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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,
The last month has included some pretty awesome moments. From being able to participate in the Carter G. Woodson High School Rededication Ceremony, conducting a roundtable with leaders from our school parent organizations, visiting Mountain View High School with some of my school board colleagues, visiting Waples Mill Elementary School with Sully District Representative Seema Dixit, attending the Fairview Elementary School 125th Anniversary Celebration and a Keene Mill Elementary PTA Meeting with Braddock District Representative Rachna Sizemore Heizer, participating in this month’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee meeting and touring Marshall Academy, seeing South County High School’s performance of The 39 Steps, attending the Fairfax County Special Education PTA’s (SEPTA) IEP Palooza, and attending West Springfield High School’s Performance of Puffs, it has been amazing! I am continually inspired and impressed by our outstanding students.
November is designated as Take Your Legislator to School Month by the Virginia School Board’s Association. I was proud to visit several schools with some of our state legislators. I visited a Centreville High School Leadership class with former Sully District School Board Member, Senator Stella Pekarsky, and Delegate Dan Helmer. We spoke with the kids and shared some of our own leadership experiences. I visited Saratoga Elementary with Delegate Kathy Tran, and we both toured the school and heard from some of their parents via their parent ambassadors. And, finally, I visited Silverbrook Elementary’s Veterans Day Program with Member-at-Large Kyle McDaniel and former Springfield District School Board Member, Delegate Laura Jane Cohen. All those kiddos did such an amazing job sharing their gratitude for our veterans. It’s such a special honor to get to show off our schools.
I also had an amazing time at the Virginia School Board’s Association Annual Conference last week where I had the opportunity to connect with school board colleagues from around the state. Hearing about how things are going in other divisions is essential to a shared path forward for the Commonwealth.
I hope everyone is doing well and gearing up for a wonderful holiday season. I will be in touch soon!
Sandy Anderson
Clockwise starting at top left: West Springfield High School’s performance of Puffs; Delegate Laura Jane Cohen and me at Silverbrook Elementary’s Veterans Day Program; visiting a Centreville High School Leadership Class with Senator Stella Pekarsky and Delegate Dan Helmer; me with Saratoga Elementary Principal Abigail Ragan and Delegate Kathy Tran; South County High School’s performance of The 39 Steps; from left to right, Delegate Laura Jane Cohen, Braddock District Representative Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Chair and Providence District Representative Karl Frisch, Dranesville District Representative Robyn Lady, At-Large Member Ilryong Moon, former Braddock District Representative Megan McLaughlin, former Franconia District Representative Tammy Derenak Kaufax, me, and At-Large Member Ryan McElveen at the Carter G. Woodson High School Rededication Ceremony; and Sully District School Board Member Seema Dixit, Waples Mill Elementary Principal Meishe Thirus, and me.
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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November 26 at 3 p.m. - Joint Budget Meeting with Board of Supervisors
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December 3 at 10:30 a.m. - Work Session: Middle School Start Times and Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report
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December 5 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: To be determined
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December 9 at 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee Meeting
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December 10 at 10 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting
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December 17 at 5:30 p.m. - Work Session: Meeting with the City of Fairfax School Board
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December 19 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Fiscal Year Midyear Budget Review, Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report, etc.
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
Secondary Course Offerings
At the November 14 regular meeting, the School Board approved changes to the list of middle and high school course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year, as recommended by the Course Review Committee. View BoardDocs for more information.
Watch the full meeting.
Comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment
Also at the November 14 regular meeting, the Board 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. 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). View the follow-on motion on BoardDocs.
Watch the full meeting.
Extension of Division Superintendent Contract
At the November 14 regular meeting, 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.
Watch the full meeting.
Amending Policies 1705, 1710, 4450, and 4510, and the Strategic Governance Manual
At the October 24 regular meeting, the School Board voted to amend policies 1705, 1710, 4450, 4510, and the Strategic Governance Manual. Visit BoardDocs for more information.
Watch the full meeting.
Election Results Certification and Exclusive Bargaining Agent Recognition
Also at the October 24 regular meeting, the Board voted to certify the results and recognize and certify the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators (FCFPSA), as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Administrators and Supervisors bargaining unit. Visit Boarddocs for more information.
