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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Hello, Springfield District!
November seems to be slipping away from us! The weather has felt like a gift, and I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy it. We’ve had such a busy month and so many things for which to be thankful. I hope all of our veterans in FCPS and our community felt truly honored this Veterans Day. We had many lovely events at our schools last week as a small way to express our sincere gratitude for all you and your family have given to our country and our community. Thank you!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and some much-needed time off! We’re looking forward to our sides-only tradition in our house and can’t wait to see our nieces and nephew at our table this year.
As always, I remain forever grateful for the opportunity to serve our amazing community.
All my very best,
Laura Jane
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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November 20 at 7:30 p.m. - Work Session: CANCELLED
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November 28 at 10:30 a.m. - Forum: Artificial Intelligence
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November 28 at 11:45 a.m. - Work Session: Facilities Management Plan
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December 4 at 7:30 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Robinson Secondary School Student Activities Office Naming, Fiscal Year 25 Budget Resolution, etc.
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December 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report and Student Rights & Responsibilities
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December 14 at 7:30 p.m. - School Board Member Farewell Proclamations, Fiscal Year 24 Midyear Budget Review, Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report, etc.
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
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.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code below.
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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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.
School Board Work
📰 Strategic Plan Goal 3 Baseline Report: Academic Growth and Excellence
At the November 14 work session, the School Board was presented with and discussed the Strategic Plan Goal 3 Baseline Report: - Academic Growth and Excellence.
View more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the Strategic Plan Goal 3 Baseline Report portion of the work session on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Fiscal Year 2025 Fiscal Forecast
Also at the November 14 work session, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 fiscal forecast was presented by Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden. The forecast included projections for key financial areas that drive the budget development process, such as revenue assumptions and expenditure assumptions, including employee salaries and benefits, and student enrollment.
A discussion of the fiscal forecast, including revenue and expenditure projections, followed the presentation.
View more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the FY2025 Fiscal Forecast portion of the work session on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Superintendent’s Relationship with the Board Monitoring Report
At the November 9 regular meeting, the Board heard Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s Executive Expectation (EE) 8 - Superintendent’s Relationship with the Board Monitoring Report based on the Superintendent’s reasonable interpretation of this expectation, as outlined in the Strategic Governance Manual and compliance with EE-8.
View more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Renaming W. T. Woodson High School
Also at the November 9 meeting, the School Board voted to rename W. T. Woodson High School to Carter G. Woodson High School. W. T. (Wilbert Tucker) Woodson was the second-longest serving FCPS superintendent who supported segregation in our schools. Carter G. Woodson was a Virginian and American historian who established Black History Month and first proposed African-American studies in schools and colleges to reflect an inclusive teaching of American history. The name change will take effect for the 2024-2025 school year.
View the renaming presentation on BoardDocs.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
November 9 Proclamations
I was pleased to second (Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses, and Psychologists) and support the following proclamations at the Board’s November 9 regular meeting.
FY 2024 Revised Budget
At the October 26 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve the revenue and expenditure adjustments which included a 2% mid-year pay increase for all teachers and staff effective January 1, 2024. The unusual timing of the vote was required because of the delayed approval of state budget legislation by Virginia’s Governor and General Assembly.
Our teachers and staff are the backbone of our school system. This vote follows three consecutive years of pay increases approved by the School Board for our world-class teachers and staff. If we want to retain and recruit the best educators for our students, we must continue offering competitive compensation.
We are just beginning the process of developing the school system’s FY 2025 budget. I am hopeful that we will do even more to demonstrate our appreciation for these dedicated educators by further increasing pay to address the national teacher and school staff shortage.
In addition to increased pay, we must continue developing creative solutions that address the needs of teachers and staff. This year, the School Board approved two of my initiatives that specifically target the needs of educators and staff beyond pay:
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Student Loan Forgiveness: To help teachers and staff struggling with student loan debt, FCPS will now help employees enroll in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) with the U.S. Department of Education, which forgives the remaining balance on qualifying federal student loans after 10 years of work for a qualifying public service employer like FCPS.
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Mental Health Supports: To better support the mental wellness of teachers and staff, the Superintendent is exploring the possibility of offering staff the same mental health teletherapy services currently provided to FCPS high school students (with parent/guardian approval) through Hazel Health.
To be clear, our teachers and staff deserve even more than we are giving them with this pay increase, but this vote is a step in the right direction. It shows that we value their hard work and recognize their dedication to our students and the community.
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
📰 Superintendent Relationships With Families and Community Stakeholders Monitoring Report
At the October 26 School Board meeting, the Board voted to postpone indefinitely, the vote on Superintendent Dr. Reid’s Executive Expectation (EE) 3 - Relationships With Families and Community Stakeholders Monitoring Report.
View the information on BoardDocs.
October 26 Proclamations
I was pleased to bring (West Springfield High School Maintenance Building Naming), second (Disability History and Awareness Month), and support the following proclamations at the Board’s October 26 regular meeting.
