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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
Happy fall! We are officially in the time of year when it’s impossible to know how to dress your kiddos! I have enjoyed the last month getting to attend and participate in some awesome events in and around Fairfax County and the Springfield District.
- I had a chance to attend the Educate Fairfax FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame Event for the induction of eight new members to the Hall of Fame. We truly have remarkable graduates out there making a difference in the world.
- I was able to attend the Employee Conversation at Saratoga with Dr. Reid to hear more from our staff. I heard from some Superintendents and amazing students from across the Northern Virginia region at the Faith Action for Climate Solutions (FACS) Climate Crisis Forum.
- I attended the first FCCPTA General Membership meeting of the year to connect with our amazing parent PTA leaders.
- I was honored to cheer on the 2024 Excellence Award winners showcasing the hard work of employees across our county.
- I was able to cheer on the South County HS Boys Volleyball team at their final home game which also honored their seniors. It was awesome to see some of the kids who advocated so strongly for the adoption of volleyball to become a varsity sport in Fairfax County playing the sport they love!
Finally, this morning, I was able to attend the inaugural State of Our Schools with Dr. Reid and several of my board colleagues. Much of the message is also available in Dr. Reid’s letter to the community about our success in the 2023-24 school year, and I will be sure to share the link for the recorded version of the event in my next newsletter in case you don’t see it somewhere else before then.
I will be in touch soon!
Sandy Anderson
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.
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October 28 at 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
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October 29 at 2 p.m. - Governance Committee Meeting
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November 7 at 7 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee Meeting - CANCELED
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November 12 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: Budget Strategic Planning and Fiscal Forecast and Grading
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November 14 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: To be Determined
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November 18 at 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
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November 19 at 10 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
November 19 at 3 p.m. - Governance Committee Meeting
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and 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.
Please contact the board clerk if you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting. Find your School Board members and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.
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 .
School Board Work
📍 Boundary Review Updates
At the School Board’s October 8 work session, staff from Thru Consulting provided an overview of the divisionwide boundary project management plan. Their presentation included a review of priorities, timelines, project governance and management, community engagement opportunities, communications, the role of data, and sample maps and analytics. Watch the work session. For more information about the boundary review process or to provide feedback, visit FCPS' Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage.
2025 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program
Each year, the School Board adopts a State and Federal Legislative Program that includes the school division’s legislative priorities for action in Richmond and Washington. This year’s program emphasizes the importance of fully funding public education at the state level by adopting JLARC’s recommendations, which would mean an additional $568 million in annual funding for FCPS. As big as that number sounds, it would only bring Virginia schools in line with national averages for state support of public schools. Currently, Virginia spends $1900 less per student than the national average. This year’s program also prioritizes accountability standards that fairly assess school performance based on balanced measures of student achievement, academic progress, engagement, and outcomes toward college and workforce readiness goals and adequately accounts for all Virginia students' diverse learning needs.
The School Board voted to adopt the 2025 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program as amended at the September 26 regular meeting. Find more information on Boarddocs.
Outdoor Classrooms Update
The Board approved contracts at the September 26 regular meeting for the construction of new outdoor classrooms for 22 schools, including a number in the Springfield District or attended by Springfield District students.
- Irving Middle School
- Katherine Johnson Middle School
- Key Middle School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Lewis High School
- South County High School
- South County Middle School
- West Springfield High School.
Outdoor learning has proven to offer many benefits to students, including increased engagement, decreased anxiety, connection with the environment, improved physical health, greater hands-on learning opportunities, and more.
Proclamations
I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s September 26 and October 10 regular meetings.
Superintendent Updates
🏫 Annual Opening of Schools Report
At the September 25 regular meeting, Superintendent Reid provided the board with the annual Opening of Schools Report for the 2024-25 school year. As we begin the new school year, Fairfax County Public Schools is the ninth-largest school district in the U.S., with more than 180,000 students who come from 204 countries and speak more than 200 languages in their homes. Additionally, we have more than 40,000 full and part-time educators and other staff, making us one of the largest employers in Virginia.
