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The Dunne Dispatch (Report Card Edition) - 04/26/2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As FCPS Earth Week wraps up this weekend, I thank students and staff who participated in special activities throughout the week to promote environmental stewardship in our schools and global community. Through recycling, energy conservation, minimizing food waste, or protection of natural resources and wildlife, we all have an important role in protecting the environment year-round.
In addition to celebrating Earth Week, I would also like to recognize and honor the rich diversity of people and cultures in Fairfax County.
- Chag Sameach to all in our community who celebrated Passover this week.
- A happy and peaceful New Year to those who celebrated Theravada New Year, the time of year when Buddhists reflect on the past year, make resolutions for the coming one, and perform special ceremonies.
- As April winds down, we continue to honor the Month of the Military Child. Check out how several Mount Vernon District schools celebrated our military-connected students, particularly on Purple Up Day on April 17.
Recent conversations about K-12 students and the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.)-powered chatbots have focused on preventing student cheating and plagiarism. Unfortunately, a more disturbing phenomenon involving A.I.-generated software is now happening in schools and communities across the country. There have been several cases of students using A.I. software to create fake nude pictures of their peers. According to the New York Times, students use widely available nudification apps to transform pictures of their classmates fully clothed into nude or sexually explicit pictures. These altered images are called “deepfakes” or “deepnudes.” When these fake photos are shared in lunchrooms, passed around on school buses, or are posted on social media, it is devastating to victims, causing extreme humiliation and harm to their mental health, and reputations.
I urge parents/families to talk to their children immediately. Deepfakes are not only inappropriate, they may also be illegal. Help them realize that what may appear to be a harmless joke or prank could have a serious, devastating impact on the victim as well as those involved in creating or sharing these images. This is cyber bullying at its worst and it will not be tolerated in FCPS schools or our community. Those who create the photos as well as those who share or repost these images may be subject to consequences at school and perhaps in the formal legal system too. I also urge parents/families to stay vigilant about their students’ social media usage–what they post as well as what they receive/view from others. If you see something, say something to your school principal or counselors. Let’s all do our part to support FCPS’s Culture of Caring.
The Dunne Dispatch alternates between a bi-weekly calendar of events and bi-weekly report on School Board updates, student accomplishments, and school celebrations. Below is an update on my recent FCPS work, student success stories and school recognitions. Contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments. I read all correspondence received and make every effort to respond to each within three business days.
Very respectfully,
 Inside this issue:
School Board Update and Progress Report
In the Community
- I visited Lorton Station ES on April 17 to join U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, Supervisor Dan Storck, and FCPS leaders to announce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding Fairfax County Public Schools $16.5 million to purchase 42 electric school buses. This investment–along with local dollars FCPS will use to purchase three additional buses–makes it possible to increase our fleet of electric buses to 73.
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- I attended several art exhibitions and performances at schools across the district, including the Waynewood ES Spring Strings Concert on April 17 as well as the Mount Vernon Pyramid Art Show and the Hayfield Pyramid Art Show on April 18. On April 20, I participated in Mount Vernon HS’s Music Marathon where I was honored to serve as a Golden Baton Conductor, leading the MVHS musicians in The Star Wars Theme (and by the request of the organizers, I wore an appropriate costume). Special thanks to Mount Vernon HS Performing Arts Department Chair and Orchestra Conductor Alberto Rodriguez for the invitation and for the conducting lesson. What an experience!
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On the Board
- I advocated for FCPS to ensure accurate translations for assessments used to determine whether ESOL students require special education services. FCPS is increasing its reliance on Google Translate, which is highly accurate for European languages but less accurate for non-European languages.
- I advocated for full implementation of the recommendations in the AIR Special Education Audit to ensure every child receives a world-class education. FCPS has published a plan to implement some of the recommendations, but it is somewhat unclear which recommendations are being implemented (and which are not). I requested FCPS to clarify which recommendations are being implemented. In addition, I advocated for consistent policies, procedures, and paperwork to ensure a clear and efficient process by which educators can partner with families to ensure students receive appropriate support in a timely manner.
- I inquired whether Equitable Access to Literacy Plan interventions and supports currently provided to elementary students could be made available to middle and high school students who are reading below grade level.
- I chaired the April meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC), which discussed how to expedite the transition to modern procurement methodologies to accelerate school renovations and reduce costs. CPDC also discussed the establishment of a facilities planning framework to ensure the alignment of disparate efforts on school boundaries, school renovations, and infrastructure upgrades.
Working for You
- I advocated for FCPS to provide daily bus transportation from Mount Vernon Square Apartments to Hollin Meadows ES for approximately 250 children who currently walk to school in an area with increasing crime on a pathway that is not maintained by the county or the state. The safety of our children is paramount, and I will continue to advocate until FCPS meets the needs of our community.
- I took immediate action after learning that a significant number of the lights at the South County HS stadium/track needed to be replaced. Many thanks to the Department of Facilities for its quick action. The issue was resolved within just a few days of receiving the complaint, with the exception of a corner light occupied by a bird’s nest that is protected by international treaty. The nest will be removed only if it is determined to be lawful.
