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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Dranesville Families:
Happy Veteran’s Day. I was happy to second our recognition of Veteran’s Day at the school board meeting last week. Here are my remarks from Thursday evening.
- All of us across FCPS with all Americans honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who serve selflessly and defend our country today, on Veterans Day, November 11, and everyday. We can never say enough to share our gratitude as our service members and their families have faced many challenges as a contributor in our nation’s history.
- Many military connected families come to our area for their next job/assignment. I met some veterans at the polls earlier this week that told me stories about their families moving here for FCPS. FCPS is honored to support over 14,000 military-connected students both from the US military and foreign militaries. By being in school on or around Veterans Day, our schools share with all our students and staff the meaning of this day and an understanding of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the Space Force guardians and their families.
I was thrilled to celebrate Veteran’s Day at Colvin Run ES on Friday. The voices of hundreds of children singing the National Anthem warmed my heart. Thank you to the over 30 active and veteran service men and women that spent time talking to our students at Colvin Run.
The next few weeks will be busy with work on our McLean elementary school boundary adjustments. At our November 20 meeting, our facilities staff will present the preferred option for this adjustment based upon their analysis and the input from the community. They will also present a proposal for phasing in the changes. Please pay attention to this. Even though this work is designed to relieve overcrowding at Kent Gardens, schools other than Kent Gardens will be affected. All potentially involved schools have a set of large maps you can look at to see the 5 proposals put forward for public discussion.
The School Board will hold a public hearing on the KGES Boundary Adjustment on November 30, 6 - 8: p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School, and the School Board is scheduled to vote on the preferred option and the phasing plan on December 4. Detailed information will be posted on McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary Issue webpage (previously known as the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage) after the School Board takes action. This information will include a street listing of addresses impacted, phasing information, and other information families and students need to know.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving season with your family and friends.
Elaine
In this newsletter,
Thank you Veterans and Active Duty Service Members
Thank you to the veterans and their families in FCPS- staff, parents/caregivers, or volunteers! Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank you for your service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.
My visit to the Future of FCPS Student Food Show
This week, FCPS hosted the Future of FCPS Student Food Show. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services invited more than 200 students from 24 elementary, middle, and high schools to sample and provide feedback on various breakfast and lunch recipes. Watch students' reactions and read more about the event.
FCPS Updates
Review of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) around Discriminatory Harassment
A reminder that anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and other discriminatory activities are not allowed in our school. I am sad to say we have seen an increase in these activities in the past few weeks and this will not be tolerated. Here is the 2023-2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities document in English here. and in these languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Here is a reminder of what is in our SR&R.
From the 2023-24 SR&R:
When students do not demonstrate expected conduct or engage in misconduct that creates a disturbance in the learning environment or unsafe conditions for others in the school, a range of interventions and consequences are utilized. Under law, certain misconduct is expressly prohibited on school property, buses, and during school-sponsored activities and may result in prescribed consequences. Other misconduct may result in interventions and/or disciplinary consequences determined by the principal, taking into consideration all relevant factors.
Discrimination
Denying a person the benefit of any education program activity on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability violation of applicable law.
Discriminatory Harassment
Discriminatory harassment is unwanted conduct toward an individual based on their actual or perceived age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected class. The conduct must be sufficiently severe such that it creates a hostile educational environment, meaning it denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from education programs and activities. Discriminatory harassment may be expressed in various ways, including through physical actions or through verbal, nonverbal, electronic, or written communications.
Retaliation
Retaliation against individuals who report or participate as witnesses in the investigation of a discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct complaint is strictly prohibited. Retaliation means any adverse action taken against a person for making a report of discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct; or participating in any activity related to the complaint. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing, or any other conduct that would discourage someone from reporting or participating in a discriminatory harassment or sexual misconduct investigation.
Responsibility for Digital Citizenship and Security
FCPS expects students to be responsible members of society and to display digital citizenship in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy for Student Network Access at all times. When using devices, student shall respect others, conduct themselves ethically, follow digital citizenship and security guidelines on school distributed items and personally owned computing and network devices. Students are to respect the rights of others and to refrain from the use of profanity or hateful messaging and cyber bullying in accordance with FCPS non-discrimination policy.
McLean Elementary Schools Capacity Issues
The Fairfax County School Board will consider a boundary adjustment recommendation to address capacity challenges at Kent Gardens Elementary School (KGES) on November 20. The School Board will hold a public hearing on the KGES Boundary Adjustment on November 30, 6 - 8: p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. A vote is scheduled for December 4. McLean area elementary schools will be impacted.