View Dr. Reid's presentation on the FCPS School Board YouTube Channel.
📝 Applications now Open for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application is now open. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.
📖 Virtual Lexia Parent Information Night
Learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp at a parent information night. Discover how FCPS uses Lexia in classrooms to support students’ literacy growth. Presenters will also share tips for improving your child’s literacy. Sessions will take place:
- Tuesday, November 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Register in advance. For more information, contact Theresa Lieteau at talieteau@fcps.edu.
🏢 Davis Career Center Student Worksites Needed
The Davis Career Center depends on our wonderful northern Virginia business community to provide work experiences for our students. These active, hands-on learning experiences provide tremendous opportunities for students to build both soft and hard skills in preparation for life after DCC. This year they have grown and are still in need of additional worksites to support our students. They are asking for your support in directly connecting with specific individuals at worksites who may be willing to consider hosting a group of students and staff this year. If you might know of a business and a direct contact, please reach out to the Davis Career Center Employment and Transition Representative, Theresa Piccolo, by email at tnpiccolo@fcps.edu or by phone at 703-714-5603. Thank you for your support!
Springfield District Scene
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Kudos to Chantilly High School’s Odyssey yearbook for receiving the Charles E. Sadvedge Award for Continued Excellence in Journalism!
Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s The Purple Tide newsmagazine for receiving the All-American Award with marks of distinction in coverage, content, text, and presentation, from the National Scholastic Press Association.
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Congratulations to Fairfax High School’s Peter Choi for winning the 2024 Election Sticker Contest with the City of Fairfax Electoral Board! His winning design will be featured on Election stickers for the 2024 Election!
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I’m thrilled to hear that Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Student Government Association has implemented a mental health campaign! They kicked the initiative off with an after-school pumpkin carving contest! 🎃Great job, Bruins!
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Kudos to Oakton High School’s Kelly Zou for taking first place in the Drawing category for Pearl at the VHSL 2024 Multimedia Championship! |
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Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJHSST) for being named by the College Board to the Advanced Placement (AP) Program Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction; the highest honor possible! This award was based on the recently graduated Class of 2024's participation in AP programs over the past four years. During that time 100% of them took at least one AP Exam during high school, 100% of them scored at least a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 85% of them took five or more AP Exams during the four years! Each criterion well exceeds the College Board's standards for earning Platinum status.
Shout out also to TJHSST’s Rocketry Team for being selected to the NASA Student Launch Challenge for the 2024-25 School Year!
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I’m so proud of the West Springfield High School varsity football players and cheerleaders for taking time out of their game day to read with and inspire first graders from Cardinal Forest Elementary School! Way to go Spartans! And a special shout out to principals Mike Mukai and Felicia Drake, Assistant Principal Cindy Agner, and Cardinal Forest teacher Jennifer Walrath (and West Springfield football mom) for organizing the event! Read more on the wtop news and NBC4 websites and in FCPS News! |
Congrats to West Springfield’s Emily Yelnicker for taking first place in the Review category for In this movie, we wear pink in the VHSL 2024 Multimedia Championship!
Correction: New Region 5 Executive Principal
*Please note, in my September newsletter, I inadvertently included information about Region 5 Office Executive Principal Gordon Stokes with this picture of Mr. Chad Lehman.
The Region 5 Office and I are pleased to announce Mr. Chad Lehman as the new Executive Principal for Region 5 schools. With over 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.
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. In 2009, he was appointed assistant principal at South Lakes High School.
Most recently, Lehman served as the principal of Centreville High School, where he led a diverse community of 2,500 students and 300 staff members. Under his leadership, the school achieved significant improvements in areas such as chronic absenteeism, dropout rates, and math performance, ultimately earning level-one state accreditation across all categories. His focus on refining grading and assessment practices, advancing equity learning opportunities for staff, and promoting collaboration among curriculum teams has had a lasting impact on the school's culture and student achievement. His commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment was evident through initiatives such as a schoolwide PBIS approach (ROAR: Respect, Ownership, Achievement, Relationships), social-emotional learning lessons, and a freshman mentoring program. During the pandemic, he provided steady leadership as the school transitioned to virtual learning and later returned to in-person instruction.