Watch the full meeting.
Proclamations
I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s October 24 and November 14 regular meetings.
Superintendent Updates
🏫 Inaugural State of Our Schools Event
Community leaders heard from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and other Leadership Team members at the inaugural State of Our Schools. The event was sponsored by Educate Fairfax and featured student presentations and performances. Visit the State of Our Schools webpage to view video highlights.
📍 Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee
More than 1,600 parents/caregivers applied to participate in the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee! Two parents/caregivers from each of FCPS’ 24 high school pyramids have been invited to join the committee.
Members were chosen randomly from those who confirmed their ability to participate in in-person meetings. Other advisory committee members include school-based administrators, teachers, operational staff, and representatives from community groups.
The Boundary Review Advisory Committee’s unique perspectives will be invaluable, as we work together to ensure this process is transparent, includes significant community participation and feedback, and always keeps students at the center of every decision.
👨🏽🏫 Join Our Team of Teachers!
FCPS is hosting an in-person job fair on Saturday, December 14, at Sandburg Middle School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from FCPS schools. Employment offers for the current school year may be presented during the fair.
Registration is required. Register to attend the December 14 job fair no later than Thursday, December 12.
Contact Human Resources through their web portal or call 571-423-3000.
🤝 FCPS Expands Partnership with George Mason University’s Direct Admissions Program
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and George Mason University (George Mason) are expanding a partnership that will streamline the path to higher education for high school students through a Direct Admissions Program. This program will provide qualified FCPS students with automatic admission to George Mason, simplifying the college application process and creating new opportunities for academic and career success.
The partnership is designed to increase access to higher education, particularly for students who may face barriers in navigating the traditional college admissions process. In its first year, FCPS’ Class of 2024 at five high schools were invited by George Mason to participate: Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, Justice, and Mount Vernon. More than 600 students received offers through this direct admissions opportunity.
The partnership is continuing this year with an additional four FCPS high schools being added for the Class of 2025: Edison, Fairfax, Lewis, and West Potomac. In order to be eligible for the GMU Direct Admissions Program, students must attend a partner school and have a 3.25 or higher cumulative grade point average as of the end of their junior year.
Read more online.
National Merit Scholarship Information
Eleventh-grade students who participated in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Learn more on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families should contact their student’s school regarding score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Springfield District Scene
New Centreville High School Principal
The Region 4 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Erik Healey has been selected as the new principal of Centreville High School.
Healey joins the Centreville community with 18 years of high school experience, and a proven track record of fostering inclusive and effective learning environments. Dr. Healey has served as the Director of Student Services at both Hayfield Secondary School and Annandale High School since July 2020. In this role, he oversaw the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure all students received the academic, behavioral, and wellness support they needed to be successful. He developed robust systems to monitor graduation progress, reduce dropout rates, and improve student connectedness to the school community.
Healey also led significant improvements in access to advanced coursework for underrepresented students. His commitment to inclusion, equity, and excellence led to a significant increase in the percentage of Multilingual Learners achieving growth in their English language acquisition. This work led to Dr. Healey being recognized as the Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Director of Student Services in 2024.
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Healey's administrative career began at the Arlington Career Center, where he served as Assistant Principal. He served as an administrator for English Learners and the Arlington Tech program, a STEM-focused choice high school that experienced tremendous growth under his guidance. His innovative approaches to work-based learning and community partnerships not only enriched students’ educational experiences but also prepared them for future success in various fields.
Before his administrative roles, Dr. Healey served as a Dean of Students and Mathematics Teacher at Meridian High School in Falls Church, where he fostered a supportive and engaging school culture. His experience as a coach and mentor further highlights his dedication to student development both inside and outside the classroom.
Healey holds a Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Colorado State University. Dr. Healey believes in the power of collaboration and communication and is committed to engaging with students, parents, and staff to create a vibrant school community. His approach emphasizes the importance of a positive school climate, strong instructional practices, and equitable opportunities for all students.
Healey is excited and ready to lead Centreville High School into the future. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Healey to the Centreville community. His start date will be December 2, 2024.
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Service to others is a core value of Chantilly Academy’s Criminal Justice Program. Their students rallied together to help victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina by collecting and loading supplies to be transported to communities impacted by the hurricane. Way to go!
