Earlier this summer, the Virginia Department of Education announced new Model Policies for Schools Boards regarding the treatment of transgender and gender expansive students in public schools.

After a detailed legal review, FCPS has determined that the division's current policies are consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws as required by the new Virginia Model Policies.

FCPS remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff, including our transgender and gender expansive students and staff. 

Our existing policies still stand. This means that at FCPS schools, in accordance with our existing policies, our gender expansive and transgender students:

• Will continue to be addressed by their chosen names and pronouns, as provided by FCPS Regulation 2603 (V) and federal law.
• Will continue to be provided with access to facilities, activities, and/or trips consistent with their gender identity, as provided by Regulation 2603 (IX) and federal law. 
• Will continue to have their privacy respected regarding gender expansive or transgender status, legal name, or sex assigned at birth, as provided by FCPS Regulation 2603 and federal law.

Read more here.

The Reston Museum’s Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta was a hit as usual! This community event draws residents of all ages from Reston and nearby neighborhoods. And so, I was so thrilled to see Vienna’s Marshall Road Elementary School participate and have fun! In prior years I’ve loved cheering on students from schools located in Reston, too; however, this year, due to summer programming schedules, such schools were not able to enter boats. Hooray for the Roadrunners for showing the community that our students are up to any challenge! And special thanks to new MRES Principal, Mr. Chapman, for being a sailor along with his students.

Dear Students,

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!

Lastly, I'm currently in the process of nominating high school students for a one-year term on the following advisory committees: Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities, the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee, the Adult and Community Education Committee, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee, the Human Resources Advisory Committee, the Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee, or the School Health Advisory Committee.  If you are interested in serving, please contact me through the “Submit a Question” feature on the School Board website. Please note the deadline: September 8th.

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!

Best regards,

Rida Karim

Did you know that caregivers can access 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? 

Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

Workshops for Families

The FRC is already scheduling a helpful series of webinars for the 2023-24 school year. Save the date for the following discussions in September. Click on the title to register for each event. 

• New School Year, New Strategies: How to Plan, Persist, and Achieve Academic Success This Year, on Friday, September 8, 10-11:30am.
• Meet the Author Series: The Self-Driven Child by Dr. William Stixrud, Friday, September 15, 10-11:15am.
• Characteristics and Needs of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners, on Tuesday, September 19, 10-11:30am.
• Who's the Boss? 5 Ways for Families to Help Kids with Big Emotions, Friday September 29, 10-11:30am.

See the full list of workshops. Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.

The Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program is for youth ages 12-19 who want to serve as community leaders against dating violence. Teen Advocates participate in campaigns to raise awareness about dating and sexual violence in addition to other issues impacting today’s youth. Advocates also work with their peers and Fairfax County agencies to design fun events, such as the annual Art Contest and Talent Showcase, which engage community members in conversations about tough topics like abuse. After submitting an application and a follow-up conversation, teens chosen as Teen Advocates commit to this program for one year and meet regularly with their regional team and the entire teen program.

Applications are due Friday, September 29, 2023. 

Questions may be directed to Debra Miller, Youth Education & Outreach Specialist with Fairfax County Domestic & Sexual Violence Services.

On the August episode of the Connect with County Leaders podcast, Dr. Reid was interviewed by Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill. They discussed partnerships already underway between the school division and county government, and the importance of providing safe spaces for students and teachers to collectively build a brighter future for our large and diverse community.

Read more or listen to the episode.

Caring for Our Watersheds is an environmental action challenge that provides an opportunity for students to develop STEM knowledge, environmental literacy, and civic action skills as they create solution-oriented projects to improve their watershed. Groups of ten students (or more!) investigate their community and develop civic action projects to answer the question, "What can you do to improve your watershed?" Students receive $250 for their classroom for participating, they can apply for $1,000 in implementation funds throughout the year, and they can win up to another $1,000 for their action story in May! Interested in learning more? Register for upcoming Caring for Our Watersheds info sessions on October 16 at 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30 and on October 18 at 4.

The Wild Ones Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program provides up to $500 in funding for native gardens and habitats tied to hands-on learning. These funds are designated for native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that directly engage students PreK-12 in planning, planting, and caring for native gardens. Learn more and apply for the Seeds for Education Grant by Wednesday, November 15, 2023.