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The Dunne Dispatch (Report Card Edition) - 05/17/2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Spring showers bring May flowers and School Board news!
At the system level, the School Board recently addressed one of the foremost challenges in public education today: cell phones, which are a source of constant distraction for students and constant irritation for teachers. The current policy isn’t working, so I won near-unanimous support for my motion to direct the Superintendent to develop multiple options to establish a consistent policy governing student access to and usage of cell phones in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Among the options will be a prohibition on student usage of cell phones during the school day, with appropriate exceptions for instructional activities and appropriate accommodations for students with IEPs, 504s, or medical conditions. The Superintendent will incorporate best practices and lessons learned from other school districts. In addition, the Superintendent will solicit community and stakeholder input before the options are presented to the School Board.
As a result of a different motion I sponsored in February, the School Board recently received a comprehensive 186-page report on the state of school infrastructure, to include athletic fields, fire sprinkler systems, HVAC systems, playground equipment, and plumbing systems. While the report described $600 million in necessary infrastructure investments, I was able to reduce that amount by nearly 50 percent overnight–while reading the report to prepare for the School Board hearing the next evening, I discovered a typo that inflated the backlog by $290 million. Other than typos, the data is somewhat discouraging, especially the fact that 55% of playground equipment is past its end of useful life. Now that we have this data, we can begin to build an infrastructure queue to prioritize the repair and replacement of infrastructure across the county. I will be bringing a motion in the near future to prioritize upgrades to our playgrounds to ensure they are safe and accessible to all students. I am also leading the School Board to consider new methods for capital asset management, such as public-private partnerships.
At the local level, I am excited to announce that 350 students attending Hollin Meadows ES will soon have access to school bus transportation for the first time as a result of my advocacy. For years, these children, all of whom reside in the same apartment complex, have walked along an unmaintained, unpaved pathway in all weather conditions in an area with increasing crime. I sought to ensure the safety of our students by providing equitable access to school bus transportation. I am grateful to the Superintendent and her team for working diligently to launch the new school bus service at a time when we have a shortage of school bus drivers.
I would also like to share with you some invaluable FCPS resources that are free for high school students.
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Coursera. FCPS has partnered with Coursera to provide high school students with free access to online certification programs that will provide with the knowledge and skills to start their careers. Browse the FCPS Student Academy Catalog and join the program. After obtaining permission, complete the Student Interest Form (FCPS student email/log-in required). Questions Email sfsimmons@fcps.edu.
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Mental Health Services. FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to provide high school students with free access to mental health services via virtual consultations with qualified service providers. Students are receiving support on a variety of issues ranging from anxiety and sadness to family concerns and peer relationships. Caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE and provide consent. A guardian or school staff member may refer a student to therapy by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting a school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
This month, we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our country and culture. Personally, I celebrate my friend Dr. Arun Majumdar as the founder of ARPA-E, Kamala Harris for shattering glass ceilings, Fred Korematsu and Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee as civil rights leaders, Dr. David Ho as a medical pioneer, and Maya Lin as the foremost artist of modern memory. Boys & Girls Clubs of America offered some ideas how to celebrate with your children.
We also recognize Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans to our country and culture. Personally, I celebrate Stan Lee as one of the foremost creators of modern culture, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gloria Steinem as indefatigable feminist icons, Jonas Salk as a medical pioneer and savior of millions, and Elie Wiesel as the moral conscience of modernity. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington provided some ideas on how to celebrate.
Contact me anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments. I also encourage you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
Very respectfully,
 Inside this issue:
In the Community
- I attended the 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival at Hayfield SS. It was extraordinary to hear 650 students from across the county singing a diverse array of songs in unison. Supervisor Storck and I were proud to see many Mount Vernon District schools represented!
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- I was honored to participate in the opening of West Potomac HS’ newest outdoor learning space built by special education and general education students. The project was led by Work Awareness and Transition Teacher Lawrence Cooper and Multiple Disabilities Teacher Joshua McFarland. Students planned and built this outdoor learning space and demonstrated that together all things are possible. The students did an amazing amount of tilling, planting, and cultivating, all the while strengthening their relationships with each other and improving their connection with nature.
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- I attended a wonderful celebration of high school students who plan to enlist in the military upon graduation. Organized by nonprofit Our Community Salutes, the 2024 High School Enlistee Ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize and honor those students who are called to serve.
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- I attended multiple high school theater productions, to include “Kinky Boots” at West Potomac HS, “Les Miserables” at Hayfield SS, “The Wedding Singer” at Lewis HS, and “Singin’ in the Rain” at South County HS. I was consistently impressed and inspired by our talented and dedicated students. Special thanks to our music and performing arts staff and the boosters and volunteers who are essential to our students’ success!
