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Hello, Springfield District

As always happens this time of the year, the days are flying by as the school year comes to an end. I spent my last month continuing to meet with school principals with fellow board members, and I was also able to attend both a Community Conversation and an Employee Conversation hosted by Dr. Reid. It’s always so interesting to hear more about the thoughtful approach our community takes when speaking about the important task we have in educating our children. 

I was also able to attend this year’s FCPS Annual Retirement Ceremony where I got to shake the hand of each retiree in attendance. The thousands of hours represented in the careers of the attendees was awe inspiring. Staff Appreciation was also last week for many of our schools, and while my role looked very different this year, it is such an important time to share our gratitude with the staff that make this all possible! 

I look forward to the upcoming graduation season, and I hope you all have an amazing end to your year!

I will be in touch soon! 

Sandy Anderson

This newsletter includes information on the following issues:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• School Board Work
• FCPS News
• Class of 2024 Graduation and Transition Dates
• Superintendent Updates
• Springfield District Scene
• Student Opportunities
• School Board Student Representative Updates
• Community News
• Family and Student Resources
• Quick Links

Top row left to right: At-Large Member Kyle McDaniel, Orange Hunt Elementary Principal Karen Tuttle, and me; Chief of Schools Dr. Geovanny Ponce, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, DK Nguyen, Shaan Agarwal, me, and At-Large Member Kyle McDaniel. Bottom row left to right: At-Large Member Kyle McDaniel, Cherry Run Elementary Principal Mark Bibbee, me, and Assistant Principal Miranda Goss; Hunter Mill District Representative Staff Aide Emma Heisey, Vice Chair and Hunter Mill District Representative Melanie Meren, Chair and Providence District Representative Karl Frisch, and me.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• May 21 at 2 p.m. - Work Session: Fiscal Year (FY) 25 Approved Budget, and Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, Foundation for Applied Technical Education, Title 1 Parent Advisory Committee, and Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee Reports
• May 23 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: FY25 Approved Budget, Strategic Plan Goal Baseline 4 Report, etc.
• May 28 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: Boundary Policy - Revising Policy 8130
• June 13 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Virginia High School League Winter and Spring State Champion Recognitions, etc.
• June 20, 2024 - Work Session: Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee, Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee, Facilities Planning Advisory Council, and Human Resources Advisory Committee Reports

Please note that times and topics are subject to change.

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.

For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings, or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code below.

Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Are you interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

If you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.

School Board Work

Student Rights and Responsibilities

At the May 9 regular meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Chief Equity Officer Dr. Nardos King presented the 2024-25 Student Rights and Responsibilities regulation. The School Board adopted the 2024-25 Student Rights and Responsibilities Regulation (SR&R) as amended. In a related action, the School Board approved 5 follow-on motions to the SR&R, which are detailed in the agenda item on BoardDocs.

Among this year’s highlights is a change to the policy regarding drug violations to ensure that students who come forward to school officials seeking help in addressing a substance abuse problem will not be subject to disciplinary consequences unless they have previous drug/substance-related violations to the SRR, or the student is involved in a current drug-related investigation or drug distribution. This is intended to provide a space for students to come forward to seek help voluntarily. 

Additionally, after hearing from many parents and teachers about the unhealthy distractions that can be caused by the overuse of cell phones during school hours, the board also adjusted the SR&R to request the FCPS administration to develop options for the board to consider ways to further restrict student cell phone use at school. I was happy to work with my colleagues on motions to ask the superintendent to bring to the board thoughtful options based on best practices and stakeholder input. 

Watch the full meeting.

Fiscal Year 2025 Approved Budget

Also at the May 9 meeting Superintendent Reid presented her proposed Approved FY 2025 Budget to the School Board detailing adjustments to the Advertised Budget adopted by the School Board on February 22, 2024. Budget documents are available at this link. The School Board will hold a Budget Work Session on May 21st and will take action on the Approved Budget proposal at its May 23, 2024, regular meeting.

Watch the full meeting.

Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 2 Baseline Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered

At the April 25 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve the Goal 2 Baseline Report as the Division's starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our Strategic Plan 2023-30. The highlight was on graduation equity through a focus on FCPS’ on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and post-secondary plans.

Though FCPS' on-time graduation rate is higher than the state average (94% compared to 92%), there is a 21-point difference between the student group with the lowest on-time graduation rate and the division rate. Additional support is needed, especially for our multilingual and economically disadvantaged learners. FCPS is addressing graduation equity with a multitude of current strategies including

• Expand flexible options for students who are at risk of failing courses or who fail courses to earn/recover high school credits. (ex: Twilight)
• Provide schools with data tools to support early intervention with students who could become at risk of academic failure, not graduating on time, or dropping out. (ex: On-Time Graduation Dashboard, Chronic Absenteeism Dashboard)
• Provide targeted support for schools with higher rates of chronic absenteeism, dropout rates, or lower rates of on-time graduation. (ex: On-TIme graduation resource teachers, Project Momentum supports)
• Offer programs to students who need additional support to successfully prepare for and transition to college. (ex: AVID)

FCPS also has other strategies under consideration as the division innovates on how students earn credits toward graduation and accelerate their learning. These strategies include:

• Expand flexible options and pathways for students to earn credits, engage in school, and graduate on time. (ex: bilingual classes, year-round/semester/evening options, self-paced artificial intelligence (AI) powered individualized instruction).
• Increase efforts to ensure 9th-grade students are on track for graduation.
• Increase the fidelity of academic and career planning activities to support students and families.

You may see the strategies under consideration/development in full on pages 23-25 of the Goal 5 Report. Increasing flexible credit and acceleration opportunities will impact FCPS students who are at risk of dropping out and/or not graduating on time, who are on track for success but would like to pursue additional opportunities, and those who are looking to earn college-level credits, earn industry credentials, and pursue specialized coursework while at FCPS. Flexibility personalizes the FCPS learning experiences, to meet our students where they are and to take them where they want to be.

Watch the full meeting.

Advisory Committee Operating Manual

Also at the April 25 meeting, the Board voted to send the Advisory Committee Operating Manual, the related sections of the Strategic Governance Manual, and Policy 1710 back to the Public Engagement Committee (PEC) and direct the PEC to gather feedback from the Board’s advisory committee chairs and bring final recommendations to the board for a vote no later than June 27, 2024.

Watch the full meeting.

Proclamations

I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s April 25 and May 9 regular meetings.

