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Dear Dranesville Families:
As we wind down before winter break, we are still busy here in Dranesville. One item of huge importance this week was the school board vote on the boundary adjustments for our McLean elementary schools, please see below for lots of information and my remarks regarding this at the December 4 meeting.
I was happy to attend the Langley HS Renaissance Faire last Friday evening. That was one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit I have experienced. A huge thank you to Langley administration and Ms. Player and our incredible students for a wonderful event.
Work continues on trying to make our schools as safe as possible. We will vote next week on moving funds in our Mid-year budget review to install more cameras at elementary schools. I know this is not enough and we are moving slowly to get cameras, vestibules, etc. installed in all of our elementary schools. I made a tearful plea at our recent legislative breakfast for additional help from our state and federal delegates and senators. I surprised myself when I broke down talking about this in front of the room, but it really showed me how real the tension around the topic of safety is across our society and especially in our schools. As Board Chair, I am already planning the briefing the new board will receive on this issue. Thank you to all of you for your advocacy on this topic.
I will have one last newsletter next week before break. As I try to stop by each Dranesville school before I finish my term on the School Board, I am continually reminded how fortunate we are to have such dedicated staff at each school. There are wonderful learning opportunities happening out there and our staff are looking after each and every student. The daily attendance wall at Dranesville ES is one example to show how important it is for every child to attend school every day to take advantage of the work that is going on in each school and how our staff are working to bring up our attendance numbers to combat the rampant absenteeism we are seeing across the country. Dr. Reid did an academic matters talk at a recent board meeting on this topic to show how Fairfax County fits in with this. Please see that presentation here Academic Matters segment.
Have a relaxing weekend and see your student in school!!
Elaine
In this newsletter,
My visits to Herndon HS, Haycock ES, Langley HS, Cooper MS, and Churchill Raod ES
FCPS Updates
Calendar Reminders
Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, is winter break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
See the complete school year calendar.
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World Languages Offerings in Elementary Schools Survey- Closes Today!
Fairfax County Public Schools is considering expanding our Dual Language Immersion programs to include new languages and school sites, and new languages for our Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools program.
Parents/caregivers with elementary school students should have received a reminder email today with a link to our World Languages Survey. Please participate and let us know your thoughts about World Languages offered in elementary schools. An FCPS survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Urdu, and Vietnamese. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey is optional and will close today, December 8.
McLean Elementary Schools Boundary Adjustment Update
McLean Elementary Schools Boundary Adjustment Vote- Scenario B
On December 4, the Fairfax County School Board approved Scenario B from the scenarios that were presented to the public in September, for a boundary adjustment for five elementary schools in the McLean area. New boundaries go into effect in the school year 2024-25 and a phasing plan was approved to allow students the option to remain at their existing schools for certain grades.
The following schools are included in the boundary adjustment:
- Chesterbrook Elementary School
- Churchill Road Elementary School
- Franklin Sherman Elementary School
- Kent Gardens Elementary School
- Haycock Elementary School
The following AAP Center boundaries will also be adjusted:
- Churchill Road Elementary School
- Haycock Elementary School
Visit the McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary Changes (formerly Kent Gardens Capacity Challenges) webpage for detailed information including a street listing of addresses impacted, phasing information, and other information families and students need to know.
“Thank you to all the families, students, and community members who have been engaged in the boundary study process over the last year,” said School Board Chair and Dranesville representative Elaine Tholen. “When boundary adjustments are necessary, it is vital that our school communities join us in the process. It is through a combination of your input and staff expertise that we are able to provide a solution that best meets the needs of our students.”
KGES has been over capacity for the past several years and needs space to accommodate students, the Advanced Academic Local Level IV program, and the French immersion program. School and Division staff and the School Board have been working with the community on a boundary adjustment to relieve capacity at the school.
The boundary adjustment addresses the capacity concerns at KGES while addressing the following areas of importance identified by the public:
- Middle and high school boundaries do not change.
- French Immersion remains at KGES.
- Existing areas that currently walk to school are maintained.
- Neighborhoods are not split.
- No attendance islands are created.
The boundary study process is outlined in Regulation 8130. Communities included in the boundary scope had opportunities to provide input and hear directly from FCPS staff throughout the process.
Phasing Plan
The adopted phasing addresses two perspectives of feedback we heard–allow many of the students that currently attend a particular school to remain there until middle school and to give families a choice to move now if they want to immediately move to a less crowded school or want to keep siblings together. It also considers the needs of older elementary school students who were in school during COVID, and another change may be stressful.