Woodson High School Renaming Public Hearing
The School Board heard community feedback regarding the renaming of Woodson High School at the October 24 Public Hearing.
Watch the hearing on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Proposed Proclamation Changes
At the October 24 School Board work session, the Board further discussed proposed changes to their proclamation processes.
View more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the Proclamation Changes portion of the work session on the FCPS YouTube channel.
🏛 2024 School Board State and Federal Legislative Program
Also at the October 24 School Board work session, the Board was presented with and discussed their 2024 State and Federal Legislative Program. As Fairfax County Public Schools is both directly and indirectly impacted by policy and budget decisions made by local, state, and federal officials, FCPS must provide input to policymakers as they debate various policy options, sharing the possible programmatic and financial impacts of legislative and policy actions. The Board’s vote on the 2024 State and Federal Legislative Programs is scheduled for the November 20 regular meeting.
View more information on BoardDocs.
Watch the Legislative Program portion of the work session on the FCPS YouTube channel.
FCPS News
🗳 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.
Academic Matters
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.
📈 FCPS Pass Rates and Accreditation Outcomes
During the Academic Matters segment of the October 26 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle 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.
🎖️ Thank You Veterans!
Silverbrook Elementary School held a heartwarming tribute to veterans and their families on Friday. Hear Dr. Reid’s remarks and see some of the sights from that day. View more highlights from Veteran Day celebrations held around the district.
Two Percent Raise for Employees
The Fairfax County School Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 Revised Budget on October 26, which included a 2% compensation increase for all FCPS employees effective January 1, 2024. This pay increase will apply to all employees - hourly and contracted and will include teachers, family liaisons, bus drivers, instructional assistants, monitors, substitute teachers, principals, central office staff, and the Superintendent. The unusual timing of the vote was required because of the delayed approval of state budget legislation by Virginia’s Governor and General Assembly. This vote follows three consecutive years of pay increases approved by the School Board for our world-class teachers and staff!
FCPS Special Education Virtual Information Session
Become a Special Education Teacher!
Attend Our Special Education Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, November 29 (6-7:15 p.m.)
FCPS wants you to be a part of our team! We are searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion for making a difference. To meet hiring needs in Special Education, we are offering an information session to help interested individuals understand the variety of Special Education positions available within FCPS. Discuss the pathway to licensure and learn about the supports available to FCPS Special Education teachers.
Questions should be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources through our online web portal or by calling 571-423-3000.
Successfully Completing Algebra 1 by Eighth Grade
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Helping students to complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade is part of our Strategic Plan (Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence). The Algebra Access Network Improvement Community (AANIC) is working to increase the diverse representation of students who take advanced math classes and succeed in them. Learn more about the AANIC cohorts at Kilmer and Key middle schools and hear students explain why algebra matters to them.
Passing Algebra 1 earlier allows 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 eighth grade led to 30% more ninth graders and 16% more 11th graders taking advanced courses.
Division-wide alignment to achieve completion of Algebra I by eighth grade includes:
- Every middle School Improvement and Innovation Plan (SIIP) will have a goal specifically aligned with this measure.
- Every elementary School SIIP will have a goal with a math focus allowing the Division to begin targeting the leading indicators for this measure.
- A focus on aligning Directors of Student Services and school counselors in best practices for academic advising and communication about open enrollment options for rigorous math opportunities.
- Increased rigor in Math 7 Honors and Algebra 1 curriculum with scaffolds to support students who enrolled in those courses.
- The creation of the Algebra Access Network Improvement Community (AANIC), a collaboration of middle school educators and Instructional Services Department staff. The first cohort includes four middle schools and the second cohort includes 11 middle schools.
The 15 middle schools currently involved in the AANIC consortium are:
- Cohort 1: Hayfield, Key, Kilmer, Jackson
- Cohort 2: Cooper, Frost, Glasgow, Herndon, Hughes, Lake Braddock, Liberty, Longfellow, Poe, South County, Stone
Data and additional information regarding efforts around this goal will be presented to the Board at the November 14 Work Session.
Read more about the FCPS Strategic Plan 2023-2030.
SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Are Available for Families
Students who participated in the SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 11, can access their scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on Thursday, October 26, were given 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 contact their student’s school SAT coordinator with 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, can 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 participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may contact their student’s school PSAT coordinator if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
“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. Congratulations to Heman!!
Read more about Heman and his journey to creating skin cancer-treating soap.
📚 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 at 7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22043. Materials will be available to review Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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.
🔬 Second $2 Million Grant to Expand STEAM and Computer Science Awarded to FCPS
 FCPS has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs (MCASP) to support the Code UP 2.0 project and build upon the Code UP project launched in 2022.
Code UP 2.0 will directly support programming in 14 schools in Region 4, all of which have 10% or more military-connected students. Advancements in curriculum, teaching, and learning developed through this Code UP 2.0 project will benefit students divisionwide. Read more about the grant and the schools it will directly support.
