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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Fairfax County Students, Staff and Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying a happy start to the summer! The School Board has had a busy few weeks and I wanted to share our work with you as well as provide some summer news and activities and student opportunities that you might be interested in.
Please also see below regarding two opportunities to get involved - we are looking for an appointee to the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resources Adoption Committee and there is a job opportunity - we are looking for a deputy clerk of the board.
My term as Chair of the School Board is coming to an end and I am thankful for the chance to lead the board this year. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and our new Superintendent, and I’m thrilled at all we have done this year, including:
- the adoption of the strategic plan that will guide our division’s work until 2030;
- a budget that focuses on academic excellence, needs-based resourcing, and mental wellness for our students and contains a third year of raises for teachers and staff;
- the successful onboarding of our new Superintendent, Dr. Reid;
- the adoption of a collective bargaining resolution that will help with staff retention and recruitment;
- a special education enhancement plan that, if implemented fully, can make us a groundbreaking leader in special education;
- the approval of a calendar for the next three school years;
- an equity policy in alignment with the 2017 One Fairfax Policy and our strategic plan that will guide our work to ensure student strengths are fostered, needs are met, barriers are removed, and all students have access to opportunities to fulfill their potential; and
- ahead-of-schedule security upgrades, a focus on mental health supports and substance abuse prevention, and moving forward on stop-arm cameras on buses.
It has been an honor to serve as Chair and I am looking forward to the upcoming School Board recess to catch my breath a little before the work of the new school year begins. There is a lot more to be done on closing learning gaps, expanding innovative education options, making sure our students are in safe and inclusive learning environments, ensuring fidelity of implementation of the strategic plan, and more … I am looking forward to continuing this work after the recess.
Thank you all for supporting your students, our teachers and staff, and our public schools. I love meeting with our students and our engaged community members - so many volunteer so much of their time and energy to support and improve our schools. We are better because of your work and advocacy, so thank you.
Fairfax County is a wonderful community that I am grateful to be a part of. As always, I welcome the chance to connect with you and hear your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Warmest regards,
Rachna
Below you will find:
School Board Updates
 School Board Adopts Equity Policy
The School Board has unanimously voted to adopt an Equity Policy to codify and elevate the educational equity beliefs held by Fairfax County Public Schools. 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.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Adopted
The 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.
Special Education Enhancement Plan
The School Board held a work session on June 27 to review and discuss the Special Education Enhancement Plan that was developed in response to the recommendations included in the external review of FCPS special education practices that was completed in fall 2022. I appreciate the hard work that is evident in this plan and look forward to continued work to improve our practices so that all of our students are included and can reach their full potential. See the presentation and plan booklet.
Volunteer Needed - Elementary Language Arts Basal Resources Adoption Committee
FCPS will be engaging in the basal resource adoption process for Elementary Language Arts. Part of this process includes a review by a committee made up of representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups - teachers, administrators, and community members. I have the opportunity to appoint a representative to the 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.
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.)
Please complete this form by July 7 if you are interested in serving on the committee.
Job Opportunity - Deputy Clerk to the School Board
The School Board is looking to hire a Deputy Clerk to the School Board. This is an important position that provides highly responsible administrative management and support tasks for the chair and members of the School Board. Please see the job posting and share with anyone who might be interested.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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July 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and regular meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Summer News
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.
Community Review of K-6 Language Arts Basal Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools is adopting new Elementary (K-6) Language Arts Basal Resources for the 2024-25 school year. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration is part of the process for selecting new resources. Community members can review the materials through July and submit an online feedback form. Learn more about how you can participate in the community review process.
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.
Mental Wellness Consultations
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.
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.
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.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a 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.
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. Visit the Summer Access Tutor.com webpage for more information on how to access the online service throughout the summer.
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 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 FCPSCcommunityUse@fcps.edu or call 571-423-2340.
Summer Activities
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!
Free Admission for Military-Connected Families
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! Learn more information and see a list of participating museums. The program ends on September 4.
Fairfax County 4-H Fair
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.
National Book Festival
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.
Summer Reading Program
Fairfax County Public Library 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 the youth summer reading events! Watch the Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
Student Opportunities
EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency’s First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the formal establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The 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. Applications to the NEYAC are due by August 22, 2023 at 11:59PM ET. 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.
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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.
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
Create your own unique recipe for FCPL's Teen Chopped Challenge! Use 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 August 18.
NVSWCD Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District 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 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 November 27. Learn more.
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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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