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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Greetings,
It’s hard to believe that the month of November is quickly coming to a close. There have been many wonderful FCPS events and achievements throughout the Fall season. In this newsletter, I am excited to spotlight many of them, including Lake Braddock Secondary School’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Woodson High School’s 9th grader Heman Bekele winning “America’s Top Young Scientist” competition, 18 FCPS schools earning the state’s “Purple Star Designation” for their incredible efforts to support our military-connected students and families, and Woodson High School being renamed in honor of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. (See a complete list of stories below this message).
In addition, I continue to hear from Braddock District families who are still awaiting reimbursement for Special Education compensatory services related to the pandemic shutdown. If you (or a family that you know) are in need of assistance, please reach out to me and my staff aide Susan so that we can follow-up on your behalf. While Superintendent Reid has assigned additional staff to address the backlog, I am very sorry that this process has taken much longer than FCPS anticipated.
On a more personal note, I am particularly mindful of the immense challenges facing our county, our nation, and our globe. This can take a tremendous toll on our collective mental health and well-being. Thus, I hope you and your loved ones will be blessed with a joyful, restful, and safe Thanksgiving holiday celebration.
In service,
Megan
In this Newsletter
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously voted to rename W.T. Woodson High School during their meeting November 9. Starting in school year 2024-25, the school will be known as Carter G. Woodson High School. The vote comes after two months of public engagement.
“First I want to thank the Woodson community for their robust and heartfelt participation throughout this process,” said Braddock District School Board Representative Megan McLaughlin. “Through multiple community meetings, public hearings, and online feedback forms, we have engaged in rich discussion and gained a deeper understanding about our shared history.”
Renaming school facilities is a School Board authority. According to policy, the Board may “consider a change in the name of an existing school or facility to ensure an inclusive, respectful learning environment as outlined in our adopted One Fairfax Policy or when the Board deems it appropriate…”
The renaming process includes two phases. Public engagement is a priority throughout the process. The public had opportunities to share thoughts and questions at two community meetings, two public hearings, and two distinct online feedback forms.
W.T. Woodson High School, which opened in 1962, was named for FCPS’ second longest-serving superintendent who led the district from 1929-1961. W.T. Woodson’s views on segregation have been revealed in historical documents, thus initiating requests from community members to rename the school.
Students and community members who raised concerns about W.T. Woodson’s legacy also advocated renaming the school in honor of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. C.G. Woodson is a nationally renowned scholar, author, educator, and journalist. Widely consider the “Father of Black History,” he founded the Assocation for the Study of Negro Life and History, the scholarly Journal of Negro History (now called the Journal of African American History), and the creation of “Negro History Week,” the precursor of Black History Month. His legacy is also honored by the University of Virginia’s “The Carter G. Woodson Institute'' for African-American and African Studies.
As the son of former slaves, Dr. C.G. Woodson overcame childhood hardship before earning degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago. Following a career as a journalist and educator, he later became a faculty member and Dean of Howard University's College of Arts and Sciences.
In honor of his contributions and historic achievements, and with an outpouring of support from the public, the School Board chose to rename the school Carter G. Woodson High School.
Fairfax County Public Schools staff will now proceed with the logistical planning needed to implement the new name Carter G. Woodson High School for the 2024-25 school year.
Fairfax County Voters Renew Community Investment in FCPS with Support for School Bonds
“The approval of this bond referendum is a clear statement that our Fairfax County voters are committed to continued investment in the excellence of the Fairfax County Public Schools educational experience,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent. “By funding school construction and renovation, we provide our students with safe and welcoming spaces for students to learn, employees to work, and neighbors to gather. Together, we are building the future.”
This year’s bond referendum is expected to fund future construction, renovation, enhancements, and planning for 16 schools across the division. School renovations provide enhanced safety and security features, improved technology access, and environmentally responsible features, among other benefits.
FCPS schools are also widely used community spaces. Most public meeting spaces available in Fairfax County are FCPS facilities. Organizations such as homeowners associations, scouting groups, and cultural and civic groups use schools as meeting and gathering spaces. Community members attend classes, camps and other programs on school property and use the spaces for recreational activities.
The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds. Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of capital improvements over a number of years. The county’s bonded debt — which is rated triple-A by the top three credit rating agencies — is not likely to contribute to any increase in local taxes.
For more information about the 2023 school bond referendum, visit www.fcps.edu/bond2023.
Lake Braddock Secondary School Marks 50 Years of Excellence
On October 12, 2023, Lake Braddock Secondary School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The school has earned a Gold Medal and has been ranked among the top two percent of high schools in the country during its five decades of operation.
Our heartfelt congratulations to the Bruins on this significant milestone!
On Wednesday, December 6, the Braddock District Council and Supervisor James Walkinshaw will host the annual Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception.
Join Supervisor Walkinshaw, myself, and other community leaders as we come together to recognize individuals and organizations who have put in the work to make their neighborhood or broader community a great place to live, work, and play.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be available!
Best of Braddock Award and Reception
December 6, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
9002 Burke Lake Road
Burke, VA 22015
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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.
Virginia Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for SY 2022-2023
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) annual Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2022-2023 school year.
If you have any questions, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, call (804) 225-3898 or email Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
Eighteen Fairfax County public schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2023 Purple Star Schools.
The Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
“I’m proud of FCPS’ strong partnership with our nation’s military families to help support the almost 15,000 military-connected students enrolled in our schools,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. More than one-third of Fairfax County public schools, 69, are currently designated as Purple Star Schools.
“With the help of our Student Ambassadors at schools, military-connected students transitioning to FCPS can feel — really feel — that they belong,” she continued. “And a student who belongs is a student who blooms, socially and academically. These students have much to contribute to our schools and communities by sharing their knowledge, experiences, and friendships. Together, we can support their needs and provide them with a world-class education.”
