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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.
يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى.
2023 Back to School Spotlight
Dear FCPS Families and Community Members:
As Labor Day marked the official end to summer, please join me in thanking the teachers, custodians, bus drivers and administrators who support Fairfax schools. So many of our staff go above and beyond to give students a world-class education. Whether in our classrooms, on our playgrounds or in our buses, we appreciate their service and thank them for making FCPS a safe place where students can learn and grow.
 First day of school visits to Upper Bailey's Elementary and Lake Anne Elementary School.
I hope this newsletter is helpful. It includes updates on my ongoing work as well as information to help make sure your student is prepared for the new school year. The Back to School section includes resource information about bus transportation, student technology, and student safety drills. There is also an update of our grading policy for high school and secondary students and information for those who may still need to register their kindergartner. This newsletter also reminds families to review and acknowledge the Student Rights and Responsibilities by September 29.
Finally, I always enjoy meeting our students and staff members in our schools. On the first day of school, I visited Upper Bailey’s Elementary and Lake Anne Elementary School. It was a joy to see the energy and excitement in the air as our students and staff began a new year of learning. As always, I consider it an honor to serve as your At-Large Board member and look forward to seeing you in the community.
Best wishes for another wonderful year of learning!
Welcome Back!
 P.S. For families receiving this newsletter for the first time, welcome! In my newsletter, I share important updates about policies and other School Board actions that impact Fairfax County Public Schools. I hope you will find this information helpful, and I look forward to your feedback! However, if you wish to unsubscribe, you may click “unsubscribe” at the bottom of this email.
Inside this newsletter:
My Ongoing Work Updates
- 2023 Back to School Video Message
- Course Catalog Now Available in Multiple Languages
- Family Resource Center New Home of the Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Resource Library
Back to School Tips and Information
- 2023 First Day of School Highlights
- Transportation Patience and Safety
- Safety Drills During the School Year
- Technology Tips and To-Do's for Student Success
- Still Time to Register for Kindergarten
Supporting Academic Achievement
- Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!: Why Attendance Matters
- High School and Secondary School Grading Policy Updates
Opportunities for Student Leaders
- Welcome Back to School from Student Representative Rida Karim
- Apply Now: Fairfax County Police Department Public Safety Cadets
Supporting Parent and Family Engagement
- 2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities: Parent/Family Response Due September 29
- Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Supporting Student Health and Wellness
- Required Immunizations for 7th and 12th Grade Students
Community Announcements
- 9-11 Heroes Run at Oakton Elementary School, September 17, 8:30 a.m.
- Raptor Rapture at Fort Hunt Park, September 23, 1-3 p.m.
- STEM Fest at South County High School, October 14, 11:30-3 p.m.
 Watch my 2023-2024 Back to School Message
Course Catalog Now Available in Multiple Languages
Now is a great to time to begin planning for your child's academic future. School counselors work with students on individual plans for the courses taken throughout their middle and high school years. On November 3, the School Board voted to approve changes to the list of middle and high school course offerings for the 2023-2024 school year, as recommended by the Course Review Committee, and as detailed in the agenda item. I introduced a motion to direct the Superintendent to address concerns of online accessibility of secondary school course offerings to all students prior to its usage with students
I am proud to have introduced the motion to ensure our course catalog was fully accessible to all students and families in their preferred language. The course catalog plays an important role in providing students and their families with information needed to map out and determine a student’s academic options, including key courses in math, world language, advanced courses, as well as requirements for standard and advanced diploma programs. I thank my colleagues for joining me to address this inequity so that ALL parents/caregivers have the tools they need to help support and direct their child’s academic success. Visit the course catalog online.
Family Resource Center New Home of the Dr. Larry Bussey Family and Community Library
On August 31, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a proclamation to name the library located within the Family Resource Center the “Dr. Larry Bussey Family & Community Library” as a lasting legacy to Dr. Bussey’s commitment to educate and equip families to effectively advocate for the educational rights and needs of their children. It was my honor to author this resolution and introduce it with Mount Vernon District Representative Karen Corbett-Sanders.
Dr. Bussey served on the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee under six superintendents from its creation until his death in 2022. He spearheaded the creation of the Parent Advocacy Handbook, which distributed 15,000 paperback copies and is currently available in multiple languages and online. Arguably, very few, if any, have shown a greater, long-term commitment to minority student achievement and parent and family engagement in Fairfax County Public Schools than Dr. Lawrence Bussey.
The Family Resource Center Lending Library, which is now named in Dr. Bussey’s honor, contains over 10,000 books, eBooks, DVDs, and CDs on topics related to parenting and educating all children including those with learning challenges, mental health concerns, special needs, and disabilities.
The library is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
2023 First Day of School Highlights
Fairfax County Public Schools kicked off the 2023-2024 school year on August 21st. This year, students across the division will experience:
- Salad bars in all schools.
- Middle school athletics; starting with cross country this fall.
- A continued focus on excellence, equity, and opportunity under the new FCPS strategic plan. Goals of the plan include:
- A strong start for all students.
- Reading on grade level by the end of third grade.
- Successful completion of Algebra I by eighth grade.