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Congratulations to Chantilly High School’s Boys Cross Country Team for winning the Northern Region Championship!
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Kudos to Fairfax High School’s Varsity Field Hockey Team who won the Occoquan Region championship!
Shout out to Fairfax’s Miles Murray for winning the 2024 Legend Track Championship at Virginia's Dominion Raceway. Read more on the Fairfax Now website.
Fairfax’s Bel Canto Chorus students recently performed at The Kennedy Center with Indie artist Aoife O’Donovan and the National Symphony Orchestra! Congratulations to Director Juliana Woodill and the choral students!
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Fairfax Academy hosted Korean teachers and coordinators who work with the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship program. The visitors were interested in observing Fairfax High School’s language classes, particularly their Korean Academy Program, and getting a tour of the entire school. These visitors had never toured an American high school before!
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Frost Middle School won both the Girls and Boys First FCPS Middle School Cross Country Championships. Liberty Middle School hosted the Championships, featuring 439 athletes from all 26 middle schools—219 boys and 220 girls. Congratulations to all the student-athletes!
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Congratulations to Katherine Johnson Middle School’s Boys and Girls Basketball Teams for finishing their seasons undefeated and claiming the Western Fairfax Basketball League Championship title!
The winning continues at Katherine Johnson with the Quiz Bowl Team winning the Washington, D.C. History Bowl! The team will now compete in the Middle School National History Bowl Championships in April! Fantastic!
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Shout out to Lewis High School’s Baylee Stevens for receiving the 2024 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Award for Female Athlete!
I’m so proud of the work Lewis students are doing to champion disability rights, following in the footsteps of Congressman and civil rights leader John R. Lewis, their namesake. Key Middle School students have also contributed!
The students are a part of the school’s John R. Lewis Leadership Program, an innovative initiative designed to inspire students to become future leaders in government, public policy, and human rights. The program is inspired by the life and legacy of Congressman Lewis and aims to infuse his principles into the core curriculum. Students have opportunities for experiential learning, such as field trips, guest speaker events, and community action projects. Additionally, the program offers specialized coursework, internships, and university partnerships for students seeking deeper engagement.
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Congratulations to Oakton High School’s Varsity Cheer Team for winning the Region 6D title for the first time in school history!
The winning continues with Oakton Varsity Field Hockey taking the Region 6D championship! Great job!
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Shout out to Robinson Secondary School’s Varsity Cheer Team for winning the Region 6C and Class 6 VHSL Championships!
The winning at Robinson continues with the Varsity Girls Cross Country Team taking the VHSL Championship! Way to go ladies!
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I’m very proud of Rocky Run Middle School for holding their Annual Day of Service to give back to their community through a variety of activities! Students packed food with Rise Against Hunger, made Thanksgiving cards and fall centerpieces for Sunrise Senior Living, and wrote Veterans Day letters to name a few!
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Kudos to South County High School’s Homeless Outreach Club! I’m delighted by their commitment to helping those in need in our community!
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Congrats to the Thomas Jefferson HSST History Bowl Team for winning the Washington, D.C. History Bee and Bowl at the Georgetown Day School on October 26! They defeated 18 other schools, including five of last year's top 15 teams in the country! Both the Varsity and JV teams have now qualified for the International Academic Competition's (IAC) Varsity and JV National Championship tournaments that will take place April 24-27 in Arlington, Virginia!
Each year the University of Chicago confers Outstanding Educator Awards to teachers nominated by members of their incoming Class of 2028 (aka Class of 2024 high school graduates). The students nominate educators whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth and positively impacted their lives. TJ's Geosystems instructor Dr. Kathy Phillips was nominated by an anonymous member of TJ's Class of 2024, and she was honored at a virtual reception on October 29. Way to go Dr. Phillips!
For the third consecutive year, TJHSST German World Language students went above and beyond in their studies and passed the German DSD exam. This is an exam created by the German Department of Education that allows them to show their fluency in both the language and culture and qualifies them to attend universities in Germany if interested. Congratulations!
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Kudos to the West Springfield High School Varsity Girls Volleyball Team for winning the Occoquan Region title!