- Rising Kindergarten and 1st-grade students will be reassigned to attend the newly assigned school for the 2024-25 school year.
- Rising 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students have the option to attend the newly assigned school or remain at their prior assigned school for the 2024-25 school year and until they matriculate to middle school.
As discussed at the board meeting, the adopted phasing plan is more generous than phasing plans used in the past since we are dealing with students that have also dealt with COVID during their elementary school tenure. We were asked to do more by some constituents but due to the expense of phasing and the need to begin reducing overcrowding at Kent Gardens, we could not be more generous.
Transportation
Students that are involved in phasing over the next several years will be provided bus transportation to their elementary school. Please understand that with a current shortage of bus drivers in our area and the requirement of additional bus runs to accommodate phasing, your patience will be required as all of these new runs are established. We need those that are involved in the affected neighborhoods to indicate which school your child will attend by the February deadline so our transportation staff has maximum planning time.
Elaine Tholen’s Remarks at the 12/4/23 School Board Meeting Regarding the Boundary Change, Plus More Rationale for Scenario B:
I want to extend a huge thank you to our McLean Elementary school principals and PTA leaders. The PTAs have been involved with this process from the beginning, feeding us questions from the community and answering lots of parent inquiries. Our principals have put up maps in their buildings, and fielded and passed along many questions over the past months. We have had a large team of experts working on this project since over one year ago. Facilities and Planning, Communications, World Languages, Transportation all put their heads together to implement our community input process and to come up with a solution to a long standing and complex problem in a school with French Immersion and Local Level 4. My Region 2 colleagues have been involved from the beginning.
We worked with Facilities and Planning to brainstorm scenarios that would have less impact on Franklin Sherman but the realities of the geography prevented us from moving off of Scenario B. After the Public Hearing, we worked to think about ways to alleviate most of the concerns raised by families. Region 2 stands ready to work with our principals to make sure our children are managing this transition and making new friends. Our principals are already jointly planning Open Houses for January 25 to receive any new students and families with open arms. Information on continuing efforts will be on our webpage.
Given community input and continued analysis by Facilities Planning and FCPS Transportation —even through conversations Friday afternoon post the public hearing, we are still left with Scenario B making the most sense overall.
The rationale for choosing Scenario B over other scenarios is:
- Suggested modifications to scenarios that were presented in September resulted in shifting overcrowding to other schools and/or keeping Kent Gardens ES over crowded
- Scenario B, Balances student population and capacity of schools in the area
- Considers potential additional development in the McLean area that could impact the elementary school capacities, Scenario E for example, with less impact to Franklin Sherman, left that school at 99% capacity. With the likelihood of revitalization of the McLean downtown, this was not considered wise.
- Maintains walking areas within proximity to schools
- Eliminates a split feeder at Franklin Sherman ES so students matriculate to middle school together
- Was identified by the Transportation department as one of the easiest scenarios for them to implement
- Maintains the popular French Immersion Program and Local Level 4 Advanced Academics at Kent Gardens
- Continues out-of-boundary access to French Immersion for students division-wide via the lottery
As mentioned, the impact of this scenario is significant to Franklin Sherman ES. With the location of Kent Gardens to the East of its attendance area, it was hard to move students from the eastern side of the attendance area to Chesterbrook since most of them are walkers. Transportation specifically requested we not move any walkers due to the shortage of bus drivers. In order to be sure we did not overload Franklin Sherman as we moved students from the north-western side of the Kent Gardens attendance area, we needed to move Franklin Sherman students to Chesterbrook ES. In addition, this scenario cleans up a spilt feeder at Franklin Sherman that many families are excited about. Those students will move to Churchill Road ES.
The recommended phasing is the same phasing that was used for the Glen Forest area boundary adjustments done last year. This works well in this situation too since the French Immersion program begins at first grade and those students will not be moved. Most of the comments we have received about this entire process were questions around the treatment of siblings. Our World Languages staff have worked with Facilities staff and Region 2 to answer most of the questions posed by families with older siblings in French Immersion. That information is on the webpage designed for this project. Region 2 Staff is ready to work with any families with extenuating circumstances as we move through this phasing process.
I ask my colleagues to support the recommended solution of Scenario B and the phasing plan suggested by staff.
School Board Key Votes- December 4
Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
McLean Elementary Schools Capacity/Boundary Issues
The School Board voted to adopt the FCPS recommendation of Scenario B, as presented to the community and posted in the attachment.