• Holocaust Remembrance Day
• Autism Affirmation Month
• Children’s Mental Health and Wellness Month
• Teachers, Paraprofessionals, After-School Professionals, and Related Service Providers Appreciation

FCPS News

School Board Office Job Openings 

Come work with me and the Fairfax County School Board!

We seek a Deputy Clerk to help ensure our elected School Board meets its mission to provide an excellent education to our 182,000+ students and maintain its status as a top employer for our 45,000 educators and staff!

This high-level job is fast-paced; includes working with policy and legal matters; requires strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills; and will require flexible hours that may include weeknights and occasional weekends. The position works from the FCPS Central Office in Falls Church, right off of I-495 (the Capital Beltway).

Contact me with questions, and please share with others! 

We are also looking for a full-time Support Technician I. This position will provide wide-ranging meeting support, including setting up and breaking down meetings, assisting with proclamations, preparing minutes, handling exhibit files, and other duties as assigned. The position may require flexible hours. Please note that while the position says “One Year Only,” the intention is for this position to be a permanent position in the office. 

We’re Hiring!

🚍 Shift Gears Into a New Career at the FCPS Bus Driver Job Fair

The Office of Transportation Services will be hosting bus driver job fairs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

• Friday, May 17 and June 28, at Lorton Center
• Thursday, May 23 and June 14, at Stonecroft Transportation Center

Driving for FCPS is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and career switchers to earn income with benefits. No registration is needed. Apply today! Call 571-423-3000 or email DriveForFCPS@fcps.edu with questions.

FCPS 2025 Budget — What’s Happening Next

The next steps in FCPS’ budget process are:

• Tuesday, May 21: School Board budget work session.
• Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

For more details on our budget, view FCPS budget documents.

⏰ 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. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule: 

• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

You may register for an in-person forum by clicking one of the dates above. Registration is not required but does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times. 

🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit FCPS’ immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  

Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine.

Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

2024-25 Student School Board Representative Chosen Megan Sawant, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. Sawant will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Rida Karim, a junior at Woodson High School. She will be the 54th student representative to the School Board. Sawant has three main focuses as student representative: increasing student engagement with the School Board, identifying and tackling academic recovery, and addressing student alcohol and drug abuse. Read more in FCPS News.   ACE Scholarship Applications Open June 15 Are you a low-income adult residing or working in Fairfax County, eager to boost your job skills and advance your career? Look no further than the ACE scholarships offered by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). These scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity for individuals seeking to enhance their job skills and open doors to new career possibilities. The ACE scholarships cater to the needs of low-income adults in Fairfax County who aspire to further their education and skill set. Whether you're looking to acquire new skills, explore career opportunities, or pursue a passion, these scholarships can help turn your aspirations into reality. Payment plans are available for certain long-term programs, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder your educational pursuits. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an educational counselor to discuss program options and determine the best course of action. For more information about ACE scholarships and how to apply, contact AceFoundation@fcps.edu. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future and unlock new possibilities. Mark your calendars: the application period is open from June 15 to August 15, 2024. Take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow – apply for ACE scholarships today!   💡 FCPS Shines Bright With Continued ENERGY STAR® Recognition FCPS has been selected as a 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year winner for Sustained Excellence. This award is reserved for ENERGY STAR® partners demonstrating outstanding leadership, year over year. Read about the award.    ☀️ Enjoy Learning, Fun, and Resources

Don't miss a day of family fun and learning at FCPS' Summer Extravaganza!

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth.

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.

☀️ Early Dismissal on the Last Day of School, Wednesday, June 12

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 12. All secondary and high schools will have a two-hour day with dismissal at 10 or 10:10 a.m. on the last day of school. Elementary and middle schools will be dismissed two hours early on this day. Look for communications from your school on their bell times/schedules for that day. 

Office of Auditor Current Engagement Updates

At the April 30 Audit Committee meeting, we presented the following agenda items:

• Auditor General Updates
• Status of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 internal audit engagements - All approved audits are completed / ongoing as scheduled.
• Status of FY24 internal inquiries - From July 2023 to April 2024, OAG received 62 inquiries of fraud, waste, and abuse potential concerns.
• FY24 Continuous Monitoring Q1 and Q2 Results - OAG presented the results of the continuous monitoring procedures conducted for appropriated and non-appropriated transactions. Out of 102 sites in the sampling population, 65 sites had no exceptions; 17 sites had exceptions noted in three or fewer areas; 2 sites had exceptions noted in four areas; and 18 sites did not have any transactions appear in the random transactions samples and were not selected for site visit testing. Exceptions were related to the timely completion of procurement card and bank reconciliations, pre-approval of disbursements and procurement card transactions, timely payment, and sufficient documentation.
• Audit Follow-Up Status -OAG provided the status of audit follow-up as of January 31, 2024. OAG will continue to follow up every quarter.

Read more in the April edition of Audit Buzz.

FCPS Business and Community Partnerships

Above and Underground with Clark Construction

Liberty Middle School students enrolled in AVID coursework recently participated in a career showcase conducted by Clark Construction. Career showcases occur in 6 of our middle schools — Herndon, Holmes, Johnson, Key, Liberty, and Whitman — as part of the Ignite Partnership with Think Big for Kids.

During Liberty Middle School’s showcase, students were presented with a multitude of career pathways and interesting facts about the industry that don’t immediately come to mind when you say “construction jobs.” 

• To keep the students thinking and engaged, they were asked questions, like “Why would Clark Construction hire a drone pilot?” Answer: to better see as a building rises — above ground work. 

• And, “Why is it important to run electrical conduit above water pipes, and water pipes above sewage lines,” Answers: to maintain the safety of electrical conduit and to keep water clean — underground work.  

Watch this short video about some of the interesting careers offered by Clark Construction and what students learned about landing one of those jobs.

AVID, which means Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a non-profit organization that provides professional learning for educators to close opportunity gaps and improve college and career readiness for students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.  

AVID in Fairfax County Public Schools serves students in 35 schools. 

Thank you Clark Construction, Think Big for Kids, and our partners at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority for all the connections and support of student learning.

Effective and Efficient - NCS-GrandInvolve

Ignite Partner NCS-GrandInvolve is accepting volunteers age 55+ to support classroom teachers and student learning. GrandInvolve volunteers engage with FCPS students in various ways, including supporting reading and math, providing Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and kindergarten readiness.

