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Hello Braddock neighbors!
Here we are just a few weeks into the new school year and already there is so much to talk about! I hope you and your families are adjusting well to any changes and thriving in your school communities.
First, I want to take a moment to address the most recent incident of violence in America’s public schools. Like you, I am horrified at the continued exposure of our schools - what should be a safe place to learn - to senseless tragedy. I promise to advocate for the safety of your children. These events can be traumatizing for all of us, so please take a moment to think and learn about how best to discuss sensitive topics with the young people in your home.
Next, I want to call your attention to the important topic of grading, which is a major issue now before the School Board. By all accounts, there are wide variances across the county - from teacher to teacher, department to department, and school to school - in how students are assessed for the skills and knowledge they acquire in each class. FCPS recently enacted some changes in grading practices, as discussed during an Aug. 27 work session (materials | video).
The Board recognizes that students deserve to be assessed fairly and consistently with their peers. The Board directed the Governance Committee - of which I am a member - to revise our grading policy. Our first meeting on this topic was Tuesday, Sept. 3, and I encourage you to follow this process by watching meetings live or streaming them later. Please share your thoughts on grading with me!
In other news, the Virginia Board of Education has adopted new, troubling rules for how public schools will be evaluated. Starting in the 2024-25 school year, there will be both an accountability system to determine school performance and a separate accreditation system to determine if schools are in compliance with state laws.
In a recent newsletter, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid warned that schools with more economically disadvantaged kids likely will be scored more harshly and possibly lose accreditation. “With shifts in how student academic, readiness, and graduation outcomes are measured, there is the potential for misrepresenting the overall health of FCPS schools and overidentifying schools as underperforming and needing external support,” she wrote.
FCPS shares the VDOE’s goal of creating a clear system for measuring student success that aligns our state and federal accountability systems. It is important for the framework to appropriately account for the needs of students with disabilities and multilingual learners across its measures. FCPS has taken an active voice in the state board’s deliberations thus far and will continue to do so until the revised system is finalized.
I hope you will join me in letting Governor Youngkin and our General Assembly delegation know these changes will hurt public education in Virginia. We welcome scrutiny of our schools and system, but insist that the methods for doing so are fair and accurate.
Also, at its Aug. 29 meeting, the School Board approved the fiscal year-end financial transfer, to include critical resources for extended special education teacher contracts, achievement gap-closing strategies, the DROP program to retain experienced educators, and our new boys’ volleyball and girls’ wrestling programs.
Take care and please let me know how my office can help you.
IN THIS ISSUE …
- Focus on Braddock
- Music & Arts
- Neurodiversity News
- More from the School Board
- FCPS News
- Out & About
- Coming Up
- More Stuff Parents Should Know
TIME Magazine Kid of the Year
Wow! I knew Fairfax County students are brilliant - and Braddock ones in particular - but this is wild! Woodson High School student and Braddock District resident Heman Bekele has been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year! I had the pleasure of speaking with his parent recently and can't wait for the world to learn more about Heman and his incredible desire to benefit humanity. Grab a copy of the magazine if you can; it’s about to become a collector’s item around here!
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Solving Problems with the PTA/PTO/PTSA/PTSO Roundtable
Support your school’s parent-teacher organization!
Your school’s volunteer leaders are hard at work planning events and programs, some of which - such as after-care - provide critical support for families. Your membership contribution is important, but so is showing up when more hands are needed. The number one challenge I hear about from school leaders is recruiting and retaining volunteers. So be on the lookout for opportunities and pitch in when you can.
This is just one of the things I learned from PTA/PTO/PTSA/PTSO presidents who took time out to participate in a recent virtual roundtable with me. In addition, we were able to identify a common challenge in understanding and planning around Early Release Mondays in the elementary schools, and I was pleased to be able to get some quick information that helped get things unstuck.
I can’t wait for our next roundtable in October!
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New Executive Principals for Region 4 and 5
Please join me in welcoming Kim Greer as the new Executive Principal for Region 4 and Chad Lehman as the new Executive Principal for Region 5 schools.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in FCPS, Dr. Greer brings an extensive background in education and a proven track record of success to her new role.
Dr. Greer began her career as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher before advancing to leadership roles within FCPS. She has served as assistant principal at Marshall, South Lakes, and Westfield High Schools. In her current role as principal of Langley High School, she has led a diverse community of students and staff, emphasizing academic excellence and student well-being.
Region 4 schools located in the Braddock District are: Bonnie Brae Elementary, Cardinal Forest Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Kings Glen Elementary, Kings Park Elementary, Lake Braddock Secondary, Laurel Ridge Elementary, Oak View Elementary, Ravensworth Elementary, Robinson Secondary, and Terra Centre Elementary.
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With more than a decade of leadership experience as a school-based principal in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Mr. Lehman brings an extensive background and a strong record of success to his new role.
Mr. Lehman began his career as a health and physical education teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia, before joining FCPS in 2001 as a teacher at Chantilly High School. Over the years, he has served students and families in various capacities, including assistant director of student activities, athletic trainer, and instructional specialist. Most recently, Mr. Lehman served as the principal of Centreville High School, where he led a diverse community of 2,500 students and 300 staff members.
