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November Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
Can you believe we only have two months left in 2024? Time is flying, and November is packed with important dates to remember. As the weather gets cooler and we prepare for the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect and get ready for what’s ahead.
First, mark your calendars for Daylight Saving Time, which ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour! Enjoy that extra bit of sleep as we transition into shorter days and longer evenings.
Another significant date to remember is November 5. It’s Election Day! This year is especially important as it’s the presidential election. Make sure your voice is heard—plan your vote, whether you’ll be heading to the polls in person or mailing in your ballot. Every vote counts!
On November 11, we pause to celebrate Veterans Day, honoring the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices they’ve made and, if you can, attend a local Veterans Day event, or thank a veteran personally. It’s a meaningful day to show our appreciation for their service.
Finally, Thanksgiving will soon be upon us! This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28, and it’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and reflect on all we have to be thankful for. Whether you’re cooking up a traditional turkey feast or trying out new recipes, it’s a day to embrace the spirit of gratitude and enjoy the company of loved ones. We know the holidays can be a busy time, but it's so important to take a moment to relax and enjoy the simple joys of the season.
Happy Turkey Thanksgiving!
Best,
Ilryong Moon
What’s Happened in October
 In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I was invited to join with my colleagues in a meeting with the Hispanic educators group, which was held on October 16. It was a valuable experience to convene and engage in discourse with colleagues, exchanging ideas for the advancement of our collective endeavors in the forthcoming year.
¡Muchas gracias por la invitación!
 I was invited by Langley High School's World Affairs Club, and I made a presentation to share about the Korean War and the experiences of immigrants in the United States. Through the presentation, students gained insight into the historical context of the Korean War and were also able to engage with the latest diplomatic issues concerning South Korea and the Korean peninsula.
I had the privilege of spending time with aspiring diplomats and experts in foreign affairs. I am grateful for the invitation and extend my thanks to the club members for the book ‘Choong Hyo Ye’ (충:忠·효:孝·예:禮) and the card signed by all.
 Legislative Briefing/Breakfast was held on October 8 at the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center. During the briefing, the state and federal legislative programs and priorities were discussed. Topics included state funding, workforce shortages, and student academic success, safety, security, and well-being. The Legislative Briefing/Breakfast was an opportunity for lawmakers and School Board members to exchange ideas and concerns, leading to the creation of a more effective pathway for students and the Fairfax County community.
Shout-out to Herndon High School - Virginia College Application Week
 Amazing 240 students from Herndon High School visit the College App Lab—many returning multiple times.
Of those students, 20.5% of the students are the first in their families to attend college—a significant milestone for them and for our future!
A total of 112 students completed the state-created Virginia College Application Week (VCAW) survey, resulting in an astonishing 361 college applications submitted by Herndon students over the course of the week. The top schools on the list were James Madison University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Following closely behind were Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary.
By making use of the resources available during VCAW, the students collectively saved nearly $20,000 in application fees—estimated at $55 per application, as the application fees range from $50-75.
The Herndon Hornets, the class of 2025 is on their way to success!
Challenges We Face
We tout our academic successes in many areas. Recently, we published our SAT scores and compared them with the state's scores. I am glad that our scores well exceed the state numbers. However, that is expected and does not surprise me at all. What we really should strive to achieve is to stay as the top school district, and that is where we may be falling short in a number of aspects.
I am sharing our SAT scores and graduation data, compared with a couple of school districts around us. The SAT scores are compared with the scores from Arlington, Loudoun County, and the state, while the graduation data are compared with the Loudoun County's. We still have lots of work to do.
 Figures from 2020-2023 SAT Average Scores are from WABE (The Washington Area Boards of Education Guide) and Arlington County Public Schools Quick Facts for 2022, and for 2024 numbers are Total Mean Scores provided by Superintendent Dr. Reid.
 Figures from VDOE - VA School Quality Profiles and Annual reports of Graduates & Completers.
 Figures from VDOE - VA School Quality Profiles and Annual reports of Graduates & Completers.
 You may already know that November 22 is officially designated as Kimchi Day here in Virginia. Thanks to Delegate Irene Shin (D), who brought the resolution to the House of Delegates in 2022, we now have an official day to celebrate this delicious food! The resolution was a resounding success, passing both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously!
We're celebrating this year at the Fairfax County Government Center on November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.! Learn how to make it, enjoy lunch, and take home your own batch. There will also be traditional Korean arts performances, and it promises to be a wonderful event where you can experience Korean culture firsthand.
Come and join us!
RSVP by calling 703-509-5010 or 703-939-5527.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Thursday, Nov 7, 7 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (Canceled)
- Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m. - Budget Committee Meeting (Full Board)
- Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
- Monday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee
- Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee
- Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **
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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