Through a collaborative partnership between the county and FCPS, a potential barrier to volunteering was overcome. Until recently NCS-GrandInvolve volunteers were asked to have background checks completed by Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). 

Now, NCS-GrandInvolve volunteers only need to complete the FCPS background check process. This change will ease the onboarding for NCS-GrandInvolve volunteers, allowing them to move through the process and be placed in schools faster so that they may start the highly rewarding work of supporting students and teachers.

Learn more about the program's goals, volunteer qualifications, and locations — and become an NCS-GrandInvolve volunteer today. 

Class of 2024 Graduation and Transition Dates

Superintendent Updates

Special Education Job Fair

Become a Special Education Teacher!

FCPS wants you to join our team! We are seeking special educators with strong student engagement skills and a passion for positively influencing our school communities. We are hosting a virtual job fair on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 (6 - 8 p.m.). There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. 

• Learn more about the virtual special education job fair, including how to apply, prepare, register, and attend!
• View our special education career opportunities page.

Questions should be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources through our online web portal or by calling 571-423-3000.

🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong in FCPS!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at your school. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Personalized Pathways to Leadership Development

During the Academic Matters segment of the May 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented on the Lewis High School Leadership Program. Since 2022, the program has offered personalized pathways to leadership development supporting success during and after high school. In just a few short years, it’s provided big opportunities for its participants, including:

• 59 field trips since August 2022
• 73 guest speakers since August 2022
• 103 students earning High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) credit this school year

One important aspect of this program is that teacher and student voices are central to its design and implementation. Empowering our learners this way helps them feel more connected and propels them towards success. I’m thrilled with the work our students have been doing, which connects to FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity (consistent availability of and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities) and Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation (availability of, accessibility to, and participation in multiple pathways and work-based learning opportunities).

 View the presentation slides to learn more.

🌱 Green Teams Connect Schools and the Environment

During the April 25 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented on FCPS’ Get2Green initiative during the Academic Matters segment. View the presentation slides.

Get2Green is FCPS’ sustainability program and supports green teams at schools with hands-on environmental projects to improve the sustainability of the school and community. Green teams are active at many schools with student-driven activities such as reducing waste, planting and maintaining wildlife habitats, conserving energy, and tending edible gardens.

➕ Mathspace Mastery: Optional Standards of Learning (SOL) Prep and Review

Students in middle and high schools who have access to Mathspace have been assigned an optional task named “Course Name SOL Review (Optional).” Questions have been selected to emphasize the key standards for students to review in preparation for the end-of-year SOL test. Students are encouraged to work through the review activity at their own pace.

For more information on Mathspace Mastery, visit FCPS’ Digital Resources webpage and click on Mathematics under the High School heading.

🎓 Calling All Alumni and Friends!

Educate Fairfax is proud to introduce FCPS Alumni & Friends, an online network of alumni, teachers, parents/caregivers, and community members with ties to Fairfax County Public Schools. Whether you are a recent FCPS graduate or you’ve returned to Fairfax to work or raise your own family, this network will celebrate our alumni and friends of FCPS through stories, news and events, reunions, homecoming, and other activities. It’s also a great way to rekindle old friendships and build new ones. Join FCPS Alumni & Friends today!

✨ Fostering Connection and Academic Growth

Learn how FCPS is combating chronic absenteeism by inviting students to attend school during a break to foster a sense of connection and provide academic growth opportunities.

🎨 FCPS Literacy Program Participants Explore Art and Identity at the Smithsonian

As part of a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) and the FCPS Office of ESOL Services’ Family Literacy Program, program participants from five schools visited the Molina Family Latino Gallery's inaugural exhibition of “İPresente! A Latino History of the United States” to explore the theme of Latino changemakers. 

Following the visit, they participated in art workshops and created their artwork entitled, “I am – Yo Soy.” These workshops aim to highlight the museum experience and elevate parents' awareness of their contributions to their families and communities by sharing identity and stories.

NMAL advances the representation, understanding, and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. Our Family Literacy Program’s collaboration with NMAL aligns with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, supporting Pillars B and D: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships; and Culture of Equity, Excellence, and Accountability, respectively.

🏫 Register Your Five-Year-Old for Kindergarten

Read this photo essay from Mosaic Elementary School for a glimpse of what it’s like to be a kindergartener. Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. 

Registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. After determining which school your child will attend, parents/caregivers may prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. For details and language support, please visit the Kindergarten Registration page.

✅ Online Registration Is Open!

Online registration for FCPS students is officially open for the 2024-25 school year! FCPS invites new and returning (re-enrolling) families to register for students attending FCPS schools next school year. Learn about the online registration process. Contact the Office of Student Registration with questions.

🕜 Before- and After-School Care

Fairfax County Government’s School Age Child Care (SACC) program provides fun, safe, and educational care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Care is available before school, after school, and during school breaks in select Fairfax County public elementary schools and community centers. 

SACC registration is now open for the 2024-25 school year and the Camp Fairfax summer program.

Family Life Education Materials Available for Review

The recommended Family Life Education instructional materials are available for community review through Monday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m. View details and a feedback form.

Superintendent Names New Chief Human Resources Officer Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid has named William Solomon, who currently serves as executive director of Talent Acquisition in Houston Independent School District (ISD), to the role of chief human resources officer, effective June 3. An experienced education executive, Solomon comes to FCPS with a track record of transformative leadership in Houston, one of the largest school divisions in the country. His leadership accomplishments demonstrate creative responses to division-wide challenges. He spearheaded projects that had a positive impact on teacher recruitment, such as improving the accuracy of vacancy projections, decreasing the time to hire, expanding the use of visa programs, and increasing the volume of role-qualified applicants. Solomon’s leadership improved pre-employment services for more than 10,000 new hires and employee transfers annually, including onboarding. He championed the implementation of an enhanced salary scale for special education teachers and has broken department silos and streamlined cross-functional workflows. His work in strategy and innovation will be an asset as FCPS begins work on a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) system. Additionally, Solomon implemented and sustained a paid summer internship program, giving students access to real-world work experiences within departments throughout the school division. Solomon was also instrumental in the development of the school division’s nationally recognized COVID-19 safety plan, providing a safe return to in-person learning and work. Read more in FCPS News.

