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National Bullying Prevention Month
 October is National Bullying Prevention Month. For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
October 09: PSAT/NMSQT/SAT School Day
October 11: Religious and Cultural Observance | Yom Kippur (begins sundown 10/11 - sundown 10/12)
October 14: Student Holiday | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day)
October 20: FCPS College Fair, 4 to 6:30 pm. GMU Eagle Bank Arena
October 21-25: Virginia College Application Week
October 31: End of First Quarter | 2-hour Early Release
November 01: Holiday | Diwali
November 01-02: Religious and Cultural Observance | All Saints Day / Día de los Muertos
November 04: Student Holiday (School Planning Day for Staff)
November 05: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day for Staff) | Election Day
FCPS Standard School Year Calendar for 2024-25
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, 3-7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, 3-7 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.
Middle and High School Clinics
FCPS is 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 for students to receive immunizations.
Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.
PSAT/NMSQT/SAT School Day
On Wednesday, October 9, tenth and eleventh grade students will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) exam, and all registered twelfth grade students will be participating in SAT School Day. Grade 12 students who signed up prior to September 4, 2024 will be taking the SAT Test.
School Day Schedule
All FCPS high schools will operate on a two-hour early release schedule. High school academy courses and all high school shuttles will be canceled on this day.
Grade 9 and Grade 12 Students
During the PSAT/SAT School Day, most ninth grade students will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day, ninth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Please note that ninth grade students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (students receiving low incidence special education services) will continue to receive in-person instruction with a 2-hour early release on October 9.
Grade 12 students who did not sign up to take the SAT will have an unscheduled school day and not attend school. On this day, twelfth grade students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter.
Transportation
FCPS transportation is available for all students participating in the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day. Regular bus routes will be provided in the morning and after the early release. Families of students requiring alternate transportation arrangements due to accommodate testing will be contacted directly by the PSAT Coordinator or SAT School Day Coordinator.
Leaving After the Testing Window is Completed
Students will have the opportunity to leave the building upon the conclusion of the testing window (scheduled for 11:15 AM). However, parent/guardian permission must be granted through the completion of the PSAT/SAT Attendance Form. The completed form must be turned into Mrs. Barr in the Student Services Office by Tuesday, October 8, 2024. No handwritten notes or phone calls will be accepted in lieu of the form.
Pre-Survey
Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. Additional information about the content of the pre-survey and how to opt out can be found on the SAT and PSAT Pre-Survey Opt-Out Policy webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/node/36639. Please be sure to talk to your student about your opt out choice so your student knows they should not answer the survey questions during the digital readiness check.
If you have questions about the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day administration, please contact Dr. Gussow.
Walk and Roll to School Day
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.
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Ombuds Day
Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day. See the complete school year calendar.
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🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
🎓 Help Your Student Prepare for the Future at College Fair and Postsecondary Nights
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
Following the fair, a two-night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the college fair and postsecondary virtual event.
🎓 Virginia College Application Week
Herndon High School is happy to announce that we are participating in Virginia Department of Education’s Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). During the week of October 21-25, all Herndon High School seniors are eligible to receive a fee waiver code for the participating Virginia Colleges and Universities (both public and private).
Seniors must attend a Herndon College App Lab between October 21-25 to receive the fee waiver code, and they must submit their application by October 25th. Seniors are encouraged to see their counselor or HHS College/Career Specialist if they have questions. College App Labs are widely offered before, during and after school. Students may sign-up for a College App Lab at HHS at https://tinyurl.com/HHSAppLab.
🎓 College App Lab
Need help with College Applications? Planning to submit for FREE during Virginia College App Week? Register Now and Visit the College App Lab
College/Career Center in the Lecture Hall during week of Virginia College Application Week, October 21st - 25th
Your school counselors and Ms. Peirce are available to help.
Seniors can get the free waiver codes when applying to participating Virginia colleges and universities during the week of October 21st - 25th.
https://tinyurl.com/HHSAppLab
Quarter End, Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays
Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.
Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. Schools are closed for students on
Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
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Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!
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Election Day
Youth Leadership Network (YLN) Conference
Are you ready to level up your leadership skills and make a real impact in your community? The Youth Leadership Network Conference is designed for high school students (ages 14-18) who want to grow as leaders, build stronger, more inclusive communities, and work toward a more equitable future.
November 16 from 9 am - 2:30 pm at the Fairfax County Government Center
At this event, you’ll participate in interactive workshops to help you develop leadership confidence and meet other teens passionate about making a difference. You’ll also get to explore volunteer and internship opportunities at our Service Fair—perfect for boosting your college applications and giving back to your community.
Highlights include a fun photo booth, free lunch, and some cool swag to take home!
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just getting started, this is your chance to connect with others, gain new skills, and get inspired to lead. Sign up now to secure your spot!
If a scholarship is needed to attend, please email info@LeadershipFairfax.org
Currently seeking additional Sponsors for this event, please email our Director of Partnerships and Development, Lisa McGrail, for more information.
📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review
FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person.
All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
Yearbooks For Sale!
Yearbooks are now available for purchase on yearbookordercenter.com! Our school code is 8967. Books start at $65. Students receiving free/reduced lunch can pick up an order form in the main office to purchase a yearbook at a reduced cost.
Senior ads for sale! Families of seniors can now purchase senior ads for the yearbook! Please go to yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 8967 to feature your child in this year’s book!
📑 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.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- All FCPS Schools Accredited
- How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
- Become a Special Education Teacher
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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