English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

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.

Dear Community Members,

The month of November is full of work as I represent our community and advocate for our students, staff, and public schools. 

This week I was at the Virginia School Boards Association's (VSBA) annual convention, in Williamsburg, where I had many leadership roles. I presented a workshop on how we together can Get The Money, per the findings of the General Assembly’s 2023 report showing that Virginia chronically underfunds public education. I also represented our Board as a Delegate in the VSBA membership’s decision-making body about the organization’s focus in the year ahead. Additionally, as Vice Chair of the Northeastern region, I facilitated a convening of Members from the 13 School Board member regions in Northern Virginia.

Already this month, I’ve worked on critical topics for our school division, including revising the grading policy (Nov 12 work session), and understanding the fiscal forecast for FCPS’ annual budgeting work that kicks off in late January. You can read this local news FXX Now article where I’m quoted, to learn more.

I recognize that the turmoil regarding some football teams in our school division has had repercussions felt across programs countywide. First and foremost, my concern has been for the student athletes of the teams involved. I also believe that *all* of our athletes deserve to compete in fair circumstances. 

Regarding the on-going boundary study work: I’ll be at two of the six Boundary Review Community Meetings to hear public input:

• Region 5 (Westfield HS, Monday, December 2 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.)
• Region 1 (Madison HS, Wednesday, December 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.)

Your ideas and feedback will help inform this important work to better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, student health and wellness, and evolving community needs. In the meantime, please visit the Boundary Review webpage for more information and the full meeting schedule. 

I attended my first meeting as the Board’s Liaison to our Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee (AAPAC). The discussion was about access to International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses (both of which can allow students to earn college credit). Particularly, needs were identified to better make these opportunities known to students, including ensuring how to build a pathway from earlier grades that leads to the ability to enroll successfully in secondary coursework. (More on that, below!)

November is VSBA’s, “Take Your Legislator to School” month, and I’ve been proud to host several of our elected state leaders, including: Senator Jennifer Boysko, Senator Saddam Salim, Delegate Irene Shin, and Delegate Holly Seibold. We visited McNair Upper, McNair Primary, South Lakes High, Thoreau Middle, and Vienna Elementary. 

Topics discussed included: 

• Preparing teachers to educate students in using Artificial Intelligence; 
• Security of buildings and safe routes to schools, and how to get needed dedicated funding from county, state, and federal sources;
• Building and field renovations and how modern designs support optimal learning; 
• Fully funding preschool for ages 3 and 4, beyond the about 3,000 spots total that Fairfax currently can offer.

Finally, our collective advocacy is more important than ever. Your voices amplify the work I do on your behalf. At a recent Marshall Road Elementary PTA meeting, I was asked what individuals can do to advocate for needs - particularly safety and security, in that discussion. Here is what I shared: 

• Contact your state lawmakers and county elected representatives; ask to meet with them to share your views; attend their town halls (many will have these in January and February). The months from December through March are important, because this is when decisions are being made about laws and funding. Look up your representatives on this link. 
• Read my newsletters! 😊 I try to highlight and summarize info you can use.
• Vote every year in Virginia’s elections. In 2025, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General are up for office, as well as all 100 House of Delegate seats. There are no “off years” in Virginia for elections. 

🚧 School Board Updates and Recent Work

Renewed Division Superintendent Contract With Dr. Reid

The School Board unanimously voted to renew the contract of Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for an additional four years, effective November 14, 2024. The new contract will run through June 2028. Visit BoardDocs for more information.

Funding to Complete the Initial Phases of a Comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment

I voted to authorize $3 million in funding from the School Board Flexibility Reserve to be combined with the $2 million previously allocated in FY 2023, to invest in the future of our facilities. This funding will be used to complete the initial phases of a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment of all FCPS-owned school buildings, facilities (including athletic facilities), and infrastructure (including tracked and untracked).