Springfield District Scene

In the final phase of Trout in the Classroom, Centreville Elementary students released young trout they raised into a freshwater stream. Trout in the Classroom is one of many programs at Centreville that helps students in suburban Fairfax County get in touch with nature. Trout in the Classroom, taught in collaboration with the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, teaches students the importance of conservation. It starts with fish tanks in the classroom, where students raise varieties of trout from egg to fry (a young trout, less than one inch long, that has learned to search for food). Then, students release the fry into a local stream, learning the importance of wildlife conservation. Read more in FCPS news and Education Week.

Congratulations to Centreville High School’s Tara Magill for placing first in Forensics in the Science Olympiad State Tournament! Centreville High School students teamed up with peers from Chantilly Academy to create an amazing Korean Cultural Night program in April. Throughout the program, students showcased Korean culture through a variety of impressive performances. Way to go!

Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s eSports Team and team member Chanhong Min for placing second in the VHSL League of Legends Spring Championships!

Chantilly Academy Cosmetology 1 and 2 students teamed up to do hair, makeup, and nails for Chantilly Category B students attending Day Prom. In addition to offering an opportunity for cross-curricular collaboration, it was a unique occasion for Cosmetology 1 and 2 students to work together in the salon.

Congratulations to Fairfax High School’s Aadit Abhilash and Rohan Soma for placing first in Experimental Design and Zane Geadah for placing first in Air Trajectory at the Virginia State Science Olympiad Tournament.

Shout out to Fairfax Academy’s Dance Program for receiving a performing arts grant from the Wolf Trap Foundation. As part of the grant, they participated in a "celebratory day of learning" on April 25 and were able to perform at Wolf Trap!

Last month Greenbriar West Elementary School dedicated their playground addition to the memory of Instructional Assistant Hope Pregozen. While I could not attend, my colleague and Sully District Representative Seema Dixit joined Delegate Laura Jane Cohen, Principal Blount, staff, and members of Hope's family. Hope worked hard to serve our students with special needs and dedicating this new playground addition that was intentionally built to be accessible to students with physical disabilities was especially meaningful to honor her memory. We will always remember Hope’s positive impact on her students, staff, and school community. Last year, the School Board voted to approve the proclamation naming the Greenbriar West Elementary School Playground Addition The Hope Pregozen Playground.

From left to right, Assistant Principal Jordan Cook, Principal Andrew Blount, Region 5 Assistant Superintendent Becky Baenig, and Delegate Laura Jane Cohen.

Congratulations to Johnson Middle School’s Riya Prabhu who has been selected as a Winner of the Girls in Technology STEM Experience Award for 2024!  Shout out also to Johnson’s Bishesh Pokhrel and Sauren Kwatra for being placed as semifinalists for the Maryland History and Academic Bowl! This has guaranteed them a spot at the International Academic Competitions National Championships in Orlando! Fantastic!

The Region 5 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Mr. Chris Smith has been named the new principal of Katherine Johnson Middle School! Mr. Smith holds a Master of Education in Education Leadership from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland.  Mr. Smith has been a talented principal and assistant principal in Fairfax City and Fairfax County Public Schools over the last 12-plus years. During this time, he has been a successful administrative leader in three different, diverse school communities. He was an assistant principal previously at Katherine Johnson Middle School from 2011-2016.  He then transitioned to serving as an elementary school assistant principal from 2016 to 2019 at Brookfield ES.  Mr. Smith was then named the principal at Daniels Run Elementary School (another Fairfax City School) in 2019.   During his tenure at Daniels Run ES, Mr. Smith has been a leader in promoting strong instructional practices and School Improvement Plan efforts.  Mr. Smith collaborated with classroom teachers, resource teachers, and FCPS staff to implement AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade focusing on student time management and organization.  He developed and implemented a professional development plan for the implementation of the Equitable Access to Literacy Plan in collaboration with the Daniels Run literacy team and classroom teachers. The focus on teaching methods aligned with the science of Reading has led to gains in all grades in phonics and phonological awareness.  He also guided his Collaborative Learning Teams (CLT) in dialogue and discussion regarding student learning, instructional practices, monitoring student growth, and using common assessment data to inform instruction.  Mr. Smith has demonstrated throughout his career that he is a highly skilled communicator who emphasizes the importance of a strong home-school-community partnership.  As the principal of Daniels Run ES, he partnered with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to continue community events such as Welcome Walk, Movie Nights, Bingo Night, and International Night as well as adding additional events such as Back to School Open House/Family Picnic and a basketball game against Providence Elementary School.  As principal at Daniels Run ES, Mr. Smith implemented Restorative Justice practices into discipline procedures resulting in a reduction in the amount of out-of-school suspensions by 25% since 2019.  He also collaborated with counselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and administrators to implement Zones of Regulation as a school-wide social-emotional learning program to support the Region's focus on Tier 1 behavior. Mr. Smith is an experienced, dedicated, and talented school leader.  In addition to serving as the principal of Daniels Run ES, Mr. Smith is a valued leader among his peers as evidenced by his being selected to serve as a Fairfax Pyramid Principal Lead for Region 5 Schools and an instructor in the Administrator Development Cohort (ADC).  Mr. Smith has delivered and attended numerous professional development workshops/trainings over the years on topics such as Belonging and Engagement, MANDT Certification, PLC for School-Based Administrators, MentorWorks, Cognitive Coaching, and Fierce Conversations.  Mr. Smith is a leader who is reflective, collaborative, humble, enthusiastic, and empathetic.  He has a strong belief in the power of relationships, the importance of building trust, and ensuring that ALL students, families, and staff feel seen, heard, and connected to their school community.   Mr. Smith and his wife Amy are proud parents of two FCPS graduates.  Their daughter Maddie is a senior at the College of Charleston, and their son CJ is a freshman at the University of Mississippi.  His wife Amy is a former Katherine Johnson Middle School teacher and now serves as an Assistant Principal in an FCPS middle school.  In his spare time, Mr. Smith enjoys golfing and rooting for his favorite sports teams, particularly during college football season.   Please join me in welcoming Mr. Smith as the new principal of Katherine Johnson Middle School. His start date will be July 1, 2024.

Kudos to Lake Braddock Secondary School Crew Men’s Third Varsity 4+ and Women's Junior Varsity 8+ for taking first place and Mens’ Junior Varsity 8+ for placing second in the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships!

Congratulations to the Oakton High School Rocketry Teams for becoming national finalists in the 2024 Aerospace Industries Association’s American Rocketry Challenge! They are the only two teams in FCPS and two of the four Virginia teams to qualify! The teams will now compete in the National Finals on May 18. Good luck!