Schools that may be included in the boundary adjustment include:
- Chesterbrook Elementary School
- Churchill Road Elementary School
- Franklin Sherman Elementary School
- Kent Gardens Elementary School
- Haycock Elementary School
- Spring Hill Elementary School
Detailed information will be posted on the McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary Issue webpage (previously known as the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage) after the School Board takes action. This information will include a street listing of addresses impacted, phasing information, and other information families and students need to know.
Public Hearing November 30
The School Board will hold a public hearing on the KGES Boundary Adjustment on November 30, 6 - 8 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church). A link to sign up to speak at the public hearing will be available on the School Board Webpage and the McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary Issue webpage (previously known as the Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges webpage) by November 17.
Thank You Voters! 2023 School Bond Referendum Passed
Thank you to the Fairfax citizens who supported the 2023 Bond Referendum. Roughly 67% of those voting in the 2023 election supported the $435 million bond referendum, continuing a long history of school bond approvals in Fairfax County.
Stay engaged as we build our future. Keep up-to-date on construction and capital improvements across FCPS by visiting our Capital Improvement Project webpage.
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE and may have been sent home as a paper form. Please be sure to return paper forms by Friday, November 17. The electronic form will continue to be available in SIS ParentVUE.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.
Key Vote from the November 9 Meeting
Renaming W.T. Woodson High School
The School Board voted to rename W.T. Woodson High School to Carter G. Woodson High School.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Strategic Plan
Successfully Completing Algebra 1 by Eighth Grade
 Helping students to complete Algebra 1 by Eighth Grade is part of our Strategic Plan (Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence). Algebra Access Network Improvement Community (AANIC) is working to increase the diverse representation of students who take advanced math classes and succeed in them. This video shares more about the AANIC cohorts at Kilmer and Key Middle Schools and lets students explain why Algebra matters to them.
Passing Algebra 1 earlier allows for students to take more advanced classes like Dual Enrollment courses, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. These advanced courses help students succeed in college. A recent study from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) found that completing Algebra 1 by grade eight led to 30% more ninth graders and 16% more 11th graders taking advanced courses.
Academic Matters
FCPS Pass Rates and Accreditation Outcomes
 During the Academic Matters segment of the October 26 School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid discussed FCPS’ annual pass rates and accreditation outcomes,. Reading, mathematics, and science pass rates for FCPS are up by an average of almost 9% since the 2021-22 school year. FCPS’ annual pass rates on state assessments continue to be higher than the state average by an average of 5%. The Virginia Board of Education determines accreditation ratings based on school quality indicators, which include state assessment results and achievement gaps, graduation and dropout rates, and participation in college/career readiness programs. For the 2023 accreditation ratings, 99.5% of our schools are accredited (compared to the state average of 89%). The remaining 0.5% are accredited with conditions.
Student Attendance and Engagement
During the Academic Matters segment of the November 9th School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed student attendance and engagement. Attendance and absenteeism rates are one measure of Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan. Chronic absenteeism — which is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school for any reason — is a concern across Virginia school districts. Although FCPS continues to outperform the state average in attendance rates, we are tracking chronic absenteeism closely and stressing the importance of attendance to students and parents while providing a multi-tiered system of intervention.
Attendance is critical for academic success. Data shows that:
- Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Community Review of Elementary Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-2025 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers met in August to review the initial list of state-approved materials for grades K-3. The committee will reconvene in January to review a second list of state-approved materials for K-5.
Public review of the recommended materials is an important part of the resource selection process. The Elementary English Language Arts basal instructional resources may be accessed in person and online from November 15, 2023, until noon on December 15, 2023.
Materials may be viewed at the Pimmit Hills Center - Room 207 (7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church). Materials will be available to review Mon-Thurs., 9 am to 9 pm. Digital Materials can be accessed via the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website during the public review period.
All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with the School Board before the vote at a School Board Regular meeting.
Seeking At-Large FPAC Applications
The Fairfax County School Board invites applications from community members interested in serving on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) for an At-Large member and a Sully District member. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities. FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. The deadline to submit an application is November 28th. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County or Fairfax City, or in the Sully magisterial district if seeking the Sully representative seat. More information about FPAC and an application are available online.
