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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Spring break! 🌷 This was much-needed time for my family to disconnect from some of the pressures of the school day, share in each other's company and enjoy the outdoors!
March was an eventful month with lots going on. Sully District students continue to participate and thrive in the areas of academics, sports, music, theater, innovation and community service. Our rich, high quality FCPS programs lead to heightened student engagement along with successful student outcomes.
At our March 21st Regular Meeting, the School Board voted to approve FY 2024 Third Quarter Budget. We also voted to approve the Educational Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) proposed plan design changes as detailed in the agenda item and to approve a follow-on motion stating that if the funds for this program do not remain in the budget, the board will prioritize the funds for the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) program at year end.
During the March 19th Work session, we discussed important yearly revisions to the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook which all students and parents receive at the beginning of every year as well as Strategic Plan Goal 5 Baseline Report: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. FCPS' new strategic plan was adopted in June 2023 (Strategic Plan 2023-30) and presents our vision and goals as a leading public school division that is committed to delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity in education.
The School Board is also continuing it's critical work on the FY25 Budget. Our annual budget process includes several opportunities for you to give feedback and I encourage you to share your thoughts at the Fairfax County Public Hearings, the FCPS Budget Public Hearing, and with our Virginia delegates. You can view more details in this newsletter below at Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction.
Inside this newsletter:
Finally, THANK YOU for your ongoing support. I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. I am so proud of our students, teachers and staff and I look forward to a strong fourth quarter!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District Happenings
2024 Peace Awards - Student Changemakers!
Congratulations to all the proud recipients of the 2024 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County! The amazing Sully District student recipients and their projects are highlighted below:
1. Level the Field team from Centreville High School, for their work to empower underserved students with encouragement, tutoring, and mentoring.
2. Ria Jakhete from Chantilly High School, for her work on animal welfare and advocacy for adopting animals from local animal shelters, as well as raising money for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
3. Mountain View Mirror, school newspaper team at Mountain View Alternative High School, for their school online newspaper. In ten years, it has published nearly 3000 articles. The paper’s motto is, “Real People, Real Stories, Real Life.” Articles cover a wide range of topics including immigration, teen parenting, mental health, and community gardening.
4. Namaste team from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Every year, TJ’s Namaste Club sponsors and organizes International Night or iNite, a large multi-cultural show, one of the largest events of the school year that involves anywhere from 500 to 700 students. For each of the past four years, Namaste has donated $4,000-5,000 from the iNite ticket sales to charities such as Action Aid, International Rescue Committee, and other global peace and justice-promoting non-profits.
5. Westfield Student Ambassadors from Westfield High School (Virginia). This program provides avenues for peace and friendship among a diverse population who might otherwise find it difficult to connect and feel included. Their efforts have been effective helping new students, often immigrants, integrate into the school community.
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County began in 2006 to encourage everyone to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. #givepeaceachance
Chantilly Pyramid Art Show is April 5th 6 - 8 pm!
Come join us and take a look at the marvelous artwork created by our hardworking art students this year. Chantilly Pyramid Art Show, April 5 6:00-8:00 PM at Chantilly High School.
This event is always a crowd-pleaser. Not only do you get to see amazing art representing all nine schools in the Chantilly Pyramid, but there are also fun activities for all ages and food trucks.
We have 4 delicious food trucks coming and tons of fun activities! Bring your friends and family for a night of art and community spirit!
We hope to see you there!
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Congrats to all the 2024 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Participants!
 2024 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Award Recipients!
The 69th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased more than 300 high school science projects. Roughly 400 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 150 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses. The Grand Prize winners are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in April. Nine FCPS projects received Grand Prize awards!
Congratulations to all who participated for their hard work. Thank you also to all the staff who worked so hard to prepare our young scientists for this event. The Grand Prize Finalists will travel to Los Angeles in May to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair — Go Team FCPS!!
Full article here.
#STEMweek is April 6-14; Celebrate STEM with Hands-on Fun Events!
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Exploratorium's Choose Your Eclipse Adventure
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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible along a thin line arcing through Mexico to Texas to Maine. Even if you’re not in the path of the actual eclipse, we have several ways for you to experience this awe-inspiring event. Visit our eclipse website for classroom activities, science videos, cultural explorations, and more, and be sure to tune in to our livestream on April 8, in partnership with NASA. Visit this Exploratorium webpage to learn more.
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Volunteers Needed: Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC)
Are you interested in serving as our Sully District representative on the FPAC committee? Please see details below. Thank you!
Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC): FCPS encourages individuals with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, land use planning, development, demographics, government operations, and financing to apply. FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities needs, such as creative financing and construction strategies, scope of renovations, and school closures and new schools.
The link to the news article is here and the application link is here. The deadline to submit your application is April 10th, 2024.
