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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.
Hello, Springfield District
I stepped outside this morning to a hint of fall in the air. Definitely my favorite time of year, and I wanted to wish everyone a warm welcome back to school this year! I was excited to get my own kids settled into their upcoming year and have spent the last week double checking our school websites and that I was signed up for all the correct email lists. All those tasks that I am always grateful for later in the year as sports ramp up and life gets busier! Between school websites and newsletters and the FCPS Region webpages for Back to School events, there is a ton of great information available to help students and their families as the year gets underway!
I was also excited to join Dr. Reid at Cherry Run yesterday afternoon. The administration showed us around, and we got to see some of our amazing staff in action with students.
From left to right: Cherry Run Elementary Assistant Principal Miranda Goss, Principal Mark Bibbee, me, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid
Many of you will see my welcome back video in the upcoming weeks at Back to School nights throughout the Springfield district, but just in case, here’s the official welcome back for all Springfield families!
Have a wonderful week, and I will be in touch soon!
Sandy Anderson
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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August 27 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: Legislative Program and Reporting Student Progress to Parents and Guardians and Secondary Grading Advisory Committee
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August 29 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Fiscal Year 2024 Final Budget Review, etc.
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September 10 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: To be determined
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September 12 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: To be determined
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September 24 at 5 p.m. - Evening Work Session: Will only occur if needed
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September 26 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Legislative Program, etc.
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.
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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.
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School Board Work
School Year 2024-25 School Board Leadership
At the July 11 regular meeting, the Fairfax County School Board reelected Karl Frisch (Providence District Representative) as chair. I was honored to be elected vice chair. Read more about me on my webpage. We will both serve a one-year term. I am excited to continue working closely with my colleagues in this new role. Together with our superintendent, incredible teachers and staff, parents and caregivers, and community organizations committed to our success, we can ensure the very best for all Fairfax County students. I understand the importance of the work we have before us and am committed to doing all I can to help make a positive impact.
Read more on our website.
Watch the full meeting.
Certifying the Election Results for the Fairfax Education Union (FEU)
Also at the July 11 meeting, The Board voted to certify the results and recognize and certify the FEU as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Operational and Licensed Instructional bargaining units. View more information on Boarddocs.
Watch the full meeting.
Policy 2418
The School Board voted at the July 11 meeting 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 information on Boarddocs.
Watch the full meeting.
Strategic Plan 2023-30 Goal 2 Baseline Report
The School Board approved the Addendum to Goal 2 Baseline Report as the Division's starting point for the work toward achieving the goals in our Strategic Plan 2023-30 at the July 11 regular meeting.
Watch the full meeting.
FY 2025 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics
Also at the July 11 meeting, the Board voted to approve the FY 2025 Risk Assessment and Audit Topic Plan. View the presentation.
Watch the full meeting.
Community Advisory Committee Operating Manual
At the June 27 regular meeting, the School Board voted to adopt the Community Advisory Committee Operating Manual and amend the related sections of the Strategic Governance Manual and School Board Policy 1710.
Watch the full meeting.
School Board Community and Superintendent Advisory Committee Report Recommendations
The School Board also appoints members to numerous community advisory committees to increase community input on specific issues (the Virginia Code mandates qualifications for appointment to some committees). Community advisory committees include citizens from the magisterial districts and one appointed Board member liaison. Each Board member appoints a citizen to the committee. Advisory committee appointments reflect the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity of the magisterial districts. The advisory committees meet throughout the year and submit an annual report to the Board. Every July, the Board will develop charges for each citizen advisory committee. Advisory committees' requirements are detailed in Policy 1710.
The School Board held work sessions in May and June to hear the recommendations of the Community Advisory Committees. reports presented to the Board are as follows.
At the June 27 regular meeting, the School Board voted to adopt the recommendations from FLECAC. Watch the full meeting.
Proclamations
I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s June 27 and July 11 and 18 regular meetings.
FCPS and Back-to-School News
Back to School Checklist
Sign up for SIS in ParentVUE
Caregivers can view important information in ParentVUE such as attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for your FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. An app is also available for Apple and Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video explains the steps. Find out more.
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information from your schools. Update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
Complete Permission Forms
Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
💉 Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.
Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to your school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
🍝 Prepare for Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meal benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. Menus may be viewed online by selecting your child’s school from the school drop-down list.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
The application for free and reduced-price meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Paying for Lunch With MySchoolBucks
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
With MySchoolBucks, you can add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.
Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account and helping your child learn their PIN. Food and Nutrition Services staff will email you your child’s PIN. Your school’s front office staff can help with any additional questions.
Dietary Accommodations Form
Starting School Year 2024-2025, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is implementing a standardized process for dietary accommodations to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food for our students. This form only needs to be filled out once while your student is enrolled at FCPS.
Please keep in mind the following information while reviewing the steps below:
- FCPS does not provide meals containing pork.
- We offer vegetarian and vegan options for lunch at every school, every day. If your student needs pork-free or vegetarian meals (which do not contain meat, poultry, or fish but may contain dairy and/or eggs), you do not need to fill out a Dietary Accommodation form, as we have those options available at all schools.
- The form must be completed and submitted via email to dietary.forms.fns@fcps.edu and the Registered Dietitians will reach out to the parent.
Please note that while FCPS is not a peanut-free kitchen, our peanut butter products are individually wrapped to prevent cross-contamination.
Save the Date: Back-to-School Nights
The schedule for back-to-school nights is available by region: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, and Region 6. Don’t know your school’s region? Click on “School Profile” on your school’s website.
🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift and the calendar may be adjusted.
🚍 Stay Up-do-Date on Transportation
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss-and-ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a bus is delayed, parents/caregivers may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce bus delays of 30 minutes or more. Visit the Transportation Services contact webpage to see who to contact with specific questions.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
FCPS wants all parents/caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
On the Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms webpage, explanations are provided of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices.
Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
View the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.
FCPS.edu Has a New Look!
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Have you visited fcps.edu lately? Take a look around our newly redesigned site. Improvements were made with users in mind. Thank you to the many community members and staff who provided feedback during the redesign process. This was truly a collaborative effort!
Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships
Our website redesign project was completed with FCPS Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships in mind. To build trusting partnerships with families, we share the responsibility to be transparent about our policies and procedures and provide families with important information and resources to support their child’s success. Visit the new fcps.edu today!
New Attendance Reporting Feature Launching in ParentVUE for 2024-25 School Year
FCPS is excited to announce an important update beginning with the start of the 2024-25 school year. Parents and caregivers will have the option to submit their student’s attendance directly through ParentVUE starting the first day of school, August 19, 2024. This new feature aims to streamline the attendance reporting process and enhance communication between parents and schools. This change will make it more convenient for parents and schools to manage students' attendance while ensuring the highest level of security.
ParentVUE offers a more secure and reliable platform for managing students' attendance information.
ParentVUE access and assistance will be provided during Back-to-School events.
Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools: Steering Committee Update
As a reminder, FCPS elementary schools will have limited early release Mondays during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act.
The Early Release Mondays Steering Committee held its first meeting on July 29. Topics included supervision of students, transportation logistics, schools’ master schedules, and setting the afternoon schedule for school staff.
Family Survey
Parents/caregivers of elementary students: You can help us with planning. Please watch your email for a short form from your school asking if you plan for your child to return home at the early dismissal time on the first two early release Mondays. Your response will help us plan activities for students who need to stay at school until regular dismissal time.
We understand that families are eager for more details. Thank you for your patience, as we strive to create a positive and successful experience for students, families, and teachers. View the list of early release dates and other information.
Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online, to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects, and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology parent account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS ParentVUE account. Find more information on how to log in and use Schoology.
🔒 Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our top priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
As you may be aware, lessons on gun safety are already built into our curriculum; however, all parents and guardians must talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes and any homes that their children may visit.
Our website has resources for parents about gun safety as well as detailed information about FCPS safety and security practices in our buildings.
✏️ 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.
🏐 New Varsity Sports in FCPS
Boys volleyball tryouts recently began at FCPS high schools. This winter, girls wrestling tryouts will follow. Both sports came to FCPS high schools this year after students and families suggested them to the School Board. Read more about the beginnings of FCPS boys volleyball.
✨ Strategic Plan Connection
The addition of two new varsity sports to the division is a great example of the important work guided by the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity. This goal guides FCPS to provide resources, including extracurricular activities, to support the success of each and every student.
Learn more about how FCPS is achieving Goal 4 and the four other goals listed in the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
More Speed Cameras Being Installed in FCPS School Zones
Not everyone needs to hear this, but for some … please, slow down!
