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Dear Sully District Families,
Fall is in the air! I hope you have each found time to get outdoors to enjoy this beautiful time of the year. With fall sports and homecomings plus musicals, plays and concerts coming up, enjoy the season while supporting your favorite students and schools.
We are well into our first quarter and our teachers and staff have done a stellar job settling our students into their schedules. It has been a busy time on the School Board. During the Regular School Board meeting on September 14, the School Board approved the proposed revisions to the Strategic Governance Manual. Watch the full Sept 14th meeting here. At the September 28th, meeting we approved changes to the School Board Proclamation and Recognition process and reviewed the Executive Expectation 2 (EE-2), Emergency Superintendent Succession, as outlined in the Strategic Governance Manual. Watch the full meeting here.
Inside this newsletter:
October 9th is Indigenous Peoples' Day! Please join me in honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian.
Finally, please continue to share your concerns and experiences with me. I always appreciate hearing from you so please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any help you may need. As always, I remain so grateful to serve our amazing community.
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Great Visit to Navy Elementary School!
 I had a wonderful visit to Navy Elementary on October 2nd! It was a real joy to interact with the students and observe some of the innovative student engagement experiences their teachers have created in art, Spanish language, advanced math and science that reinforce the skills of persistence, curiosity and joy of learning. Thank you Principal Simms-Smith for being so welcoming and for the insights you and your staff shared with me to help inform my ongoing policy and budget work on the School Board. And of course, the student artwork on display is always so impressive! Fairfax County Public Schools
Sully District Happenings
Sully District Students Named National Merit Semifinalists!
Congratulations to all the Sully District students that have been named Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2024.
All Semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,500 National Merit Scholarship awards worth nearly $28 million, to be awarded in spring 2024. Semifinalists advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements including a recommendation from a high school official.
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Sully Students Earn AP Capstone Diploma, and AP Seminar and Research Certificates
So proud of the many Sully District students who were among the eighty-six FCPS students earned the Advanced Placement (AP) ® Capstone Diploma, and 16 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2022-23 school year.
AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from the College Board based on two year-long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Both courses prepare students for college and career success through the development of critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management skills.
See the full list of student awardees
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5K Run/Walk with Chantilly based nonprofit Asha-Jyothi!
 It was wonderful to participate in the 15th Annual Asha- Jyothi 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, September 17th, with Superintendent Reid, principals, staff and so many of our students from FCPS schools! What an amazing turnout, delicious food and foot-tapping Bollywood dancing! It's a great way to raise funds for our schools while having fun! 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. I am so grateful to Asha- Jyothi and all of our community partners who invest in the success of our children. #CommunityPartnerships #communitysupport
Walk and Roll to School Day is October 4!
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 4, to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where it is safe to do so on October 4. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
Opening of Schools Report 2023
Dr. Reid presented the School Board with an "Opening of Schools" report during the September 14 Board Meeting. I hope you will take a few minutes to view this video and the accompanying presentation slides - lots of interesting data!
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Compensatory Education Update
At the September 14 Regular Meeting, Dr. Reid presented an update on the COVID 19 Compensatory Education Plan. She shared that FCPS has held more than 30,000 IEP and Section 504 meetings to consider whether students require compensatory services and/or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and has provided more than 27,000 compensatory services hours to students and is processing payment of more than $5.5 million in reimbursement to families for private services. See the presentation materials and the recording of the presentation.
Reading by Grade 3 through the Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) Plan
At the Sept 28th Regular Meeting, Superintendent Reid provided an EAL update including the desired outcomes and 5 year Action Plan for continuous improvement of the Four Focus Areas:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Equitable and Culturally Responsive Practices
- Professional Learning
- Families and School Partnership
The presentation outlined the 2022-2023 Phonics Gains By Student Group which reflected increases in percentage of predictably long-standing and persistent achievement gaps that were narrowed through foundational skill instruction in the primary grades and intervention in the upper grades last year. See the presentation materials here.
October 2 Is National Custodian Appreciation Day
 Monday, October 2, is National Custodian Appreciation Day. FCPS employs more than 1,300 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors to maintain our more than 28 million square feet of infrastructure. Thanks to our colleagues on the custodial team, we all have a clean, safe place to learn, teach, and work.
One of our amazing custodial employees is last year’s Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Leonard Roberts, a custodian at Bull Run Elementary School. See what makes Leonard so special.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Events
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies.
Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. These events will help both you and your student(s) be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Read more information here and register for the college fair.
Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
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Glasgow Middle School on Tuesday, October 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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Kilmer Middle School on Thursday, October 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Madison High School on Tuesday, October 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (The registration link is coming soon.)
A Community Conversation is also scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please stay tuned for details regarding the location.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
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FCPS Reaches Settlement in Juul Litigation
FCPS has settled a class-action lawsuit against vaping company Juul Labs, Inc. The money will be allocated to supporting student wellness programs across the division. Read more about the settlement.
A Strong Start for Middle School Athletics
 Middle school students from across the division put on their running shoes last week as cross country teams met for the first time.
FCPS designated funding in the 2023-24 school year budget for middle school athletics to support student wellbeing at no cost to students. Cross country is being offered this fall at all middle schools. Track will follow in spring 2024.
Read about Jackson Middle School’s first cross country practice.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our top priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
As you may be aware, lessons on gun safety are already built into our curriculum. However, parents and guardians, it is critical that you talk to your children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in your home, and in any home that your children may visit.
Our website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about FCPS safety and security practices in our buildings.
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.
Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for High School Students!
 As part of #BoozAllen’s commitment to growing future generations of #STEM, we’re hosting a Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for high school students at no-cost in D.C. in the Fall 2023. The bootcamp is targeted for high school students and will introduce basic #AI concepts and skills.
Interested in applying? The student and parent application are now open at: https://lnkd.in/gJih6z8j. No prior experience required!
STEAM Opportunity for Students
Participate in STEMOLOGY STEM FEST: Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and other activities. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information.
Volunteer Information: Visit the STEAMOLOGY website
Coursera Career Academy Student Pilot Program
FCPS Student Pilot Program with Coursera is open for registration. The program, which is sponsored by our Department of Information Technology, allows up to 1,000 FCPS high school students to access the full contents of the Coursera Career Academy.
Through the program, students can explore popular digital jobs and career paths, from marketing to data science, and learn from experts at leading companies, including Google.
Interested students should complete the Coursera Student Interest Form. Once it is submitted, their parent/guardian will be contacted for consent.
Please note: Coursera courses are not recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as industry credentials and do not count toward high school graduation requirements. The pilot program has a limited number of licenses which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
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.
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. Introduction to AI is free to all participants, thanks to the Department of Defense. Register here. Introduction to Quantum Computing offers tuition scholarships for students with financial need. Register here.
Note: Course orientation began on September 24, however we will be accepting students through October 5. The first two weeks of the course will be introductory Python lessons, so students joining after September 24 will be given asynchronous orientation materials. All accepted students will be prepared to learn AI-related content on October 8.
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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.
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 - October Events
 The Family Resource Center offers 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. The FRC is hosting the following events in October:
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Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students, Friday, October 6, at 10 a.m.
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Sibshops: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, October 9, 9 a.m. to noon, at Providence Community Center.
- What Your 11th and 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them (see below for flyer/details).
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Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series, Friday, October 27, at 10 a.m. and Friday, November 10, at 10 a.m.
Click the links above to register for the events. For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage. You 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/Caregivers
This month's theme: Optimistic October
Actions to help you focus on what really matters.
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.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students in to this service.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, October 10, 10:30am: Work Session
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Thursday, October 12, 7:30pm: 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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