Dear Families of Mount Vernon,
This is the last newsletter that I will share with you as the elected school board member representing the Mount Vernon Magisterial District. Serving you has been the greatest honor of my life. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the number of people and organizations that have reached out to me in appreciation. Thank you!
Together we have cheered our students on at sporting events, in the performing arts, and at important ceremonies celebrating their successes such as honor rolls, commencements, and board recognitions. Thank you for partnering with me and the school system. It is only with our partnership with parents that we can achieve what is best for our children.
I continue to believe that the FCPS promise must be to meet every child where they are and ensure that they are able to reach their potential in the classroom, on the sports fields and in the community with the supports necessary for their success. We are blessed here in Mount Vernon to have school populations that represent countries around the globe and speak a multitude of languages at home. In our classrooms these students collaborate, innovate, and excel. Upon graduation, our students go on to serve our country in the work force, in the military, in our police and fire departments, in our classrooms, and in a wide range of other careers. Our graduates on average receive almost $15 million/year in scholarships. Thank you for entrusting your children’s education to us.
During my tenure we achieved a lot together. All our schools are fully accredited in Mount Vernon and 99% in the county vs. 92% when I entered office. The number of national merit scholars and commended scholars has increased (264 in 2023 vs. 213 in 2016). The average SAT is higher than it was 8 years ago (1181 vs 1130). We have been able to expand opportunities for our students with more career and technical education, dual enrollment, and advanced academic courses. Investments in early childhood education are also underway. Please read the report (https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CYFLZM560B60/$file/Goal%201%20baseline%20report%202023%20final%20-%20UPDATED.pdf) that was presented at a work session this week.
FCPS migration to the science of reading for literacy was launched two years ago before the statewide initiative. We have increased access to opportunities for our exceptional students with disabilities, eliminated restraint and seclusion practices, and published the twice exceptional handbook for our families. We have also been able to expand our curriculum to address concerns about gun safety, by-stander awareness and intervention, and substance abuse and opioids.
We have increased transparency and accountability by strengthening the role of the auditor general, increasing oversight of procurement, and linked the budgeting process to the strategic plan.
Working with the board of supervisors we have been able to work together to address environmental sustainability through the JET, improve our safety and security practices with modifications to the SRO Memorandum of Understanding and investments in infrastructure removing trailers in Mount Vernon schools through the capital improvement plan and bond investments. The Capital Improvement Plan adopted by the School Board and integrated into the County Plan has been expanded to include more details and transparency. I have the commitment from the Superintendent that future plans will include a section on safety and security enhancements. FCPS has increased investments in security cameras and security vestibules. Additional authorizations should be approved with the quarterly budget review tonight.
Student and School Safety
Student safety and security is a priority for the Superintendent and my colleagues. I was glad to participate in a community meeting with the Superintendent, Supervisor Storck and Board Member Derenak Kaufax this past Monday. The Superintendent will be sending out a communication to the community about her follow-up to the important issues raised around student discipline in our schools.
The Fairfax County Youth Survey
The increased investments in student mental health and behaviors are showing results. At the December 4 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented findings of the Fairfax County Youth Survey during Academic Matters. The survey provides insights into the behaviors and attitudes that affect the health and well-being of Fairfax County youth. Overall, the percentage of students who reported risky behaviors continued to decrease in many areas including substance use, sexual activity, and aggressive and delinquent behavior. Most Fairfax County students reported they feel safe at their school. Mental health indicators including feelings of sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideations, and suicide attempts also improved noticeably compared to 2021. Students who reported the recommended amount of physical activity increased compared to the prior year as well. Read more about the report’s findings, and view the full report on the county’s website. Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, 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 your child into this service.
Attendance Matters
Student attendance continue to be a challenge for our schools. We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. We know that every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. FCPS is working with parents, faculty, and students to improve our attendance culture.
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 lend a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need attendance support, please reach out to your school’s social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
Keep Learning Over Winter Break and/or Snow Closures with Tutor.com
If your child needs help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. Diagnostic quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor. 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.
Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather. Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Your New School Board Member
Your new school board member for the Mont Vernon District is Mateo Dunne. Mateo has been active in the community for over 20 years. He has been involved in local PTAs, initiatives to achieve full funding for our schools, and supporting the arts, after school programming and foreign language. I know that Mateo looks forward to partnering with each of you on behalf of all of Mount Vernon’s children going forward.
All the best, and warm wishes for a joy filled holiday season and a wonderful new year. Again, thank you for entrusting and partnering with me to represent you over the past 8 years.
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
|
