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Dear Dranesville Families,
Last night was an exciting board meeting for Dranesville. We passed the next step in moving forward to alleviate overcrowding at Kent Gardens. Please see below for exciting updates related to Kent Gardens. We were able to hear from some new staff members and from staff members that have recently been put into new positions as part of Dr. Reid’s new organization under our strategic plan. I want to welcome Dr. Geovanny Ponce, our new Chief of Schools, who is joining us from Houston. In addition, I was elected by my colleagues to Chair the School Board for the rest of my term of office. I am happy to share below the comments I made at the board table regarding this.
This week I was able to stop by Kent Gardens to see our summer school program in action and loved seeing students from various elementary schools enjoying each others’ company and meeting new friends. The teachers were excited to be in school and already impressed by the work the students are doing. Reportedly, our summer program kicked off smoothly with Food and Nutrition, Transportation and Instructional Services all stepping up to make everything work well for our families.
Last weekend I stopped in to a playdate for rising Kindergarteners at Haycock ES. There were lots of parents new to FCPS that are so excited to begin their journey with us. They had lots of questions and comments already, and I was happy to welcome them along with Principal Dr. Beaty to Haycock. The excitement of the 5 year olds was an inspiration to me all week.
I met with Boy Scout Troop 667 to discuss local political positions, elections, and the importance of voting. Then, they asked to focus the discussion on student mental health resources and how young people can advance mental health in our community. We had a nice talk, and I was so impressed with the kind, hopeful, and energetic way they are approaching a difficult and complex topic. Our young people really do give me hope. I wish them the best as a set of them hit the Appalachian Trail later this summer.
Have a wonderful summer time with family and friends! Remember to get outside and enjoy all our area has to offer. I went kayaking on the Potomac in Georgetown recently and could not believe it took me over 30 years of living here to take advantage of renting a boat and enjoying the setting sun on the river with the Kennedy Center in the distance. Our parks in Fairfax Co are amazing too. If you want a bit more inside time, enjoy the events at our local libraries for all ages. See the Fairfax County Public Library website for events across the Dranesville area libraries: like library laser tag; Hawaiian dance show; learning a new craft, etc. Join the Fairfax Public Library summer reading programs for youth and adults.
Happy summer!
Elaine
Last Night’s remarks after being elected School Board Chair:
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Fairfax County Public Schools and the students and parents and residents of Fairfax County in the role of Chair of the School Board. I thank my colleagues for having confidence in me to serve in this capacity as we move forward together to continue building the positive momentum we are working on with our staff and community. I thank Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Tammy Derenak Kaufax for all of the leadership and hard work over the past years. Of course, I have to thank my husband, Jim who is in the audience tonight for all the support over many, many years.
It is an exciting time for our school district and community. We are recovering well from dealing with COVID-19, have a new strategic plan in place, and a superintendent with one year at the helm. We have new leadership joining us from around the country, bringing with them expertise and documented success in increasing student achievement and district-wide efficiencies. We have placed employees that have a depth of experience with our district in new key positions to leverage their knowledge and expertise. And.. we have plans to continue those efforts. It is a time for us to look forward with optimism and a time to think big as we implement our strategic vision to provide excellence, equity and opportunity for every student.
There are new and continuing challenges on the horizon such as school safety, students and social media, staff shortages in all areas, lack of Federal and State Funding, the impact of AI on education, and as always, maximizing student learning. FCPS is poised to be a leader in many of these areas, we have the staff expertise, we have the community expertise. Together we need to raise our conversations to make sure our students have the best, cutting edge educational experience possible. I am proud to be in a leadership role as we do this work in partnership with our families and our Board of Supervisors.
In a recent Education Week article, the author stated: Too often, education is seen as a system of compliance rather than an institution of inspiration and creativity. My experience working with FCPS is that we are full of inspiration and creativity and have the ingredients to be even better at spreading that all across our county. I am ready to get to work, please join me!!
In this newsletter,
My visit to Boy Scout Troop 667
FCPS Updates
Kent Gardens Updates
Trailers Gone!
Area where the trailers once stood
Kent Gardens ES Boundary Study Scope
School Board voted Kent Gardens ES Boundary Study scope to include:
- Kent Gardens ES, Chesterbrook ES, Churchill Road ES, Franklin Sherman ES, Spring Hill ES, and Haycock ES boundaries;
- Haycock ES AAP and Churchill Road ES AAP boundaries; and,
- The middle school and high school boundaries for options that may involve a split feeder.
Why These Elementary Schools are Included?
Kent Gardens, Franklin Sherman ES, Chesterbrook ES, Springhill ES are adjacent and have capacity within the McLean pyramid. By moving kids into Franklin Sherman ES, it may make sense to move some of the existing Franklin Sherman students to Churchill Road ES so that school is added to the list too. Haycock ES and Churchill Road ES are AAP centers that all of these schools feed so Haycock ES is on the list in case the alignment of the AAP centers need to be considered. Haycock ES was opened beyond the AAP center changes in case small adjustments are necessary.
What is Next?