Before his time at Centreville, Lehman served as principal of Luther Jackson Middle School from 2014 to 2018, where he strengthened collaborative team efforts as part of a professional learning community and improved student outcomes in English and math. His leadership was widely recognized, earning him nominations for FCPS Outstanding First Year Principal in 2015 and Region 2 Finalist for FCPS New Principal of the Year in 2017. He was also nominated for the FCPS Outstanding Principal Award by the Centreville community in 2019.
We are confident that Mr. Lehman will bring his exceptional leadership, innovative vision, and unwavering dedication to student success to his new role as Executive Principal for Region 5.
📜 Students Earn 2023-24 AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificates
Sixty-nine Fairfax County Public Schools students earned the Advanced Placement (AP) ® Capstone Diploma and 19 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2023-24 school year.
Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!
AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
Centreville High School
Jocelyn Atya
Avery Deer
Daniel Gao
Owen Parrott
Chantilly High School
Griffin Lewandowski
Akshara Subburam
Fairfax High School
Vinh Chau
Krish Sharma
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Sophie Delaney
Caley Nee
Kiersten Schmitt
Oakton High School
Viraj Kamath
Amber Zhang
South County High School
Mary Crouse
Colin Miller
AP Seminar and Research Certificate Recipients
Centreville High School
Zoya Ali
Benjamin Emmert
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Leah Dutcher
Asees Kaur
Oakton High School
Alexis Chang
See the full list of the students.
✨ The availability of and enrollment in advanced, rigorous coursework and programs is part of the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.
🏆Recognizing Employees Committed to Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity
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Left to right: Franconia District School Board Member Marcia St. John-Cunning, At-Large Member Ryan McElveen, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, Robinson Secondary School College & Career Specialist Holli Selman, Principal Tracey Phillips, Assistant Principal Megan Sherrill, Region 4 Assistant Superintendent Pablo Resendiz, Chair and Providence District School Board Member Karl Frisch, me, and At-Large Member Ilryong Moon.
The FCPS Excellence Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of employees whose job performance produces exceptional results that support the mission and vision of the division. The Excellence Awards recognize multiple pathways to results by using nomination categories based on the school system’s goals. Award categories include Collaboration and Partnerships, Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, Innovation and Improvement, and Student Achievement and Success.
Read more about the Individual and Team Excellence Award winners.
🏆 Five Schools Win Exemplar Awards
Five Fairfax County public schools have been awarded a 2024 Virginia Board of Education Exemplar Award. Two schools received the Highest Achievement Exemplar Award, Sangster Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson HSST. Three received both the Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award, and the Continuous Improvement Graduation and Completion Index and Dropout Rate Exemplar Award, including Lewis High School. Congratulations to these outstanding schools!
Read more about these honored schools.
📜 FCPS Schools Recognized on Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
The College Board announced that 17 FCPS high schools have been named to the Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. Schools can earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum distinction.
Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
The AP program offers college-level courses and exams that students can take in high school. By taking AP exams, students can earn college credit. FCPS pays the fees for the first six AP exams taken by each student for FCPS courses in which they are also enrolled for high school credit.
The schools named to the AP School Honor Roll in which Springfield District students attend are
Silver Distinction Schools
Gold Distinction Schools
- Chantilly High School
- Fairfax High School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Oakton High School
- South County High School
- Woodson High School
- West Springfield High School
Platinum Distinction Schools
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
For a school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll in a given year, it must meet each of the following criteria for its students in the most recent graduating class; these criteria are anchored in research-based relationships between AP and college outcomes:
Silver Distinction
- College Culture: 50% or more.
- College Credit: 30% or more.