- I worked with the FCPS Facilities Department to ensure the tennis court windscreens at Sandburg MS were replaced after receiving complaints from concerned residents.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Work Session: Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report
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May 9 at 7 p.m. Regular Meeting: Student Rights & Responsibilities
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May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing: Budget
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May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing: Budget (if needed)
Please note that times and topics are subject to change. Watch School Board Work Sessions and Regular Meetings via the FCPS website or on FCPS Cable Channel 99 or FCPS en Español YouTube channel. Sign up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings.
Celebrate Mount Vernon District Students
Hayfield Pyramid
- Congratulations to several Hayfield HS student-athletes for another successful week of performance and competitions! The Hayfield Boys Lacrosse Team remains undefeated with a big win over TJ. Hayfield Girls Soccer remains undefeated after beating Annandale this week. Hayfield Softball remains undefeated in the district with a big win over Justice. Hayfield Boys and Girls Tennis both remain in 2nd place in the district.
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Lorton Station ES student Liwam spoke before several VIP guests including US Representative Gerry Connolly, EPA Administrator Adam Ortiz, Mount Vernon Supervisor, and several members of the School Board about the importance of clean air and EV buses. In this picture, she is being interviewed by local radio station WAMU 88.5. Congratulations to Liwam for being a wonderful spokesperson and ambassador!
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Mount Vernon Pyramid
- Congratulations to Mount Vernon HS student Phillip Ha for earning 2nd place at the Virginia State Fair! Extra congratulations for also receiving a Regional Monterey Award from the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association!
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West Potomac Pyramid
- Congratulations to the Waynewood ES for hosting their Strings Concert on April 17! It was my pleasure to attend the concert along with Superintendent Michelle Reid and Region 3 Executive Principal Ingrid Bynum. Watch this video of one of my favorite moments.
- Congratulations to Hollin Meadows ES 4th Grade students who shared their projects during a recent grade level wide exhibition as the culmination of a research unit!
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Edison Pyramid
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Edison HS National Honor Society Induction. Last week, Edison HS inducted its newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS). Congratulations to these students for their academic accomplishments!
South County Pyramid
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Laurel Hill ES Top 10 Finalist in National Contest. Thanks to the creativity and leadership of Laurel Hills ES Physical Education teachers, the school is now a Top 10 Finalist in a national contest to win a visit from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. Check out this fun Court of Creativity video featuring Laurel Hill ES students and educators. Stay tuned for the contest results soon.
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South County HS enjoyed a thrilling student vs. faculty volleyball game that had the entire audience cheering (and maybe sweating a little too). Kudos to Mrs. Sam Tolan for orchestrating a game that not only entertained but also united the school community.
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- Congratulations to Newington Forest ES 4th-6th grade strings students who participated in the Solo and Ensemble Festival at Poe Middle School. All performers scored the highest scores possible! The Newington Forest Chorus delivered a magnificent performance on Wednesday. Their talent and dedication were truly impressive.
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Lewis Pyramid
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Key Center Garden Expanding. Great things are happening in Key Center’s garden area. Thanks to a generous grant from FCPS Get2Green, Key Center is expanding and upgrading its garden area. New raised garden beds were recently added and are now being prepared for planting. Students have been enjoying moving wood from the wood pile to the garden beds. If you have wood, branches, or grass clippings, you would like to donate to Key Center, please contact Beth Curtis at becurtis@fcps.edu.
- Congratulations to Key Center MS theater students who were selected to perform at the Gatehouse Cafe. Students provided a sneak preview of their spring production of Disney’s Descendants the Musical, which will be performed on May 24-25.
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Support the Fine and Performing Arts at Mount Vernon Schools
Mount Vernon HS Theatre Arts Presents The Addams Family, April 25-27
West Potomac HS Band Car Wash, April 28. If your car is a lovely pollen shade of green, come to the West Potomac Band's Car Wash on April 28, starting at 1pm, at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Students will be ready with suds and towels to return your car to return it to its original color. Donations of any amount are welcome!
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Newington Forest ES Presents Big Blue Marble, April 29, 7:00 p.m.
South County HS Theatre Arts Presents Singin’ in the Rain, May 2-10
Support Mount Vernon District Sports and Athletics
Hayfield Athletics April 25 - 27
South County Boys Lacrosse Invitational, April 27
Lewis HS Soccer Pyramid, April 26, 7:15 p.m.
