Partnership Update
August 2024
Welcome to this Special Video Edition of the Partnership Update. As part of the Ignite Partnership structure, FCPS works to produce videos about our 5 year Ignite Partners. In this newsletter, 4 favorites from 2023-24. |
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 A Student to Student Dental Partnership
An Ignite Partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation (MCCP) and Fairfax County Public Schools is serving elementary students with dental screenings, cleanings, sealants and — thanks to MCCP — financial support when referrals are needed and funds allow.
The obvious wins of this partnership are that it allows NOVA’s Dental Hygiene Program students attending NOVA’s Medical Education Campus in Springfield necessary pediatric dental training, while supporting the oral and medical health of FCPS students.
Fairfax County Public Schools is extra proud of an ancillary connection with this partnership — that many of the college age dental students are FCPS graduates.
Learn more about this dynamic Ignite Partnership developed by the FCPS Offices of Student Services and Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Community Relations, and several FCPS principals.
Thank Northern Virginia Community College and Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation for being exceptional partners.
 Above and Underground with Clark Construction
Liberty Middle School students enrolled in AVID coursework participated in a Spring career showcase conducted by Clark Construction. Career showcases occurring in 6 of our middle schools in 2023-24 — 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 of the connections and support of student learning.
 Serving By and For the Greater DC Diaper Bank
The Greater DC Diaper Bank is a powerhouse organization.
Last year at Bryant High School alone, they provided 23,800 diapers and baby and nursery products valued at $23,355.25 to pregnant and parenting teens.
Meet the students receiving from and giving back to the Greater DC Diaper Bank in this “make you smile” 4 minute video.
In 2024-25, the Greater DC Diaper Bank was also honored by our school board with the 2024 Virginia School Boards Association’s Business Honor Roll award, and award that annually recognizes three outstanding partners.
Access to clean diapers and wipes is critical for the health and hygiene of babies and a healthier baby means fewer sick days for both the child and the parent, allowing the teen parent to attend school more regularly. By providing diapers, wipes, and more, we demonstrate a positive and supportive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement that can motivate teen parents to stay engaged in their education, achieve academic success, and secure better job opportunities. By providing essential baby items, we help secure a better future for teen parents and their children.
Thank you, Greater DC Diaper Bank.
 Food For Others is Food for Students
Ignite Partner Food for Others, who serves some 4,000 students in 41 schools each week with weekend food bags, seeks your support.
Have a look at this short video to learn about their effective and discrete Power Pack Program called P3 and consider giving your time or resources.
Time you ask? Yes. Food for Others accepts individuals or groups of volunteers. A team of volunteers from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helped pack food bags at Food for Others last school year. According to Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “It was an outstanding opportunity. Volunteering at Food for Others is a great way for businesses to get involved and give back to the community.”
Food for Others receives a lot of donations during the holiday season, so between now and into October is an ideal time to give. Please consider giving to Food for Others, which is food for FCPS students.
Thank you to the entire team at Food for Others and all of the people who give their time and energy to support them.
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