Getting your child to school on time can be a challenge some days, but it’s never an excuse to speed near a school. Following a successful pilot program, about 50 new speed cameras are being installed in school zones across Fairfax County.
Launched in February 2023 at eight sites, the pilot ultimately brought cameras to 10 school zones across the county and collected data on whether the cameras helped reduce speeding. A follow-up speed survey conducted in February showed that most school zones with speed cameras maintained reduced speeds.
FCPS Business and Community Partnerships
Workforce Development Requires Talent Ready Pipelines
On June 3, the Education Strategy Group (ESG) hosted the first regional convening of the new phase of TalentReady, an initiative to expand access to economic opportunity for students across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Spearheaded by the Greater Washington Partnership and ESG and supported by JPMorgan Chase, the initiative aims to enhance career pathways and expand work-based learning.
Ahnna Smith, senior director at Education Strategy Group, moderated a panel about the regional talent pipeline imperative with:
- Antwanye Ford, president and CEO of Enlightened, Inc.
- Dr. Anne Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College
- Rachael Stephens Parker, executive director of the Maryland Governor’s Workforce Development Board
During the convening, the Greater Washington Partnership shared data on the labor market including talent-ready opportunities for employers to engage with students. The 2023 top open regional positions and unfilled positions are:
- Computer occupations with 44,900 positions
- Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners, technologists/technicians with 36,400
- Other management occupations with 22,900
Understanding the workforce landscape and developing career-focused pipelines for students is an important factor for educators and those working to establish work-based learning opportunities. Thank you JPMorgan Chase for sponsoring the convening.
Superintendent Updates
📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy and Storage Pilot
Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call their school’s main office.
At the May 9, 2024 School Board meeting, the School Board directed the Superintendent to develop a pilot program for cell phone storage at FCPS. Starting with the 2024-25 school year, select middle schools will be cell phone-free and each student will use a personal storage pouch. Select high schools will be cell phone-free during all instructional times by using cell phone storage units in each classroom. Find more information on our cell phone storage webpage.
🌎 Academic Matters: Global Classroom Project
During the Academic Matters segment of the June 27 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented on the Global Classroom Project(GCP). The GCP is built around the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), involves 73 FCPS schools, and spans 48 countries. It connects to many of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan goals, including Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered; Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence; Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity; and Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Through this program, students across FCPS have engaged in authentic learning experiences using Portrait of a Graduate skills to address global challenges while reflecting on and learning problem-solving approaches. At Lewis High School, 9th and 10th grade students collaborated with a partner class in Poland to address hunger issues while honing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through hands-on activities. Fifth and sixth-grade students at Kent Gardens Elementary School enhanced their collaboration and communication skills by partnering with a class in Italy to explore the interconnectedness of quality education, clean water, and sanitation. They created infographics and dioramas to raise awareness about the impact of problems on local water resources.
On April 30, the 7th annual Global Classroom Project Showcase highlighted student ideas for collective action impacting the SDGs. Kindergarten to 12th-grade students from each FCPS region presented their work, which you can see in this video. This last school year, we had more than 3,500 FCPS students who participated in the GCP! I’m excited to see this program continue to grow and empower even more students to develop global cooperation, deepen their content knowledge, and understand globalization's impact on their lives!
Watch Dr. Reid's presentation.
📖 Reading on Grade Level by the End of Third Grade
Reading is one of the most important skills students can learn. Research shows that students who are reading at grade level by the end of third grade are more likely to be successful in school and life. That’s why we included that goal in FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. We focus on early reading skills for younger students and help older students strengthen their literacy skills. Watch third graders in action at Woodlawn Elementary School, as they practice sounding out letters — an important part of becoming great readers!
📊 Middle School and High School Grading Updates
FCPS worked with students, teachers, parents/caregivers, and school leaders to evaluate recent changes in grading policies and review current policies. The goal was to increase consistency and clarity in grading policies across the school division. Based on this work, FCPS put some new grading policies in place for all middle and high school students for the 2024-25 school year. Visit the FCPS website for information on secondary grading policy updates.