2024 FC School Board State and Federal Legislative Program
The School Board voted to adopt the 2024 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program.
Reports on Employee Separation
The School Board voted to approve a direction of the superintendent to revise the Monthly Report on Employee Separation and the associated attachment to present disaggregated data in context to include subgroup percentages. Additionally, on a quarterly basis, the superintendent will provide operational impacts; impacts by FCPS schools and regions; trends and analyses; and potential strategies to address findings, if applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report: Academic Growth and Excellence
The School Board voted to approve the Goal 3 Baseline Report as the division's baseline data that will serve as a starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
No Virtual Learning on Snow Days This Winter
FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days for the 2023-24 school year. There will be no virtual learning when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available online and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into FCPS’ existing calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will enable us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! FCPS’ website is generally the first place where an emergency weather closing will be posted. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media. Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes, test prep, and ASVAB practice quizzes to help students. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor. Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need. Languages spoken by tutors on Tutor.com include English and Spanish (available 24 hours a day), and Vietnamese, Mandarin, and French (available from 6 p.m. to midnight).
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Herndon ES Renovation Community Meeting-Dec. 14
Join us for a community meeting on Thursday, December 14 to learn more about the project and design process to date and share your views on the project and design process. Public feedback will be shared with the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, School Board, and FCPS staff on the community’s view of the project and design process to date. Please be aware, at this stage in the design and construction process, no major changes may be made but small adjustments may be considered.
- December 14 community meeting, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- School cafeteria (630 Dranesville Rd, Herndon),
- Language interpretation will be provided
If you are unable to attend, you may view the presentation on the Herndon Elementary School Capital Project webpage. An online feedback form will be available on the project webpage and open for comments or questions December 14 - January 4.
Learn more about the Herndon Elementary School Renovation project.
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Community Review of Elementary ELA Basal Instructional Resources
A community review of the VDOE-approved Cycle II core instructional materials is until noon on December 15, 2023. As part of the public review process, an open house has been scheduled during this period to allow community members to ask questions to members of the Elementary Language Arts team. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website.
Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at Pimmit Hills Center, Room 207 (7510 Lisle Avenue Falls Church, VA 22043) Materials may be reviewed at Pimmit Hills Center Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors should enter through door #4 and check in at the main office or with the building coordinator on duty.
Middle School Start Times
In September, FCPS awarded a contract to Prismatic Services, Inc., to develop a plan for potentially changing middle school start times. The plan will explore starting the middle school day no earlier than 8 a.m., without changing high school start times or impacting FCPS’ budget.
Prismatic will present their findings to the School Board in January. The board will decide in the spring whether or not to proceed with changing middle school start times. Read about the middle school start times project.
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Military Family Opportunities and Resources
Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team Family Member Application- Closes Soon
The charge of the Fairfax County Public Schools Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team (MCY PAT) is to identify the unique academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of military-connected youth and families and ensure faculty and staff are informed and prepared to meet the identified needs; partnering with stakeholders as appropriate. The MCY PAT would like to include military-connected family members on our team. Apply to be a part of our team by Friday, December 15, 2023.
Questions? Contact: Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist at mlayala1@fcps.edu.
Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program
Operated by the Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program (VVFS) offers outreach, connection, and support to veterans and their families as they manage the challenges of military life. The VVFS provides resources on a variety of topics such as mental health, leisure activities, healthcare, and military children. Their calendar of events also offers information about upcoming opportunities to connect with community resources.
For more information and to join the VVFS listserv, please visit the Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program. To connect with FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
My visit with Principal Gadley and Dranesville ES's Daily Attendance Chart
The weeks surrounding winter break often see more empty seats in our classrooms. This year, let's nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our When Should I Keep My Child Home? resource for guidance. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
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.
Virginia Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
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
Stress During the Holidays
The holidays are a festive time, but this season may also be difficult for many who have experienced loss, feel overwhelmed, or are simply alone. 5 Ways Parents/Caregivers can Lower Their Stress from Fairfax County Family Services.
☑️Call/text 911 for emergencies if you or someone you know is in danger.
☑️Call/text 988 for mental health care support 24 hours a day.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or are they not engaging in their usual hobbies? Parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt in to this service
Family Resource Center Upcoming Events
The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The FRC is hosting the following events in November: Click the links below to register for the events. For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage.
