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Dear Community Members,

I want to be sure you know where to go for accurate and useful information about what is happening in our schools regarding instruction and other vital components.

One place for information is the Superintendent’s Opening of Schools report (click here, then scroll down to access the PDF file), which was presented publicly to the School Board. I found it very impressive as an at-a-glance type of resource.

Another resource is the Superintendent’s performance review about FCPS’ Instructional Program. Each month, the Board publicly receives a report by the Superintendent on an aspect of the work being implemented – called an Executive Limitation, or “EL” report. In September, the focus was on EL #9, the Instructional Program (click this link, then scroll down for the PDFs of the presentation slides and the report). What you’ll see is a robust accounting of the breadth of work happening in FCPS. This, in alignment with meeting the goals of the Strategic Plan, is what the Board uses to hold the Superintendent accountable for educating each student to their personal success. The Board votes that the Superintendent is in compliance, or not, with each EL, creating a public record of accountability-tracking that is used for continuous improvement.

It's important that we look to reliable sources for information, especially with the forthcoming changes to the state’s accountability measures of public schools – measures that will over-identify schools as failing to meet the mission of educating students for life-long success. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information from your local sources, including myself, the Superintendent, and other FCPS communication avenues.

My priority areas of focus continue to be:

• Legislative advocacy to get the money from the state to fully fund our schools – including leading the Board’s upcoming meeting with the delegation of state elected officials representing Fairfax in the General Assembly
• Secondary coursework grading policy updates, for Board approval in November, so the Superintendent can deliver consistent implementation of grading practices across FCPS
• Facilities, including how to expand available revenue so needed upgrades can happen sooner
• Safe routes to school, including expediting needed county and state improvements of dangerous crossings and intersections, and securing future crossing guard services that remain unconfirmed by Fairfax County Government

Photos of me at various events in the last few weeks

🚧 School Board Updates and Recent Work

🌿 Major Facilities Upgrades at Middle & High Schools

Outdoor classrooms are coming to more FCPS schools! Following a School Board vote on September 26, 10 middle schools and 12 high schools (22 total) will soon have new outdoor learning spaces, thanks to one-time state funding!! (The approval happened in three Board agenda items: 5.05, 9.05, and 9.06.) I’m especially thrilled that so many students attending schools I mainly represent in the Hunter Mill district will receive this benefit:  This includes these middle schools: Herndon, Kilmer, Thoreau And these high schools: Madison, Marshall, Oakton, South Lakes, Westfield This is an investment I championed, which led the Board to allocate funds in 2022. However, delays emerged with county permitting. But finally, these plans were approved in June 2024 for permitting, allowing contracting for the work to be established. The Board’s recent vote awarded construction contracts for installing 22 outdoor classrooms; 15 remain to be contracted and installed.   Learning outdoors is research-proven to positively affect an array of student learning experiences and outcomes, as well as health! The intention with these additions is to bring consistent, equitable access to outdoor learning in our schools. Educators are already learning how to maximize these outdoor opportunities, and implementing these as possible. Outdoor classrooms will be accessible for students with disabilities and physical challenges, and include seating, rain barrels, accessible garden beds, and other features. Expansion to elementary schools will depend on future funding. Stay tuned!  🚽 Also, the Board approved the contract on September 12, to have real bathrooms installed at 14 high schools, including South Lakes, Marshall, and Thomas Jefferson. The Board initially approved the allocation of money in August 2022. However, delays emerged with county permitting. But finally, these plans were approved, allowing contracting for the work to be established. Expected completion for all is by fall 2025, in time for next year’s school year and fall sports season. The funds come from the capital bonds that are approved only by the public, by voting “yes” on the ballot during annual November elections.

📅 Upcoming School Board Meetings

• Tuesday, October 8, 10:30am: All Day Work Session
• Thursday, October 10, 7pm: School Board Meeting
• Tuesday, October 15, 3pm: Governance Committee Meeting
• Thursday, October 24, 7pm: School Board Meeting

Accessing Board Meetings

The work sessions and regular meetings are 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.

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.

For Spanish speakers, watch recorded School Board meetings or to watch live during the Regular Meetings on YouTube, you may visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code.

Hunter Mill Happenings

📸 Athletics Around Hunter Mill

I’ve loved seeing our student athletes bring their most competitive games to the fields and courts this fall!

Boys volleyball continues to be thrilling. I’ve enjoyed several games – check out some of the moments from the game between South Lakes HS and Madison HS, in the photo collage up top. The play has been filled with energy and teamwork.

I’ve also attended football games, where our students are giving their all not only on the gridiron with the clock running, but also on the sidelines and performing at half time. The South Lakes HS Homecoming was early this year, but the parade and game night activities were in full force. For something really special, see this local Fox 5 News “Friday Night Live” coverage of the game! The festivities continued the next night, with the Homecoming Dance – which, for the first time, included a sensory-friendly portion! The first 30 minutes of the dance had music at a lower volume, with lights kept on, for a limited the number of people in the physical space. What an inclusive offering for the Seahawks!

At Madison HS, it was a fierce competition between Madison and Marshall HS, at a game in September. Madison earned the win – perhaps the bounty of cheerleaders helped, since it was a special night to host budding cheerleaders from the local league! All photos can be seen in the photo collages above.

🌐Celebrating Global Learning at Thoreau Middle School

Thoreau Middle School’s French teacher, Shannon Evans, is dedicated to global education. She recently hosted a Senegalese teacher as part of a global exchange program. Her previous Fulbright experiences in Morocco and her recent award for Distinguished Teaching in Morocco have furthered her commitment to global citizenship and cultural appreciation. Evans has created a global education guide to share her experiences: Global Education Guide

🏆National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to the many Hunter Mill students who have earned being a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship! This is a tremendous achievement, obtained through much hard work. I wish you continued success in this school year ahead, and on to the final scholarship awarded later in the school year by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Louise Archer Elementary School Renovation Update 🏫✨

Construction workers at Louise Archer Elementary School discovered a historic wall from the original 1939 building. The wall will be restored and incorporated into the new lobby design, along with a mural of Louise Archer. This exciting find connects our school's rich past with the present and honors its namesake!

Other Info of Interest

✔️ Remember to Vote! Check Your Registration Status

Are you ready to make your voice heard? Checking your voter registration status is quick and easy! Simply visit Virginia's election office website here, where you can enter your details to confirm your registration. It’s a crucial step to ensure you’re eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Don’t wait—check today and be prepared to participate in shaping your community’s future!

Exciting Opportunity for 7th Graders

VA Senate Page Program for 7th graders! Learn valuable skills, give back to the community, and be part of the legislative process. 7-week program, Jan 5th - Feb 21st. Apply by Oct 18th (5pm EST). Details: Virginia General Assembly Page Programs or pageinfo@senate.virginia.gov 

Hispanic Heritage Month

Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth! From September 15 to October 15 we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

New FCPS Scholarship Website

I'm excited to announce the launch of a brand new website dedicated to scholarships for FCPS students! This website will be a one-stop shop for all things scholarships, making it easier than ever for you to find and apply for opportunities that fit your academic goals.

While Naviance remains the primary database for scholarship applications, this new public webpage provides a clear overview of scholarships available to all FCPS students.

🔒Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.

College Fair and Look to the Future Events

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may register here.

Contacting Me

I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.

To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.

Best,

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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

E-mail: Melanie K. Meren |  Phone: 571-423-1082 | Facebook | Twitter

Staff Aide: Chris Pinkerton | 571-423-1070