On the Board
Working for You
- I recently learned that disinfectant wipes and similar products used in our schools are classified as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency and should not be accessible to or used by children. FCPS leadership stated that students are restricted from handling disinfectant wipes, but I am seeking to consult with school administrators to confirm that practices conform to this policy.
Celebrate Mount Vernon District Students
Congratulations to all 2024 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival participants from Mount Vernon District Schools
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Belle View ES (Teacher: Matthew Blaylock): Chloe Ahart, Tessa Bennett, Mara Kate Mangan, Riley Martin, Lyla Mitchell, Emma Morgan, Nin Petrilli, and Katherine Smith
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Bucknell ES (Teacher: Darrow White): Jonah Belay, Jennifer Euceda Marino, Sophia Heinly, Gabriel Khan, Jeremiah Martinez, Lindsey Merino Quinteros, and Ezequiel Trejo
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Fort Belvoir Upper (Teachers: Elizabeth Gilbert and Brittany Jiles): Violet Coates, Charlotte Culligan, Gemma Dawson, Lilah Dawson, Jocelyn Dewey, Emma Hall, Travis Herrera, Cheyanne Johnson, Ava Staton, Annie Teter, Kyndall Walker, and Astrid Wangrawa
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Fort Hunt ES (Teachers: Nicole Gray and Brennan McQuillen): Leah Albers, Kennedy Anderson, Zachary Gee, Delaney Kenney, Sofia Lazo, Josselyn Moran-Moran, Lizzie Soloman, and Elsit Thomann
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Hollin Meadows ES (Teacher: Molly Hill): Clay Edmiston, Harmony Harris, Sadie Jarvis, Sarah Karikari, Julianne Rose Nacion, Genesis Pleitez Granados, Caleb Rodriguez, and Audrey Shirley
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Island Creek ES (Teachers: Sarah Laird and Deborah Tien): McKinsey Clark*, Anvi Houel*, Kelsey Potvin *, Delina Sampy*, Keira Sutherland*, Nishka Uprety*, and Jordan Walson*
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Lorton Station ES (Teachers: Jess Bateman and Jamie Muller): Manya Desai, Sierra Elliott, Victoria Jimenez, Victoria Matchett, Fasil Mayfield, Kailee Park, Danna Sejas-Ricaldes, and Amen Zelulem
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Mount Eagle ES (Teacher: Daniel Medina): Fatima Belen Alvarado Lopez, Bairon Cruz Portillo, Amiyah Hill, Pamela Serpas Flores, and Eilyn Torres
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Newington Forest ES (Teachers: Kelsey Bosley and Sabrina Gordon): Naya Ahrens, Eden Day, Isabelle Edelved, Lillian Hezel, Rewina Kahsay, Olivia Outlaw, Rosie Sorensen, and Colton Stoner
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Riverside ES (Teachers: Trevor Musser and Benjamin Whelan-Morin): Caitlin Cabic*, Fisher Clark*, Grady Donaldson*, Alexander Leon*, and Auriel Palma*
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Saratoga ES (Teachers: ConnieMarie Mahaffey and Rod Tompkins): Brooklyn Cerchione*, Ally Fernandez*, Campbell Garr*, Sidra Jan*, Hiba Khan*, Nyah Sommer*, and Humza Suleman*
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Silverbrook ES (Teacher: Melissa McCay): Tristan Gibson, and Ella Wolfson
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Washington Mill ES (Teachers: Kelly Andrews and Shane Smith): Fabiola Avelar Cardoza, Journey Burch, Yuri Duncan, Lily Hogan, Rachel McDonald, Kelsy Morales, Ariel Okyere, and Nevaeh Taylor
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Waynewood ES (Teacher: Sandy Becker): Ella Fanizzo, Oliver Fischbach, Nate Hope, and Brynley Jones
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Woodlawn ES (Teacher: Cody Payne): Liam Harris, Kendall Lee, and Tyrah Scott
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Woodley Hills ES (Teacher: Kai Diez Fugitt): David Bekoe*, Lily Desrivieres, Johan Garcia, Brooke MacNaughton, Keira Mason, Glenda Medina Romero, and Dillan Olmstead
*Student Instrumentalists
Mount Vernon Pyramid
- Congratulations to Mount Vernon HS students Danis Velasco-Torres and Logan Gullberg for winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s Varsity Double! Taking second place in the State is a fantastic way to end the final crew regatta of the season! Congratulations to Mount Vernon HS and to Danis and Logan!
- Congratulations to the Mount Vernon HS Varsity Singers for being selected to perform the National Anthem at the school board meeting on May 9.
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Bucknell ES students, staff, and families recently enjoyed Creatives Night, which was an opportunity to celebrate student work and learning! Participants were inspired by the creativity and learning that flourishes in Bucknell’s art, music, STEAM, library and physical education classes. Thank you to all the families who joined to celebrate the students' artistic talents and physical prowess!