GrandInvolve now NCS-GrandInvolve
As the volunteer work of longtime Ignite Partner GrandInvolve shifts from being part of a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit, to a program run by Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services. In making the switch, GrandInvolve’s donated $39,380 to Educate Fairfax, the school division’s primary foundation,. The donation will be shared equally between GrandInvolve partner Title I elementary schools and is earmarked for durable equipment that will enhance each school's ability to provide for the particular needs of their learning environment. Neighborhood and Community Services has seamlessly absorbed the program, now called NCS-GrandInvolve, and together we’re ready to build on the success of GrandInvolve’s legacy. Thank you to the board of directors at GrandInvolve and their founder Dorothy Keenan!
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, December 12, 10:30am: Work Session
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Thursday, December 14, 7:30pm: Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
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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Fairfax County and Community Updates
Supervisor Foust honored at 12/4 BOS meeting
Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
Please sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter here to keep up-to-date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
From the Fairfax County Police Department,
Lock It or Lose It
Lock it or Lose it! Always secure your car doors and never leave keys inside. Don't give thieves an easy opportunity for vehicle theft and theft from vehicles. Stay vigilant and protect your belongings.
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Urgent Need for Blood Donations
Multiple traumatic incidents and other medical emergencies have left the Inova blood inventory for Type O blood critically low. Inova needs all blood types, but a boost to the supply of Type O will help patients in need significantly. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit inovablood.org to schedule an appointment.
McLeanToday.org- Find all things McLean
The goal of the McLean Today website is simple: To inform, inspire and connect Greater McLean. Make McLeanToday.org your go-to site for the latest on the many activities, events, and services found in Greater McLean.
Expanding Accessibility in Fairfax County Parks and Recreation
The Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes people of all abilities to enjoy the wonderful experiences offered throughout its parks, natural areas, Rec Centers, golf courses and other sites. The variety of experiences offered specifically for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities is expanding thanks to the Park Authority Access and Inclusion team. See some new opportunities here and how to find other programs here.
My visits to the Fairfax Educators Association and McLean Citizen Association holiday events
2023 McLean HS Softball State Champion team honored at Board of Supervisors meeting
Congratulations to Our 2023 Fall Sports Champions!
Congratulations to all the FCPS student-athletes who participated in the 2023 fall sports season! This year, three teams and four individuals won the Virginia High School League Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and three teams and one individual were the state runners-up. Read the full list of winners here.
Congratulations to the Dranesville team winning a state championship:
- Langley High School, Volleyball Team
FCPS Students Recognized in National YoungArts Award Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students received 10 awards in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition. These students are part of a group of nearly 700 YoungArts award winners that were selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process. Read more about the winners here.
Congratulations to 2 Langley High School awardees:
- Audrey Goodner, Classical Music/Violin, Langley High School.
- Jayden Lee, Writing/Non-Fiction and Classical Music/Flute, Langley High School.
McLean HS Teacher Honored
Tysons Corner Center honored McLean High School teacher and Best Buddies sponsor, Mr. Mark Thompson, for his contributions to our community and Best Buddies program. We are so proud of him!
Herndon HS Teacher Honored
Herndon HS teacher Gabe Segal was recognized by Representative Gerald Connolly for his efforts to raise funds to reduce school meal debt. The commemoration https://twitter.com/FCPSRegion1/status/1716833591848747300 is in the Congressional Record.
Haycock Elementary School
Students to Recreate History Performing at Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre selected Haycock’s Mr. Baker's fourth-grade class to participate in the Abraham Lincoln Oratory Residency and Festival. The program allows D.C.-area students to recite a speech given by a famous American on the theater’s legendary stage. Many of the selected speeches come from President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in 1865. Read more about the honor here.
My visits to Herndon HS play Fools and Langley HS Choir Renaissance Feaste
Some Musical Honors
Langley HS
The Wind Symphony, Langley Flute Quartet, and Wind Ensemble performed at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) conference in Richmond. Selection to perform at VMEA is based on a blind audition process and only a few bands from around the Commonwealth are selected each year, making this a wonderful distinction for the bands.
The Langley Bands learned they have been named a "Program of Excellence" by the National Band Association! This award recognizes band programs that achieve excellence throughout all aspects of the curriculum - all concert bands, marching band, jazz band and more. No high school in Virginia has gotten it for five years and the last Virginia school to earn it was our very own Cooper MS (in 2019)!
Thomas Jefferson HSST
Congratulations to the TJ Percussion Ensemble for their performance at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference.
Some Quiz Bowl and History Bowl Team Successes
The McLean HS Quiz Bowl team had great success with a first place win l in a tournament held at Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Highlanders!
