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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Summer is flying by and I hope you are all finding time to relax and have fun with family and friends! 🌞
The School Board concluded its official meeting schedule for the 2023-24 school year last month, electing a new Chair and Vice Chair and is now busy planning for the 2024-25 school year. Congratulations to my colleagues Karl Frisch (Providence District) who was re-elected chair, and Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) who was elected vice chair! Staff has been hard at work getting our buildings ready to welcome back students and preparing for a wonderful year ahead. FCPS has not been immune from the national teacher shortage, but Dr. Reid and our HR staff continue making strides to fill vacancies district wide and to ensure our students all start with a qualified educator in the classroom.
At our July 11 Regular meeting, I was thrilled to present a proclamation on behalf of the School Board honoring Laura Senturia, fourth grade teacher from our very own Sully District’s Colin L. Powell Elementary School, named Washington Post's 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. She was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The Fairfax County School Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Senturia, and its deepest gratitude for her long-standing service and profound impact on our students and FCPS community.
 Teacher of the Year Proclamation honoring Ms. Laura Senturia - celebrating with family, friends, students and staff!
At our July 18 Regular meeting, the School Board voted to direct the Board’s Governance committee to revise Policy 2418, Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians, and provide recommendations to the School Board for discussion no later than November 1, 2024. View more details here. I look forward to working on these important revisions as a member of the Governance committee.
We also voted to amend Policy 8310 (Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings), as detailed in the agenda item. View the details here and below in this newsletter! This is an important step towards a holistic boundary review designed to address many of our community's concerns including overcrowding in many of our high schools in Sully District, under-utilization in some of our middle schools, attendance islands, temporary classrooms (trailers), instructional program locations, and transportation. Please note that there are no specific boundary changes under consideration as part of this policy work. Comprehensive community engagement will take place before any potential future boundary changes. For additional information, please visit the Boundary Policy Review webpage.
Inside this newsletter:
I am excited about meeting our families and students at Back to School nights and during school visits. If you see me around, please introduce yourself!
As always, I value the input I receive from the Sully community. I am always happy to address questions or concerns via email, phone, or in person meeting, as well.
Have a lovely the rest of summer. See you soon!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
2024-25 School Year Calendar
View a printable version of the 2024-2025 calendar or find a list view of the calendar on the FCPS Calendar webpage. The 2024-2025 FCPS calendar below includes important information about student holidays, early release days, and religious and cultural observance days. Monday, August 19, is the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year!
 See the school year calendars for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27.
Tax-Free Weekend
Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, will be a sales tax holiday in the state of Virginia. Visit Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday webpage for details.
Sully District Happenings
Sully District Citizen Advisory Committee Volunteers Needed!
 Every year, the School Board appoints members to numerous Citizen Advisory Committees to increase community input on a host of important issues.
We still have openings on the two committees below for the 2024-25 school year. If you are interested in serving for Sully District on this committee or other future committees, please forward a paragraph outlining your interest in the position and your qualifications to my staff at skhurana@fcps.edu by August 12th, 2024. Please consider being my Sully District representative!
Human Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC):The purpose of the HRAC is to advise the Fairfax County School Board (FCSB) on achieving and maintaining a premier workforce within a caring culture. HRAC will make recommendations to improve practices used by FCPS leadership personnel at school and district levels to promote a rewarding workplace environment. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about HRAC, please view their website.
Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee (ACEAC): Brings to the School Board’s attention resource and programmatic issues associated with adult education. You will collaborate with staff to maximize FCPS, Fairfax County, and external resources and support structures to ensure ACE, Adult ESOL, and Fairfax County Adult High School (FCAHS) programs increase accessibility and best meet the needs of county residents. Meets monthly, 1-Year Term. To learn more about ACEAC, please view their website.
Summer Fun at the 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park August 1 - 4!
 Bring the whole crew out to the Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park. Come out to Herndon, VA for four days of fresh air, farm fun, and good times for you, your family, friends, and neighbors. Watch livestock and see 4-H exhibits, enjoy delicious fair food, enter your own creations in the fair, and try your hand at milking a cow or goat.
Come see live entertainment, tractor demos, carnival rides, and adorable farm animals. And don't miss Big Truck Night on August 2 for a Friday night filled with fun! Find all the carnival details here.
5K Run/Walk with Chantilly based nonprofit Asha-Jyothi is Saturday, September 15th!