- College Optimization: 5% or more.
Gold Distinction
- College Culture: 65% or more.
- College Credit: 35% or more.
- College Optimization: 10% or more.
Platinum Distinction
- College Culture: 80% or more.
- College Credit: 50% or more.
- College Optimization: 15% or more.
* At least one of those exams was taken in 9th or 10th grade so that students are spreading their AP experience across grades rather than feeling disproportionate pressure in any single year.
Read the full list of recognitions. More information about the AP School Honor Roll is available online.
🎭 Upcoming School Performances
Don’t miss the many fall school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are
12 Angry Jurors - Oakton High School: October 25 at 7 p.m. and October 26 at 2 p.m.
The Crucible - Oakton High School: October 26 at 7 p.m.
Dessert on Broadway - Lake Braddock Secondary School: October 29 at 6:30 p.m.
King Lear - Woodson High School: November 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. and November 9 and 16 at 1 p.m.
The Play That Goes Wrong High School Edition - Oakton High School: November 14, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. and November 16 at 2 p.m.
Puffs - West Springfield High School: November 14, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. and November 16 at 2 p.m.
The 39 Steps - South County High School: November 14, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. and November 16 at 2 p.m.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Robinson Secondary School: November 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m., November 16 at 2 p.m., a sensory-sensitive performance on November 21 at 6:30 p.m., and November 23 at 2 p.m.
Dorothy in Wonderland - Katherine Johnson Middle School: November 15 at 7 p.m. and November 16 at 2 p.m.
Much Ado About Nothing - Fairfax High School: November 20, 21, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m. and November 23 at 2 p.m.
Peter Pan, Jr. - Lake Braddock Secondary School: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m. and November 23 at 2 p.m.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical - Chantilly High School: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m. and November 24 at 2 p.m.
Puffs - Lewis High School: November 21, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m. and November 24 at 2 p.m.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown - Rocky Run Middle School: November 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and November 23 and 24 at 2 p.m.
Antigone 3021 - Centreville High School: November 22 at 7 p.m. and November 23 at 2 p.m. and November 24 at 2 p.m.
Staff and 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.
🏳️🌈 Safe Space NOVA Sunday Socials
Starting Sunday, October 27, Safe Space NOVA will host Sunday Socials for LGBTQIA+ youth 18 and under. Youths under 14 require parental consent. The socials will occur from 2 to 4 p.m. at 108 South Columbus Street, Alexandria, VA (inside the courtyard), and will include games, icebreakers, snacks, drinks, music, and good conversation. Adult supervision will be provided by trained mental health specialists and other LGBTQIA+ young adults.
For more information contact info@safespacenova.org.
🌌 NASA TechRise Student Challenge
NASA invites students in grades 6–12 to submit science and technology experiment ideas to fly on a high-altitude balloon. The 2024–2025 TechRise Challenge provides participants with hands-on insight into the payload design and suborbital flight test process, with the goal of inspiring a deeper understanding of space exploration, Earth observation, coding, electronics, and the value of test data. Sixty winning teams will be selected to build their proposed experiment. The submission deadline is November 1, 2024.
Venture into Volunteering Fair
Are you looking for service hours? Attend the annual Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, November 3, from 12-4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center. Meet representatives from various nonprofits and local government agencies to learn about ways to volunteer in the community. Learn more.
If you have questions or would like to reserve a table as an organization, please email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5406.
💸 Fairfax County Special Education PTA Mini-Grants
The Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) FCPS teacher and staff mini-grant application is now open! November 3, 2024, is the deadline to apply for a mini-grant from SEPTA for the fall. SEPTA is pleased to offer up to $500 in mini-grant funds for SEPTA member teachers and staff to implement programs, attend professional development, and obtain materials to support students with disabilities.
Apply on SEPTA’s Mini-Grant web page. They will announce those selected at IEP Palooza on Saturday, November 16!
