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Dear Sully District Families,
It's been a wonderful first few weeks of school! I am inspired by the connections we have already made with our students and families, and I can't wait to deepen these connections as the year continues. THANK YOU to all our teachers and staff for their incredible efforts to welcome students back into the classrooms. Seeing my own children's excitement to meet their teachers was heartwarming and got me excited about the year to come.
My colleagues and I had a great start to the School Year 2023-24 with a School Board retreat to discuss our SY23-24 Annual Calendar, calendar norms and policy governance issues. At the August 31 Regular meeting we reviewed the prior fiscal year’s final quarter, in a “year-end review” agenda item and financial action. This is an opportunity for the School Board to fund adjusted or additional needs identified by the School Board and Superintendent since the prior budget was adopted. I am happy that we were able to allocate nearly $1 million for Fine Arts Stipends in response to advocacy from many of our educators who shared data about the many hours of effort required at performances, camps and dress rehearsals, competitions, and more to provide for a successful student experience. Further details are included in the agenda item, “FY 2023-24 Year End Review.”
Inside this newsletter:
September 15th-October 15th is #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth. Please join me in honoring the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Celebrate with Fairfax Fiesta, the inaugural Fairfax County Hispanic Heritage celebration on September 23, a free family-friendly event which will offer food vendors, interactive art activities, a local artisan market, live music & dance, and so much more! You can also find student engagement lessons, activities, videos to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month in this guide, and more resources here.
It was so good to see so many smiling faces among our students and staff at all the school events! As a reminder, the Back To School Night dates may also be viewed on the following Region webpages: Region 1 Events, Region 2 Events, Region 3 Events, Region 4 Events, Region 5 Events, Region 6 Events and TJHSST.
I always appreciate hearing from you so please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any help you may need. I look forward to our shared partnership in the new school year to create policies and regulations that provide our students with safe places to learn that are reflective of the values of our diverse Fairfax County community.
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Sully District Happenings
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.
Fairfax Fiesta - Hispanic Heritage Festival is September 23rd!
 Fairfax Fiesta, the first Fairfax County Hispanic Heritage celebration promises a unique experience for all ages and backgrounds. Celebrate Hispanic culture and diversity in our community through this free, festive, and family-friendly atmosphere! Create lasting memories with friends, neighbors and loved ones while learning about different cultures around the world. This free family-friendly event will offer food vendors, interactive art activities, a local artisan market, live music & dance, and so much more.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
At the August 31 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented data from learning programs that took place during the summer of 2023.
Nearly 34,000 students took part in 23 programs at 87 sites across the county. Programs included Extended School Year, High School Credit Recovery, Institute for the Arts, Career and Technical Education summer camps, and others.
Watch the presentation. View the slides.
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Six FCPS High Schools Rank Among Best in the State
There are 336 public high schools in Virginia, and FCPS has six of our schools ranked in the top 10! In U.S. News & World Report’s annual state and nationwide assessments of public high schools, six Fairfax County public high schools ranked in Virginia’s top 10.
In the highest ranked schools, students perform above expectations in math, reading, and science state assessments, earn qualifying scores in several college-level exams, and graduate in high proportions. The six FCPS high schools in the top 10 are:
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, #1
- McLean High School, #4
- Langley High School, #5
- Oakton High School, #6
- Marshall High School, #9
- Woodson High School, #10
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) remains the top magnet school in the country and moved up two spots to become the fourth-ranked STEM school in the country. TJHSST also ranked first as the top high school in the Washington, D.C., area.
Congratulations to our FCPS students for helping their schools make the list — and to the educators helping them meet their unique potential!
FCPS Annual Public Notice: Career and Technical Education
 FCPS’ Career and Technical Education Program offers a variety of career and technical programs to all middle and high school students. The program areas include the following:
For more information about Career and Technical Education call 571-423-4526 or visit the Career and Technical Education webpage. Visit ADA accommodations for more information or request accommodations.
Grading Policies for Middle and High School Students
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.
For more information, visit the Grading Scale webpage.
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Digital PSAT Replaces Paper in 2023-24
This October, the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) will be administered in Fairfax County in a digital format. Some testing accommodations are administered differently for digital tests than for paper/pencil tests. See information about accommodations for students with disabilities.
PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day
The district will offer access to the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day for rising 10th through 12th grade students at no cost to families. Exams will be held at each high school on October 11.
Find out more about SAT Assessments and PSAT Assessments.
Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Girls' Tech Day for Middle School Students
 Calling all middle school girls in Northern Virginia! Get ready to engage, connect, and activate! AWS InCommunities is excited to announce AWS Girls’ Tech Day 2023!
Join AWS on Saturday, September 30th at the Hylton Performance Arts Center in Manassas, VA from 8:30AM – 2:00PM. There will be a variety of interactive activities and speaking sessions throughout the day, led by dynamic STEM professionals. This is a great opportunity for girls to explore their interests in STEAM in a fun and creative environment.
We invite you, your organization/school, and your network to register now at girlstechdayva.splashthat.com. Registration closes on Monday, September 25!
For HS Students: Youth Conservation Leadership Institute
The Youth Conservation Leadership Institute (YCLI) is a program for 9th-12th grade students offered by Virginia’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts. YCLI focuses on volunteer service, environmental stewardship, leadership, and connecting students with environmental issues in their local communities. YCLI students complete a 20-hour project of their choosing throughout the school year, meet with their cohort, and receive the guidance of mentors. Learn more about YCLI and apply by Monday, October 2.
Caring for Our Watersheds Info Sessions
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.
Digital Tools for Youth Well-Being Prize Competition
Are you a young person between the ages of 10 and 29 with an idea of how digital tools can be used to help improve other young people’s well-being? Do you have ideas about how we could creatively use technology to increase young people’s knowledge about issues that impact them? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is looking for creative innovators with solutions to pressing issues around well-being. Is this you? If so, apply today for the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition! Applications are open now and close on September 29, 2023. To apply, please complete and submit the application form.
Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program
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.
Your Place in Space Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the launch of the Your Place in Space Challenge. This is the first challenge in the CTE Momentum series, an annual challenge series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education (CTE). The Your Place in Space Challenge invites high schools to submit designs for a product or service that will contribute to space missions and exploration.
Teams may pursue designs of their choice or find inspiration from one of four suggested areas of exploration — covering topics such as space debris, the International Space Station, space travel, and the environment. Submissions are due by 6 p.m. on October 30, 2023. An independent judging panel will review submissions based on the challenge selection criteria and recommend up to 10 winners, who will each receive at least $5,000. The Department anticipates announcing the winners and launching the next annual challenge in early 2024.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Student Opportunities Database
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Education launched a new student opportunities database. NOAA has opportunities for students of any level — from kindergarten through high school, undergraduate and graduate, and even recent graduates. The new searchable database contains more than 60 scholarships, fellowships, internships, youth programs, and more across NOAA and its partners.
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.
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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
LearnServe International brings together high school students from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to come up with ideas and launch businesses that make an impact on issues like climate change, social justice, and equity. They also connect students with peers in Zambia, Paraguay, and South Africa to tackle worldwide challenges.
Do you want to change the world but don't know where to start? Are you worried that social and environmental change isn't happening fast enough? Are you ready to grow your leadership, business, and change-making skills?
If this sounds like you, you are invited to join LearnServe. Through the LearnServe Fellows Program, you will
- Design, pitch, and launch your social action project to address a social justice, environmental, or environmental need in your community.
- Join students from across the Washington, D.C. area for a dynamic introduction to social entrepreneurship.
- Meet in person once a week (Wednesday afternoons 2:30-4:30 p.m. or Thursday afternoons 4:30-6:30 p.m., September - April).
- Earn up to 50 community service hours (based on attendance).
- Find your voice and build your professional skills as a leader for social change.
Apply online.
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.
Family Resource Center - September Events
 The Family Resource Center 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:
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: Self Care September
Self-care isn't selfish. It's essential.
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
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Tuesday, September 12, 10:30 am: Work Session
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Thursday, September 14, 7:30 pm: Regular Meeting
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Tuesday, September 26, 10:30 am - Work Session
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Thursday, September 28, 7:30 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.
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
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