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Fort Belvoir Primary teachers and administrators are thrilled to see all the smiling faces in class each day! To celebrate this dedication, Fort Belvoir Primary School recognized classrooms with the highest percentage of perfect attendance each month. Congratulations to these students who were recently recognized and earned extra fun with a “splashtastic” bubble party!
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Fort Belvoir Primary is also thrilled to announce that the school was awarded a grant from the FCPS Get2Green program! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, who have shown exceptional commitment to environmental education. Throughout this year, Fort Belvoir Primary students have poured their energy into their campus garden, delving into topics such as composting, recycling, and the importance of protecting our planet.
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Riverside ES was selected for the R3 Planting program, which is a testament to Riverside’s dedication to environmental education! This initiative is part of the Revitalize, Restore, Replant! (R3) program. With support from the ecologists from Fairfax County Watershed Education and Outreach, students had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and plant native species right on Riverside’s campus. These plantings will serve as outdoor classrooms, enriching Riverside’s curriculum and fostering a deeper understanding of watershed ecosystem management for students of all grade levels. Check out this video to learn more!
West Potomac Pyramid
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Congratulations to West Potomac HS National Merit Scholarship Winner. Congratulations to West Potomac's own Lucy Marshall for receiving a National Merit Scholarship! We are very proud of her hard work and dedication!
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West Potomac HS Hosted “Running Is Elementary” Track Meet. Thank you to the West Potomac Hall of Fame Committee and the West Potomac HS Track and Field Team for working with West Potomac Pyramid feeder elementary schools to host the “Running Is Elementary” track meet. The coaches and students did a fabulous job supporting all of the younger athletes.
- Congratulations to West Potomac HS Athletes of the Month Sabrina Driggers and Michael Green! Softball player Sabrina Driggers had the highest number of putouts (30) for the month of April between playing shortstop and centerfield. She is also 3rd best for number of total hits for the month of April including 4 singles, 1 double, 1 triple, and 1 homerun. During April, Baseball player Michael Green hit .400 with an On Base Percentage of .500 and On Base Plus Slugging of 1.020, including a homerun and 8 stolen bases. Let's go Wolverines!
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Marketplace Huge Success. The Wolverine Athletic Booster Club at West Potomac HS recently held a marketplace that was a huge success! A big thank you to the participating vendors, the West Potomac Boosters, families, coaches, and student-athlete volunteers for helping to make this happen!
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Hayfield Pyramid
- It has been a big week for Hayfield Athletics! Congratulations to the Hayfield SS Boys Outdoor Track Team for winning the National District Championship! Congratulations also to Hayfield Student-Athlete Niles Briggman for winning National District Track Athlete of the Year!!
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- Shout out to Hayfield SS Baseball Team who advanced to round two of the District Playoffs! Parker Sauer threw the season’s first no hitter with Ryan Sala becoming the Hawks All-Time Stolen Base Leader!
- Let’s also hear it for the Hayfield SS Boys Lacrosse Team who won the District Championship for the 2023-2024 season! Let’s go Hawks!!!
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- The Month of the Military Child may have ended in April but in the Mount Vernon District, we celebrate military-connected youth year-round! Thank you to the Island Creek ES staff for organizing this wonderful breakfast for military children last month.
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South County Pyramid
- Congratulations to Laurel Hills ES award-winner innovators! Invent Virginia/ Invention D.C. announced its winners in the 2023-2024 invention education statewide event. Congratulations to winners from Laurel Hill ES:
- Sports Equipment Inventor Award Perfect Pressure Soccer Ball by Brendon McQueen
- Environmental Education Technology Award Recycle Right by Luwam Berhanu, Liyat Ermias, and Natalia Correa
- Consumer Goods Product Design Award Professional Artist Marker by Leila Kadar
- Congratulations to South County HS student Samson Boyd for successfully completing his Eagle Scout project. Samson dedicated his time and effort to providing health kits specifically tailored for students with Type 1 diabetes. This project showcases Samson's leadership and dedication, and also highlights his compassion and commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Samson's initiative embodies the spirit of service and care that we strive to instill in all our students. Please join me in congratulating Samson on this incredible achievement.
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- Bravo to South County HS sensational theater stars! Their performance of Singin’ in the Rain was nominated for “Best Musical'' for The Jimmy Awards! South County students will perform at The National Theatre on Saturday, May 25. Student Natalie Beasley was also nominated for Best Actress! Congratulations to the South County HS’s Theatre Arts Department for its nomination and invitation to perform
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South County HS is pleased to have new State Champions in Robotics! Nineteen (19) South County HS Technology Student Association students competed at the robotics state competition in Hampton, Virginia. South County entered 7 out of 40 possible events. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements:
- Junaid Abdulhamid and Faith Mekonen placed in the top ten for Forensic Science
- Satvi Desai and Tesfai Tecle placed in the top ten for Data Science and Analytics.