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Shout out to Woodson High School for hosting their Annual Career Day where over 55 community members provided presentations and spoke to students about their diverse career paths!
I was thrilled to join hundreds of C.G. Woodson High School students and families, local leaders, Woodson pyramid principals, Dr. Reid, Woodson's family members, and alumni and teachers to rededicate the building, honor the school’s new namesake, and reflect on history.
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🎵 Students Selected for 2024 All-Virginia Jazz Band, VMEA Senior Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Elementary Orff Ensemble
Forty-eight students representing 17 Fairfax County high schools and one elementary school have been selected for the 2024 All-Virginia Orff Ensemble, the 2024 All-Virginia Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble, and the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Senior Honors Choir.
Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!
All-Virginia Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble
South County High School: Vanya Balakersky
Senior Honors Choir
Chantilly High School: Lakshmi Hari and Adonis Iparraguirre
Fairfax High School: Ainsley Buice
Oakton High School: Eleanor Williams
West Springfield High School: Ruby Carlon
Woodson High School: Charlotte Reymann
All-Virginia Orff Ensemble
Powell Elementary School: Ahilya Sastry
See the full list of musicians and learn about their public performances.
🎷 Seven FCPS Musical Groups Showcased Talents at 2024 VMEA Conference
Seven FCPS bands performed at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference held November 21-23 in Norfolk.
Performance groups throughout Virginia underwent a rigorous audition process to compete for spots at the conference.
Congratulations to the following groups from schools attended by Springfield District students!
- Lake Braddock Secondary School Symphony Orchestra
- Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band
- West Springfield High School Wind Symphony
- Woodson High School Wind Ensemble
Read the full list online.
🎖️ 38 Schools Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families
Thirty-eight Fairfax County public schools have been 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.
Nearly half of Fairfax County public schools (96) are currently designated as Purple Star Schools. Earlier this fall, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced a goal for FCPS to achieve Purple Star Division status by 2026-27, with 100% of our schools designated as Purple Star Schools.
✨ A positive school climate is part of FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Congratulations to the following schools attended by Springfield District students!
First Time Recognitions
Bryant High School
Chantilly High School
Cherry Run Elementary School
Fairfax High School
John R. Lewis High School
Newington Forest Elementary School
Oak View Elementary School
Oakton High School
Waples Mill Elementary School
White Oaks Elementary School
Second Time Recognitions
Keene Mill Elementary School
Ravensworth Elementary School
Union Mill Elementary School
Third Time Recognitions
Fairview Elementary School
Hunt Valley Elementary School
Sangster Elementary School
🌱 22 Schools Earn Green Flags for Sustainability at FCPS
Twenty-two Fairfax County public schools were honored with a Green Flag award from the National Wildlife Federation through the EcoSchools U.S. program. Only 56 of these Green Flags were awarded nationwide to schools committed to environmental sustainability!
Five FCPS schools earned a silver award. Some of these measures included engaging the local community, forming an action team, creating a plan, collecting data, taking solution-based actions, and measuring impact.
This student-led program provides opportunities for youth leadership, raising environmental awareness, connecting students to the natural world, and driving positive environmental change.
Congratulations to the following schools in which Springfield District students attend!
Green Flag Award
Hunt Valley Elementary School
Katherine Johnson Middle School
Terra Centre Elementary School
Woodson High School
Willow Springs Elementary School
Silver Award
Oak View Elementary School
See the complete list of schools.
🎭 Upcoming School Performances
Don’t miss the many upcoming school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Student Directed One Acts
December 5 - 7 and 13
Buy tickets
Woodson High School
Student Directed One Acts
December 6 and 7
Buy tickets
Franklin Middle School
Footloose
December 6 - 14
Buy tickets
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.
📱 Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R
FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.
The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25, 2024.
🙋 Attendance Champions Challenge…Because Every Day Counts!
Through the Attendance Champions Challenge, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) invites schools and 501(c)(3) community organizations to engage young people between the ages of 13 and 19 to identify new ways of understanding barriers to school attendance and engagement, as well as propose creative solutions that build on evidence-based strategies. Young people are also invited to submit their ideas directly to the DOE. The submission deadline for the Attendance Champions Challenge is November 29, 2024, at 9 p.m.