Seeking Facilities Planning Advisory Council 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 apply 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.
🥙 Students Choose the Future of FCPS Food
 Last 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.
School Building Asbestos Management Plans Available for Public Review
Asbestos was discontinued in most building materials after 1977, and all schools constructed after 1986 should be asbestos-free. FCPS has worked to remove asbestos-containing building material during renovations of older schools. Per federal requirements for all schools, even schools constructed after 1986, an inspection for asbestos-containing building material is conducted each year, with an Asbestos Management Plan being maintained for the site.
FCPS has completed the required Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (A.H.E.R.A.) asbestos reinspection and surveillance of all school buildings for Fiscal Year 2023. Updated asbestos management plans for each building are available for review in the main office of every building during regular school hours.
Office of Auditor General Updates and Knowledge Hive
Current Engagement Updates
At the November 1 Audit Committee meeting, we presented the following agenda items:
In addition to the ongoing Continuous Monitoring, we are currently conducting the Food and Nutrition Services and Facilities Maintenance audits.
The Fraud Triangle, Explained
What drives people to commit fraud? This Knowledge Hive discusses the Fraud Triangle, a model developed to understand the underlying conditions that lead to fraud.
Picture Source: Association for Certified Fraud Examiners
What is the Fraud Triangle?
The fraud triangle, as suggested by the name, indicates that there are three underlying components, when combined, that lead to fraud. They are Rationalization, Opportunity, and Pressure which are discussed further below.
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Rationalization - Have you ever thought that you should not do something? After all, it doesn’t feel right but justify to yourself that it is ok because “Everyone is doing it?”. That is exactly what rationalization is. However, such thinking is like the saying “If your friends jump off a cliff, will you do that too?”, in that just because fraudulent behaviors are common practice, does not mean they are not harmful. Rationalization also incorporates the concept of cognitive dissonance, which occurs when we try to reconcile our thoughts and actions when they do not align by either changing our beliefs or actions. For example, someone committing fraud may realize that their actions are not right, which contradicts their beliefs, but then modify their beliefs, thinking, “It is only a drop in the ocean; no one will notice”.
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Opportunity - If an organization does not have effective internal controls, or ways to enforce compliance, this can create a chance or opportunity for fraud to occur. One example of internal control is dividing up duties between different people to serve as a check. FCPS has numerous regulations and policies to create a system of internal controls that prevent fraud from occurring. However, just because a company or organization has internal controls, does not necessarily mean that fraud cannot occur. When OAG evaluates risk on findings in their audits, part of assessing whether the risk is high, moderate, or low involves the level of compliance with internal controls and whether they exist or are effective. OAG requires management to respond to these.
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Pressure/Incentive - Difficult organizational and life circumstances or desire for personal benefit may drive individuals to defraud an organization. For example, in the Wells Fargo fraud case, in which millions of account holders had accounts opened in their name and were charged fees without permission. One of the driving forces that led to this fraud was pressure from management to sell, which spiraled out of hand. According to the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners, 2022 Report to the Nations, in 39% and 25% of fraud cases analyzed, living beyond means and having financial difficulties were red flags, respectively.
What to do if you suspect fraud?
As we have mentioned before in previous editions of Audit Buzz, OAG has ways of reporting fraud that include the anonymous Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline, as well as our email and online submission form. As always, if you have any questions or would like more guidance, feel free to reach out to OAG by calling our office or leaving a message.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline:
(571) 423-1333 (anonymous voicemail)
InternalAudit@fcps.edu (email is not anonymous)
👟 Commit to be Fit: Elementary Fitness Warriors Work out Before School to Boost Focus, Gain Strength
Every day at Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, roughly 30 students are showing up at school almost an hour early.
Physical education teacher Jay Levesque has been leading his kindergarten to sixth-grade Fitness Warriors program for 12 years now at Chesterbrook, starting each day at 7:40 a.m. with a before-school workout. The students, bursting with energy, tear through the door ready to warm up by shooting hoops, doing laps, jumping jacks, push-ups, and squats to start their day.
Then, led by Levesque and a handful of fifth- and sixth-grade junior instructors, they play games like Pick a Card Fitness, Fitness Impossible, and FitnessOpoly – a game in which teams compete to make it through a board game-like style challenge of completing different calisthenics routines.
They end the morning in fun physical activities like aerobic bowling, which combines cardiorespiratory endurance with a pin elimination game. Teams knock over the opposing team’s pins, run over, retrieve the pin they knocked over, and set it back on their side. The winner is the team that has more pins set up at the end of the game.
Read the full November 14 Spotlight story.
FCPS Business and Community Partnerships
A Place Where Students Can Engage in and Learn From an Army Humanitarian Mission
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Following a meeting and tour of the hands-on National Museum of the United States Army, Fairfax County Public Schools is in early discussions about establishing a partnership. The museum, which opened on Veterans Day 2020, honors the accomplishments, sacrifices, and commitment of American soldiers.