Secondary Course Offerings

Since experiencing the course selection process for myself as a parent of a now-Freshman early this calendar year, I have analyzed and identified where FCPS can better communicate in a more timely and fulsome way with students, families, and staff about course selection and the pathway to success after graduation. I’ve discussed with the Superintendent my findings, which also incorporate much input from constituents. I am pressing for improved communications for the upcoming course selection season that begins this winter, and thereafter, more consistent, complete, and timely information throughout the secondary school years so that all know how to access the array of incredible learning opportunities that FCPS offers. 

This relates to the School Board vote to approve changes to the list of middle and high school course offerings for the 2025-26 school year, as recommended by the Course Review Committee. Visit BoardDocs for more information.  

Recognizing Accessibility in Reston 

The Reston Accessibility Committee (RAC) joined me in recognizing FCPS’ Manager of  ADA Infrastructure Projects, Patrick Bayne, for promoting barrier-free access for people with mobility disabilities throughout school parking lots in Reston. Thank you to the RAC volunteers for compiling input and assessments of our schools, which are community investments for all that are used seven days a week!

38 New Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families

Virginia is home to over 75,000 military connected school age students, more than any other state in the nation, and FCPS welcomes and supports the over 13,500 military connected youth and their families who are part of our school community. Thirty-eight Fairfax County public schools were recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2024 Purple Star Schools. View the full list of new Purple Star Schools and the current 69 Purple Star schools. Superintendent Reid has established a goal for FCPS to become a Purple Star Division — with 100% of our schools earning their Purple Star Designation — by the 2026-27 school year. Virginia’s Purple Star Designation recognizes schools for excelling in their support of military-connected students. Read more about our Purple Star Division plan.

Installation of outdoor classroom at Kilmer Middle and Louise Archer Elementary!

Since the recent Board approval of outdoor classrooms for numerous FCPS schools, Kilmer Middle School was selected to be one of the first for installation. I also see that students at Louise Archer ES are enjoying their fully installed outdoor learning space.

📅 Upcoming School Board Meetings

All times and topics subject to change

• Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - Work Session
• Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting 

How to watch meetings and sign up to speak

• Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are live-streamed on the FCPS website and televised on FCPS Cable Channel 99.
• Work Sessions and Regular Meetings are recorded and available here after the meeting on the School Board YouTube channel. 
• Watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, at FCPS en Español YouTube channel. Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR. 
• Information about signing up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings.
• Latest schedule of School Board Meetings

Hunter Mill Happenings

Volunteer with students at South Lakes HS’ Ethics Day

Ethics Day offers South Lakes High School students a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions and debates on real-world dilemmas. It also allows classmates to interact with each other and connect with members of our community. Adult volunteers are needed on Monday, November 25, from, 9 a.m.–2:00 p.m. in Reston, to help make this a success! See more info on the link. Thank you ….   Thank you Reston Chamber of Commerce and its members for generously volunteering their time to host this annual event.

Marshall Road Elementary School celebrates the strength of multilingual learners. 

The incredible parent volunteer effort at Marshall Road ES brought an event to the Vienna community, to highlight that multilingual learners - also known as “English Language Learners” - have strength in knowing more than one world language. Dynamic speaker Dr. Jóse Luis Zelaya, underscored that by learning more than the typical home conversational language - such as language to communicate about STEM, government, business, and more - students can leverage their skills as multilingual learners and ultimately, coveted professionals in the workforce. I was glad to be there to meet families and hear Dr. Zelaya’s inspiring remarks.   

Culturama Event at Colvin Run Elementary School Colvin Run Elementary School hosted its Culturama event, showcasing over 30 different cultures embodied by the student population.

Langston Hughes Middle School Happenings Langston Hughes Middle School has had a busy start to the fall season. First there was a Fall Festival held outside at the school, including a costume contest. Also, the Choral performed at FCPS’ Gatehouse central office building and had its first concert.