 As in previous years, FCPS schools are invited to participate in the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi 5k at Fairfax Corner on September 15. To sign up, participating staff, students and/or their families visit the webpage to register: (https://asha-jyothi.redpodium.com/2024fairfax5k).. Simply enter the code “AJ4schools” and select your school from the drop down menu. A discounted price of $10 for the 5K will be given to all participants. Schools get 100% of the money if you use the school coupon code AND:
- An additional $500 for 25+ registrations
- An additional $1000 for 50+ registrations
- An additional $2000 for 100+ registrations
Asha-Jyothi, a volunteer-based global nonprofit organization based in Chantilly is dedicated to supporting the community through health care and education initiatives and has given over $350,000 to FCPS through their Educate and Innovate Program Grants. Schools like Deer Park Elementary , Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly High School have received grants for innovation labs and technology education.
School Board Updates Boundary Policy
The Fairfax County School Board approved updates to the Boundary Policy (Policy 8130) at its July 18 Regular Public Meeting, completing a years-long comprehensive review of the policy for the first time in nearly four decades. The updates provide a clear roadmap for any future boundary adjustments to help ensure better student achievement through enhanced instructional quality, budget optimization, and strengthened student well-being.
The revised policy does not propose specific boundary changes, nor were specific boundaries considered during the policy review. Instead, the updates create a framework for the division superintendent to follow when considering any potential future adjustments, which must prioritize robust community engagement throughout the process. Read more about the updated policy.
Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools
During the Academic Matters segment at the June 27 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed limited early release Mondays for elementary students during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act and other demands on their time.
A Steering Committee of school leaders, teachers, and families is working to support both families and teachers in this effort. See the list of early release dates and other information.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Help Students Who Need School Supplies
Educate Fairfax is excited to continue its yearly campaign to support FCPS students. Thanks to business partnerships and the community, Educate Fairfax helps students begin the new school year prepared for academic success.
This year, Educate Fairfax will provide basic supplies to thousands of students in need, from school supply kits and backpacks to gift cards for essential needs such as food and basic hygiene items.
Every donation through Educate Fairfax goes directly to students in need and is tax deductible. Thank you for any support you can offer to our students.
Free Summer Meal Service Program
 FCPS is providing meals free of charge to all children and teens 18 and under through Friday, August 16. Meals will be provided to children on a first-come first-served basis. Visit the Summer Meal Service webpage for distribution locations and times.
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
AI Bootcamp for High School Students
 The Mark Cuban AI Foundation and Booz Allen are offering the AI Bootcamp again. The boot camp will be hosted at the Booz Allen McLean office this year at 8283 Greensboro Dr., McLean Virginia.
Application deadline is September 30, 2024. High School students apply here.
LearnServe Fall Fellows Program for High School Students!
Overview: This is our first-year, introductory in-person entrepreneurship program that takes young changemakers through the entire process of researching, brainstorming, creating, and pitching their own social action project to solve an issue in their community!
Time Commitment: The program runs from October-April (exact dates TBA), where students will meet in-person or virtually every Thursday at a location in central DC (location TBA).
Program Cost: Sliding scale tuition of $50-$1250/student, depending on the student's financial ability to pay. Families will complete the Sliding Scale survey during the application process to determine their individual tuition.
Application: Rolling admission - Click here to apply!
LearnServe is a Washington DC based nonprofit that offers leadership and social entrepreneurship training for high school students from across the Washington, DC region. Programmatically we bring students together from diverse backgrounds, and guide them through the process of designing and launching social ventures -- action projects to serve their schools and communities. In the process they learn the skill-set and mindset of being a changemaker, a blend of social and emotional skills, global competencies, and business and professional skills that will set them up for success in their college and careers.
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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:
For more information, email them at tyeconnects@gmail.com or explore the TYE Representative presentation.
FCPS Job Certification Student Program with Coursera Career Academy
High school students now have the opportunity to access the full contents of the Coursera Career Academy. This program is designed to open doors to digital career pathways and provide invaluable learning experiences directly from industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
Program Benefits:
- Explore a variety of popular digital careers from marketing to data science.
- Learn from experts at leading global companies.
- Earn valuable micro-credentials that can enhance your resume.
- Access over 27 professional certificates, expanding your skill set in multiple fields.
Interested? Here's how to get involved: Complete the Coursera Student Interest Form.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Altruistic August
Let's create a wave of kindness to spread around the world.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
 School's out, but mental health support is still available! High school students can access free teletherapy services over the summer. Schedule your sessions Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Families must opt-in before requesting service. Their therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges. They will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students in to this service.
George Mason’s Center for Community Health
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, August 27- Work Session.
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Thursday, August 29 - Regular Meeting: School Board Organization, School Board School Year 2024-25 Annual Work Calendar, FY25 Fiscal Assessment and Audit Topics, etc.
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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