⛄ 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show Volunteers Needed
The South County Parent Teacher Student Organization is seeking student volunteers to distribute flyers promoting the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Show. See their Sign-up Genius to volunteer. All students will receive volunteer credits.
Community News
💊 Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration is holding its annual National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26. Safely dispose of unused or expired medications through free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Safe disposal of medications prevents drug misuse, and accidental poisoning, and protects the environment. Drop off your medications at the following locations convenient to Springfield District residents.
For more information visit the Fairfax County Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board web page.
🎃 Chantilly High School Annual Haunted House
Mark your calendar for the Chantilly High School Haunted House on Saturday, October 26 from 1-5 p.m. (less scary) and 6-10 p.m. (scarier) Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer, and Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com.
🍬 Lake Braddock Secondary Trunk or Treat
Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Trunk or Treat takes place Wednesday, October 30 in the student parking lot from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event is $5 per child or $10 per family. They encourage everyone in the community to dress up and celebrate the spooky season!
If you would like to host a trunk, please complete this form.
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❄️ Fairfax County Park Authority Winter Camp Registration
The Fairfax County Park Authority has set its registration dates for winter camps and classes. Registration for winter camps is now open. These camps take place during school holiday breaks and cultural observances. The single-day and two-day camp sessions run from December 8, 2024, through February 17, 2025.
Find more information on the Park Authority website.
🛍️ Robinson Marketplace
Just in time for the holiday season, the Robinson Marketplace will occur on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School. Support local businesses, artisans, and Robinson groups and clubs! Food, entertainment, and a silent auction auction will also be provided.
🍫 Woodson High School Chorus See’s Candy Sale
Shop for the holidays by supporting the Woodson High School Chorus at their virtual See’s Candy store! Every purchase of See’s boxed chocolates, candy bars, and more goes to Woodson Chorus. Enjoy sweet treats while supporting a great cause! Candy will be available to ship on November 11, 2024.
Chantilly Academy AFJROTC 2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser
The Chantilly Academy AFJROTC is selling 2024 White House Ornaments until December 8, 2024. The ornaments are $25 each. Contact a cadet or Lt. Col. Michael Rue at mrue@fcps.edu to place your order. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, checks payable to “Chantilly Academy,” or credit cards via Schoolbucks.
🥤 West Springfield High School Low Incidence Small Business
West Springfield High School special education students in the Low Incidence Program started a small business! They make crayon letters, lanyards, wooden signs, mugs, and cups!
Original Creations is a small business that offers meaningful work experiences to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides opportunities for them to develop a wide range of functional skills that are essential for independence. It celebrates their willingness to learn, as well as the hard work and love they put into each product.
Check out their website!
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Family and Student 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.
Teen Dating Violence
Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services supports teens who experience dating violence in their relationships. Teen dating violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital harm and can happen between those of any gender or sexuality. It may look like
- Beating, hitting, kicking, or shoving you or people or pets you care about
- Keeping you trapped or not letting you leave a room
- Going through your phone or social media accounts
- Stopping you from participating in your hobbies, interests, or extracurriculars
- Lying about things you have said or done or telling you things about yourself that are not true
- Never pay for activities you do together or make you pay for everything.
- Forcing or guilting you into doing sexual things you do not want to do or which make you uncomfortable.
- Putting pressure on your neck or chest to make it hard for you to breathe
- Misgendering you or calling you by the wrong name or pronouns as if your identity doesn’t matter
Find more information on the Teen Dating Violence web page. If you are experiencing teen dating violence or see warning signs that your relationship is abusive, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline at 703-360-7273.
FCPS Ombuds Staff Are Here to Hear You
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 every member of the FCPS community. The team works 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/caregivers to improve communication with teachers and schools.
- Help resolve disagreements involving employees in the workplace or disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools.
- Provide ideas to foster parent/caregiver 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.
Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation
This interactive orientation provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should get to know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation also includes a discussion that is helpful for families who are new to the United States.
Sessions in English are held online on:
- Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m.