Herndon High seeks nominations for Sports Hall of Fame

The Herndon High School Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations. More information and the link to submit is here: Herndon High School Athletics Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Student musicians at statewide conference in Norfolk

Hunter Mill students are among others selected for the prestigious All-Virginia Jazz Band, Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Senior Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Elementary Orff Ensemble!  Additionally, the Thoreau Middle School Symphonic Band played at the VMEA conference, a selective honor!

Other Info of Interest

FCPS Trust Policy provides safety to students

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Government's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. The FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage shares the policy and regulation in multiple languages. If you feel someone has violated the Trust Policy, please email TrustViolations@fcps.edu.

Special Education Dispute Resolution Survey

The Commission on Youth, a bipartisan legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly, is conducting a study on how to improve Virginia’s special education dispute resolution system. The Commission is seeking feedback from parents, agency professionals, attorneys, advocates, teachers and others. The Special Education Dispute Resolution Process Survey uses Google Forms. Some workplaces may not allow access to the form so you may need to access the survey from a home computer, library computer, or cell phone. This survey closes on Friday, November 22, 3 p.m.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for SY 2023-24 

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the VDOE annual Parent Involvement Survey. This survey is open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.

Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Dining for All Students 

To assist families whose children have specific dietary requirements, FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services department has developed a set of forms for dietary accommodations. These forms help ensure that cafeteria staff have the information necessary to provide safe meal options without sharing sensitive medical details. If your student requires dietary modifications, please review these forms and submit the appropriate one if applicable. All forms can be submitted by email to dietary.forms.fns@fcps.edu, and once processed, Registered Dietitians from FCPS will contact parents directly. These accommodations remain valid throughout your child’s time in FCPS, so only one submission is needed. Also, please note:

• FCPS does not serve pork in school meals.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are available daily without the need for form submission.
• For students with severe, life-threatening food allergies, we recommend working with the school’s 504 team for additional support.

Update on Hiring and Retaining Educators

Collective Bargaining

FCPS continues working through the new process for collective bargaining, with the goal of ensuring that employees feel seen, heard, and supported, and will position FCPS as an employer of choice. As this addresses personnel matters, the Superintendent leads this work, not the School Board. A first bargaining agreement was reached *tentatively* on October 31, with a focus on affordable healthcare for employees. Having this process in place is an asset for our school division.

Addressing Teacher Shortage through Alternative Licensure Pathways

FCPS is working to increase the availability of licensed educators during the continued national shortage of such positions. One initiative is designing the Avanza! Teach Forward program, created to help 100 of underrepresented and underemployed staff earn their teaching licenses through the iteach certification program. Additionally, HR is working with partner universities on grant applications for teacher apprenticeship programs and actively exploring further pathways to support a variety of pathways to teacher licensure. 

Additionally, participation in multiple recruitment fairs locally and in other locations nationally, including to appeal to diverse educators, including those of Hispanic heritage. 

Art Opportunities: Call for student art, and view educators’ art

Annual Marine Debris Program Art Contest: submit by December 13

The NOAA Marine Debris Program holds an annual art contest to reach K-8 students and help raise awareness about marine debris. Marine debris is a global issue and engaging our youth is an important part of addressing the problem. NOAA will publish a calendar featuring the winning artwork that provides a daily reminder of how important it is for us to be responsible stewards of the ocean. Learn more about the Marine Debris Art Program and apply by Friday, December 13, 2024. We’ve had a Hunter Mill student, from Floris ES, win this national contest in the recent past! 

17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality

Workhouse Arts Center and FCPS present the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality. Featured are artworks in a wide variety of media by FCPS art teachers who teach Kindergarten-12th grade students. This exhibition explores how artists use materials to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and create meaning. Now through November 30, on Saturdays from 11:00am - 6:00pm. If you’ve neve visited this art facility, it is a fascinating part of Fairfax and capital-area history! 

November is...

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.

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.

National School Psychology & Social Worker Week

Last week we celebrated the important work school psychologists and social workers do to help all students thrive. Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Social Workers. Below is a photo of school psychologists and social workers who came to our Board meeting on 11/14.

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,

Was this email not addressed to you? Sign up for my newsletters here!

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