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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Sully District Families,
Happy Summer! I hope you are finding many ways to connect, to create and to find joy! I am staying busy with School Board work while juggling the many camps, swim team, and music lessons for my kids.
The School Board voted for and adopted important policies and plans in June, including the new FCPS Strategic Plan, an Equity Policy to codify and elevate our educational equity beliefs and the 2023-24 SR&R (Student Rights and Responsibilities). We also reviewed several advisory committee reports as we continue to wrap up school year 22-23 and turn our focus on 23-24.
There was much to celebrate last school year. I am pleased with the progress we have made on many fronts. Our School Board was able to accomplish a number of things this past year serving as good fiscal stewards and initiating policies to create successful outcomes for all our students. Highlighted below are a few of our accomplishments:
2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Onboarded new Superintendent: After successfully recruiting a highly-qualified new Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid to lead the school district, it was a real pleasure to help her fully transition into the role and navigate the complexities of a large school division such as ours.
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Student-centered Strategic Plan: Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. The passage of the new Strategic Plan will guide our division’s work until 2030.
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Investing in Student Achievement and Better Pay for our World-class Educators: Our FY24 budget focuses on academic excellence, needs-based resourcing, and contains a third year of raises for teachers and staff. It contains significant investments in research-based literacy instruction, mental wellness for our students, early childhood education, school safety and security, and middle school athletics.
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Enhanced Staff Retention and Recruitment: The adoption of the FCPS Collective Bargaining Resolution that will ensure that staff feel seen, heard, and supported, and will position FCPS as an employer of choice.
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Special Education Enhancement Plan: This will serve as our North Star to improve outcomes for students with IEPs and 504s, build staff capacity and increase staff retention so our students can thrive today, tomorrow, and in the future.
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Three Year School Calendar: This is the first time that FCPS has designated and approved a calendar for three school years. The decision to approve three-years’ worth of calendars was based on a desire by staff to be able to plan well in advance;
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Codify and Elevate our Educational Equity Beliefs: Adoption of the 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.
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Increased Safety and Student Supports: ahead-of-schedule security upgrades, a focus on mental health supports and substance abuse prevention, improved school food and nutrition initiatives and moving forward on stop-arm cameras on buses.
A new school year offers a fresh slate and the chance to implement new programs and initiatives that support a more inclusive and positive school environment. There is always more to do and I want to acknowledge that there are still some significant hurdles for our students, families, and staff to overcome. I look forward to continuing the progress we have made in the new school year.
Inside this newsletter:
As always, I appreciate hearing from you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any help you may need. Have a lovely the rest of summer. See you in August!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Sully District Happenings
Opening of New Food Pantry in Centreville
 It was a pleasure to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Western Fairfax Christian Ministries new food pantry in Centreville. WFCM provides food and financial support to so many of our families in Sully District. It also has free food fridges in our FCPS schools which means that fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables are getting to students who might need the support. Thank you to Executive Director Harmonie Taddeo and her amazing staff and volunteers for all the tremendous work they are doing to support the needs of our very diverse community in Fairfax County! You can find the list of their current pantry needs at https://www.wfcmva.org/our-services.
Volunteers Needed: School Board Citizen Advisory Committees
While several Sully District appointees will continue their service on School Board Citizen Advisory Committees for another year, three committees have openings for the 2023-24 school year. These committees increase community input to our Board on a host of important issues. If you are interested in serving for Sully District on this committee or other future committees, please forward a paragraph of your interest and qualifications to my staff at skhurana@fcps.edu by Aug10th, 2023. Please consider being my Sully District representative!
School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC): Assists with the development of health policy and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about SHAC, please view their website.
Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC): FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities needs, such as creative financing and construction strategies, scope of renovations, and school closures and new schools. To learn more about FPAC, please view their website.
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD): The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities advises the school Board on special education procedures and practices. To learn more about ACSD, please view their website.
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Fairfax County 4-H Fair August 3-6, 2023
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.
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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.