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New Literacy Materials Approved for Grades K-6
At the May 7th Regular meeting, the School Board approved the adoption of a new literacy program for FCPS students in grades K-6, called "Benchmark Advanced". These materials will begin to be used in the next school year – beginning Fall 2024.
This literacy program does several things:
- Ensures that all students in K through 6 are instructed via the “science of reading” approach, which is proven to be the strongest approach to ensure literacy mastery.
- Aligns literacy instruction across the entire school division, for teaching strategies and thematic content.
- The content is designed to build knowledge, vocabulary, and perspectives via thematic units across grade bands.
- Meets the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act.
- Adjustments can be made to best instruct our Students with Disabilities and our English Language Learners.
Learn more about the process and selection of Benchmark by watching this presentation from FCPS' Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services.
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Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
At the March 7th School Board meeting, Superintendent Reid presented information on literacy development for our multilingual learners. At FCPS, about one in five of our students are eligible for English language services and 89% of our teachers work with multilingual learners.
 During Academic Matters at the March 21 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared how FCPS is strengthening numeracy — the ability to apply math concepts in the real world — in primary grades.
 FCPS Primary Students Apply Math to Real World Concepts
FCPS has been investing in professional development through Add+Vantage Math Recovery © (AVMR), and teachers are using a scripted intervention curriculum to support numeracy instruction.
See students demonstrating their numeracy. Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation or view her slides.
Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction
 Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of our Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education.
Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.
For more details on our advertised budget, view FCPS budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book.
We are in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for community feedback. See the Budget Calendar for important dates and details.
April is National Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to every aspect of American society—in medicine, law, business, technology, civic engagement, government, and culture. From cryptography, to the artificial heart, to the iPod, here are a few examples of some of the major advancements by Arab Americans. Please also find included here, list of books for children, tweens, and teens to continue to recognize and celebrate Arab American Heritage Month in April. Please join me in celebrating the rich history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans in Sully District and beyond!
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National Muslim American Heritage Month
Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the rich history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. For ages, Muslim Americans have greatly contributed to every facet of American life, including in the fields of technology, science, music, art, athletics, education, business, government, medicine, and numerous others. Please join me as we celebrate this rich heritage and recognize the contributions of the diverse population of Muslim Americans in Sully District and beyond!
View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.
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Month of the Military Child - #PurpleUpFCPS!
Every year, we take an opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have more than 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and visit FCPS’ Military Families webpage. Get ideas for learning resources in this Month of the Military Child toolkit.
Purple Up! Day- April 17
Schools and community members are encouraged to wear purple as a visible gesture of their appreciation and support for military-connected youth. In addition to Purple Up! Day, FCPS school communities are coming together to honor their military-connected students in meaningful and creative ways. To learn more about MOMC activities, please contact your school.
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Middle School Start Times Community Forums
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided.
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.
FREE Summer STEM Camps in Chantilly and Arlington!
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is offering FREE summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Camps! Rising 6th – 12th grade students can explore, create, and innovate in a fun and engaging environment at their facilities in Arlington and Chantilly, Virginia.
Their STEM camps are designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork dynamics.
Here are the camps being offered this year:
1. StellarXplorers – A space system design camp where students focus on team problem-solving associated with sending objects to space.
2. Robotics Camp – Students will engage in coding and programming VEX Robots.
3. Drone Camp – A hands-on, technical application camp where students learn the basics of coding, programming, and flying drones.
4. Coding Camp – Students will engage in hands-on coding activities using block coding and Python programming languages.
Register your student for these STEM camps - spaces are limited!
Summer 2024 Emerging technologies Camps & Courses
Get ready to level up your tech skills this summer...registration for the Summer of Emerging Tech is officially OPEN!
Whether you want to explore machine learning algorithms or spearhead your own data science research project, we have virtual programs of all kinds for students grades 6-13 (+ educators too)!
Head to the link to our Summer Catalog to learn more about the different offerings and register. *Limited need-based scholarships are available. Programs will fill up fast, so secure your spot ASAP! This summer don’t just learn how to code… become a future leader in emerging tech.
The Coding School (TCS) is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit organization focused on preparing the next generation for the future of work through computer science training and workforce development.
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Edu-Futuro Emerging Leaders Program April 22 - May 25
Join our After School Emerging Leaders Program!. Improve your speaking and writing skills to access better opportunities in your education and professional future. Students apply here!
Join our emerging leaders program at school! Enhance your public speaking and writing skills to gain better access to opportunities in your education and future career. Students apply here!
Edu-Futuro is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower immigrant and underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, and workforce development.
STEM and Aviation Programs for Students!
Interested in learning more about aviation or STEM careers? STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization that combines STEM content with a free flight experience for middle and high school students. We pair students with Pilot Mentors to receive a flight experience, learn about STEM careers, and connect with local aviation enthusiasts. Students submit the STEM Flights application along with a letter of recommendation and choose a STEM Mission of choice to complete before they fly with their pilot mentor. Student applications are accepted year-round and flights take place all throughout the year (weather dependent).