It also was designed as an education center for young people, so we’re talking with leaders at the museum about bringing activities and lessons into classrooms and getting students to the museum.
Especially engaging for students is the Experiential Learning Center. The Experiential Learning Center is a unique immersive learning space where students can work in teams to develop skills in Geography, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (G-STEM) at fun and engaging simulation stations. The goal for participants is to complete a complex humanitarian mission. The activities that curators have created were intentionally connected to the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate program.
The museum offers a host of additional educational programs and opportunities so stay tuned as we work to develop what looks like an Army Strong partnership.
The National Museum of the United States Army is located outside the gates but on Fort Belvoir property. It’s open to the public and admission is free. Plan your visit and test the STEM activities yourself.
As a reminder, November 11 is Veterans Day, a day for honoring military veterans. More than a third of the schools in FCPS are 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.
Learn more about how FCPS supports military-connected families and what the Purple Star designation means.
STEM FEST Excites Learning and Engages the Community
On a mid-October Saturday at South County High School, the not-for-profit Ignite Partner STEAMOLOGY offered STEM FEST, a free activities-based learning experience for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
The school’s cafeteria was transformed into a buffet of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities where students tried writing with a robot, understanding lift and drag through wing aerodynamics, examining the levitating power of magnets, and much more.
Event sponsors also offered hands-on activities including Amtrak’s lesson in wheel cambering. Amtrak Community Engagement Manager Denise Miller says the event aims to meet company needs — tomorrow’s workforce. This year, STEAMOLOGY is collaborating with Amtrak and Enterprise e-Support, Inc. to establish a pathway for future STEM leaders and enhance workforce development.
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Educate Fairfax News
Lynette Henry Named Executive Director of Educate Fairfax
The Chief Experience and Engagement Office announced the selection of Lynette Henry as the new executive director of Educate Fairfax, effective Wednesday, November 1.
In alignment with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, Lynette will be responsible for building on the foundation’s work and growing its contributions in support of excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every student.
Lynette was previously the manager of FCPS' College Success Programs, where she supervised programming and services districtwide to increase access to resources and opportunities for student populations most in need of these services.
Her philanthropic work has resulted in funding that provided wraparound services and support to students and families; increased mentoring, parent engagement, and college and career opportunities; and extended after-school and summer programs. She is known to reach across the division and broader community to engage multiple and diverse stakeholders, build and nurture relationships, and work tirelessly to achieve goals.
Lynette’s motto is, “Imagine the Best for Every Child … and Make It Happen!”
🎉 Congratulations to the 2023 Teacher Grant Recipients!
Educate Fairfax and FCPS are proud to announce that 57 grants will impact more than 16,000 K-12 students across the county. Grant recipients include
- Chantilly Academy
- Chantilly High School
- Edison Academy
- Fairfax High School
- Falls Church Academy
- Greenbriar East Elementary School
- Johnson Middle School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Lewis High School
- Liberty Middle School
- London Towne Elementary School
- Lorton Station Elementary School
- Marshall Academy
- Mount Vernon High School
- Mountain View High School
- Oakton High School
- Quander Road School
- Robinson Secondary School
- West Potomac Academy
- West Springfield High School
- Woodson High School.
These grants will fund innovative classroom initiatives that focus on developing career-connected experiences for students. Funded projects should enable students to reinforce and deepen their classroom learning, explore future career fields, and demonstrate their acquired Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills.
Now in its fifth year, our partnership with Educate Fairfax and the Teacher Grant Program has funded 255 grants to educators and impacted more than 80,000 FCPS students! Learn more about teacher grants.
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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.
🧪 Winter Break Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Kits
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) has an exciting winter break learning opportunity for students in grades 3-5. They have launched a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) kit program for students 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 include
Flight, Hydraulics, Design Process, Engineering, Observation and Data Collection, Art, Music, Forder and Motion, and more!
Order STEM kits at either of the following websites.
Please note, that 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.
🎻 Northern Virginia Community College 2023 Fall Fabrication Challenge
The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) 2023 Fall Fabrication Challenge is a competition that is open to middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. This year’s challenge is to create a one-of-kind musical instrument. Designs may be handcrafted from everyday objects or new materials, manufactured through 3D printing or laser cutting, including electronic components, or any of those in combination. Cash prizes will be awarded at each division along with $1000 for the overall Grand Champion. Students may participate as individuals or in a team of up to 3 members.
Find more information on the NOVA Fab Lab website. Submissions are due by Sunday, December 10, 2023.
🌊 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Art Contest
Get your art supplies ready because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program Art Contest is almost here! Students in grades K-8 from the United States and U.S. territories can submit their artwork that answers how marine debris impacts the ocean and Great Lakes and what you are doing to help prevent marine debris. Submit your artwork, and you can see it featured in NOAA’s 2025 Marine Debris Calendar!
Learn more about the NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest and apply by Friday, December 15, 2023.