Full scenarios including these schools will not be ready until the fall. Possible discussions of any changes to the Kent Gardens French Immersion program will continue this summer with ISD as the scenarios are developed and will be presented to the community and the School Board in the fall during our next community input stage.
I ask the community to watch for emails, newsletters, and webpage updates for more information and to fully engage in the process we will have this fall to make plans for school year 2024-25. Learn more at the Kent Gardens ES- Capacity Challenges.
Thank you to our team. Thank you to the Kent Gardens community for all of the input and the understanding that as a community we will need to make some tough decisions to alleviate overcrowding at a neighborhood school in order to give our children the best possible educational space.
New School Board Chair and Vice-Chair
The Fairfax County School Board elected Elaine Tholen (Dranesville District representative) as chair and Karl Frisch (Providence District representative) as vice chair for a one-year term during the Board’s annual organizational meeting on July 13. The pair assumed office immediately following their election. Read more here.
Welcome Dr. Geovanny Ponce, Chief of Schools
Dr. Geovanny Ponce was named to the role of chief of schools. Dr. Ponce served as the assistant superintendent of high schools for Houston Independent School District, one of the largest public school systems in the nation. He has extensive leadership experience using data to drive change in a large school division. During his tenure, Dr. Ponce increased the division graduation rate and percentage of students enrolling in higher education, improved emergent bilingual student English language proficiency, and decreased the dropout rate. I look forward to working with him.
Welcome Dr. Cheronda Farrish, New Cedar Lane Principal
Dr. Farrish's Announcement as Cedar Lane's Principal
I was happy to attend the announcement of Dr. Farrish as the new principal for Cedar Lane School. She is the current assistant principal at James Madison High School. Dr. Farrish’s committed work as a special education teacher, her experiences leading special needs programs, her accomplishments as the Assistant Principal of the Comprehensive Services Site at Madison High School, combined with her warmth and caring nature, make her an ideal candidate to lead Cedar Lane School. Dr. Farrish’s career spans over 18 years, during which she has accumulated a wealth of valuable experiences and demonstrated tremendous success.
School Board Selects Cedar Lane School Student as Recipient of 2023 Character Award
Callahan Rogers, a 2023 graduate of Cedar Lane School, has been selected as recipient of the 2023 Fairfax County School Board Character Award. Rogers is recognized by nominators as an “exceptional student, who is known as a leader and is a source of inspiration for his fellow students,” and who during his time at Cedar Lane School “demonstrated a positive attitude, strong integrity, and was someone who was always willing to help others.” Learn more here.
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.
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 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.
Community Review of K-6 Language Arts Basal Resources
FCPS 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.
FCPS Positions Available
Deputy Clerk of the School Board Opening
The School Board is looking to hire a Deputy Clerk to the School Board. This position provides highly responsible administrative management and support tasks for the chair and members of the School Board. Please see the job posting and share it with anyone interested.
Food and Nutrition Services Job Fairs
Apply Today! Join us for one of our food & nutrition services job fairs this summer and be a part of our team! There are multiple job fairs now through August 1. Learn more about us, including positions, pay, benefits, and other perks, on our Food and Nutrition Career Opportunities page. Learn about FCPS' Food and Nutrition Services here.
School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs
Join FCPS for one of our school bus driver job fairs this summer and be part of our team! FCPS will host school bus driver job fairs now through July 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the following dates and locations.
Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS language lines are available in eight different languages to assist parents who do not speak English as their first language. A school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. The caller will provide you with the requested information, arrange for you to speak with the appropriate school employee, or connect you with the resource that you are looking to find. Click here for the FCPS Parent Information Phone Lines.
Click image to learn more.
Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center (FRC) has recently published a list with dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel. They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities.
The FRC provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. For more information, call 703-204-3941, email frc@fcps.edu or visit their website.
Understanding the Proposed 2023 Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning- July 27 or July 28
The Virginia Department of Education has proposed new mathematics standards to be taught at every grade level. This webinar is intended to help families understand the changes in the math standards and how families can provide feedback. July 27, 2023 7-7:30 p.m. or July 28, 2023 10-10:30 a.m.
Webinar Highlights:
- How are the Mathematics Standards of Learning changing?
- What is the timeline for FCPS to adopt the new 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning?
- How do the proposed standards help students connect concepts with computation?
- How can families provide feedback on the 2023 draft standards?
Register for Understanding the Proposed 2023 Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
Missed a webinar? View our latest webinars on YouTube.
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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Nourishing FCP Youth through Giant Food
“ROUND UP AT THE REGISTER”- Through July 27
When you buy groceries this July at Giant Food, don't forget to round up your purchase! Funds raised through the Nourishing our Youth program will be donated to Educate Fairfax to support students with food insecurity. In the 2022-2023 school year, Giant donated over $26,000 through this program, which was used 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.
Community Updates
Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
To keep up-to-date on Dranesville news, please sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter here for Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
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! Watch our Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
- 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!
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Free Dog Fridays
Summer is a great time to adopt your new best dog friend. Throughout the summer, all dog adoptions will be fee-waived every Friday 12 -7 p.m. at the Animal Shelter. View our available dogs and other pets, and get more details on our adoption process here.