Cooper MS Quiz Bowl sent two teams to the RM Winter Novice. Cooper A went 10-0 and won the tournament. Cooper B also advanced to the top playoff bracket.
The TJ History Bowl teams for coming in first place in both the Varsity and JV competitions at the DC Fall History Bowl! TJ has now qualified 2024 Varsity and JV National Championships.
Great Falls ES
Ms. Donohue's 6th grade class has done exciting service learning project in collaboration with the Embry Rucker Homeless Shelter. Their aim is to provide much-needed winter clothing to the shelter’s residents, ensuring they stay warm during the cooler months. This project is part of the Fairfax County Schools Portrait of a Graduate-Presentation of Learning initiative. In our efforts to make a positive impact we are seeking support from community partners to either donate winter clothing or money for us to do the purchasing. If you have any questions, please reach out to Great Falls ES (703)757-2100.
Spring Hill ES
Science Olympiad 11/11- Team Mavericks won 14 medals and are the team with the highest number of wins/medals in the state of VA for the VASO Div A competitions. SHES Team Wizards won 11 medals and had the third highest number of wins/medals in the state of VA for the VASO competitions.
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.
Looking for Indoor and Outdoor Winter Fun!
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up their seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, Candy Cane Lane at Oak Marr Mini Golf, and many more fun events.
Student Opportunities
NOVA Community College Fab Lab Design Challenge
The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Fab Lab Design 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.
(the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions
(the) Unruly Theatre Project is The Alden’s professional teen improv company dedicated to bringing comedic performances to the community. New UTP Company members will begin rehearsals on January 2nd and rehearse twice per week on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m. until mid-May. Regular attendance at UTP rehearsals is crucial. Performances will be at local venues such as art galleries, the Old Firehouse Center, and festivals.
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Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m.- open auditions
- At The McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
- 8th-11th graders only
Pre-registration for open auditions is recommended, but not required. Prepared monologues are not needed. Headshots and resumes are not necessary but are welcome.
Student "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge
The 8th Annual Student "Shark Tank" Technology Challenge has begun, and details about this year's competition are now available online. This event is open to all high school students in Fairfax County, and 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, while the final submissions will be due April 3, 2024. Cash prizes will be awarded by the sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners, and winners will be recognized by the Board of Supervisors in May 2024. Learn more here.
Kids Gardening 2024 Youth Garden Grant
The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports school gardens that enhance the quality of life of students and their communities. The 2024 grant applications are due Friday, December 15, 2023. Learn more and apply for the Youth Garden Grant.
NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest
Get your art supplies ready because the 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 could 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 January 8, 2024, at 5 p.m., EST. These FREE 12-week NOVA Online courses will run asynchronously (online) from January 30 – April 22, 2024. Here are the registration steps for the EOC program.
President’s Environmental Youth Award
Each year the PEYA program honors a wide variety of projects developed by young students, school classes and clubs, youth camps, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness and action in schools and communities. PEYA has award categories for grades K-5 and 6-12. Applicants from all 50 states as well as U.S. territories are eligible to compete. Learn more about the President’s Environmental Youth Award and apply by Monday, January 15, 2024.
National Institutes for Health Youth Art Challenge
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 U.S. 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
One Water Art Contest
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is joining regional water utilities to host its annual art contest with the theme of protecting our source water. Local student artists in grades 9-12 can submit their art or short video which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources. The submission deadline is Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Learn more about the One Water Art Contest for high school students and submit your entry.
Fairfax County Public Library
Winter Reading Adventure
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, book discussions, and an event with Newberry Award winner Amina Luqman Dawson, December 9.
Herndon LibraryFriday Arts & Crafts Day
Explore and create arts & crafts projects Every Friday 3 pm-5 pm at Maker Lab @ Herndon Library (768 Center St., Herndon) The event is open to school-age children, teens, and adults. Learn more here.
Library of Things- Lending Beyond Books
Did you know the library has more than reading materials to lend? The Library of Things (LoT) is a collection of items for loan that expands the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials. A Library of Things fits into the concept of the “sharing economy.” It allows library customers hands-on experience with a variety of items or maybe to try something out to decide if it is something they want to own for themselves. Read more about what is available to borrow.
You can borrow artwork, Chromebooks, nature backpacks, and more like:
- The Conserve kit was developed as part of the Year of Literacy initiative covering environmental literacy. The kit provides some tools and consumable items that help borrower's better seal the "envelope" of their home and understand more about how various appliances and devices use energy. Learn more here.