🏫 Northern Virginia Community College Spring 2024 Early Online College
Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA’s) Spring 2024 Early Online College (EOC) registration is open, and the registration deadline is Monday, January 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM, EST. These FREE 12-week NOVA Online courses will run asynchronously (online) from January 30 – April 22, 2024.
Additionally, NOVA launched a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) through EOC this past fall 2023. The IT Technical Support CSC is an employable certificate that also prepares students for 5 industry certifications.
The EOC spring 2024 course roster is as follows:
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ARA 101- Beginning Arabic I
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ARA 102- Beginning Arabic II
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ART 102- History of Art: Renaissance to Modern
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CST 110- Introduction to Human Communication
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ECO 201- Principles of Macroeconomics
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ECO 202- Principles of Microeconomics
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HIS 112- History of World Civilization post-1500
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ITE 152 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
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ITN 101 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- Introduction to Network Concepts
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MUS 121- Music in Society
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REL 100- Introduction to the Study of Religion
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SDV 100 (part of the IT Technical Support CSC)- College Success Skills
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SOC 200- Introduction to Sociology
🩺 National Institutes for Health Youth Art Challenge
How Prevention Can Create Better Health for Everyone
The National Institutes for Health Office for Disease Prevention (ODP) is holding a youth art challenge 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.
Email questions to ODP-YouthArtChallenge@nih.gov.
Community News
🍁 West Springfield High School Crew Leaf Raking
The West Springfield High School Crew Team is fundraising by raking leaves every Saturday and Sunday from November 4 through December 17. Crews are made up of 3-5 rakers accompanied by a parent, and there are two raking sessions per day; 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fee is $15 per hour per raker with a minimum job of $90. The average is about $120 and tips are welcome! Homeowners provide the paper bags or containers. Remember, Fairfax County requires containers or paper bags for yard waste. Crews will bring the rakes, blowers, and brawn and move the leaves to the location of your choice. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours or however long it takes to pick up your leaves.
For information or scheduling, please email leafraking@spartancrew.org with your preferred day and details of the job.
Nominate a Military Child of the Year
This annual award recognizes outstanding young people ages 13 to 18. Recipients will represent a branch of the armed forces for their “scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life.” As a recipient of this prestigious award, winners will be invited to attend a gala to receive their award and some very generous gifts.
Nominations for the 2024 Military Child of the Year® Award can be submitted now until December 3, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Central.
For more information regarding the submission process and eligibility requirements, please visit Operation HomeFront or contact
militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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.
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.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who welcomes and orients families and helps them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can 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.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
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 FCPS middle and high school. Each school's course options are based on the needs of the populations served. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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 an opportunity to raise awareness about historical challenges they have faced and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer them.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Special Education Day
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
🕎 Happy Chanukah
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be a half-O day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids. See the complete school year calendar.
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year, including Bodhi Day. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
Learn more about Bodhi Day in this video from the Miami Children’s Museum.
See the complete school year calendar.
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Springfield District Scene
I am thrilled that Rocky Run Middle School’s Librarian, Rachel Grover, was recently named the Virginia School Librarian of the Year! She was presented with this prestigious award at the annual conference of the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL).
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Kudos to Centreville High School’s Varsity Cheer for winning the VHSL Cheer Championship!
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Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s Gaby Gutierrez for her second-place finish in the Newspaper Straight News/News Feature category at the VHSL Multimedia Championship for her story, in The Purple Tide, “Gen Z puts the brakes on driving.”
Shout out to Chantilly High School’s Boys Cross Country Team for taking third place overall in the VHSL Boys Cross Country Championship!
Congrats also to Chantilly High School Varsity Cheer for placing second in the VHSL Cheer Championship!
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The Community Medi-Corps Program (Medi-Corps), is an initiative of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Medi-Corps is a $1.6 million project made possible by a $700,000 grant from Growth and Opportunity Virginia. The centerpiece of Medi-Corps is a mobile Immersive Learning Center (ILC) – a 45-foot-long lab on wheels that will provide students with cutting-edge technology, simulation, and immersive virtual reality and augmented learning experiences.
Health and Medical students were able to engage in the learning that included virtual and augmented technology that included simulated activities where they were able to “interact” with experts in the life and health sciences field. Wow!
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Congratulations to Fairfax High School’s Marching Lions for placing first in Group 3 of the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Championship in Lynchburg! Great job!
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Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Boys Cross Country Team placed second at the VHSL Cross Country Championship! Way to go!
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Kudos to Oakton High School’s Diana Zhang for her second-place finish in the Literary Magazine Poetry category at the VHSL Multimedia Championship for her piece, in The Oakton Outlook, “19-1392.”
Congrats to Oakton’s Junior Allen for placing third in the VHSL Cross Country Championship!
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The Robinson Secondary School Girls Cross Country Team took second place overall at the VHSL Girls Cross Country Championship! Awesome!
In addition, the Robinson’s Katie Vu finished third at the VHSL Golf Team Championship, and the Golf Team took first overall! Congratulations!
