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December Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
Counting my blessings
 For Veterans Day, I had the privilege of visiting a couple of schools to commemorate the occasion.
As a Korean American, this day carries deep personal significance for me. I am profoundly grateful to the countless American soldiers who served in my native country during the Korean War to defend democracy in the South. Without their courage and sacrifice, North Korea might have taken over the entire peninsula, and my family would not have had the chance to come to the United States.
Because of their bravery, I have been able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that this great nation offers, opportunities I could never have imagined growing up. Reflecting on my life over the past 50 years in the United States, including my 40-year career as a practicing attorney and more than 25 years in public service, I feel incredibly blessed to have built a life rooted in the values of freedom and resilience.
At the Veterans Day commemoration at Silverbrook Elementary School, Col. Christy Orser of the United States Army shared a heartfelt message about resilience. She said, “Resilience isn’t about being the biggest or strongest; it’s about bouncing back when things get tough. It’s the strength to keep going, one step at a time, and to ask for help when needed. Like Dory says, ‘just keep swimming,’ and stick together.”
 I also came across a powerful image of the Missing Man Table, a tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives and those who remain missing in action while serving to protect our freedom, including those yet to return from the Korean War. It was a sobering reminder of the cost of liberty and the debt we owe to all who serve.
The Missing Man Table symbolizes the sacrifice of those missing in action. The round table reflects our concern for them, and the white cloth honors the purity of their service. The red rose represents their lives and the faith of their loved ones, while the red ribbon shows our commitment to finding them. The slice of lemon reflects their bitter fate, and the pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of their families. The lighted candle offers hope for their return, and the Bible represents strength through faith. The inverted glass signifies their inability to toast, and the empty chair honors their absence.
As I reflect on Veterans Day and my own journey, I am filled with gratitude for those who fought for the freedom I now enjoy and for the opportunities to live, work, and thrive in this incredible country. Their sacrifices have paved the way for so many of us to dream, achieve, and live freely.
What are you thankful for this year?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays!
Ilryong Moon
What’s happened in November
 In early November, I had the pleasure of attending the Kimchi Day Festival at the Fairfax County Government Center, an event that beautifully celebrated Korean culture and tradition. The day began with a captivating performance by a Korean traditional dancer, a recognized holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, showcasing the elegance and artistry of Korea’s cultural heritage.
We were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including a representative from the Korean Veterans Association, the Consul from the Korean Embassy, and Former Virginia State Delegate Mark Keam, who all delivered heartfelt congratulatory remarks to celebrate the Virginia Kimchi Day Festival.
The event brought together people of all ages, including enthusiastic children, to experience the joy of making kimchi. I made a batch myself. The process was incredibly enjoyable, and I must say, the result was absolutely delicious!
The Kimchi Day Festival was not only a wonderful celebration of food and culture but also a reminder of the power of traditions to bring communities together. It was a truly memorable experience, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!
 I had an absolutely delightful visit to Scout Pack 656 at Fairhill Elementary School with my colleague Karl Frisch. Our bright and enthusiastic scouts were brimming with curiosity, sharing their hopes and dreams for future adventures. Their questions about how the School Board works and what we do were thoughtful and engaging. It is clear we have some future leaders in the making.
Spending time with these amazing kids was pure joy. Their energy, excitement, and big ideas were truly inspiring. Thank you so much for welcoming us so warmly and making it such a memorable experience. I cannot wait to see where their adventures take them next.
 This month, I had the privilege of participating in "Take Your Legislator to School Day" alongside my colleague Seema Dixit. Together, we were honored to host Delegate Irene Shin at Westfield High School in Chantilly.
During our visit, we had meaningful discussions about the cellphone policy and its implementation across schools in the division, particularly at Westfield. It was impressive to see how well students are adhering to the policy, refraining from using their phones during class and limiting usage to break and lunch periods. We also explored discipline measures for students who struggle to follow the policy and addressed important topics like bullying and fostering a positive school environment.
I am deeply grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff at Westfield High School for creating a strong sense of belonging for students. Their hard work is instrumental in shaping a supportive and respectful school culture. My sincere thanks to Delegate Shin for taking the time to join us and to Seema Dixit for extending the invitation to make this visit possible.
 This year marks an exciting milestone for FCPS athletics with the introduction of varsity boys volleyball as an official sport in all high schools, alongside varsity girls wrestling. Previously offered only as a club sport in 23 of 25 schools, boys volleyball has had a successful inaugural varsity season across the county. I had the pleasure of attending four thrilling matches recently, where players gave their all and fans cheered with great enthusiasm.
Volleyball is a dynamic team sport with players taking on specific roles like setter, middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite hitter, serving specialist, and libero. I want to highlight the libero's unique role, which is critical to the team’s defense. Liberos are often the shortest players but excel in ball control, passing to the setter, and leading the defensive plays. Their different-colored jerseys make them easy to spot on the court.
Growing up, I was not necessarily an athlete. I wasn’t strong, fast, or tall, but volleyball was one sport I could enjoy. While I couldn’t spike, I could play defense and dig balls, much like the libero position today. That experience gives me an even deeper appreciation for the dedication and teamwork that this role requires.
As the inaugural varsity boys volleyball season wrapped up, I encouraged the superintendent to explore opportunities to expand beyond varsity teams, perhaps adding JV teams like in girls volleyball. Space and coaching might present challenges, but providing more opportunities would allow more students to participate, grow, and experience the joy of this dynamic sport.
 Last but not least, in late November, I attended the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Annual Conference in Williamsburg and had the privilege of experiencing an extraordinary keynote presentation. The speaker brought his message to life through a captivating combination of visual performance and engaging storytelling, using fast painting as a unique medium to enhance his words. It was a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
During his presentation, he quoted Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book: “The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” This profound statement underscores an essential truth. Individual contributions, no matter how remarkable, rely on the collective strength of the group. Just as a wolf’s survival and success depend on its pack, our achievements are magnified when we embrace unity, mutual support, and a shared vision within our division. Of course, a pack is composed of individual wolves, so individual wolf’s input and contribution to the strength of the pack should not be overlooked, either.
I came away from this presentation with a deeper appreciation for the value of teamwork and collaboration. When we align our efforts with a shared vision and act with integrity and determination, we can overcome challenges and create transformative change. Together, we have the power to achieve extraordinary results and make a meaningful impact. Let us move forward as a unified team, confident in the strength we derive from one another.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Monday, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee CANCELED
- Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee
- Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. - PM Work Session
- Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, Jan. 7, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee
- Tuesday, Jan. 7, 3:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
- Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
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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