Congratulations to Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, who has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year! This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example.  Laura was selected from a group of 19 finalists teaching in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia schools. Read about the Washington Post Teacher of the Year.

Fourth-grade teacher Laura Senturia poses with a sign praising educators. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

Robinson Secondary School Future Business Leaders of America member Shaan Agarwal completed his FBLA Community Service Project which has positively impacted the community. He worked closely with the Fairfax County Waste Management facilities to get a purple glass recycling bin placed in Clifton, which had no convenient glass recycling locations. He had to go through a series of approvals, ending in a meeting with the Clifton Town Council to get approvals for them to allow the placement of the Purple Bin within the town. On Monday, April 29th he was able to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new recycling station in Clifton. Way to go Shaan!

Congratulations to the Rocky Run Middle School Science Olympiad Team member Shritha A. for placing second in Agricultural Science at the state tournament!

South County Social Studies Department Chair Sean Miller was recently featured in USA Today for his inspirational work and talents as he teaches Advanced Placement African American History. Fantastic! Read the article here. Don’t miss WTOP’s article featuring Mr. Miller as well!

Shout out to Thomas Jefferson HSST’s Om Gole and his teammates who placed second in the international competition, MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge, which focused on homelessness and affordable housing. The students won $15,000 in college scholarships at the competition in New York City. Read more in this MSN.com article. The congratulations at TJ continue with the Computer Team and Intermediate Computer Team placing first in the 14th Annual University of Virginia Association for Computing Machinery High School Programming Contest! Additionally, the TJ Economics Explores Team was the state and region winner at the 2024 Virginia Economics Challenge! They will now represent the entire state of Virginia in the National Economics Challenge! Lastly, shout out to the TJ Indoor Winter Drum Line program, which won the Scholastic Open Class Championship at the Atlantic Indoor Association Championships in Hampton Roads last month!

Congratulations to Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education (APE) teacher at Waples Mill Elementary School, named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE)! Doyle received the award at the SHAPE America National Convention held in Cleveland in March.  Read more in FCPS News.

Willow Springs Elementary fifth and sixth graders engaged with lawmakers on April 29 to champion the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Inspired by their involvement in the Jason Learning and ISRI Public Service Announcement contest, they aimed to address the critical issue of recycling EV batteries, of which only about 5% are currently recycled. Dividing into teams, they met with the staff of 17 senators and representatives, impressively pitching the need for better recycling practices. These students prepared diligently, conducting early morning meetings and interviewing professionals about the challenges and solutions related to EV battery waste, including fire risks and recycling technologies. Their professional approach and thorough research won the admiration of Capitol staffers, showcasing their deep understanding and commitment to solving this environmental challenge. This initiative underscores the significant impact youth can have on policy and environmental conservation. By engaging directly with political representatives, these students demonstrated an advanced comprehension of environmental issues and a strong dedication to promoting sustainable practices, setting an inspiring example for both their peers and adults in driving meaningful change. Way to go!

Congratulations to Woodson High School’s Nathaniel Kurland for receiving a National Merit Boeing Scholarship for engineering! He was one of more than 770 National Merit finalists chosen to receive this award financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations. Corporate sponsors provide merit scholarship awards for National Merit finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the companies serve, or who have college majors or career interests the sponsors want to encourage. Read the full list of recipients. Kudos to Woodson Crew Women's Third Varsity and Women’s Novice 8+ for finishing first, Women’s First Varsity 8+ for finishing second, and Women’s Second Varsity 8+ for taking third place in the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships! The accolades continue with Woodson’s Ryan Chelline and teammates taking third place nationwide in the Deaf Academic Bowl! Way to go!

School Climate Survey Top Finishers

Congratulations to Franklin Middle School and Thomas Jefferson HSST counselors for being identified as one of the top five middle schools in the Commonwealth for making positive connections with students! Students shared feedback with the Virginia Department of Education through the annual School Climate Survey, which provides schools with information on school climate, safety, and working conditions to maintain a safe and orderly school environment conducive to learning. 

🏆 Students Named National Merit Scholarship Winners

Twenty-seven students from seven Fairfax County high schools have been named winners of $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Scholarship winners are part of a group of approximately 2,500 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships in 2024, primarily financed by the NMSC. See the list of students.

Shout out to Springfield District students Nicole Deng of Oakton High School and Jason Yoo of Chantilly High School for receiving scholarships to study astrophysics and investment banking respectively!

✍ Students Receive 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student writers won 31 Gold Key awards in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 259 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio.

Congratulations to the following Springfield District students who received an honorable mention! 

Centreville High School: Annika Aneja and Charlotte Lee

Katherine Johnson Middle School: Riya Prabhu

Lake Braddock Secondary School: Gaby Muse

Liberty Middle School: Ella Montgomery

Robinson Secondary School: Max Haussermann and Alexandra Price

Thomas Jefferson HSST: Samuel Stankiewicz and Justin Yu

Read the complete list of winners.

👩‍💼 Students Take Top Honors at Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference

Twenty-four Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won first-place awards at the 2024 Virginia Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held recently in Reston. More than 100 students placed in the top four in their event and qualified to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando in June.

Special congratulations go to Springfield District’s Kedar Krishnan from Robinson Secondary School received the Michael Mills Learn to Lead Scholarship, and Michelle Wang from Lake Braddock Secondary School, also of the Springfield District received the L. Marguerite Crumley Scholarship.

Two hundred students from FCPS high schools competed in 55 events ranging from 3-D Animation and Accounting to Cyber Security, Computer Problem-Solving, and Public Speaking. FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the world. Each year, the organization helps over 200,000 members prepare for careers in business. More information about FBLA is available online.

Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!

Centreville High School

• Sahir Abrar: fifth place in Introduction to Programming

• Samantha Leal: fifth place in UX Design

• Seo Yun Noh: first place in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

Chantilly High School

• Ajitesh Bontagarla: second place in Management Information Systems and third place in Local Chapter Annual Business Report

• Rohit Paka: first place in Coding & Programming

• Eric Stone: second place in Economics

Fairfax High School

• Andreas Kolazas: first place in Financial Statement Analysis

Lake Braddock Secondary School

• Angeline Montilla: second place in Sales Presentation

Liberty Middle School

• Erik Hyde: third place in Leadership and fourth place in Interpersonal Communication

Oakton High School

• Arjun Malghan: fifth place in Business Plan

Robinson Secondary School

• Shaan Agarwal: Banking & Financial Systems

• Jacqueline Doughtery: third place in Healthcare Administration

• Ethan Kimuli: fourth place in Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure

• Kedar Krishnan: fourth place in Business Ethics

• Ally Price: second place in Introduction to Business Procedures

Read the complete list of winners.