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South County High School teacher, Sean Miller, and his AP African American Studies class recently appeared in the news! Read the NBC News 4 article. Way to go!
Bravo to South County’s Marching Band for placing second in their group in the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Championship in Lynchburg! They also won Best Percussion and Colorguard! Fantastic!
Shout out to South County’s Boys Volleyball Club Green (developmentals) Team who won the Northern Virginia High School Boys Volleyball League!
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Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Joey Porcelli and Virginia Pendleton and the Threshold staff for placing third in the Literary Magazine Concept Packaging category at the VHSL Multimedia Championship!
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Way to go Aidan MacGrath and Adeline Barker of West Springfield High School for taking first and third place respectively at the VHSL Girls Cross Country Championship! In addition, West Springfield’s Girls Cross Country Team took first place overall! Fantastic!
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Congratulations to the Woodson High School Girls Cross Country Team for finishing third place overall at the VHSL Girls Cross Country Championship!
Way to go to the Woodson Field Hockey Team for finishing second in the VHLS Field Hockey Championship!
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🎷 Students Selected for 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band
Forty-six students representing 16 Fairfax County high schools have been selected for the 2023 All-Virginia Jazz Band.
Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to audition for positions within these ensembles. Participants will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians during the event.
The concert was held in the Richmond Convention Center on Thursday, November 16.
Bravo to the following Springfield District students!
Chantilly High School: Nile Pack
South County High School: Ivan Balakersky
Read the full list of selected students.
📜 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.
Congratulations to the following Springfield District students! (Note: Students who have a signed opt-out form on file are not listed.)
Centreville High School: Vivian Dutton, Catherine Her, Nathan Kim, Jessica Lerke, and Siwon Park
Chantilly High School: Frank Chang, Gabriela Gutierrez, Griffin Lewandowski, William Reinitz, and Shrinithi Sundararaman Velvizhi
Fairfax High School: Jei Jeong, Noah Kim, William Park, and Mindy Tran
Lake Braddock Secondary School: Owen Bassam, Zachary Cardwell, Anwesha Chowdhury, Nicholas Doan, Megan Lincicum, Breanna Lu, Moksha Mummalaneni, Alexander Perry, Caroline Richards, Maia Schlesiger, Michelle Wang, and Michael Welborn
Oakton High School: Daniel Y. Lee, Khoi Nguyen, Grace Y. Park, John J. Park, Elijah Suk, Esther Yoo, Maggie Zhang, and Ziqiang Zhou
Robinson Secondary School: Nicholas Byrnes, Vincent Han, Mark Schull, and Aidan Wood
South County High School: Aeryn Dahm
Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology: Naomi Bisrat, Akshaya Chakravarthy, Shreyan Dey, Viduttama Gaur, Om Gole, Parth Gupta, Euli Kim, Ethan King, Ryan Park, Lillian Schirano, Serena Sindhi, and Robert Stotz
West Springfield High School: Coco Ahn, Mirah Asfahani, Alexander Childs, Rebecca Gaydos, Jack Hunter, Sarayu Jilludumudi, Paris Johnson, Isaac Lazo, Jack Meli, James O’Donoghue, Anika Pant, Abdur Raghib, Micah Sabol, Brendan Talbot, Meredith Turcotte, Owen Voorhees, Keira Walker, Charlotte Witzel, Michael Zelnis, and Edonawit Zike
Woodson High School: Samuel Indyk, Vedik Reddy, and Jacob White
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
Read the full list of recognized students.
🎨 Observance Graphics Created by Students in Design Challenge
In May, the FCPS Office of Communications called for entries for new graphics to help acknowledge the religious and cultural observances identified on the 2023-24 school year calendar. 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 fell on Sunday, November 12.
Kudos to the following Springfield District student winners!
Oakton High School
Roan V. - Three Kings Day
Liberty Middle School
Mikayla D. - Ash Wednesday
See the full list of winners.
Fairfax County Public Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families
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.
Schools recognized as 2023 Purple Star Schools for the first time include the following schools that Springfield District students attend:
- Bonnie Brae Elementary School
- Canterbury Woods Elementary School
- Centreville Elementary School
- Katherine Johnson Middle School
- Kings Park Elementary School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Rolling Valley Elementary School
- South County Middle School
- South County High School
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.
Katherine Johnson Middle School ambassadors developed unique videos of themselves to be shared with new students. The videos include critical information for new students including finding your way around the building, explaining how the schedule works, reminding students what to bring to class, and giving tips on activities and restaurants in the area.
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.
Read the full October 31 article from FCPS News.
🏅 2023 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards
The annual awards, founded in 2001, honor county youth, coaches, and parents in each magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship, and community service. Read more about the award.
Congratulations to the Springfield District winners!