Register in advance. Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey. You are an important part of your child's education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.
💻 Digital Access Technology and Resources
Visit Fairfax County’s Digital Equity and Inclusion website to learn how to:
- Find free wifi.
- Borrow a computer.
- Visit Access Fairfax locations to use a computer.
- Take free tech classes.
- Sign up for an internet discount.
💲Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshops
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is slated to open on December 1, 2024. Seniors and their families should complete the FAFSA and other financial aid applications in order to receive financial assistance for postsecondary education. Find more information in the College Access Fairfax October 11 newsletter.
College Access Fairfax and FCPS will present a series of free virtual workshops on the financial aid process and an overview of applying for outside scholarships.
More information may be found on College Access Fairfax’s Events page.
Paying for College
- Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Scholarship 101
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.
📑 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.
💉 Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Does your child need school-required immunizations? If so, please check out the options below.
Elementary School Clinics
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) 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 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.
Clinics are now being scheduled. Visit the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.
Please note that students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department, or through other community resources.
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will provide immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 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 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
✈️ Wings for All Program
Join The Arc of Northern Virginia for Wings for All, a free program that gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease. The program provides an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. The Arc of Loudoun and The Arc of Northern Virginia partner with United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to design and carry out this program. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) people with disabilities and their families can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.
The first Wings for All will occur on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Washington Dulles International Airport from 8 a.m. to noon. The second event will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The time and registration for this event are yet to be determined.
During this free, half-day event, people with disabilities and their families can familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures. They experience:
- Entering the airport
- The check-in process and checking bags
- Security screening
- Boarding the plane
- Preparing for take-off
- Exiting the plane
Due to limited space on the airplane, a maximum of four (4) individuals are allowed per family group onto the aircraft, including the individual(s) with disabilities and family members/support staff accompanying them to the event. If a family group has multiple individuals with disabilities, then 1 designated adult is allowed per individual with disability. Additional family members attending the event but not boarding the plane will be able to wait at the gate to welcome them upon their return.
All participants 18 years old and over are required to bring a valid form of government-issued ID to be allowed through security.
Register in advance.
Fairfax County Special Education PTA IEP Palooza
Join the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) for their second annual IEP Palooza on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at Luther Jackson Middle School. The event will include a simulated IEP meeting (with narration to draw attention to specific points), breakout sessions explaining the various parts of the IEP, and a resource fair to learn about community supports. Each breakout room will be hosted by a SEPTA board member and Fairfax County Public Schools staff member presenting as a team. We are thrilled that the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) will also join us to host two sessions in Spanish! This event is geared toward families, school staff, and students ages 14+.
Register in advance.
Transition Parents Support Group
The Arc of Northern Virginia is holding a Transition Parents Support Group on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at their Fairfax location in the Cherry Blossom Room. The meeting provides a forum to share resources, ask questions, and be surrounded by families who understand the thrills and challenges of navigating life after leaving school.
Register in advance.
Military Family Resources
Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids® (OMK) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.
Military Childcare
Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. Visit MilitaryChildcare.com for information.
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.
October and November webinars and workshops include:
In Case you Missed It
- September 25 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Boundary Review Updates
- Review of Social Studies Teaching Resources
- 2023-30 Strategic Plan - Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities
- October 2 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- All FCPS School Accredited
- How FCPS Teaches Reading and Writing
- 2023-30 Strategic Plan - Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
- October 9 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Learn About Lexia for Literacy
- Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
- Opportunity to Review Social Studies Classroom Resources
- October 16 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Fairfax County Youth Survey on Physical and Mental Well-Being
- 2023-30 Strategic Plan - Goal 1: Strong Start PreK-12
- Encouraging a Healthy, Balanced, Positive Approach to Media and Technology
- October 23 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Federal Impact Aid Survey
- Assistive Technology Student Ambassadors
- Student-Driven Menus
- Office of Auditor General Current Engagement September Updates
- FCPS Business and Community Partnerships October Updates
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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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
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