Enjoy some highlights from #FirstDayFairfax on Instagram and Facebook, or visit our website for more photos.
🚍 Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss-and-ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents/caregivers may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Visit the Transportation Services contact webpage to see who to contact with specific questions.To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
Having trouble with the Here Comes the Bus Mobile app? Check online for instructions and frequently asked questions.
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Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Technology Tips and To-Do's for Student Success
Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources
Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission.
Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.
Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.
💻 Chromebook Tips
High school and secondary school students are receiving a new Chromebook this year. These devices feature larger screens than previously issued devices and battery life that easily lasts the school day.
Encourage your student to visit the following helpful links to:
If your child prefers to use their personal laptop, make sure it meets our minimum requirements. Students may access our student Chromebook FAQs (FCPS Google login required) for more information.
If your student runs into any issues while using their Chromebook, please have them reach out to their school’s tech team for support.
🏫 Still Time to Register for Kindergarten
Families play an important role in helping children to prepare for kindergarten and have a successful year. The following resources provide families with strategies to support their kindergartener:
It’s not too late! If your child has not been registered yet, check out this easy-to-follow process.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!: Why Attendance Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success.
Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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High School and Secondary School Grading Policy Updates
FCPS’ Grading Policy was updated for the 2023-24 school year. The following changes were based on input from students, teachers, parents/caregivers, principals, and staff:
FCPS will maintain the current late work policy. Teachers must accept major assignments up to two weeks late. The maximum deduction for that time period is 10%. The current policy, when applied correctly, balances accountability and flexibility.
A rolling gradebook gives students more chances to show they understand material. Teachers must use the rolling gradebook along with reassessment policies. These policies let students improve grades on major assessments across quarters. Replacement policies allow later assessments to replace the scores of earlier assessments.
Teachers may now give zeroes for assignments that are not turned in. Students who make a reasonable effort to finish an assignment will get a minimum grade of 50.
For teachers using a traditional gradebook, the minimum quarter grade that can be issued is 50%. Teachers on a rolling gradebook must use reassessment practices.
In the 2024-25 school year, all grades will be on a 100-point scale, with 50% as the lowest passing grade for submitted assignments. All high school credit-bearing classes will use the new scale next school year.
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Welcome Back to School from Student Representative Rida Karim
I hope all of you had a restful summer, as the school year is just about to begin! My name is Rida Karim, and I will be serving as YOUR Student Representative to the School Board, meaning it is my responsibility to bring your ideas and concerns to the attention of the School Board. Please feel free to reach out to me through the “Submit a Question” feature on the School Board website.
I know starting a new year might feel like a mix of nervousness and excitement, but trust me, we're all in the same boat. Whether you're a returning student or just joining us, this year will be a chance to learn, grow, and maybe even surprise yourself! Our teachers and staff have been preparing for our return, making sure our schools are in perfect condition for learning and growth. They're here to guide us, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything, and don't forget to thank them for all their hard work. We're all here to support each other!
Throughout this year, I'll be visiting various schools, aiming to connect with each of you and gain deeper insights into your experiences. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better and learning from your unique perspectives!
Again, you can contact me through the “Submit a Question” feature on the School Board website. I'm excited to see the creative ideas you all will bring to the table! Have a wonderful start to the school year and best wishes for your success ahead!
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Apply Now: Fairfax County Police Department Public Safety Cadets
The Fairfax County Police Department is accepting applications for Public Safety Cadets. Young people between the ages of 14-20 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and are ready to provide community service are encouraged to apply. Public Safety Cadets is a national organization that partners with law enforcement agencies to provide leadership, ethics, and career preparation training. Fairfax County operates three units in three different locations within the county with police officers serving as mentors.
Attend an upcoming information session for more information.
Benefits of Public Safety Cadets include:
- National Events and Career Skills Competition
- National Leadership Development Academy
- Hands-on experience and awareness of the criminal justice system
- Basic, advanced, and specialized law enforcement training
- Ride Along program
- Develop high personal standards of performance and personal conduct
- Develop self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills
- Building a recruitment pipeline and pathway for employment
- Liability Insurance and Supplemental Accident Insurance
Find more information and the Public Safety Cadet application on the Fairfax County Police Department website. Applications are due by Monday, October 2, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
2023 Student Rights and Responsibilities: Parent/Family Response Due September 29
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.
☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Required Immunizations for 7th and 12th Grade Students
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.
9-11 Heroes Run, Oakton Elementary School, Saturday, September 17, 8:30 a.m.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who've served our nation since. This annual event activates and unites communities and empowers local veterans, active duty, first responders, and families of the fallen. Visit the race web page to register or to volunteer.
Raptor Rapture at Fort Hunt Park, September 23, 1-3 p.m.
Learn about and get close-up looks of raptors, a family that includes owls, hawks and falcons when Secret Garden Birds and Bees will bring live birds to Fort Hunt Park. The birds were injured and have been rehabilitated but cannot survive on their own. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the U.S. National Park Service. This is a great event for kids of all ages.
When: September 23, 2023, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion B
www.fodm.org, www.nps.gov/gwmp, www.SecretGardenBirdsAndBees.com
STEM Fest, October 14, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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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