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Female Athlete: Jaisley Tibayan, Braddock Youth Club - Volleyball
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Male Athlete: Connor Cluxton, Springfield/South County Youth Club - Soccer
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Coach: Paul Miller, Southwestern Youth Association - Basketball
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Parent: David Fields, Springfield/South County Youth Club - Soccer 9
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Family and Student Resources
🧼 Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and follow recommendations for when to keep them home due to illness. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.
🚬 Conversing with Teens about Substance Use
Within this society’s culture sometimes we avoid talking about topics that make us uncomfortable but can be both lifesaving and changing, such as finances and drugs. Are there things that would have made a difference in some of your experiences if known when younger, that can be shared with your teenager now? Here are a few tips for talking about substance use and misuse with your teenager.
Avoid
- Overgeneralizations/horror stories
- Ex: “People who use drugs go to jail and end up homeless.” -That is not true for most people.
- Sharing about how you used to do drugs
- Ex: “I smoked in high school, so I understand wanting to experiment.” - The THC content in marijuana is much higher than when you may have used it.
- Having loose boundaries
- Ex: “It’s okay if you do it at home, but not anywhere else.” -This creates a gray area and demonstrates an acceptance of not following rules and established boundaries.
Tips
- Have a united front or if alone be consistent.
- Both parents need to communicate the same message. No good cop, bad cop.
- Recognize addiction in your family.
- Speak the unspoken. Share information that could help your teen make an informed decision about “playing with fire” since they’re genetically predisposed.
- Set a desired outcome for the conversation.
- What do you want your teen to understand before you start the conversation?
- Focus on their health as important and a concern versus behavior.
- Avoid finger-pointing literally and figuratively.
- Set firm expectations & boundaries
- Clearly explain what is and isn’t acceptable for your household and the associated consequences.
- Keep a “cool head”
- Withhold judgment
- Be direct
- Be prepared for your teen’s reaction.
Resources
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270.
🍷 Alcohol and the Holidays
Holidays may involve family time, games, movies, food, and possibly drinks. Although loneliness is a cause for alcohol or drug consumption, being around others does not necessarily mean a decrease in unhealthy habits. Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic and has not decreased after we have returned to a semblance of normalcy. Many people are still trying to figure out how to navigate our “new normal”. We encourage the consideration of a few things as we move towards the end of the year, have time off, and look forward to social interactions.
Questions to consider when drinking with your family:
- What message am I sending if I drink in excess around my underage child?
- Have I had conversations about responsible drinking with my child(ren)?
- Are the conversations I have about alcohol consumption realistic?
- Are the conversations I have with others reinforcing alcohol use as a coping skill during stressful times?
- What messages am I sending my underage child(ren) if I allow them to drink with me or another adult in the house?
Information to consider:
“One-third of Fairfax County students (33.7%) reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime, ranging from 18.8% of eighth-grade students to half of twelfth-grade students (49.4%). One in seven students (15.2%) reported drinking alcohol in the past month, ranging from 4.5% of eighth-grade students to 27.7% of twelfth-grade students.” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020)
“Female students reported higher rates of alcohol use in their lifetime (36.1% compared to 31.2% of male students), in the past month (17.1% and 13.1%, respectively), and binge drinking in the past two weeks (7.3% and 6.5%, respectively)” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020).
Resources
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
💻 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.
Scholarship 101 Virtual Workshops
Join College Access Fairfax and FCPS for a virtual workshop, Scholarship 101 (an overview of the process for applying for outside scholarships. The workshop will take place on
- Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 7 p.m.
💲 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening in December
The FAFSA is needed to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Families of current seniors should be thinking about completing financial aid applications for students to be eligible to receive financial help to cover the costs of post-secondary education. Despite the late opening of the FAFSA, there are some things families can do now to prepare.
A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA — the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Find out which aid option is right for your family on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs:
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
The Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
🛠 Inclusive Pathways to Success Trade School
Inclusive Pathways to Success is a new trade school created specifically for young adults (ages 21-36) with disabilities. Based in Arlington, it is a great opportunity for those seeking daytime activities.
Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS) is currently accepting applications for November and December workshops, during which students will build woodworking products that they can gift or sell during the workshops. During the workshops, an IPS woodworking instructor and behavioral assistant teach students about safety, tool usage, drawing, planning, and creating woodworking projects. The individual student and group projects will vary each month so students are encouraged to attend each month if they are interested.
No prior woodworking experience is required, but chosen applicants will be asked to use basic tools such as a drill and screwdriver during a 30-minute interview with an IPS woodworking instructor to gather information about their fine-motor/gross-motor abilities.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The cost for attending a 4-week workshop is $1,680 (total for 8 classes each month). In December, IPS will offer a 3-week workshop that costs $1,260 (total for 6 classes that month).
Learn more about the workshops on the Inclusive Pathways to Success website, which also contains the application.
Contact info@ipstradeschool.org for more information.
Join them for monthly Woodworking Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Choose between Tuesdays and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays. Apply today at ipstradeshool.org.
Safety Tips From the Fairfax County 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 moredetails on how to discuss safety topics.
