Winners
Our FCPS students earned many awards at the annual Cappies Gala held at the Kennedy Center! This high-energy event is like the Tony awards for high school theater arts in the DC metro area. Read about the awards brought home by FCPS students
Dranesville Schools' Winners:
Herndon HS
- Andy Mays Rising Critic- Ellen Lawton
Langley HS, The Man Who Came to Dinner
- Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Play- Joana Lima Alves Montenegro
- Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Play-Sarah Hilton
McLean HS, Claudio Quest
- Sound- Dillon Prestidge, Emma Springer, Megan Wright
- Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical- Idíl Erdogan
- Song- Platypus Heart
TJHSST
- Bill Strauss Graduating Critic- Hannah Frieden
- Critic Team
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Pippin
- Lighting- Charles Bucher, Ella Clarke, Cullan Kelley
Photos from the plays and concerts I attended this school year
FCPS Schools Receive 2023 Blue Ribbon Award
Congratulations to the following schools who received the Virginia Music Educators Association 2023 Blue Ribbon Award, the highest award given to school music programs in Virginia. The award recognizes excellence in band, orchestra, and choral performance. Read the full list of winners.
Dranesville Schools: Marshall HS; Langley HS; Longfellow MS; McLean HS
AAUW McLean Langley HS STEM Achievement Awards
The following students at Langley High School received the 2023 awards from Myrtle Hendricks-Corrales and Nina McVeigh, award liaison, at a June 9 awards ceremony held at the school: Sophia Bruno (Math), Scarlett Adams (Science) and Lillian Wu (Computer Science).
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Longfellow Battle of the Books Team
Congratulations to the Longfellow Battle of the Books team who competed in the Battle of the Books Cross-County Competition on Monday, June 5th, and WON!
Herndon HS
Congratulations to these students who are attending the Summer Residential Governor's School: Eli Ethiginton, Thomas Maxson, and Alyssa Morrison.
Max Feinberg American Ninja Semi-Finalist
McLean High School alumni Max Feinberg is going on to the American Ninja Warrior Semi-Finals. You can read a recap here. He has been a participant on the show for 4 seasons now! Good luck Max!
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Connecting the Dots- July 14
 This event will raise awareness about the importance of having young children attend an Early Childhood Education Program, connecting the Herndon community with resources, and continuing to build a sense of community in Herndon where everyone – no matter their culture, background, or income feels they belong!
July 14, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon)
Fairfax County 4-H Fair- Aug 3-6
Bring the whole crew out to the Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park. Come out to Herndon, VA for four days of fresh air, farm fun, and good times for you, your family, friends, and neighbors. Watch livestock and see 4-H exhibits, enjoy delicious fair food, enter your own creations in the fair, and try your hand at milking a cow or goat. Don’t miss the carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. Learn more about the 4-H Fair here.
Tax Free Weekend- Aug. 4- 6
Friday, August 4, through Sunday, August 6 will be a three-day sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. Items that will be available tax free include school supplies, clothing, and footwear. For more information, visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage.
National Book Festival- Aug. 12
The 2023 Library of Congress National Book Festival returns to the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 12. The festival’s theme, “Everyone Has a Story,” celebrates the storyteller in us all. Learn more about the festival here.
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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.
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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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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