Audit Buzz
The latest issue of Audit Buzz, we summarize the key take-aways from the November 1 Audit Committee meeting; explain the fraud triangle in the Knowledge Hive; and offer a training opportunity to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived on the Office of Auditor General’s website.
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VDOE Governor’s World Language Academies
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) invites mature 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA) in French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Latin. Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in Virginia for three weeks in the late June to mid-July timeframe.
Visit the FCPS GWLA website for the timeline for applications and information. To learn more about GWLA opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE GWLA website.
How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com
All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.
Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works.
Family Resource Center Upcoming Webinars
The Family Resource Center (FRC) 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 November: Click the links below to register for the events. For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage.
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Funcionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad (presentado en español), Friday, November 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
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NEW Date Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series: Part 2, Tuesday, December 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
Upcoming School Board Meeting
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Monday, November 20, 7:30pm: Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
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Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
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Community Updates
Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
Please sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative Friday newsletters here to keep up-to-date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Study Analyzes Virginia's K-12 Education Funding
The General Assembly directed Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the cost of education in Virginia and assess the costs of the Standards of Quality. The JLARC study outlined both the inadequacy of state funding and the flaws in current state funding formulas. Virginia school divisions receive less K-12 funding per student than the 50-state average, the regional average and three of Virginia’s five bordering states. Learn more at the Fairfax County website.
Grant Funds Awarded for McLean Central Park Playground
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved an award of $20,000 in grant funding to help fund the renovation of a playground at McLean Central Park. Funds were awarded through the Park Authority’s Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program. The applicant, The McLean Central Playground Team, is contributing $246,670 in raised community contributions to the project. For more information or to apply for a matching grant, visit the Mastenbrook Grants website.
The McLean Central Park’s school-aged playground was installed in 1998 and is due for replacement. Currently, the school-aged playground and tot lot are located in separate areas of the park. The McLean Central Playground Team has been partnering with the Park Authority on plans to combine the two playgrounds into one centrally located area within the park. The new playground equipment will feature elements that support sensory play, adaptive tandem swings and other design features that promote connections and accessibility for all ages and abilities. Learn more here.
McLean Central Playground Team
McLean Central Playground Team is raising money for the Toddler Playground, to bring increased accessibility, sensory and adaptive play, and new equipment for people of all ages and abilities. They are asking for community donations through December 2023 for 2024 construction. Go to their website to learn more.
Traffic Updates
Route 7
Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing, storm pipe work, paving and other construction-related activities along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets. Please see the Upcoming Lane Closures for November 13 - 17, 2023 for more information.
495 NEXT
Pile Driving Planned Near West side of Georgetown Pike
Through November 14, and Late November through December- Crews will be doing pile driving for two bridges under construction as part of the 495 NEXT project. Starting on or about November 7 - November 14, pile driving will occur on the new overpass for traffic traveling to Georgetown Pike from George Washington Memorial Parkway or southbound I-495. Pile driving involves hammering steel piles into the ground to support foundations of the future bridges. When active, neighbors will hear hammer strikes every few seconds. Pile driving will occur during daytime hours, Mondays - Fridays, with the possibility of Saturdays, if necessary. This construction is weather dependent, and may be rescheduled if needed.
GW Parkway Updates
To avoid traffic delays on the northern section of the parkway, drivers should consider alternate routes and plan for additional travel time. All lane closure hours, bridge work, and general construction information is available on our website.
From the FC Police Department,
#Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time!
One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of a seat belt. The national use rate was at 91.6% in 2022. Seat Belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. The benefits of bucking up are equally clear:
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If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you reduce your risk of:
- Fatal injury by 45%
- Moderate to critical injury by 50%
If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of:
- Fatal injury by 60%
- Moderate to critical injury 65%
Tips to Help Keep Children Safe
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) reminds parents and caregivers that it’s important to talk to your children about safety topics including:
- What parents should know about their children’s plans.
- Having a meeting spot in case of getting separated.
- Establishing safe areas.
- What to do if you are followed.
Visit the FCPD website for more details on how to discuss safety topics.
3 Farmers Market open in December
There might be a little more chill in the air, but the harvest is far from over at three of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Farmers Market locations! Enjoy the extended season at the Reston, Burke and McCutcheon/Mt. Vernon farmers markets. Read more here.
My visit to Lemon Road ES with 6th grade students, Mrs. Caccavale, Mrs. Busch, and Principal Castillo.