Save the Date: 2025 Graduation Schedule
| School |
Date/Time |
Location |
| Oakton High School |
June 2, 2025, 2 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Lewis High School |
June 3, 2025, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Lake Braddock Secondary School |
June 4, 2025, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| South County High School |
June 4, 2025, 7 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Fairfax High School |
June 5, 2025, time to be determined |
Fairfax High School |
| Centreville High School |
June 5, 2025, 7 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Robinson Secondary School |
June 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| West Springfield High School |
June 9, 2025, 7 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Woodson High School |
June 10, 2025, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Chantilly High School |
June 10, 2025, 7 p.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
| Thomas Jefferson HSST |
June 11, 2025, 9:30 a.m. |
Eagle Bank Arena |
New SOL Tests in Spring 2025
The Virginia Department of Education has announced that new SOL tests will be administered in spring 2025 for all testing grades/courses in Reading and Mathematics. The new SOL Math tests will assess the 2023 Mathematics standards, and the new SOL Reading tests will assess the 2024 English standards.
Because spring 2025 will be the first time these tests are administered, reporting of student scores will be delayed due to post-test equating requirements.
AVID Tutors
Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2024-2025 school year. AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $20.13 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to AVID@fcps.edu.
Springfield District Scene
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Support the Lake Braddock Secondary School Cross Country Team by attending their yard sale on Saturday, August 24, 1-11:30 a.m. at The Burke School, 9645 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015. Items for sale will include furniture, jewelry, collectibles, toys, clothes, sports gear, and more! |
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Shout out to the Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band for being invited to perform at the 78th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago this December! Very few schools in the United States achieve this level of performance and the students will be working to fundraise $70,000 to attend this prestigious event. Go Rams!
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Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology’s Head Athletic Trainer Dr. Heather Murphy who was recognized as the Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). The recognition took place at the NATA National Convention in New Orleans.
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Additional congratulations go to TJ HSST who was recently awarded the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award from the Virginia Board of Education! They were one of only 37 high schools in the state of Virginia to meet all the criteria to earn this honor! It included meeting state benchmarks in reading, math, and science and low absenteeism.
Last but not least, kudos to the TJ Wind Ensemble for being accepted into the Music for All National Concert Band Festival! This annual festival features bands from throughout the country performing in select venues throughout the city of Indianapolis. Students will also get to participate in music education and life-skills workshops and will receive evaluation and feedback after their performance from world-class conductors and clinicians. The 2025 Festival takes place in March.
🎽 Asha-Jyothi 16th Annual Run-Walk
As in previous years, FCPS schools are invited to participate in the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi 5k at Fairfax Corner on September 15, 2024. 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 such as Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, and Woodson High Schools, Franklin, Frost, Katherine Johnson, Liberty and Rocky Run Middle Schools, Eagle View, Greenbriar East and West, and Willow Springs Elementary Schools have received grants for innovation labs and technology education.
New Region 4 Assistant Superintendent
I am pleased to welcome Pablo Resendiz as Assistant Superintendent for Region 4.
Resendiz brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. Born in Mexico, he immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, facing the many challenges that come with new beginnings, including language barriers and socioeconomic hardships. Growing up as a multilingual learner and immigrant, Resendiz's personal journey fuels his commitment to ensuring that all students have access to an equitable education.
Resendiz has served in various capacities, including teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and most recently as an executive director coaching and leading schools in the largest region in Houston Independent School District (ISD). Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his work with at-risk students, having received the Rising Corps Member of the Year Award from Teach For America, been named Teacher of the Year, East Area Principal of the Year in Houston ISD, and awarded the Leadership in Excellence Award in Houston ISD.
In his previous role as an executive director at Houston ISD, Resendiz led initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in student achievement and school performance. His leadership and commitment to excellence have been evident in every role he has undertaken, consistently driving meaningful change and supporting student success.
Mr. Resendiz has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning & Development from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Professional Leadership from the University of Houston.
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New Region 5 Executive Principal
The Region 5 Office and I are pleased to announce Gordon Stokes as Executive Principal for Region 5. With a distinguished career marked by exceptional leadership and a commitment to educational excellence, Stokes brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role as Executive Principal.
Stokes started his career at Rachel Carson in 1998 teaching U.S. History. He served as a LEAD Fairfax Administrative Intern at Key Middle School from 2007-2008. In 2008, he was named assistant principal at Luther Jackson Middle School. In 2012, Mr. Stokes transitioned to South County Middle School where he also supported students, staff, and families as assistant principal. Since July 2015, Stokes has served as the Principal of Rachel Carson Middle School.