Vote Oakton Marching Cougars for Metallica's Fan Favorite
Oakton High School Marching Cougars have entered their fall marching band show into the Metallica Marching Band Competition! To see the video submission click here and vote by texting #HSOAKTON to 833-609-0330! Voting ends on December 31, 2023 at 11:59pm PST. Oakton is the only FCPS high school band in this competition.
Light Up McLean Holiday House Decorating Contest
The Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Contest is your opportunity to show off your home in all its holiday splendor! Think your holiday decorations are the best? Enter the competition and prove it! Your McLean neighbors will vote. Runs December 18-January 2. Register here.
2024 First Hike Photo Contest
The FC Park Authority and the FC Park Foundation are gearing up for another fantastic First Hike Photo Contest set for New Year’s Day 2024. Learn more about this contest. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. It’s easy to participate.
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Step 1: Take a stroll through any of the Park Authority’s 420 parks or along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
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Step 2: Take a fantastic photo.
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Step 3: Submit your best photo online by noon on Tuesday, Jan. 2, for the chance of winning amazing Park Authority prizes.
FCPS Hall of Fame Nominations Welcome
If you know an FCPS alum who has made significant contributions to their chosen field and/or our local, national, or global community, help us celebrate them. Educate Fairfax, the 501c3 foundation connected to FCPS, believes our alumni are something special and they are excited to share their stories. Over the past two years, we've recognized leaders from the realms of business, education, community service, entertainment, military, sports, and government.
We are accepting nominations for the Spring 2024 class of inductees. Nominations close January 12, 2024! Learn more about the FCPS Hall of Fame and submit a nomination here.
Science and Engineering Fair Sponsors and Judges Needed
Each year, businesses and organizations provide support for the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair by sponsoring awards and serving as judges. Your dedication and support for the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair is necessary, and appreciated. More importantly, judging is a lot of fun and quite a learning experience. Judging for this year’s fair will be in-person on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA.
More information about the Science and Engineering Fair, including the form to register your organization, can be found under the “Special Awards from Organizations” section on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/sciencefair
Contact Brian Schwenk, FCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair Special Awards Coordinator at bnschwenk@fcps.edu or 703-658-3696.
Inclusive Schools Week, December 5-9
Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. The week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
Chanukah
Chanukah, an eight-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 eight days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be an evening-only observation day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids.
Celebrate Hanukkah this weekend with festivities throughout the county. Enjoy menorah-lighting ceremonies, Hanukkah songs, crafts, traditional foods, and more. Check out Visit Fairfax's roundup of Hanukkah celebrations. Here is a listing of some Chanukah events in Fairfax County
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Bodhi Day
Happy Bodhi Day to those in our community who celebrate! This year's Bodhi Day artwork was created by Longfellow Middle School student Mina L. who is also a former Haycock student!
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 Bodhi Day as a religious observation day. Learn more about Bodhi Day in this video from the Miami Children’s Museum.
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Human Rights Day
December 10 is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document highlights the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Click to learn more about Human Rights Day.
McLean HS Highlander Holiday Bazaar- Dec. 9
Come out for the McLean High School Highlander Holiday Bazaar tomorrow, Dec. 9, 10am-3pm. Let the MHS Orchestra serenade your shopping experience with more than 100 vendors - there will be something for everyone on your list!! Be sure to grab something to eat with special bites from the Bayou Bakery, baked goods and beverages to keep you fueled while you visit all of the craftspeople in the gym and cafeteria.
Benefitting FC SEPTA and Raising Autism Awareness
Come on out for a fun night filled with music, fun, and holiday joy and help support SEPTA at the same time! SPUR, along with student and guest performers, will be performing holiday favorites throughout the event and there will be raffle items up for grabs as well! Learn more here.
- SPUR & Friends Jingle Jangle Ball- Saturday, Dec. 9 starting at 2pm
- Brittany's Restaurant (12449 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge, VA)
Alden Theatre Upcoming Events
Events are at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean). Click the links to learn more:
Virtual Math Week: January 8-12, 2024
Save the date for the FCPS Virtual Math Week as we enjoy games and stories that delight all ages, and work toward our goal of 1 million minutes! This is a free experience designed to make math fun for the whole family.
2024 Gap Year Fair- January 30, 2024
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.
FCPS Cares
Recognizing employees who go above and beyond
Do you know a FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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