628 Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars
Six hundred twenty-eight FCPS students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC will honor these students by sending Letters of Commendation to them through their high schools. See the full list of commended scholars.
FCPS Students Selected for 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band, VMEA Senior Honors Choir
Forty-six students representing 16 Fairfax County high schools have been selected for the 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band and the 2023 VMEA Senior Honors Choir. The students will rehearse and perform with other premier musicians from across the state beginning Tuesday, November 14, through Saturday, November 18. The performances are free and open to the public. Congratulations to the Dranesville students! See the article here.
FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students
In May, the FCPS Office of Communications called for entries for new graphics to help acknowledge the religious and cultural observances. Middle and high school students were invited to create visuals that accurately and positively represented the many observances celebrated in the FCPS community. Eleven winning designs will be featured on FCPS and school social media platforms, and in newsletters leading up to the holidays, starting with Diwali, which falls on Sunday, November 12. Read more here about the contest.
Congratulations to the winners:
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Diwali: Rijuta D. – Chantilly High School
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Bodhi Day: Mina L. – Longfellow Middle School
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Christmas: Najenyi D. – Justice High School
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Three Kings Day: Roan V. – Oakton High School
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Lunar New Year: Kerstin Q. – Marshall High School
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Ash Wednesday: Mikayla D. – Liberty Middle School
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Ramadan: Naba F. – Westfield High School
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Good Friday: Summer S. – Chantilly High School
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Easter: Dayanara M. – Falls Church High School
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Eid al-Fitr: Tazrian S. – Mark Twain Middle School
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Passover: Ella G. – Marshall High School
Cooper Middle School
Three Cooper Quiz Bowl teams competed at Burleigh Manor Middle School's Quiz Bowl Invitational. All three Cooper teams made it to the top 12 team play-offs. Cooper A placed 2nd overall, Cooper B placed 7th and Cooper C tied for 11th. Both Cooper A and B qualified for the Middle School National Championship Tournament (MSNCT) to be held in Chicago next May.
Longfellow Middle School
Eleven Longfellow students competed at Burleigh Manor Middle School's Quiz Bowl Invitational. Congratulations to one of the teams for tying for 5th place. Their performance qualified them for May's national tournament in Chicago.
My Visit to the Longfellow MS Rangers Club
Kent Gardens ES LabelFrancEducation Award
Kent Gardens ES has been awarded the LabelFrancEducation Award by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of France. The recognition is for the delivery of an outstanding dual language program and the designation is through 2026. A shout out to all of our teachers for supporting the dual language program!
Haycock Elementary School
From local Cub Scout Pack 861. Thanks to your generous donations during Scouting for Food, Cub Scout Pack 861 collected 1800lbs of food for our neighbors in need.
Diwali
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrated Diwali and the victory of light over darkness. This year's Diwali artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Rijuta D. as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students (see above).
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American Education Week
For American Education Week, November 13-17, we celebrate ALL who work in our FCPS community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association.
Want to recognize someone from your school or FCPS who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.
Thanksgiving
Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27th. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.
Military Family Appreciation Month
Military Family Appreciation Month is celebrated all of November. If you are a military family, thank you for your service! The Office of Family and School Partnerships provides resources and support for military families transitioning to or exiting FCPS. Contact Meredith Ayala, family partnerships specialist and military liaison, for more information.
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today.
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges..
National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. Click the photo to learn more about our CTE courses and programs.
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National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Family Liaisons
Did you know that every school has a family liaison? Family liaisons will welcome and orient families who are new to the school and community, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can also help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
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.
Winter Break STEM Kits
Students Grades 3-5
We have an exciting Winter break learning opportunity for FCPS students. ACE has launched a new STEM kit program for students (grades 3-5) focused on extending learning when students are out of school. ACE is offering a comprehensive STEM kit that includes five exciting projects and fifteen learning activities. Better yet, all materials are included!
ACE STEM Kits will stimulate curiosity and engage students in the rapidly growing areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Topics:
FLIGHT, HYDRAULICS, DESIGN PROCESS, ENGINEERING, OBSERVATION AND DATA COLLECTION, ART, MUSIC, FORCE AND MOTION, AND MORE!
Order STEM kits: Register to Order For Local Pick-Up | Register to Order for Shipping (Shipping Costs Included). Please note, parents/caregivers should create accounts using their names, not a student's name. Students will be added to the parent/caregiver's account once it is created. Questions? Please contact 703-658-1201 or aceonline@fcps.edu
MCC Youth Ambassadors
To assist in fulfilling its mission to provide programs of interest to area teens, the McLean Community Center (MCC) is launching a new initiative, MCC Youth Ambassadors. The purpose of the new initiative is to empower teens to collect and share their classmates’ ideas and feedback with the MCC Governing Board. For more information, visit the MCC website.