During his tenure at Rachel Carson, Stokes leveraged the school's mission and priorities to enhance the development of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes, expanded diverse elective offerings, and provided responsive supports tailored to the needs of Carson’s student body. His ability to assemble and lead teacher teams in county-wide instructional initiatives, such as the Capstone and secondary literacy projects, FCPSON, and Portrait of a Graduate presentation of learning, has been instrumental in piloting and evaluating innovative programs. He partnered with Carson’s teacher leaders and collaborative learning teams to establish a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Stokes’ leadership extends beyond instructional strategies to foster a positive school climate. Stokes established a safe and welcoming environment at Carson Middle School. He also engaged parents and families in conversations and improvement efforts to enhance student achievement and behavior. As a culturally responsive and equitable school leader, Stokes has partnered with the school-based equity lead to implement cultural proficiency modules and facilitated dialogues to address school-wide challenges. His development of the Young Scholars outreach program underscores his dedication to providing equitable opportunities for all students.
In recognition of his achievements at Rachel Carson Middle School, Stokes was named Outstanding New Principal in 2017. He served as President of the Middle School Principals Association during the 2018-2019 school year where he led advocacy efforts and partnered with the FCPS Leadership Team.
Stokes earned his Bachelor of Arts, History, and Master of Teaching degrees from The University of Virginia.
We are confident that Mr. Stokes brings passion and dedication to his new leadership role as Executive Principal for Region 5!
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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.
🏛 Virginia Student Advisory Board Opportunity
Governor Youngkin and Secretary Guidera are excited to announce the application for the 2024-2025 Student Advisory Board is now open! The Student Advisory Board is a highly competitive group comprised of one student from every Superintendent’s Region in the Commonwealth. The Board works closely with the Virginia Department of Education to provide student perspectives and play a vital role in the creation of policy by the Virginia Board of Education.
Students are chosen based on demonstrated academic achievement and passion for educational policy issues. The students will pick an education topic of their choosing and present suggested policy solutions to the Board of Education. Additionally, the students will have a private meeting with Governor Youngkin to present their ideas.
The application is due September 15, 2024. Applications are open to any rising high school senior. The Student Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in October and will present to the Board of Education on June 26, 2025. The application is available on the Secretary of Education’s website.
Please visit the Secretary of Education’s website for any additional information, or feel free to reach out with any questions.
Chantilly High School Junior Charger Dance Workshop
Come dance with the Charger Dancers! Dancers will learn sideline routines, play fun games, and learn a dance choreographed by the Chantilly High School Dance Team. It is open to students in grades K-8 and no dance experience is required. All workshop participants are invited to dance with the Chantilly Varsity Dance Team at the Home Varsity Football Game vs. Hayfield Secondary School on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 7 p.m. Dancers will join the team on the sidelines for the first half, then perform at halftime!
The workshop will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Chantilly High School gym. Please use door #10 for sign-in and pick-up. The fee to participate is $60 per dancer with a $10 discount for siblings. The registration fee includes a snack, craft, and Jr. Charger t-shirt. Register online.
Contact Coach Katherine with any questions at ChantillyDancers@gmail.com.
💦 Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The 2024 Conservation Poster Contest theme is "May the Forest Be With You, Always." This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year features a digital poster contest open to students in grades 7-12. The application deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024.
Learn more about the 2024 Conservation Poster Contest and contact Ashley Palmer with questions.
⚙ AI Bootcamp for High School Students
The Mark Cuban AI Foundation and Booz Allen have partnered to offer an AI Bootcamp for high school students. Students will participate in building AI systems, gain a clear understanding of what AI truly is (and what it is not), see how AI plays a role in their daily lives, delve into the ethical aspects of AI technologies, and explore much more. The camp will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 2024, and hosted at the Booz Allen McLean office, 8283 Greensboro Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102.
The application deadline is September 30, 2024. Apply here.
LearnServe Fellows Program for High School Students
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Learn Serve International is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that offers leadership and social entrepreneurship training for high school students from across the Washington, D.C. region. Programmatically they 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.
Are you a high school student eager to change the world? Join the LearnServe Fellows Program to learn about social issues that matter to you, and create local solutions to the problem you want to change.
The program runs from October to April (exact dates to be announced), where students will meet in person or virtually every Thursday at a location in central Washington, D.C. (location to be determined). Early up to 60 service learning hours!
There is a sliding scale tuition of $50-$1,250 per student, depending on the student's financial ability to pay. Families will complete the Sliding Scale survey during the application process to determine their tuition.
