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Dear Community Members,

A quarter of the school year finishes this week! Hopefully schedules are gaining rhythms; college and post secondary applications are nearing completion; literacy lessons are building reading skills; students are prepping for post-season sports competitions, and fall theater arts productions and music ensemble performances; and more. 

I’m aware that for some students and families, there has been confusion about secondary courses’ gradebook practices this week, as quarter assignments and grades wrap up. I’ve tried to share what I’ve learned as I worked with the Superintendent to clarify situations. My work right now on the Board’s revision of the grading policy includes creating consistent gradebook practices, as well as consist technology supports.

Also, it’s time to vote! 

While Presidential elections are known as a prime voting time, in Virginia, it’s also simply our annual exercise in democracy - we vote every year in November elections in Virginia. I’ve been thinking about how this is actually an excellent opportunity that we voters have in Virginia, because each year, we get to consider the people who represent us when making decisions about how our public monies are spent, and the values they bring to these decisions. So please don’t be a stranger to the polls after this Election Day - next year we vote for a new Governor. See below for information about voting in this election, including early in-person voting at locations around the county. 

Speaking of elected officials, earlier this month I led the School Board’s convening with state and federal representatives, to provide a legislative briefing on policy matters critical to the success of our students, and Fairfax’s economy and future. As the Board’s State Legislative Liaison, this continues to be a focal point of my work - especially as the General Assembly prepares to convene in January for its session.

I also had a beautiful intermixing of the personal and professional earlier this month, when I hosted a long-time friend who is a fellow at The Rowland Foundation, which invests in teacher-driven, transformational change. She is researching best practices for literacy intervention in secondary grades with struggling readers; and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), which also relate to individualized student interventions. Leaders and educators at Langston Hughes Middle School, South Lakes High School, Luther Jackson Middle School, and Cooper Middle School graciously hosted us for observations and conversations. All appreciated the “gift of time” to discuss education practices. It was a true delight for me to be immersed in these conversations and think more deeply about practitioners’ experiences.

Finally, community engagement sessions are beginning soon as part of the school boundaries process. Anyone is welcome at any meeting. I am particularly focused on attending the meetings for Region 1 and Region 5 schools, where Hunter Mill residents live. The schedule of meetings is expected very soon, and will be shared on the FCPS boundary work website here. Meetings will conclude before the winter holiday school recess in December.

You may also want to view information shared at the School Board’s public Work Session where FCPS contractor, Thru Consulting, provided an overview of the division-wide boundary project management plan. The presentation included a review of priorities, timeline, project governance and management, community engagement opportunities, communications, the role of data, and sample maps and analytics. You can watch the work session online. 

🚧 School Board Updates and Recent Work

Legislative Briefing

Two Critical Issues Facing Virginia's Public Schools

1. Funding Formula Reform:

The Virginia General Assembly is currently reviewing a 2023 report that highlights significant flaws in the state's education funding formulas. These formulas have been chronically underfunding schools, leading to inequitable resource distribution. As discussed in a recent subcommittee meeting, lawmakers are now considering potential reforms to address this issue.

2. Changes to School Accountability Standards:

The Virginia Board of Education has recently implemented sweeping changes to the Standards of Quality (SOQs), which govern how schools and school divisions are evaluated. These changes raise concerns about their potential impact on school accountability and student outcomes.

📈 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes

In the Academic Matters portion of the October 8 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes. These results show that the hard work of our students, staff members, and families is paying off. 

In FCPS, 192 schools (98.5%) are fully accredited, and just 3 schools (1.5%) are accredited with conditions. These numbers are much better than the Commonwealth as a whole, where only 1562 schools (86%) of all schools are fully accredited, and 254 schools (14%) are accredited with conditions.

Additionally, FCPS continues to outperform the Commonwealth and the nation when it comes to SAT scores. The average SAT score in FCPS is 1178 compared to 1101 in Virginia and 1024 nationally. FCPS had a 69.0% participation rate, while Virginia had a 52.4% participation rate.

✨ Growth and performance on state/national assessments is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3.

✨ A Strong Start for Our Multilingual Learners

At last Thursday’s School Board Meeting, Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start Pre-K-12 was discussed. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared significant progress toward English proficiency for our multilingual learners. Read about the improvements in the Goal 1 report (pdf).

📅 Upcoming School Board Meetings

*dates, agenda and times subject to change

• Tuesday, November 12, 10:30am: All Day Work Session
• Tuesday, November 12, 10:30am: Budget Committee Meeting
• Thursday, November 14, 7pm: School Board Meeting (Agenda: Budget Development, Grading Policy)

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

South Lakes HS, Thomas Jefferson HS are Exemplars 

The School Board recognized the tremendous work of schools who have been identified as Exemplars by the Virginia Department of Education. South Lakes High School received the 2024 Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology received the 2024 Highest Achievement Award. Thank you to the outstanding educators and staff for their hard work - it shows! 

