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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Sully District Families,
We have made it to December and there are lots of exciting things happening in our schools over the next two weeks, prior to the winter break. I hope you can attend some of the festive events and enjoy some holiday fun!
This past month has been a busy one on the School Board. At the November 28th School Board Work Session, I was pleased to sponsor the Forum topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for FCPS , along with my colleague and Chair Elaine Tholen, representative for Dranesville district. A comprehensive AI strategy is crucial for preparing students and educators for the future, enhancing the learning experience, and ensuring the school division remains competitive and adaptive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. AI literacy is important to help our students contribute to an increasingly digital society. Early and sustained access to exploring emerging fields such as AI, an exciting component of Computer Science education, is key to building the skills needed for careers of the future. Educating our students and staff about the ethical implications of AI, including biases, privacy concerns, and algorithmic fairness will also serve to ensure that they promote responsible and inclusive AI practices.
The timing of this Forum topic dovetails nicely with National Computer Science Education Week, which is December 4-10! Computer science is very important to the success of our students in a digital, inter-connected world and I am excited about expanding access and participation in CS for all our students to support their career and creative aspirations. It is integral to Goal 5 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan, leading for tomorrow’s innovation. More #CSEDWeek resources are provided below in this newsletter.
At our November 14th Work Session, the School Board also discussed the Strategic Plan Goal 3 Baseline Report: Academic Growth and Excellence and the FY 2025 Fiscal Forecast. One of the most important jobs of the School Board is the development of our $3.5 billion budget. In order to begin the FY 2025 budget planning process, the fiscal forecast for the School Operating Fund was presented. The forecast includes projections for key financial areas that drive the budget development process, such as revenue and expenditure assumptions, including employee salaries and benefits, and student enrollment. Other important Board work included the Facilities Engagement Plan to develop a standardized community engagement framework for bond-related capital projects.
Inside this newsletter:
I always look forward to seeing you and your students when I am out in the community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be helpful to your family in any way.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students at the center of all that we do in FCPS!
In partnership,
Stella Pekarsky
Sully District Happenings
Talented Centreville High School Symphony Orchestra Students Excel!
 It was a real treat to watch the Centreville High School Symphony Orchestra perform "A Celebration of Humanity" on November 13th at the Hylton Performing Arts Center! This symphony orchestra was selected to perform at the VA Music Educators Conference this year, which is a high honor and is one of the largest and best in the state! The students are amazingly talented and I want to thank Orchestra Director Mark Taylor, Meredith Kohut, Melissa Hall and the rest of the music team for their incredible dedication to these students!! FCPS has a rich fine and performing arts education program with an average of 650 music educators and about 50,000 students in instrumental, choral and secondary music. So proud of our students and music educators!!
Oakton High School students launch high-powered rocket to 34,195 feet — higher than many airplanes!
 The sky’s the limit for the Oakton High School rocketry team (pictured above, courtesy of Benjamin Miller). They recently built and launched a rocket to 34,195 feet, which is higher than many commercial airplanes fly — very impressive work! These budding rocket scientists are planning another launch in spring 2024, this time hoping to build a rocket that can go all the way to space. Providing these types of opportunities and nurturing the STEM interests of our students is integral to Goal 5 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan, leading for tomorrow’s innovation. See full article here. Go Cougars!
Rocky Run MS Librarian Rachel Grover is Librarian of the Year!!
 So proud of Rocky Run Middle librarian Rachel Grover who was named Librarian of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) for her outstanding work with our students. Thanks to a generous grant from our strong local community partner Asha- Jyothi Foundation, Rachel has worked to create two modern makerspaces within the school library. They’ve been named by students the Inspiration Studio and Tech Den. Three other FCPS librarians were also honored at the VAASL conference. Congratulations to all of them!
Katie Bruechert - Thoreau Middle School, Rutherford Memorial.
Heather Baucum - Crossfield Elementary School, Ignite Award.
Maura Madigan - North Springfield Elementary School, AASL Presentation Award.
Thank you to all our wonderful librarians and community partners!! #communitymatters
Cub Scouts Pack 1601 - Future Community Leaders!
 It was a pleasure to be invited to speak at the 5th grade Webelo Boy Scout Den (Pack 1601) meeting on November 27th at Lees Corner elementary school. In particular, the Cub Scouts wanted to learn about my role as an FCPS school board member and as a government leader in our community. I really enjoyed speaking with the scouts about my job, what inspires me and answering their questions including what my favorite foods are, who my favorite singer is and what I do for fun!! #citizenship #leadershipbadge
VOTE for the Oakton Marching Cougars!
The Oakton High School Marching Cougars, a prestigious 25-year Virginia Honor Band, has submitted an entry into Metallica's inaugural marching band competition, "For Whom the Band Tolls." Metallica has brought their legendary presence to the world of
marching bands by inviting high schools and colleges from across the nation to showcase their musical prowess in this unique online competition. The Marching Cougars will be competing for $15,000 in prizing in the category for high school bands with less than 75 members. You can view the Marching Cougar’s online submission of “Parade to
Black” here. Oakton High School encourages the school and local community to proudly vote in support of the Marching Cougars as “Fan Favorite” on this national stage. Vote for the Oakton Marching Cougars by texting #HSOAKTON to (833) 609-0330. Go Cougars!
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Winter Teens in Action Camp at Sully Community Center
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services free Teens In Action Camp. Check out the flyer and registration form for the camp at Sully Community Center, which will run from December 18th-21st and December 26th-29th. Teens In Action is for any participant that is in 7th-12th grade. This camp will offer a wide variety of activities - such as sports, arts & crafts, STEAM, music, and even field trips. Spaces are limited!
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Computer Science Education Week is Dec 4-10
 The week of December 4-10, 2023 is recognized as National Computer Science Education Week and it recognizes the transformative role of computing and the need to bolster computer science at all educational levels. Schools across the nation participate in numerous activities to promote computer science in the PreK-12 learning environment.
Latest numbers from US Bureau of Labor Statistics state that Computer and Information Technology Occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. About 377,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently. The median annual wage for this group was $100,530 in May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
In Fairfax County Public Schools, students participate in computer science learning experiences like the Hour of Code to inspire interest and excitement for continued computer science learning. Explore free resources on the FCPS CS Week Educator Page, continue engaging students in CS learning throughout the school year, and visit the FCPS STEAM and Computer Science public page. More resources for CS Ed Week can be found below:
Family Resource Center - Winter Events
 The Family Resource Center offers free webinars for adults to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Save the date for the following discussions in Winter. Click on the title to register for each event:
Families can find printable resource guides and details about the center’s free lending library on FRC’s homepage. They may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Parents
This month's theme: Do Good December
This month, we're encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students may be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students in to this service.
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2024 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about increasing opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, December 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session
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Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. - Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
New! For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for our Newsletters.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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