Celebrate Mount Vernon District Staff and Schools
Edison Pyramid
- During the FCPS Approaches to Learning Presentations of Learning Conference, Twain MS’s very own Ms. Goetz (Chinese Teacher) and Ms. Ramacci (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher & IB Coordinator) shared Twain’s journey supporting FCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program. You can learn more about FCPS Portrait of a Graduate and the Twain IB Middle Years Program
Mount Vernon Pyramid
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Community Recognition for Fort Belvoir Elementary School. Congratulations to Fort Belvoir Primary and Upper ES (FBES) for being recognized by the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. The schools were recognized for dedication that extends beyond academic excellence and for prioritizing the holistic well-being of the school community. Each month, FBES organizes a free food market, ensuring families have access to essential resources. FBES collaborates with local partners to address clothing needs by supplying coats and hats to students in need. FBES also hosts a toy drive to spread joy and support to students during the winter holiday season. Congratulations to FBES for being recognized for being grounded in kindness and serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all who enter its doors.
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Mount Vernon District School Activities and Announcements
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Fort Belvoir ES Food Market, April 26, 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fort Belvoir ES and the Capital Area Food Bank invites all FBES families and Fort Belvoir Homeschoolers to participate in this monthly Food Market. No charge. For more information, contact delliott@fcps.edu, dyidlet@fcps.edu, or chdiaz@fcps.edu.
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Mount Eagle ES Earth Day, April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join this annual tradition! Help plant and weed in Mount Eagle ES's gardens. Enjoy crafts. Bring your tools, family, and friends. Food for sale, including Captain Cookie. Location: 6116 N. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA.
Save the Date: Kindergarten Orientations and 2024 Graduation Dates
Mount Vernon District Elementary School Kindergarten Orientations
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Fort Belvoir Primary School, May 3, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Hollin Meadows ES, May 3, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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Mount Vernon District 2024 Graduation Dates. It is not too soon to mark your calendars for our spring 2024 graduation ceremonies. See below for a listing of graduation dates for Mount Vernon District schools.
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Bryant High School & AIM: Wednesday, June 5, 4 p.m., Bryant High School
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Edison High School: Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
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Hayfield Secondary School: Monday, June 10, 9:30 a.m., Eagle Bank Arena
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Lewis High School: Monday, June 3, 7:30 p.m., Eagle Bank Arena
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Mount Vernon High School: Tuesday, June 4, 9:30 a.m., Eagle Bank Arena
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Quander Road School: Thursday, May 30, 3:30 p.m., Quander Road School
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South County High School: Monday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena
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West Potomac High School: Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena
Visit the FCPS website for a complete list of Class of 2024 Graduations.
FCPS Events and Activities
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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? 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.
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Community Forums on Middle School Start Times. 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. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
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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
A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon. While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
Community Announcements and Activities
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Supervisor Dan Storck’s 6thAnnual Environment Expo, Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), April 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come celebrate green living with Supervisor Stork's 6th Annual Environment Expo on Saturday, April 27th! This eco-conscious event will be held from 11:00 to 3 pm at Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A in Alexandria. Enjoy live music, delicious food, wildlife showcases, electric vehicle demos, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Explore face painting, scavenger hunts, touch-a-truck, and solar cooking demonstrations. Engage with exhibitors, win giveaways, and best of all, it's free! See attached flyer for details.
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Drug Take Back Day, April 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, April 27th. Check online for more information and for locations for drop off unused or expired medications.
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NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families, April 30, 7:00 p.m. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering virtual information and application sessions. Information sessions will provide an overview of NOVA and the opportunities, services, and resources designed to connect high school seniors to the NOVA Nighthawk Community. A virtual application workshop will be held Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. Sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu or call 703-323-3000.
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The United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Admissions Event (HS), May 1, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) invite you to attend our joint admissions event on May 1st from 7-9pm at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA! Please RSVP via this link: https://slate.to/XEvxj2QE Meet an Admissions Officer and learn about: USMA & USNA; Life as a Cadet & Midshipman; Our Admissions Process; Amazing academic & leadership opportunities offered; and much more!
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United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Youth Program. The United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Youth Program caters to students grades 6-12 by offering a variety of affordable activities, trips, and programs to enrich the experiences and connections of our military-connected youth. Programs range from leadership and workforce preparation opportunities to life skills and fitness programs. Within the Fort Belvoir Youth Program, the Youth Center opens after school and provides access to a diverse range of facilities including a gym, game room, art room, and dance studio. The free Middle School Teen program offers a homework lab, computer lab, open recreation, and special interest activities. The Youth Center offers a teen lounge for high school students to watch movies, play games, or just hang out. To take advantage of the Youth Center and all it has to offer, attendees must register through Child and Youth Services Parent Central Services. For more information, visit the Fort Belvoir Youth Center. To connect with FCPS resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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Military Child Education Coalition Call for the Arts: Entries due April 30. The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) invites military-connected children to showcase their experiences, dreams, and challenges through art. The MCEC Call for the Arts program provides military-connected students a platform to explain what being a military-connected child means to them through any medium such as writing, painting, and performance. Winners will receive an invitation to the MCEC Global Summit in Washington, DC, from July 29-31, 2024, along with an Amazon gift card and recognition on MCEC’s social media and website! The MCEC Call for the Arts is open to students in grades K-12. All entries and release forms must be received by April 30, 2024. For more information and to download the entry and release form, please visit MCEC The Call for the Arts.
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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.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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