For more information, contact Stephanie Holt at seholt@fcps.edu. 

👨‍🔬 Springfield District Students Place in Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair

Congratulations to the following Springfield District students who placed in the 2024 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair held at Old Dominion University!

Oakton High School

• Viraj Kamath and Khartik Uppalapati: second place in Biomedical and Health Sciences

Thomas Jefferson HSST

• Ryan Singh and Surbhi Singla: third place in Materials Science

West Springfield High School

• Lani Le, Subaita Mahmud, and Shriya Seshadri: second place in Materials Science

Read the complete list of winners.

🎶 Upcoming School Performances

Don’t miss the remaining school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are

• The Music Man Jr. - Franklin Middle School: May 16, 17, and 18 at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 2 p.m.
• The Big Friendly Giant - Lake Braddock Secondary School: May 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. and May 18 and 19 at 2 p.m.
• Descendants - Key Middle School: May 23 at 3 p.m., and May 24 and 25 at 6:30 p.m.
• Theatre Scenes Night - Irving Middle School: May 31 at 7 p.m.
• South County High School Jazz Band - Lorton Workhouse Center: June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

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 not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

🎓 Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released its annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications from prospective freshmen or transfer students for fall 2024. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid, as well as unfilled housing. 

NACAC provides an enrollment deposit fee waiver request form that is considered by some institutions for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Students and families may contact their school counselor or college and career specialist with any questions.

Students who still need assistance completing the FAFSA or VASA financial aid forms can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email Appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA or VASA help that your school or College Access Fairfax provides is free.

👩‍🚒 Girls Fire and Rescue Summer Academy

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy is offering a Girls Fire and Rescue Academy this summer from June 25-28. Campers will engage in unique experiences each day including physical training, fire/EMS simulations, interacting with an on-duty fire and rescue crew, touring the fire station, and more! The program is completely FREE of charge. Uniforms and safety gear will be provided.  

The Girls Fire and Rescue Academy is open to rising 7th through 12th-grade female students who are Fairfax County residents. The Academy is limited to 24 applicants, so apply today! To apply, visit the Girls Fire and Rescue Academy website.  Applications are due by Friday, May 17, 2024.  

🖼 Summer Arts Camp

Do you have plans for your children yet this summer? Do they love the Arts? Secondary school students can learn photography, guitar, cake decorating, painting, stage combat, acting, stone carving, and more! Create your own schedule! Students in grades 2-5 can sign up and take art, music, theatre, and dance classes daily. Institute for the Arts and Elementary Institute for the Arts will be at Lake Braddock Secondary School from July 8 through the 26, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.  Transportation is available. Tuition assistance is offered for students who qualify. Enroll today while seats are still available!

🎻 South County Summer Strings Camp

SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration ends June 9, 2024, so reserve your student’s spot soon!

⚾ Lake Braddock Bruins Summer Sports Camps

The Bruins welcome athletes of all ability levels to our summer sports camps. Athletes will be grouped by age and skill in their respective sports. We offer a balanced program of instruction in fundamentals and game competition. Our camp staff is comprised of Lake Braddock Secondary School coaching staff, alumni, and current players. A mix of morning, afternoon, 1, 2, and 3-week camp sessions for baseball, volleyball, basketball, and dance are scheduled to start June 17 and run through July 26! Registration is open! Questions about the Bruins Summer Sports Camp may be directed to Lake Braddock Assistant Athletics Director Paul Agner, peagner@fcps.edu.

🏀 West Springfield High School Summer Sports Camp

Join West Springfield High School students and coaches this summer at their Spartan Sports Camps. Camp options girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and coed basketball. Visit their website at www.wshssportscamps.com for more information and to register. 

🔒 Cyber Patriot Summer Camp

Chantilly Academy is hosting a Cyber Patriot Summer Cap for rising 5th-8th graders. The Camp topics include cyber security fundamentals, computer forensics and cyber ethics, an Air Force Association Cyber Patriot competition introduction round, and careers in cyber security. The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 pm., June 24-28, 2024, at Chantilly Academy. The cost is $200 and includes materials, a t-shirt, and lunch daily. Register online.

Questions? Contact Sam Johnsson at smjohnsson@fpcs.edu. 

🏑 Oakton High School Summer Sports Camps 

Oakton High School is offering summer sports camps for boys and girls basketball, field hockey, dance team, football, baseball, volleyball, and wrestling. Visit the Oakton Cougars Athletic website and look for information on schedules and how to sign up. 

School Board Student Representative Updates

🍜 Exciting Food Updates for the Upcoming School Year

New Menu Offerings

We are delighted to announce an expansion in our menu to include a broader range of culturally diverse foods. This fall, students and the school community can look forward to new dishes such as tikka masala, chana masala, Korean BBQ chicken drumsticks, pupusas, homemade baked ziti, barbacoa street tacos, plantains, and Alfredo, among others.

Flavor Stations

To enhance dining experiences, flavor stations will be introduced at middle, secondary, and high school sites. These stations will feature a variety of condiments, sauces, and seasoning blends in a self-serve format, which will also help in reducing packaging waste.

Build-Your-Own Options

High school and secondary school students will enjoy a new line dedicated to build-your-own sandwiches and entrée salads, available across all schools within these age groups.

Student Feedback Initiatives

We are committed to incorporating student feedback and are planning small group tastings for the next school year. Please share your thoughts via the form linked below.

FCPS School Food Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/KPYiMfSzKR2eeXgp9

Technology Youth Empowerment (TYE) Opportunity

TYE, a student-led nonprofit in FCPS, aims to bridge the gap between students and STEM fields. They are currently seeking more volunteers and representatives at high schools. If you are passionate about teaching and promoting STEM, consider applying to their organization:

https://forms.gle/FGkqppwLZZJrJWLp9

For more information email them at tyeconnects@gmail.com or explore the TYE Representative presentation.