Cedar Lane School Fosters Workforce Readiness

Cedar Lane School emphasizes self-advocacy as a crucial skill. Dr. Reid spoke with Work Awareness and Transition teacher Saida Bouzaher, who empowers students to develop essential workforce and life skills. Beyond the classroom, internships provide valuable real-world experience. Read more here about Cedar Lane's commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity.

👟 Walking Wednesdays at Wolftrap

Every Wednesday, weather permitting, Wolftrap Elementary families gather to walk their children to school. This long-standing tradition, organized by the PTA, encourages healthy habits and community building. See more info about Walking Wednesdays here.

🎭 Upcoming Theatre High School Performances

Herndon High School

What? Macbeth Apocalypse When? November 15 (7pm), November 16 (2pm and 7pm), November 17 (2pm) Tickets: *Not yet on sale

Oakton High School

What? The Play That Goes Wrong When? November 14 (7pm), November 15 (7pm) & November 16 (2pm and 7pm) Tickets: $15

Madison High School

What? Puffs When? November 14 (7pm), November 15 (7pm) November 16 (2pm and 7pm) Tickets: *On sale on website on Oct. 31

Marshall High School

What? Metamorphoses When? November 14 (7:30pm), November 15 (7:30pm), November 16 (2pm and 7:30pm) November 17 (3pm) Tickets: $15/students, $20/adults

South Lakes High School

What? Radium Girls When? November 14 (7:30pm), November 15 (7:30pm), November 16 (2pm and 7:30pm) Tickets: $10/students, $15/adults

Westfield High School

What? A Midsummer Night's Dream When? November 7 (7pm), November 8 (7pm), November 9 (2pm and 7pm) Tickets: $10/students, $15/adults

Other Info of Interest

✔️ Early Voting in Fairfax County!

Fairfax County Early Voting: What You Need to Know In-person early voting will be available from September 20 through November 2 for the November 5 General and Special Elections. Only Fairfax County registered voters may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location.  Voters must present an acceptable ID or may sign an ID Confirmation Statement. Curbside voting is available for eligible voters. Absentee by mail voters may vote early in person if they choose. If you received a ballot in the mail, you must bring it with you and surrender it to vote in person. If you received a ballot but do not bring it with you, you may vote a provisional ballot. Mail ballot dropboxes are available during early voting location operating hours. Same-day registration is available between Oct. 16 and Nov. 2 at early voting locations. Voters submitting a same-day registration will vote a provisional ballot. View a map of Fairfax County’s early voting locations. Questions? Email earlyvoting@fairfaxcounty.gov or check out their FAQs. Otherwise, vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, at your assigned polling place, between 6am and 7pm!

New FCPS Scholarship Website

Have you yet visited the new website dedicated to scholarships for FCPS students? This website is a one-stop shop for all things scholarships, making it easier than ever for students to find and apply for opportunities that fit their 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.

Tution-Free Summer Residential Learning Opportunity for 10^th and 11^th graders!

The Governor’s School is an enriching Virginia program designed for highly motivated students who are looking for a challenging summer experience. It occurs over the summer, on-location at a Virginia college or university. FCPS pays the tuition for all students. Students are responsible for special program fees, transportation, and incidentals.

Now is when current 10^th and 11^th grade students can explore and apply for 2025 Virginia Summer Governor’s School programs. The process begins with obtaining information at the student’s school. Please see the link above for further details about the program and application process. Examples of program topics include:

• Mathematics, Science, and Technology
• Marine Science
• Humanities
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Medicine and Health Science

IEP Palooza

Remote Internship Opportunity

TurnUp Activism is a progressive non-profit organization offering remote internships for its work dedicated to making our nation more just, fair, and equitable by empowering young people to engage in civic activism on issues like climate change, racial justice, reproductive rights, gun violence, and voter suppression.

October was...

Indigenous Peoples' Day

I remain proud to have brought Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a recognized observance in FCPS, for Board action and passage in 2020. This resulted from educative and collaborative advocacy by parents and teachers. I listened to them, and I learned that this was the right change to make. A resource that taught me a lot was the book, “An Indigenous People’s History of the United States”, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. There’s also a youth edition. I highly recommend it.

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness Month activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15 we recognized and celebrated the histories, cultures, and contributions of the members of our community whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

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.  

Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

These are the “High Holidays” of the Jewish year – the most important holidays in the Jewish faith. Rosh Hashanah is the new year, when Jews celebrate blessings and new beginnings in life. Then, Jews spend the ensuing days, until the Yom Kippur observance, preparing to help repair the world in some way in the new year, as individuals and as a community. Yom Kippur is a time to commit to improving one’s self and the world, and also a time to remember loved ones who have died.

November is...

Diwali and All Saints Day / Dia de los Muertos

As we transition into November, we celebrate a season filled with cultural significance and spiritual reflection. Diwali, a festival of lights, illuminates homes and hearts with joy and hope. Día de los Muertos and All Saints' Day honor the memory of loved ones who have passed. Let's embrace these traditions, cherish our connections, and spread kindness and understanding.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Veteran's Day

This Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th, let's pause to honor the brave who have served our country. Their sacrifices have shaped our nation. Let's express our gratitude for their service and commitment.

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.

Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

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