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What I Saw On Providence Day…
Dear Providence District Families,
What an incredible day we had on Saturday at the inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration! It was a great reminder of the power of community—neighbors coming together to enjoy delicious food, fun activities, and the simple joy of connection.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! The celebration at Marshall High School was a resounding success, filled with vibrant energy and opportunities to connect with one another. Whether it was the incredible performances, fun family activities, or meaningful conversations, the day was a perfect way to ring in the new school year and showcase the strong community spirit of the Providence District.
The event offered something for everyone. The Marshall High School JV Cheer Team set the tone with their high-energy performance, followed by a range of activities for all ages, including pumpkin and face painting, interactive booths from local organizations, and the magical entertainment of Mr. Zig Zag, who delighted children and adults alike. Vocal Arts Fairfax captivated the crowd with Broadway classics, while students explored a Fairfax County firetruck and one of the school division’s new electric buses.
Seeing so many families connect, engage, and enjoy the day together was truly inspiring. Local organizations and businesses played a key role, sharing their services and making the event even more enriching for all who attended.
I want to extend a special thanks to Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik for co-hosting this celebration with me, as well as my Staff Aide, Ellen Gipko, and the incredible volunteers, performers, and community partners who made this event possible. Their dedication ensured the day was memorable for everyone involved.
For those who couldn’t join us, we missed you—and we hope to see you next year!
In service,
Karl Frisch Fairfax County School Board Chair and Providence Representative
P.S. Connect with me and follow my work on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
Providence District Families Newsletter Monday, October 7, 2024
This installment of the Providence District Newsletter includes important updates on the following topics:
Fentanyl and Behavioral Health Assembly
At the end of September, I joined Chairman Jeff McKay, Superintendent Reid, and other community leaders at the Youth and Family Behavioral Health Summit sponsored by VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) in partnership with Inova Health System. I was grateful to speak about all we are doing in our schools to support student mental health and address the dangers of fentanyl.
Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students
Ensuring students are up to date on immunizations is essential for protecting their health and the wider school community. FCPS (and all Virginia public schools) require proof of immunization. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent students from staying in school. By offering free immunization clinics, FCPS helps families meet these requirements, ensuring that students can safely stay in the classroom and reduce the spread of preventable diseases.
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
- Tuesday, October 8, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Elementary School Clinics
The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early-release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
Middle and High School Clinics
FCPS is also partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required. Please check the Immunization Resources page for locations, dates, and submitting a consent form.
Last week, Supervisor Palchik and I visited the Early Childhood Class-Based Preschool program at Mantua Elementary School. Principal Shannon, Assistant Principal Vaughan, and the preschool staff introduced us to their students who were working on developing the foundational skills necessary to prepare for kindergarten.
These programs align with our Strategic Plan Goal 1, to provide a quality preschool experience with comprehensive services at no cost to qualifying families who reside in Fairfax County. Due to a lack of state funding, spaces are limited, and FCPS cannot accommodate all qualified children. A preschooler who does not get access to quality early education misses out on crucial opportunities to develop foundational readiness skills. This disadvantage can contribute to lower self-confidence, fewer opportunities for higher education, and workforce challenges.
Don’t Miss These Fall High School Theater Performances
Our outstanding high school theater departments offer students an opportunity to shine, whether they are on stage or working behind the scenes. From acting to set design, lighting, sound, and costumes, every aspect of theater production is open to students with different interests and talents. Mark your calendars for these fall 2024 performances and support our students and educators who work so hard to bring these shows to our community!
Marshall High School Metamorphoses - November 14, 15, 16 More Information
Oakton High School 12 Angry Jurors - October 23, 25, 26 The Crucible - October 24, 26 The Play that Goes Wrong (High School Edition) - November 14, 15, 16 Get Tickets
Falls Church High School The Phantom Tollbooth - November 18, 20, 22, 23; December 4, 6, 7 More Information
Woodson High School Lear by Shakespeare - November 8, 9, 15, 16 Get Tickets
McLean High School Sense & Sensibility - November 21, 22, 23, 24 Get Tickets
Madison High School Puffs - Young Wizards Edition - November 14, 15, 16 Get Tickets
Fairfax High School Much Ado About Nothing - November 21, 22, 23 More Information
FCPS College Fair at George Mason
At the FCPS College Fair on Sunday, October 20, from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, high school students and their families can explore postsecondary education options and learn about majors, campus life, financial aid, and other important information from more than 200 colleges and universities from around the nation, as well as representatives from the U.S. Service Academies. Register here.
Superintendent’s Community Conversations
Superintendent Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns with her. Community Conversations will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on the following days:
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Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary - Register
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Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary - Register
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Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle - Register
Registration is not required but helps with planning. Childcare and interpretation services are provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Upcoming School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
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.
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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