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Latino Conservation Week in the Parks July 15 - 23, 2023
 Fairfax County Park Authority Latino Conservation Week, is a celebration of the community's profound connection to nature and conservation efforts. This weeklong event invites you to embark on a journey of exploration, education and engagement, honoring the rich heritage and environmental stewardship of Latino individuals. Join the celebration with these fun-filled, family programs!
Your Guide to Summer 2023 in Fairfax County
Please review the latest guide on making the most of the summer in Fairfax County. The following are some of the activities included in the guide:
- Pools, splash parks, lakes and more (but note health advisory about local streams)
- The Summer Entertainment Series features 180+ performances at 18 venues
- Keep reading with the Summer Reading Adventure
- Make southern Fairfax County a staycation -- check out Potomac Banks
- Hunger doesn't take a vacation - learn about summer meals for kids
- Learn about using FCPS school grounds this summer
School Board Adopts Student-Centered Strategic Plan With Focus on Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity
 The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to adopt Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) 2023-30 strategic plan at the June 16 board meeting. FCPS’ new strategic plan will direct the school division’s work until the end of the decade.
The new strategic plan’s development involved 124,302 engagement touch points and significant participation from thousands of FCPS parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Engagement opportunities included 11 Planning Teams, 15 Community Forums, multiple surveys yielding more than 117,000 responses, student focus groups, and an ongoing feedback form.
The 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.
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.
The next steps for implementing the strategic plan involve aligning, prioritizing, and organizing the work of the school division, and establishing a monitoring and reporting structure for the plan.
Watch the strategic plan presentation. Visit FCPS’ Strategic Plan webpage.
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.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
During the Academic Matters segment of the June 26th Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared information about the community-guided and data-backed Special Education Enhancement Plan. The Special Education Enhancement Plan is our North Star to improve outcomes for students with IEPs and 504s, celebrate their diversity, and foster their strengths in their least restrictive environment so they can thrive today, tomorrow, and in the future. This five-year plan guides FCPS' work to improve outcomes and to engage students with IEPs and Section 504 Plans in rigorous learning in the least restrictive environment. The plan outlines supports and structures to build staff capacity and increase staff retention. We want to ensure that we continue to have the best educators to support our diverse student population. Finally, there are actions to improve communication and partnership with our families. Effective home and school partnerships are vital to student success. We look forward to continuing to support our shared goal to support each and every student to find their passions and fulfill their hopes and dreams.
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.
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Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services for High School Students
Teletherapy services will continue to be available this summer for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly-qualified therapists specialize in speaking “teen.” Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.
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.
Student Opportunities
Girls in Aviation Programs
Save the date for Women in Aviation Intl's 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday, September 23, 2023!
Our youth programs include Aviation for Girls app, AFG Engage E-Learning, AFG Connect News, Aviation for Girls magazine, and Girls in Aviation Day. Each program is designed to reach youth through technology and peer engagement. There are age-appropriate individual tracks, fun activities, hands-on demonstrations, peer group work, and role models to encourage and inspire our participants.
All these youth resources are made available through WAI's free Junior membership for interested individuals under age 18.
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LearnServe Fellows Program for High Schoolers
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 at https://learn-serve.org/programs/learnserve-fellows/ - we can’t wait to meet you! LearnServe prepares middle and high school students as changemakers through inter-connected extracurricular, in-school, and summer social entrepreneurship programs. Our programs prepare students to be changemakers and global citizens.
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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.
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.
The Family Resource Center is Open All Summer!
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center has changed its name to the Family Resource Center (FRC), as a way to acknowledge and support the broad diversity of families in our community.
Our office hours are from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. We encourage families and staff to make an appointment for consultations, especially when requiring an interpreter.
We offer free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
FCPS Family Resource Center
2334 Gallows Road, Room 105 (Door 1)
Dunn Loring, VA 22027
703-204-3941
frc@fcps.edu
Families can find printable resource guides and details about the center’s free lending library on FRC’s homepage. They may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Jump Back Up July
Let's find ways to bounce back! This month is all about resilience and understanding how we can build skills that will help us to bounce back. We can't always predict or control what life throws at us, but we can build a range of skills and nurture our resources to help us respond flexibly, effectively deal with challenges, recover more quickly and even learn and grow as a result.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm – Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
New! For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
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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.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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