- The VEX Robotics team, consisting of Ayaan Shaikh, James (Sungu) Malloy, Ryan Dang, Nola Gerold, Kayla Blosser, Taha Nasir, and Nathan Park, took home 1st place!
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South County HS hosted its first-ever Stallion Inspiration awards. Six students were recognized for either overcoming adversity or displaying exceptional citizenship during their time at SoCo. Following the awarding of their individual recognitions, students shared who their most inspirational SCHS staff members were. Congratulations to all of these deserving Stallions!
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South County HS’s crew team paddled their way to an incredible achievement and clinched 3rd Place in the state competition! Their performance has made waves of pride throughout our school community. According to Principal Khoshaba, this is row-mendous news and he reminds his students that oar-dinary becomes extraordinary with passion and effort.” Congratulations to the South County Crew Team on this fantastic accomplishment!
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Edison Pyramid
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Mount Eagle Earth Day. Congratulations to Mount Eagle ES for conducting its 11th Earth Day. Students, teachers, and community volunteers planted vegetables and fruit including blueberries. Check out this short video that captures the magic of the day.
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- Three Edison HS student writers received awards at the Scholastic Competition held at UDC Theater for the Arts. Congratulations to these talented individuals for their impressive achievements in writing.
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Lewis Pyramid
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Key MS was proud to participate in the FCPS Battle of the Books with several other middle schools. Congratulations to all of the participants and thank you to the staff sponsors and families who also supported this wonderful event!
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- Congratulations to Lewis HS Track & Field Team members for taking top honors at the All-District Track Meet! Jeffrey Waddington won 2nd Place for Discus. Morgan Lefevre won 3rd Place in 300M Hurdles. Lewis HS also had several student-athletes named to All-District teams for various sports. Let’s go Lancers!!
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Celebrate Mount Vernon Schools and Staff
- Congratulations to Hayfield SS Coach Ham who was recently selected as National District Coach of the Year for Track and Field. Lewis HS Soccer Coach John Millward for being selected as All-District Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. We thank you for the time and energy you invest in our students both on and off the field. Our student-athletes benefit from your dedication and expertise. Congratulations on your achievement!
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- Congratulations to West Potomac HS Custodian Mr. Chau Kin Poon who is retiring after 15 years of service! As a West Potomac HS parent, I am grateful for the dedication and commitment Mr. Poon brought to our school community each day. He played a vital role in supporting our students and ensuring our students had a safe, welcoming place to learn. I thank him for his service and wish him well in his next endeavors.
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- Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran recently visited two Mount Vernon District schools to recognize educators for their outstanding accomplishments. Del. Tran visited Bucknell ES Principal Rashida Green to celebrate her selection as the 2023 Region 3 Outstanding New Principal.
- Del. Tran also visited South County HS English Teacher Lucy Blesi, who was named the Region 4 New Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. Thank you to Del. Tran for taking time to celebrate our teachers!
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Edison HS’s Mrs. Procaccino was also honored by Del. Tran as well as Virginia Delegate Mark Sickles for her outstanding work as a Latin teacher at Edison HS.
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FCPS News and Announcements
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FCPS Job Certification Student Program with Coursera Career Academy. Did you know that the FCPS Department of Information Technology has partnered with Coursera to provide an exclusive opportunity for high school students to access the Coursera Career Academy Catalog? Students may explore exciting career paths and gain access to over 30 professional certifications from industry leaders, all at no cost. Browse the FCPS Student Academy Catalog and join the program. First, obtain permission from parent/guardian to access Coursera and complete the Student Interest Form (FCPS student email/log-in required). Questions? Contact Scott Simmons at sfsimmons@fcps.edu. Note: These courses are not VDOE-recognized industry credentials and do not contribute to high school graduation requirements. This limited program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students. Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost. In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE and provide consent. Students can then be referred to therapy by a guardian or school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting a school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information. Students may access this safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
- Anxiety, worry, fears
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
- Academic stress
- Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Do you have plans for your children yet this summer? Do they love the Arts? Secondary school kids can learn Photography, Guitar, Cake Decorating, Painting, Stage Combat, Acting, Stone Carving, and much more! Create your own schedule! Kids in grades 2-5 can sign up and take classes in Art, Music, theatre, and Dance daily. Institute for the Arts and Elementary Institute for the Arts will be at Lake Braddock this summer starting July 8th through the 26th. Monday through Friday 8:30-2pm. Transportation is available. Tuition assistance offered for students who qualify. Enroll today while seats are still available!
Community Activities and Announcements
- Gum Springs Juneteenth Celebration, June 15, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Free Speech Screenings for Children Ages 3-7
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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