Tips from the Healthy Minds Blog
Let’s Grow Together!
As parents and educators, we share the goal of helping our children grow in school, at home, and in life. This includes recognizing individual growth, bridging differences, celebrating diversity, building positive relationships, providing opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills, and encouraging them to take on challenges and persevere when things get tough. Working together, we can support student growth through these formative years.
To highlight these goals, the theme of this year's National School Psychology Week from November 6 to 10 is “Let’s Grow Together!” School psychologists are members of the school team who support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, such as learning assessments, academic and behavioral interventions, counseling, and social skills training. They also work with families, teachers, and other educators to improve school-wide practices and policies that help make our school community a safe, supportive, and welcoming space in which all children can thrive.
Reinforcing children’s natural and learned capacity for resiliency is a primary focus of National School Psychology Week and school psychologists’ role. As parents, you know your children best and are essential to this work. There are many ways to help children take on new challenges, learn new skills, and feel valued so that they can grow as individuals and contribute to a positive school community. As parents and caregivers, you can:
- Help your children internalize a sense that individuals grow in their own ways, often in their own time, through engagement and interaction with their surroundings, as well as by recognizing any forward movement as a success.
- Help your children develop positive relationships with peers and adults and model respectful, caring behaviors with others.
- Encourage your children to set goals and map out a plan for achieving them. Talk with your children about steps they have taken, what worked and what did not, and what they might do next.
- Emphasize that learning and growing requires trying new things and that success comes from small steps to a long-term goal. Demonstrate through your behaviors how to try new, challenging activities as a way to grow while also having fun.
- Praise attempts as well as success, and make sure that you focus on recognizing the effort put forth by your children. Emphasize the importance of deliberate practice and how talent grows over time through skillful practice.
- Find ways to celebrate diversity and accept others, or take steps with your children to actively learn about others who are different from you.
- Model the joy of learning by reading about a variety of topics with your children and let them know that you, too, are learning new things.
- Help your children work through challenges, or lack of self-confidence, by helping to identify how they can overcome a setback. As a parent, you can help your children see what the small steps are and how rising above obstacles is a part of succeeding. Help your children realize that setbacks are not permanent or all-encompassing. Model perseverance and problem-solving when faced with challenges or difficulties.
- Encourage your children to participate in community activities, such as volunteering, that may help them to develop positive behaviors. Consider participating in community events yourself as a role model.
The Healthy Minds Blog shares information related to youth mental health and wellness for an audience of parents, educators, and community-based providers. Articles include tips and strategies for increasing wellness and resiliency, as well as fostering success at home, at school, and in the community.
The Healthy Minds Blog is a collaborative project between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Prevention Unit of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. It is part of the Healthy Minds Fairfax (see below) initiative, designed to support emotional wellness in youth and families.
SUBSCRIBE to Healthy Minds and receive a quarterly digest of our most recent articles.
If you or someone you care about is in crisis or needs help, TAKE ACTION!
Register for Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center
The FCPS Family Resource Center (PRC) is offering free webinars. They are
Using the Data Collection Tool to Inform Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Decision-Making
Webinar Highlights
- Considering Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) – The Why, What, and How
- Documenting LRE Considerations and Decisions within the IEP Process
- Understanding the family’s role in the determination of LRE
Join staff members from the FCPS Department of Special Services for this important webinar.
Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 10-11 a.m.
Register for Using the Data Collection Tool to Inform Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Decision-Making
Funcionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad (Executive Functioning- Helping your kids with organization, emotional regulation, and flexibility.) ** presentado en español
Función Ejecutiva se refiere a las habilidades que ayudan a los estudiantes a planificar con anticipación y alcanzar metas, mostrar autocontrol, seguir instrucciones de varios pasos incluso cuando son interrumpidos y mantenerse concentrados a pesar de las distracciones para tener éxito en escuela. Únase a nosotros para aprender cómo ayudar a sus estudiantes a fortalecer estas habilidades.
Aspectos destacados del seminario web:
Parte 2: 1 de diciembre de 2023 10-11:30 a.m. Share this event with others.
- Como nuestro estilo de crianza puede influir en el desarrollo del funcionamiento ejecutivo de nuestros hijos.
- Estrategias para ayudar a nuestros niños a desarrollar y fortalecer su funcionamiento ejecutivo.
Register for uncionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad (Executive Functioning- Helping your kids with organization, emotional regulation, and flexibility.) ** presentado en español
Date Change:
Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series
Join Dr. Erin Berman, a Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland for these important sessions to help children cope with anxiety, depression, and stress.
Part 2 Highlights:
- Identify stress in children of all ages
- Explain common sources of stress
- Provide strategies for lowering stress levels so that all caregivers can benefit
NEW DATE Part 2: December 12, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. Share this event with others.
Register for Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series
What’s in a Name?
Each month I feature a different Springfield District school from the What’s in a Name video series. This month let’s learn about the history behind Keene Mill Elementary School’s name.
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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.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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