FCPS App Development

We're excited to develop a new FCPS app and need your input! The app will be a Native Mobile SaaS product, available on both Android and Apple platforms, including features such as a staff directory, event calendars, cafeteria menus, push notifications, a tipline, multi-language support, and more. Help shape our app by providing your feedback: https://forms.gle/bzAGvhqbUFNZfBvv5

Community News

🚲 Bike to Work Day

In the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17, 2024. Join cyclists for a free event promoting bicycling as an option for commuting to work. The West Springfield Government Center will have Starbucks coffee, Duck Donuts, Chick-fil-A, and a representative from RatsCyles for bike repair and information.

Work from home? No problem! Bike to your local pit stop for a free t-shirt and bike raffle! Free refreshments and giveaways will be available at participating locations, while supplies last. Visit biketoworkmetrodc.org for pit stop locations and times. The first 16,000 riders who register and attend at a pit stop will receive a free t-shirt. Register today!

Free Fun for the Family at Healthy Together Fairfax

Healthy Together Fairfax is a free event by the community, for the community on Sunday, May 19, noon-3 p.m., at Franconia Park. It will feature healthy fun for all ages, focused on physical, environmental, social, and emotional wellness. Families are invited to check out a range of free activities including fitness classes, a mobile health van with screenings and vaccinations, guided trail walks, hands-on activities with community partners, storytime for children, guided meditation, carousel rides, and playgrounds.

2024 Educator of the Year Award Applications Open

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), a leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD, is seeking nominations for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award! This award seeks to recognize exemplary educators who through their influence improve the lives of students with ADHD. Applications are due by June 9, 2024.

The recipient of this award will be invited to the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD in Anaheim, California. Read more and submit a nomination.

2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award

Nominate an athlete, coach, or parent for the 2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award.  The awards program, founded in 2001, honors county youth, coaches, and parents in each magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship, and community service.

To nominate an athlete, coach, or parent, visit the  Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards web page. Nominations for this year's awards are due by August 1, 2024. 

May recognizes…

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievements of the Jewish community in the U.S.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Find mental health resources on the FCPS and Fairfax County websites.

Memorial Day

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day.

See the complete school year calendar.

Early June recognizes…

Gun Violence Awareness Day/Wear Orange

The first Friday in June is recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Also known as Wear Orange Day, it was first organized by students in 2013. Information about gun violence prevention is available on our website.

Juneteenth

Wednesday, June 19, is a holiday for FCPS employees. Schools and offices will be closed. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when word of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, effectively marking the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth.

Family and Student Resources

🚍 Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall high schools, and Davis Center can ride Metrobus for free, in addition to the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

💲 Free Application for Federal Student Aid Update

To date, the Department of Education has yet to begin to process any paper Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. There is no timeline for them to do so.

Many of the problems with the FAFSA which caused you to file a paper application - including parents without social security numbers - have been resolved.  It should now be possible for you to complete your FAFSA electronically.  We urge you to do so immediately. 

While there are deadlines for some college awards, it is not too late to qualify for a Pell Grant or student loans.

If you need help, College Access Fairfax will be available throughout the summer.  You may send them a request for an appointment at appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org.

If you have general questions, please email College Access Fairfax at info@collegeaccessfairfax.org.  

📞 Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

 Early Intervention: Infant & Toddler Connection and Child Find

Do you have concerns about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child? Does your child exhibit repetitive body movements, have eating or sensory sensitivities, or have difficulty with communication? Have you noticed them moving, behaving, or learning differently than other children?

These developmental checklists for children up to 3 years old can give parents/caregivers an idea if their child may need help developing certain skills.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Fairfax provides evaluations and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (up to age 3) who have a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays. Parents/caregivers who have concerns about their child's development may call 703-246-7121. 

Child Find offers free screenings for children from 20 months to five years old to identify potential special education needs. The program is offered through FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services. Call 571-423-4121 with any questions or to schedule an assessment.

Find more information about typical developmental milestones at Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

👂 Free Speech Screenings in May

The Fairfax County Health Department’s Speech and Hearing program is offering free speech screenings (testing) during May for children ages 3-7. The screenings occur at several county libraries and are first-come, first-served at the following locations. No appointments are necessary.

 Find more information on the Health Department’s web page.

Developmental Disability Waivers

Virginia is in the process of expanding funding to provide services for those individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver (often referred to as DD Waivers) Priority One Wait List. The goal is to provide significantly more waiver slots for Virginians with developmental disability so that they can receive services and supports to improve their and their families’ lives and well-being.

Attend a community orientation for individuals and their families to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the DD Waiver process.

Attend an information session.

• What to Expect While Waiting for a Developmental Disabilities Waiver May 20, 2024 at 11 a.m.
• What to Expect When Allocated a Developmental Disabilities Waiver May 30, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Artificial Intelligence Caregivers Series

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the term used to describe a special kind of computer program that mimics human behavior and can learn, adapt, and even “think” on its own. There are three main types of AI machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Machine learning includes programs that perform simple tasks like classifying images, conducting spam filtering, and recommending products.

Try this. Which of the images show items that incorporate AI?

Answer:

• Not AI: The calculator, electric toothbrush, and remote-controlled car are all controlled by the user and they cannot navigate autonomously.

They do NOT use AI. 

• AI: Smart speakers use natural language processing to recognize your voice and interpret your voice commands. They also use machine learning to improve their performance by learning your routines and preferences. Smart vacuums use artificial intelligence to navigate your home more efficiently by mapping your floor plan, planning cleaning paths, avoiding obstacles, and recognizing and reacting to objects. Smart thermostats, like Nest, learn your preferences by observing how you adjust the temperature over time.

Interactive ways to explore machine learning.

• Train your machine to recognize images, sounds, or poses. 
• Quick, Draw! See how increasing the data set helps this neural network recognize doodling.

Conversation starters for your family.

• Have you ever played a game or used an app that was powered by AI? How could you tell?
• What are some ways you think AI could be used for good in the world? Are there any ways it could be used for bad?

Navigating the Filtered World

Social media platforms utilize AI to create personalized algorithms. 

Some benefits of AI in social media::

• Personalization - showing users content that they like
• Content moderation -  removing harmful content like hate speech or graphic violence 
• Accessibility - Features like image recognition and text-to-speech translation aid users with disabilities

Some risks of AI in social media:

• Filter bubbles - AI-powered image and video filters can distort body image and create unrealistic beauty standards
• Targeted advertising - Ads are given based on personal data, raising privacy concerns and potentially manipulating choices
• Echo chambers - Algorithmic personalization creates insular “bubbles” where users only see content confirming their existing beliefs

Support your student in navigating social media by having conversations about algorithms, personalization, and curated content. All of us need to assess information critically and fact-check information encountered online.