McLean and Langley high school students enrolled in 9th-12th grades, who reside in Dranesville Small District 1A, are eligible to apply for the volunteer positions. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 17. Email your completed application to Mike Fisher at michael.fisher@fairfaxcounty.gov no later than Friday, November 17, 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 here.
NIH Youth Art Challenge: How Prevention Can Create Better Health for Everyone
The goal of this contest is to encourage teens and young adults ages 13–22 to share their ideas—through art—about how prevention can help to improve the health of people in the United States, no matter who they are or where they live. One way to help people have better health is through prevention. Prevention means taking action to keep people from getting sick or injured instead of trying to treat them after these problems happen. All entries are due by January 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
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The Alden's Unruly Improv
(the) Unruly Improv is The Alden’s professional teen improv company dedicated to bringing comedic performances to the community. Members audition to be in the company and are paid for each performance or workshop they do for the community. UTP won 1st place at Improvicon of Northern Virginia in both 2022 and 2023—and were the only teen group competing! Learn more here.
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Performance at Old Firehouse Center- December 1, 7 pm
- Midyear Auditions- December 13
Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition
Are you a student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by Friday, December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Learn more about the “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge.
The Alden's Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship
Each year the McLean Community Center hosts the Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition for high school students who live or go to school in Dranesville District #1A (McLean Community Center’s tax district). The deadline for entry into the 2024 competition is January 26.
There are four categories: Theatre, Dance, Vocal Music, and Instrumental Music. There is an application fee of $20 per entry, and students are allowed to enter as many categories as they like. The preliminary competition is the week of February 5.
Link to the page with all the information:
https://mcleancenter.org/macdonald-performing-arts-scholarship/
Direct link to the application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Macdonald2024
FCPS Hall of Fame Nominations Welcome
If you know an FCPS alum who has made significant contributions to their chosen field and/or our local, national, or global community, help us celebrate them. Educate Fairfax, the 501c3 foundation connected to FCPS, believes our alumni are something special and they are excited to share their stories. Over the past two years, we've recognized leaders from the realms of business, education, community service, entertainment, military, sports, and government.
We are accepting nominations for the Spring 2024 class of inductees. Nominations close January 12, 2024! Learn more about the FCPS Hall of Fame and submit a nomination here.
Herndon Library Friday Arts & Crafts Day
Explore and create arts & crafts projects Every Friday 3 pm-5 pm at Maker Lab @ Herndon Library (768 Center St., Herndon) The event is open to school-age children, teens, and adults. Learn more here.
Federation Membership Meeting & Public Safety Program- November 16
All are welcome to the Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person) community awareness program scheduled for Thursday, November 16 at 7pm. The program is to advocate for and promote youth safety. Fairfax County Community Services Board will provide a Narcan Training-In Person Only. Join the meeting in-person at the Mason District Governmental Center(6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) or
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85695862743?pwd=dUxlcXZYTnNrUXFHalNKNFByaUNUdz09 or via Phone: 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 856 9586 2743 Passcode: 190332
Presenters: • Kelly Rankin LCSW, CSAC, Fairfax County Public Schools Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist • Brian Cramer, Special Agent, FBI • Shane Dana, Special Agent, FBI • Mark Atwood, Chairman, Chris Atwood Foundation
McLean Project for the Arts Art + Soul | Jazz Brunch- November 19
Calling all Art Lovers!!! Please consider joining McLean Project for the Arts at its Art + Soul | Jazz Brunch, featuring Langston Hughes II in downtown McLean on Sunday, November 19, 11:30am-2:30pm. This will be a casually sophisticated event for artists and art-lovers to connect and have fun, featuring live music, food, bubbles and bloodies, and a special Collectors’ Drawing from sixty artists’ work. Please visit for details at: https://mpaart.org/mpainspires/
Stuff the Bus Donations
All November Long
This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. From Nov. 1-30, 2023, individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County. The campaign coincides with Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated Nov.11-18, 2023 (the week before Thanksgiving), as Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness in Fairfax County. Read more here on how to help.
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FCPS Cares
Recognizing employees who go above and beyond
Do you know a FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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