Applications are taken on a rolling admission. Apply on the Learn Serve International website.
The Congressional App Challenge Encourages High School Coders
The Congressional App Challenge serves as an opportunity for high school students to be more engaged in coding in their district. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district-specific. U.S. Representatives publicly recognize their winning teams, and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year.
- Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov.
- Winning students are invited to #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.
- Additional sponsor prizes are to be announced!
For more information visit the Congressional App Challenge website. To register visit the registration page of the Congressional App Challenge website. The deadline is noon on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
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Community News
August recognizes…
International Overdose Awareness Day
In Northern Virginia, consistent with national and state trends, the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities, including young adults and school-age children. Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain and can include prescription medication and illegal drugs.
Tragically, their misuse can lead to devastating outcomes. Fentanyl is an extremely fatal and especially powerful opioid, even in small doses. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl.
August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day. There are three things you can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl:
- Talk with children and loved ones in your life about the dangers of drug use, especially opioids. For more information about substance use among youth, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, please watch this webinar.
- Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse.
- Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose.
Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on our website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information on topics related to student well-being.
September recognizes…
Attendance Awareness Month
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
Labor Day
Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students.
Virginia legislation requires that schools opening before Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day.
We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
September 11 Commemoration/Patriot Day
With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Family and Student Resources
Resources for Families New to FCPS
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
📞 Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. Call the phone line with any question about your child’s education or FCPS and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines and phone numbers.
Things to Remember When Visiting Schools
Please know we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously. All school visitors must enter schools by way of “Door 1.” Upon ringing a school’s front doorbell, visitors will be asked to identify the reason for their visit before the door is opened. All school visitors will need to check in to the school visitor system in the front office before entering the school.
When outside, visitors are not permitted to visit school buses or playgrounds or to observe students from parking lots or other areas on school campuses.
While you may want to peek in on your child during the day, this can be alarming to our staff. Parents/caregivers are welcome to check in with their child's teacher via email during the first week if they are anxious about how their child is transitioning.
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First
If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue. Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, which you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).
If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.
Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or ombudsman@fcps.edu.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.ed, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
FCPS Introduces New Discrimination and Harassment Reporting Tool
FCPS has introduced a new Discrimination & Harassment Reporting Tool.
Please use the form to report incidents in which you may have witnessed or experienced bullying, racism, or harassment. FCPS routes the report to school administrators. We then ensure prompt and confidential handling of incidents, following all steps outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.
Your input is vital for our community's safety and academic focus. If you do not feel comfortable using the tool, please contact your grade-level administrator or child’s counselor. Thank you for your support in fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
📑 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.
💻 Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.
🚍 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.
Talking to Youth About Healthy Relationships: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping youth develop healthy attitudes toward relationships. Open discussion empowers youth to make informed decisions in their relationships and be alert for warning signs.
According to sexologist Susan Quillen, author of “How to Talk to Your Kids about Sex,” children and youth develop intimate relationships well before they start dating. Quillen states, “It’s essential for parents to feel comfortable talking about these relationships. As children and youth build friendships, they learn how to interact in pairs, realizing that violence or betrayal are destructive to relationships.”
Read more in the July 2024 Fairfax County Community Corner article.
🧒 Fairfax County Free Parenting Education Programs
Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services offers free Parenting Education Programs to help families develop important skills in promoting healthy relationships with their children. Offerings include
Find more information on the Department of Family Services - Children, Youth, and Families Parenting Education Programs webpage.
Preparing for a Successful Start to the School Year
The start of a new school year is an exciting time filled with promise and potential. As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate this transition smoothly. Read this Healthy Minds blog for tips to set your child up for success this school year.
Simple Ways to Transition Back to School With Autism
From Autism Parenting Magazine: “Returning to school can be stressful for all children, but especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. While summer activities such as visiting new places, staying with extended family, and attending school holiday care can be enjoyable, they can also be extremely disruptive for children with autism. We need to take this into account before we even start to plan how to help children transition back to school.
“When considering how to best start the transition back after each holiday break, you can help set your child up for success by creating a sense of safety amidst all the changes. It is also worth taking a moment to understand the two basic ways we can help to lessen a child’s anxiety.”
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Our goal is to strengthen partnerships in support of each and every student’s success.
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you’re important in your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help your student succeed. Learn more about the FCPS Family Academy.
Free Workshops from the Family Resource Center
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
September webinars and workshops include:
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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