Try this. Which face is real?

Answer: The woman on the left is real.

Interactive Activity

• Which face is real?

Conversation starters for your family

• Do you think it’s important to be aware of how AI might be influencing your online experience? Why or why not?

Have you encountered any misinformation or fake news online? How can you tell if something is true?

Hot Topics - Bias, Plagiarism, and Cheating

Many popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini generate text and images, that kids might want to use for schoolwork. Using AI tools verbatim without the expressed consent of the teacher and/or without proper citation may result in serious academic offense. In addition, students who rely on AI to complete their academic assignments may find that it hinders their ability to apply these skills on their own without the use of AI.

Key Concepts

Bias - Algorithms learn from data, and data can be biased. This can lead to unfairness in areas like grading, personalized learning, or even resource allocation.

Plagiarism - Text generators and translation tools are tempting, but remember originality matters! Discuss with your student the importance of understanding concepts and creating their work. Help them navigate tools responsibly and cite sources correctly.

Cheating - AI assistants might seem like shortcuts, but true learning comes from hard work and critical thinking. Explain the consequences of cheating, not just for grades, but for their learning and development. Open communication and trust are key.

🗣️Conversation starters for your family

• Would you trust an AI to write your entire essay? Why or why not? What are some potential problems with that?
• Talking Point #1: Essays are a means to develop your critical thinking and writing skills. AI can't replace the process of forming your arguments, analyzing evidence, and expressing your ideas clearly.
• Talking Point #2: AI citation generation is a relatively new technology, and it might not always be able to accurately distinguish between credible and non-credible sources. It could pull up irrelevant or outdated information, or even fabricate citations entirely.
• Talking Point #3: Sometimes, AI citations are completely fabricated. You will have to do your due diligence and verify the legitimacy of the sources yourself. 

• If you use a translation app for homework, could the translation ever be biased? Why or why not?
• Talking Point #1: Translation apps learn from massive amounts of existing translations. If this data contains biases, like always translating "doctor" to a masculine word, the app will inherit that bias. When translating from a gender-neutral language to a gendered one, the app might have to guess the gender, potentially reinforcing stereotypes (e.g., "policeman" instead of "police officer").
• Talking Point #2: Translation apps often struggle with cultural references or humor, which can lead to misunderstandings or biased translations.

Skills for Careers of the Future

Did you know that according to LinkedIn, AI will create approximately 97 million new jobs? Artificial Intelligence technologies are impacting careers in many ways and though many simple tasks can be done with AI, that doesn’t mean that humans aren’t needed. 

Preparing for a career in AI requires many of the skills we practice every day. Students should work on problem-solving and computational thinking to prepare to build the next generations of AI programs. It’s also important to strengthen creativity and digital art skills to help build the user experience. As with all careers, collaboration is essential to success. While offering opportunities to build engineering knowledge is helpful, remember that your family game nights and escape rooms also help give your students skills they will need for a future job in AI.

Try this!

• Explore job listings on Indeed that involve AI. You might see listings for an “automation ethicist,” “interactive chatbot designer,” “generative AI expert,” or “machine learning builder.”
• Or consider taking a look at Indeed’s list of 18 Artificial Intelligence Jobs and Outlook together. 

🗣️ Conversation starters for your family:

• What do you think are the skills you’ll need in the future, regardless of whether or not AI takes over some jobs?
• Talking Point #1: Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving - the same skills as FCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate!
• If you could invent a type of AI to help the world, what problem would it solve? 
• Imagine you’re a doctor. You now have an AI assistant that helps diagnose patients. How might that change the way you work? 
• Talking Point #1: This could lead to faster diagnoses, reduced errors, and more efficient and streamlined workflows. 
• Talking Point #2: The AI's effectiveness depends on the quality and completeness of the data it's trained on. I would need to be confident in the source and biases of the data.
• Talking Point #3:  AI cannot replicate the humanity side of medicine. Building trust and rapport with patients are things that AI cannot do on its own.
• Imagine a world where AI can do almost any task. What do you think people would spend their time doing? 

Mental Health in Childhood

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with children’s physical and mental health. Mental health disorders such as ADHD and anxiety are the most commonly diagnosed in children, which commonly occur together. Anxiety is feelings of worry, apprehension, or dread that something bad is going to happen. Children diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental health disorders.

Anxiety-related triggers are lonely and frightening emotional responses related to situations, persons, places, or objects. Today’s sources of stress for our students include increased coursework and graduation requirements, extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, and social media. Social media has been a great way to increase connection and communication, but for our young people, it contributes to shorter attention spans and information overload. Signs of anxiety include appearing worried, irritable or nervous, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, along with physical symptoms such as sleeping problems, headaches, and stomach aches. It is understandable for a parent to be worried because figuring out what to do is hard. Here are five simple ways to respond to teens with anxiety:

1. Recognize warning signs.
2. Guide your child to take a few deep breaths to slow things down.
3. Make sure your child understands you are available if they need to talk.
4. Acknowledge your child’s feelings and avoid downplaying situations or issues.
5. Help them come up with ways to deal with the situation next time.

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: 571.423.4270.

Sources and Resources

• The Anxiety Toolkit for Teens
• Talk, They Hear You
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

Arc of Northern Virginia Transition Support Group

Join The Arc of Northern Virginia for a Transition Support Group to share thoughts, ideas, and concerns. The meeting will be focused on students who are about to transition out of a school system or have already transitioned out of a school system. The meeting will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Cherry Blossom Conference Room at Venture X, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA  22031.

Registration is required.

Online Special Education Resource Fair

A virtual fair with asynchronous training for families and community members who have students with disabilities is available online. An online exhibit also highlights FCPS offices, programs, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 

Register for Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center

The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops and webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

May webinars and workshops include

• May 17, 10-11:30 a.m.: Meet the Author Series: The Breakthrough Years by Ellen Galinsky
• May 31, 10-11:30 a.m.: Behavior Solution Series for Secondary Families: Taming the Teenaged Brain

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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

E-mail: Sandy Anderson  |  Phone: 571-423-1080

Stephanie Sheridan, Executive Admin Assistant,
571-423-1065, srsheridan@fcps.edu