Our mission is to create positive experiences in aviation and inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation career pathways. If you know a 6th-12th grade student who is interested in the world of STEM or aviation, encourage them to apply today! To learn more, please visit our website or reach out to stemedu@stemflights.org for additional information. We hope to fly with you soon! Students apply here!
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FCPS Summer Camp Offerings
Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:
Find session dates, registration links, and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
Free Teens in Action Summer Camps
The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers affordable, engaging, and healthy recreation programs for students aged 12-18 when schools are closed. Teens in Action youth participate in team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (science, engineering, and math) programming, service projects, field trips, and more. Admission for camp is free. The Summer Camp takes place Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and is separated by age group. Rising 9-12 graders attend camp from June 17- August 16, 2024, and rising 7th and 8th graders attend June 17-28, 2024, and August 2-16, 2024. Find more information and register on the Teens in Action web page.
April Watershed Cleanups
Help keep trash and debris out of waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay! Join The Nature Conservancy and the Fairfax County Park Authority for a watershed cleanup. These spring cleanup events will remove tires, plastic bottles, cans and other debris from local waterways, preventing trash from reaching the nation's largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. Volunteer opportunities are available across several Fairfax County park locations with cleanup dates throughout the month of April. Find a watershed cleanup opportunity near you.
Visit FCPS' Get2Green for additional resources and opportunities to engage in environmental stewardship projects at your school, incorporate sustainability in the classroom, find your school's energy and recycling data, and learn more about green initiatives in FCPS.
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 - April 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 upcoming discussions below by clicking on the title:
1. Creando una relación con mi hijo donde se sienta seguro y protegido (Creating a Relationship with my Child Where they Feel Safe and Protected)
El propósito de estos seminarios web es apoyar y capacitar a los padres para que establezcan relaciones sanas y seguras con sus hijos (*apego) respondiendo de manera positiva y efectiva a las necesidades de sus hijos.
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Presenter: Northern Virginia Family Service
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Date: 5 de abril
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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
2. Supporting the Learning and Recreational Needs of 2e Learners During the Summer
Learn about how summer can be a time for twice exceptional students to encourage the love of learning, develop talent, socialize, and reflect. Find out about inclusive summer camps both in our local community and nationally that serve students of all abilities.
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Presenter: Dr. Nonye Oladimeji, FCPS Educational Specialist for AAP twice exceptional (2e) children
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Date: April 12, 2024 Add to your Calendar
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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
3. Mathspace Mastery: Elevate Independent Learning and SOL Prep
*For Current Middle and High School
Join us to see how Mathspace fosters independent learning at every grade level! This informative session will highlight how your student can use Mathspace to independently tackle math challenges, perfectly aligned with their grade-level course. We will demonstrate how to use this tool to prepare for the Math SOL assessment. Don't miss this chance to boost your students' self-driven learning adventure!
Additionally, a new SOL task template will be auto-assigned, this year, to students for optional practice/study.
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Presenter: Rhonda Davis, Mathspace, Head of Customer Success, North America and Jonathan Templin, Mathspace, Head of Sales, North America.
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Date: April 16, 2024 Add to Your Calendar
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Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
4. Meet the Author Series: Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick
Does your child exhibit giftedness and behavioral issues like meltdowns, power struggles, and difficulty relating to peers? Are they out-of-the-box thinkers requiring different teaching and learning methods? Does your child exhibit giftedness and behavioral issues like meltdowns, power struggles, and difficulty relating to their peers? Are they out-of-the-box thinkers requiring different teaching and learning methods?
Join us for a discussion with author Julie Skolnick about her innovative and timely book for families of twice-exceptional children.
5. NOVA 2024 VISION
FCPS and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), are offering an opportunity for students with disabilities interested in attending NOVA to learn about available options. The orientation will include presentations from Accommodations and Accessibility Services and Counseling Services, a mock NOVA classroom experience for students, and a NOVA student panel with Q&A session.
- April 17, 2024, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Annandale Campus
- Click here to register.
6. Behavior Solution Series: Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication
We will equip you with strategies for navigating the teen years. Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
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Presenter: FCPS Behavior Intervention Services
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Date: April 19, 2024 Add to Your Calendar
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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
7. Counseling Services in Virginia for Mental Health and Substance Abuse: How to Get the Help You Desire
Are you starting or continuing to look for mental health and substance abuse services for your child?
Join a private practice therapist and FCPS’s Senior Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist to help attendees understand how to locate and become involved with mental health treatment services in VA.
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Presenter: FCPS Sr. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
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Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Add to Your Calendar
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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
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Format: Virtual
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: Active April
Let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.
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
- Thursday, April 11, 7 pm: Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, April 16, 10:30 am: Forum + Work Session
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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