National Night Out- Aug. 1
Sign up by July 21, 2023
Neighbors watching out for other neighbors is a key component to crime prevention. Community events, such as National Night Out, opens the door for conversations, sharing common concerns and leads to a support system. Complete the form here to register your community. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to MPO Carolyn Beyer at carolyn.beyer@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-734-0756.
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From the Fairfax County Police Department,
Keep Your Home Safe
How to give the illusion you are always home:
- Have a vehicle parked in the driveway if you are going out of town.
- Ensure packages and trash are not left out for long periods of time.
- Keep your lawn maintained and flowers watered.
- Set your interior lights on timers to follow your normal evening routine. Have the timers come on and go off when your family would normally be in the kitchen, living room, bedroom.
- Have window coverings to obscure someone's view into the home.
Going out of town:
- All of the above listed.
- Let your neighbors know you are going out of town. Neighbors watching out for neighbors.
- Do not post on social media. Using geolocation, you enable the ability to know where the picture was taken, therefore knowing you are out of town.
Report any crime or suspicious activity when it is occurring:
- 911 for Emergencies or for Non-emergencies 703-691-2131
Neighborhood Safety
Getting to know your neighbors is essential to neighborhood security. Having a network within your community to alert suspicious behavior and looking out for each other builds a strong, tightknit community.
Neighborhood Safety Presentations
We offer a Neighborhood Safety Presentation for your community and/or HOA. In the presentation we discuss ways to help make your home and neighborhood less of a target for a burglar or criminal activity. We can do it via zoom or in person. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out at Carolyn.Beyer@fairfaxcounty.gov
Kent Gardens ES Summer School Teachers
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey 22-23 School Year
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) annual Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. Please complete one survey for each of your children who is currently receiving special education services during the 2022-2023 school year. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov, or call (804) 225-3898.
8 FCPS Students Named 2023 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship Winners
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2023 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). See the list of students.
Congratulations to the Dranesville winners:
- TJHSST: Bradley Cao; Mulan Pan
Marshall HS Student Andy Campos, a Hero
Marshall High School student Andy Campos, a rising sophomore, used CPR he learned in his health class a week before to save his grandmother. Thank you for being a hero. Read more here.
Max Feinberg, American Ninja Warrior
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! Watch Max complete on NBC, 7/24 at 8 p.m. Good luck Max!
Westfield HS Summer Theater
"Footloose, the musical"
Tickets on sale now for July 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7pm and matinee July 16 at 2 pm
Student Opportunities
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.
EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency’s First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The NEYAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. Applications for the 16 vacancies are due Aug. 22.
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.
NOVA 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.
Culturas Unidas- Latino Conservation Week
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!
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Herndon Fortnightly Library Friday Maker Lab Events- 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Explore a variety of arts and crafts projects at the Maker Lab at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. Registration is not required and supplies will be provided. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Learn more here.
July is National Ice Cream Month
Enjoy these Ice Cream Events
National Ice Cream Month Learn more about these events and more here.
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Ice Cream and Games at the Mill at Colvin Run Mill on Saturday, July 22, from noon to 3 p.m. Cost $10.
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Dairy Days-Ice Cream Making & Butter at Sully Historic Site. Cost $8. Several time slots are available July 16 and 21.
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Visit the Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor
- The Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor at Burke Lake Park is stocked with several flavors of ice cream, snacks and drinks. Located near the train station, mini golf and playground, it’s a perfect spot for a refreshing cool-down on a summer day.
- The ice cream parlor is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fairfax County 4-H Fair- August 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.
Stuff the Cruiser- Back to School Supply Drive
Saturday, August 5th from 11am to 3pm on the Plaza of Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean). Help us stuff the cruiser full of back to school supplies.
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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Summer Concerts
Herndon's Friday Night Live
Every Friday (through August) on the Herndon Town Green Concessions open at 6pm. The band plays from 6:30 – 10pm. The Town Green is located behind the Herndon Municipal Center at 777 Lynn Street in Historic Downtown Herndon. It is adjacent to the W&OD Trail and the Herndon Fortnightly Library. Learn more and view the schedule here.
MCC- The Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park
McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Blvd, McLean) All concerts begin at 3 p.m. in McLean Central Park Gazebo. Free admission! The June concerts are designed to be family friendly. All ages shows in July. Free parking and the park entrance are located at Dolly Madison Library (1244 Oak Ridge Dr, McLean). For more information, including a full listing of summer concerts, visit the McLean Community Center website.
Reston Community Center Concerts
Reston Community Center (RCC) is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated roster of summer concerts and entertainment for the Reston community. They have many concert series; check the link for details: Take a Break (Thursdays); Darden Purcell and Friends (Fridays); Fab Fridays (Fridays); Family Fun Entertainment (Saturdays); and Sunday Art in the Park with the Shenandoah Conservatory (Sundays).
Music at Arrowbrook Park in Herndon
Music at Arrowbrook Park in Herndon Visit the Summer Entertainment Series website for the full schedule and more information.
Save the Date
Hispanic Heritage Celebration- Sept. 23
Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna). Learn more 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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