Student Ambassadors are peer-led transition teams that bring together military and civilian peers to support all students' transition and connection to school. A peer-led transition team is a requirement for Purple Star Schools.
Schools in FCPS recognized as 2023 Purple Star Schools for the first time include:
- Belle View Elementary School
- Bonnie Brae Elementary School
- Canterbury Woods Elementary School
- Centreville Elementary School
- Chesterbrook Elementary School
- Herndon Elementary School
- Katherine Johnson Middle School
- Kings Park Elementary School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Lemon Road Elementary School
- Lynbrook Elementary School
- Rolling Valley Elementary School
- Rose Hill Elementary School
- South County Middle School
- South County High School
- Wakefield Forest Elementary School
- Westfield High School
Being recognized for the second time is West Springfield Elementary School, which was originally recognized in 2020-21.
This is the sixth year VDOE and the Virginia Council have designated Purple Star Schools. Purple Star Schools retain the designation for three years before being required to reapply.
To qualify for a Purple Star, schools must have a staff member designated as the point of contact for military students and families. Schools must also demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of military students by engaging in professional learning and providing resources and programming on issues important to military families. Each Purple Star School must also have an active peer-led transition team, such as Student Ambassadors, to welcome new military-connected students and support their transition and connection to their new school community.
Schools have unique ways of supporting their military students and families.
The Lake Braddock Military Ambassadors Club conducts a number of events during the school year. They hosted a Military Family Potluck before school started, an annual September Ice Cream Social, and Blue Star Welcome Week and October events. Military Ambassadors Club and Bruin Ambassadors both take an active approach to support and engage with transitioning military-connected students.
“We are very proud of our new and renewed Purple Star Schools, and I hope for us to one day become a Purple Star district,” says Meredith Ayala, FCPS Family Partnerships Specialist for Military-Connected Youth and Families.
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SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Are Available
Students who participated in the School Day SAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on Thursday, October 26, will have access to scores on Thursday, November 16.
A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to their school’s SAT coordinator if they have questions regarding SAT School Day score reporting.
Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information
Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.
Eleventh grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to their school’s PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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.
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"America’s Top Young Scientist” Heman Bekele Creates Skin Cancer Treating Soap
Woodson High School freshman Heman Bekele was newly crowned “America’s Top Young Scientist” after winning this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his creation: soap that treats skin cancer.
Read more about Heman and his journey to creating skin cancer treating soap.
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8th Annual Student "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge
The 8th Annual Student "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge is open and details about this year's competition are now available online here. This contest is open to all high school students in Fairfax County. Participants will be tasked with developing an innovative device or app that could positively impact the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. The initial project proposal must be submitted by December 15, 2023, and the final submissions are due April 3, 2024.
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.
Students Choose the Future of FCPS Food
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.
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FCPS Students Selected for 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band, VMEA Senior Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Elementary Orff Ensemble
Forty-six students representing 16 Fairfax County high schools have been selected for the 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band and VMEA Senior Honors Choir. Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process for positions within these ensembles. Student musicians will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors.
In addition, seven students representing two Fairfax County elementary schools have been selected for the 2023 All-Virginia Elementary Orff Ensemble.
See the full list of students selected for these ensembles and a list of concerts that are open to the public.
Become a High-Impact Tutor with FCPS
High-impact tutoring connects small groups of up to five students with a tutor. They meet regularly and tutors routinely assess student growth to ensure the students are meeting or exceeding their goals. Do you or anyone you know have an interest in becoming a high-impact tutor with FCPS?
As of October 17, FCPS has 161 tutors hired for this school year, working in approximately 60 schools. Additional tutors are continually being added to our roster which includes former teachers, school administrators, medical doctors, lawyers, NASA scientists, professors, and small business owners.
Read more about our high-impact tutoring program.
Make a SUBstantial Difference!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers. To learn more about becoming a substitute teacher or a substitute instructional assistant, weekly virtual substitute teacher information sessions are held each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Candidates will receive an email link to the session on the Monday before.
Sign up for an upcoming session
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
Calendar Reminder: Thanksgiving Holiday
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 22, through Friday, November 24. Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. See the complete school year calendar.
Please note, there will be no issue of FCPS This Week on Wednesday, November 22.
School Board Seeking FPAC Applicants
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.
The Facilities Planning Advisory Council consists of 13 members, one from each Fairfax County magisterial district, three At-Large representatives, and one representative from the City of Fairfax, each appointed for three-year terms. The current council member appointment will end June 30, 2025.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
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Tuesday, November 28, 10:30 am - Forum: Artificial Intelligence; Work Session: Facilities Engagement Plan
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Thursday, November 30, 6 pm - Public Hearing: McLean Elementary Schools Capacity Challenges
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Monday, December 4, 7:30 pm - Regular Meeting: McLean Elementary Schools Boundary Adjustments
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Tuesday, December 12, 10:30 am - Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report; SR&R
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Thursday, December 14, 7:30 pm - Regular Meeting: FY24 Midyear Budget Review; Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report Vote
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
FCPS Facebook Pages in Spanish and Korean
¿Sabía usted que FCPS tiene Facebook en Español? Manténgase conectado con las últimas noticias o información importante de FCPS. Síganos por Facebook Español.
페어팩스 카운티 공립학교가 지난해 한국어 페이스북 페이지를 개설했습니다.한국어 페이스북 페이지는 학교 관련 정보, 이벤트 및 교육 비디오를 한국어로 공유해 많은 한국인 학생 및 가족에게 FCPS의 소식을 전달하려 합니다. FCPS의 한국어 서비스를 받아보시려면 꼭 한국어 페이스북을 팔로우하여 주시기 바랍니다.
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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