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Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Spring is definitely in the air. I am looking forward to spending more family time outdoors and enjoying our longer sunlit days!
THANK YOU to all the community members, parents/caregivers, students, principals and staff who participated in the Sully District Budget Town Hall yesterday with Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith! I am grateful for your input and thoughtful comments.
At our Feb 22nd Regular Meeting, the School Board adopted the FY2025 Advertised Budget which prioritizes the school division’s most urgent needs, including providing employees with competitive compensation. FCPS is the largest school division in Virginia, but when compared to neighboring school districts, we are near the bottom in pay for teachers, a profession with a shrinking pool of applicants.
Fairfax County is also changing and FCPS needs to adapt. A growing and increasingly diverse population requires more resources to support students eligible for Special Education services, Free and Reduced-price meals (FRM) and English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) services. High expectations for all students require high needs support!
We must also meet increased demand for preschool preparedness, intensive family engagement, increased technology, green school initiatives, and many other expectations for public education. Still, FCPS remains in the middle of all districts in the Washington area for cost per pupil spending.
Meeting our budget needs becomes more of a challenge with historic underfunding by the State of Virginia, that continue to result in school districts not receiving the true support needed. In fact, Virginia provides less funding per student than many of our neighboring states including Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Learn more about the findings in the JLARC study: https://bit.ly/JLARC-Study.
I am grateful to the County Executive and the Board of Supervisors for their support and look forward to our continued collaboration during the budget process.
 Sully District Budget Town Hall at Rocky Run Middle School on Feb 29th.
Inside this newsletter:
March is #WomensHistoryMonth and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the wide-ranging, pivotal contributions of women and their impact to society. This year's theme "Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" recognizes women's advocacy as the source of societal changes that have expanded possibilities and moved history forward. I want to especially celebrate the women making modern history in our schools, including my colleagues in the School Board Office and on the FCPS Leadership team—approximately 75% of our nation’s teacher workforce is made up of women. I honor their passion, hard work and resilience. Please join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history with the many events being hosted by womenshistorymonth.gov.
I was also thrilled to recognize and congratulate the Fall 2023 Virginia High School League (VHSL) and Academic Teams at our February 22nd School Board meeting. Sully District teams that were recognized are below:
Centreville High School Esports League of Legends - VHSL Tournament Champion
Centreville High School Saxophone Choir - VMEA Selected Performing Ensemble Group
Chantilly High School Jazz Group - VMEA Selected Performing Ensemble Group
Centreville High School Symphony Orchestra - VMEA Selected Performing Ensemble Group
Katherine Johnson Middle School Bella Canzone - VMEA Selected Performing Ensemble Group
Thomas Jefferson High School Percussion Ensemble - VMEA Selected Performing Ensemble Group
Congratulations to all these teams!!
As always, I welcome your feedback, observations, suggestions, questions, and celebrations. I look forward to seeing you in our schools in the upcoming weeks. Enjoy this beautiful time of the year!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
School Visit to Chantilly High School!
 School Visit to Chantilly High School on February 28th!
It was so great to visit Chantilly High School on February 28th, 2024 with my colleague Sandy Anderson, School Board representative from the Springfield district! Thank you Principal Goodloe for being so welcoming and for the insights you and your staff shared with me to help inform my ongoing policy and budget work on the School Board. We very much enjoyed the tour of Chantilly Academy that allows our students to explore career pathways in medicine/nursing/physical therapy, auto-tech/auto-collision, cosmetology, veterinary science, cyber/engineering, teaching and more! And of course, the student artwork on display is always so impressive! #GoChargers
Sully District Happenings
First Amendment Press Freedom Awards - Chantilly High School's Tenth Consecutive Win!
Three Fairfax County public schools—Chantilly High School, McLean High School, and West Springfield High School—are among 28 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2024 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. This is the tenth consecutive award for Chantilly High, the seventh consecutive award for McLean High, and the second consecutive award for West Springfield High. Such an amazing achievement of journalistic excellence by our students at Chantilly High School. #GoChargers
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Women's History Month Event - The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County
Join us for a presentation from the University of Virginia on the status of women and girl in Fairfax County. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking with light refreshments after the event. The panel includes our very own Rida Karim who serves as the student board member on the Fairfax County School Board amongst other strong advocates for women and girls! Event will also be live streamed on Channel 16.
Gains, Gaps & Goals: The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County
Friday, March 22, 2024
2-5 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium
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Congrats to all our 2024 Regional Scholastic Art Awards winners!
The 2024 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students in grades 7-12 a total of 714 awards for outstanding artwork, including 176 Gold Key awards, 172 Silver Key awards, and 366 Honorable Mention awards. There are many, many Sully District students among the awardees. Congratulations to all of them!!
