|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
如果您想以其他语言阅读此新闻时讯请访问我们的网站。
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Sully District Families,
I hope you are all having a happy, restful, and rejuvenating summer!
The School Board concluded its official meeting schedule for the 2022-23 school year last month, electing a new Chair and Vice Chair and is now busy planning for the 2023-24 school year. Staff has been hard at work getting our buildings ready to welcome back students and preparing for a wonderful year ahead. FCPS has not been immune from the national teacher shortage, but Dr. Reid and our HR staff continue making strides to fill vacancies district wide and to ensure our students all start with a qualified educator in the classroom.
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!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Sully District Happenings
 Are you interested in attending a professional-level summit covering the field of Computer Science and AI and meeting pioneering authorities in the AI ecosystem, including leaders covering AI's intersections with fields from Government to Healthcare for free? If so, don’t miss our next big AI summit this summer!
We are hosting our third in-person AI summit on August 12th, 2023 at Capitol One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102), open to all students from grades 6-12 to attend at no cost! Younger students are also welcome by emailing aisummits@girlscomputingleague.org.
The summit provides a significant opportunity for local Northern Virginia students to be inspired by AI leaders around the nation.
Some of our notable speakers include FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, an associate judge in the DC court, industry leaders from Amazon, NVIDIA, and Capital One, and outstanding professors from the top universities in the country.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and Opening Keynotes begin at 9:00 a.m. A complimentary boxed lunch will be provided to all attendees and guests.
To register for the summit, view the schedule or learn more information, click on this link: Girls Computing League website. You can also contact aisummits@girlscomputingleague.org if you require any further information.
Girls Computing League is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and inspiring students to delve into the field of STEM.
So proud of Sully District student Brian Zhou, a rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and the Chief Executive Officer of Girls Computing League (GCL) for organizing this summit! GCL was founded by former FCPS student Kavya Kopparapu who is also the current President.
Volunteers Needed: Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
Thank you to all who applied for our Sully District committees! We currently have one opening on the FPAC committee. 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 Aug15th, 2023. Please consider being my Sully District representative!
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.
|
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.
|
5K Run/Walk with Chantilly based nonprofit Asha-Jyothi is Sept. 17th!
As in previous years, FCPS schools are invited to participate in the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi 5k at Fairfax Corner on September 17. To sign up, participating staff, students and/or their families visit the webpage: https://asha-jyothi.redpodium.com/2023fairfax5k. Simply enter the code “AJ4schools” and select your school from the drop down menu. A discounted price of $10 for the 5K will be given to all participants. Schools get 100% of the money if you use the school coupon code AND:
- An additional $500 for 25+ registrations
- An additional $1000 for 50+ registrations
- An additional $2000 for 100+ registrations
Asha-Jyothi, a volunteer-based global nonprofit organization based in Chantilly is dedicated to supporting the community through health care and education initiatives and has given over $250,000 to FCPS.
|
School Year 2023-2024 Calendar
View a printable version of the 2022-2023 calendar or find a list view of the calendar on the FCPS Calendar webpage. The 2023-2024 FCPS calendar below includes important information about student holidays, early release days, and religious and cultural observance days.
The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21.
New Chair and Vice Chair Elected to School Board
 I am excited to welcome our new Chair and Vice Chair for the 2023-24 school year! 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. Read more.
Fairfax County's SACC (Before & After-School Child Care) Enrolling Now
Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care (SACC) program offers before-and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and Fairfax County community centers.
SACC is currently enrolling for the 2023-24 school year.
To learn more about the program and how to register, visit the SACC website.
Donate to Collect for Kids in Need
 It’s the time of year when Educate Fairfax, a non-profit to help students and the FCPS community, begins collecting funds for school supply kits, so every student can start the next school year strong with the tools they need to be successful.
Educate Fairfax donates 2,000 to 4,000 kits to students annually.
Virginia's Proposed Mathematics Standards of Learning - August 11 Deadline
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has proposed new mathematics standards to be taught at every grade level. The public comment period for the proposed 2023 Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) is open through August 11. See the information below to learn more about the proposed mathematics standards and how to share your input.
Family Resource Center Webinar
Understanding the Proposed 2023 Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning Webinar
Please use the below links, from the Family Resource Center, to watch the recording, and feel free to share the links if you know someone who might find them helpful.
Resources
Here are some resources on the proposed standards:
Opportunities to Provide Public Comment
Virtual Public Hearings
You can share your input at the upcoming virtual public hearings. Pre-registration is required. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the public hearing. Speakers will have 3 minutes to speak and are asked to submit copies of their comments electronically for the Board of Education. Please use the links below to register or learn more at this webpage.
Virtual Public Hearing:
Online Public Comment
You can also share written comments here at the Online Public Comment Form. The public comment period ends August 11, 2023.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications
 Families who earn less than 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals and those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of poverty level qualify for reduced-price meals.
The free and reduced-price meals application includes an online option for parents to submit the information electronically for faster processing.
Learn more and apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program online.
Northern Virginia Community College Helps Higher Schoolers “Aim High”
In partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), representing over 460 of the region’s technology companies, announced a new workforce initiative. Called “Aim High,” the initiative will connect Fairfax County high school students with area technology companies to prepare them for future careers by giving them real-world experience with technology-related jobs. As many as 500 FCPS high school students will be matched with participating NVTC member companies during the 2023-2024 academic year. Learn more about “Aim High” via NOVA's May 25 press release.
Student Opportunities
Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Computing Courses for High School Students
The Coding School, a leading tech education nonprofit, has officially opened their registration for Introduction to Quantum Computing and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. These courses are offered virtually with live instruction and available to high school students and educators. During the course, students participate in engaging lectures, practice in hands-on lab sessions, and hear from experts in the fields. Limited seats available - register here early to secure your spot. Introduction to AI is free to all participants, thanks to the Department of Defense. Introduction to Quantum Computing offers tuition scholarships for students with financial need.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
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: Altruistic August
Let's create a wave of kindness to spread around the world.
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
-
Tuesday, August 29 - Work Session
-
Thursday, August 31 - 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. |
|
 |
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.
Use this link to sign up for our Newsletters.
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
|