Region 5 schools located in the Braddock District are: Canterbury Woods Elementary, Eagle View Elementary, Fairfax Villa Elementary, Little Run Elementary, Olde Creek Elementary, Wakefield Forest Elementary, and Woodson High.
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Arts & Music
Robinson SS Symphonic Band Hitting the Right Notes
I am so excited to share that the Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band has been chosen to perform in December 2024 at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference held annually in Chicago!
This is the second time Robinson has achieved this high honor as they were chosen 30 years ago in 1994. This remarkable accomplishment promotes Fairfax County Schools and their high excellence in the fine arts. Last year, this well-tuned, hard-working band was invited to perform at the prestigious Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. Parents paid the majority of the expenses in the past.
This year, the band is trying to raise funds for the $70,000 travel and housing costs for the trip. Go here if you're interested in supporting this great cause.
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Focus on Strengths, Not Deficits
Here’s an eye-opener from Neuroscience News:
“A new study highlights the need to recognize and celebrate the diverse skills of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. The research advocates for a shift in perspective, focusing on strengths such as creativity, resilience, and problem-solving, rather than deficits.
“The study emphasizes that acknowledging these enhanced skills can lead to reduced stigma and better outcomes in education and employment for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. The team’s findings encourage a systematic review to further explore and validate the unique abilities associated with neurodiversity.”
Read More
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 Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings
- Thursday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
- Monday, Sept. 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
- Thursday, Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee
- Tuesday, Sept. 24, 3-5 p.m. - Governance Committee
- Thursday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, Oct. 1, 9-11 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee
- Tuesday, Oct. 1, 3-5 p.m. - Governance Committee
Agendas & Materials | Watch Meetings Live | Meeting Video Archive
Student Leadership Development Program
The School Board is accepting applications for the Student Leadership Development Program, open to any high school freshman, sophomore or junior in good academic standing. The program is for students interested in a future in law, government or public policy. Twelve students will be chosen to work closely with the School Board to how FCPS is governed and will give the students opportunities to participate on various advisory committees to the School Board, and even to seek election as the student representative on the School Board.
Program information and application.
Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
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2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, Sept. 30.
Participate in Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Focus Groups Each year, FCPS reviews and updates the SR&R to ensure it reflects our commitment to equity and the goals outlined in our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. This year, we are partnering with K12 Insight to host focus groups.
Staff who work directly with students and parents/caregivers should have received an email from K-12 Insight with information on how to participate in a focus group. Your voice is essential to delivering an SR&R that supports a caring and inclusive climate and culture in every school community. You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R or contact Kathleen Walts, executive director of Equity and Student Relations.
How is FCPS’ New Website Design Working for You?
FCPS recently launched our new website design! Thanks to all who provided feedback on ways to improve the central and school sites when the process started a year ago. We plan to start rolling out redesigned school sites next year.
Now that our new central website is live, we want to know if it meets your needs. Please take five minutes to tell us what you think in this voluntary, anonymous survey, which closes on Monday, Sept. 16.
Fall is almost here and that means there are lots of reasons to be out in the community!
I have a calendar full of Back-to-School nights, plays and musical performances, athletic events, and community festivals to attend. Please say hello if you see me and reach out if there’s something you’d like me to come to or help promote.
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The Taste of Annandale
One of my favorite NOVA events is on the horizon: The 2024 Taste of Annandale on Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.!
This free, family-friendly festival will be at a new location this year – the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike, and the Annandale Fire Department’s social hall next door. The Taste of Annandale features live music and dance, food trucks, other food vendors, beer and wine, children’s performances and activities, a 5-K race, a chili cook-off, a pet contest, local businesses and organizations, and more.
The Taste of Annandale 5K will start at 9:30 a.m. at the K Market parking lot at 4239 John Marr Drive, Annandale. Register for the 5K here.
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Tips from an Expert
I really love this advice that Kings Glen Elementary School Principal Christine Ritter recently shared in the school newsletter. No matter how old the students in your household are, this is a great list!
“Some students may come home and share every detail of their school day. Others may offer more limited responses. Here are some questions that you might ask to learn a little more about their day:
- What made you smile today?
- What’s something new that you got to learn today?
- Who did you talk with today?
- Who’s someone that you helped today?
- What are you most proud of today?
- What’s something that felt difficult today?
- What’s something that you’re looking forward to getting to do again?
- When were you feeling happiest today?
- What’s a "glow" and a "grow" from you day?
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FCCPTA Ambassadors Needed
The *NEW* Fairfax County Council PTA Ambassador Program was started in 2020 to foster closer connections with local units. Each of the 23 FCPS pyramids (a high school and all its feeder schools) has an FCCPTA Ambassador who works with the Ambassador Chair to interact with local units by:
- Providing any needed support and guidance,
- Facilitating the exchange of information,
- Keeping local unit PTAs up-to-date on issues affecting FCPS, and
- Passing on VAPTA and National PTA opportunities and news.
For more information or to volunteer, go here.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
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 webpage for tips and strategies.
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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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