Among the five works by FCPS students that were nominated for the best-in-show American Visions Award is See You After School by Dayoon Lee from Westfield High School. Congratulations!!
Artworks were submitted and judged in categories including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, jewelry, fashion, film and animation, mixed media, and art portfolios. A complete list of FCPS winners can be found here.
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Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
 During the February 22nd Regular meeting, in the Academic Matters segment, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid addressed how STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and computer science are building the foundation for our students’ future careers. Access to STEAM and computer science is part of Goal 4 in the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. View the presentation slides or watch the presentation
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair - You're Invited!
 Members of the general public are invited to attend the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.
New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed a regulation to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. Regulation 1502 provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are designated areas within a school or on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact their student’s school regarding accommodations. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
Westfield High School Peer Mentor Program Builds Relationships
 Each day, students from Westfield High School’s Peer Mentor class travel to a different feeder elementary school — Deer Park, London Towne, Virginia Run, Cub Run, and Bull Run — to bond with young mentees. The highly sought-after class at Westfield encourages connections that help build confidence, improve communication and interpersonal skills, and promote positive decision-making. Read about how Westfield students are making an impact on their younger peers. So proud of our students! #GoBulldogs
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.
Girls Who Code Free Virtual Summer Programs
Ready to shape your future and join an empowering sisterhood? Become a coder this summer with Girls Who Code @girlswhocode!
Girls Who Code’s free virtual Summer Programs empower you to build skills, community, and a professional network for your future, in the ways that work best for you. Choose your adventure with two free programs:
1. Curious to create your own computer games? In the two-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP), you’ll learn how to design your own games using p5.js, a JavaScript library for creative coding. Join classmates and a dedicated Teaching Teams in live virtual classrooms hosted by industry-leading companies like MetLife, Bank of America, Logitech, and Synchrony. There are three rounds to fit your schedule: June 14 to June 28, July 8 to July 19, and July 29 to August 9. SIP is for current 9th-11th grade girls and non-binary students with beginner or intermediate coding experience, including program alums. Eligible students can even apply for a $300 SIP Student Grant and laptop and hot spot access!
2. Excited to explore the biggest topics in tech at your own pace? The six-week Self-Paced Program offers tracks in Web Development, Cybersecurity, and – new for 2024 – Data Science + AI! From July 1 to August 9, you get to decide how and when to build your coding skills, and you can always ask questions in the Discord server or optional Student Hours.The Self-Paced Program is for current 9th-12th grade girls and non-binary students with beginner to advanced coding experience, including program alums.
Apply by March 22, 2024. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to level up your coding skills, kickstart your future, tap into lifelong career support, and have fun along the way! Need help? Learn more with the program flyer, webinars, or FAQs, or email at summer@girlswhocode.com. #coding #girlswhocode
NVSWCD College Scholarship
NVSWCD is offering a $1,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors or college freshman pursuing a degree in natural resource conservation or a related field. NVSWCD’s Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship award winner will also be submitted to the VASWCD Educational Foundation committee for review and may be eligible to receive one of four $2,000 state-wide scholarships. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 1. Learn more and apply for the Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship.
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Sorensen Institute's 2024 HS Leaders Program
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is seeking civic-minded students from across Virginia to apply to the 2024 High School Leaders Program (HSLP). The HSLP curriculum covers the foundations of public policy and effective civic engagement, while connecting students with peers of different backgrounds and philosophies from around the state. Applications are due Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to apply and learn more about the HSLP.
Youth Conservation Camp for HS Students
Applications are now open for Youth Conservation Camp, held July 14-20 on the Virginia Tech campus. This one-week program will focus on forestry, soil, aquatics, and wildlife to teach high school students more about the natural world. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply and may receive a partial scholarship from NVSWCD. Applications are due Friday, April 26. Learn more about Youth Conservation Camp, including how to obtain an application and contact NVSWCD with questions.
NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The 2024 Conservation Poster Contest theme is "May the Forest Be With You, Always." This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year features a digital poster contest open to students in grade 7-12. The application deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024. Learn more about the 2024 Conservation Poster Contest and contact Ashley Palmer with questions.
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Family Resource Center - March 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. Register for the March discussions below:
Behavior Solution Series for Elementary and Secondary Families
Join FCPS Behavior Intervention Services Department staff to help families encourage positive communication and behavior at home.
Elementary Webinars
3/15 Taming Tantrums and More Add to Your Calendar
Secondary Webinars
4/19 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication Add to Your Calendar
5/31 Taming the Teenaged Brain Add to Your Calendar
Register for all or part of the Behavior Solution Series for Families
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/Caregivers
This month's theme: Mindful March
Let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.
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.
George Mason’s Center for Community Health
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, March 19, 10:30pm: Work Session
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Thursday, March 21, 7:00pm: 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.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
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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 my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
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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