📝 New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest for Students
For this contest, the New York Times (NYT) invites students ages 13 to 19 in middle or high school students to write a personal narrative about a meaningful life experience in 100 words or fewer. They're not asking you to write to a particular theme or to use a specific structure or style, but we are looking for short, powerful stories about a particular moment or event in your life. The NYT wants to hear your story, told in your unique voice, and hopes you'll experiment with style and form to tell a tale that matters to you, in a way you enjoy telling it. Submissions are due by December 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
🥤 Annual Marine Debris Program Art Contest
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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. Apply by Friday, December 13, 2024.
📐 INTEGIRLS D.C. 2024 Winter Math Competition
The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus. They will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, an awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. Register here directly, or visit the INTEGIRLS D.C. website to learn more about the competition.
🏫 NOVA’s Early Online College is back for the Spring 2025 Semester
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors to take up to 2 tuition-free college courses.
Fourteen different courses are being offered in the Spring 2025 semester. These courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. They run for 12 weeks. EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s Associate degrees and are highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities. Students must meet eligibility requirements (GPA or available test scores) to take EOC courses.
The registration deadline is January 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. Classes take place Tuesday, February 4 through Monday, April 28, 2025.
Find more information on the NOVA EOC webpage and on this flyer.
🧳 2025 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00- 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration is now open.
💪 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. High school students may apply at any time.
Community News
🥣 Discover New Holiday Recipes
As the holiday season approaches, why not impress your friends and family with new culinary skills? FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers a variety of holiday-themed cooking classes to help you craft delicious seasonal treats.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the German Christmas Classic: Stollen & Fruitbread, or dive into the world of festive baking with classes like Buche De Noel - French Christmas Cake or German Christmas Cookies.
For those looking to enhance their general baking skills, classes like Cake Decorating for Beginners and Pound Cake Baking Skills with a Flavorful Twist will help you craft elevated treats for any occasion. Check out these classes and more at ACE.
🎶 C.G. Woodson High School Band Department’s Holiday Tunes for Tots
The C.G. Woodson High School Band Department presents Holiday Tunes for Tots on Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 per person and the concert will be held in the C.G. Woodson High School gymnasium.
Please RSVP at HolidayTunesForTots@gmail.com.
❄️ 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza
Join 170 artisans and vendors for holiday shopping at South County High School at the 19th Annual Lorton Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event will include seasonal children’s activities, a silent auction and raffle prizes, a blood drive, entertainment, and food trucks. General admission is $3 and $2 for students and senior citizens. Military and veteran families, FCPS staff, and children under 12 are admitted for free!
🎼 Lake Braddock Secondary School Band Children’s Holiday Concert and Open House
Join the Lake Braddock Bruin Symphonic Band for a Children’s Music Open House on Saturday, December 14 at 11 a.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Guests will hear holiday tunes, see the Marching Bruins Halftime Show, and listen to various instrumental ensembles including Lake Braddock’s Jazz Band. Children may explore the “Bandieland” trail through the music department wing, collect treats and stickers at various stops, and learn more about instrumental music programs along the way.
☃️ South County High School Tiny Tots Concert
Students in grades K-2 are welcome to join the South County High School Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Theater Arts Programs for their Tiny Tots Concert on Tuesday, December 17 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and the concert will take place at South County High School.
🔬 Support the 2025 Science Fairs
Are you a scientist looking to give back and inspire future scientists? Science Fairs across Fairfax County are looking for judges from the community! Judges are needed at high school Fairs and the Region Science and Engineering Fair. Find more information.
Family and Student Resources
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, December 10, at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m.
Register in advance. Visit the Family Academy catalog page to see the dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
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.
💲Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Workshops
College Access Fairfax and FCPS will present a series of free virtual workshops on the financial aid process and an overview of the process of applying for outside scholarships. The next workshop, Scholarship 101, will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Find more information on College Access Fairfax’s Events page.
✈️ 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 second Wings for All will occur on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Register online.
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.
U.S. Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Virtual Family Game Nights
The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Committee is excited to host upcoming AAC Family Game Nights. They welcome children who are emergent AAC users and their families, including siblings. This is a great opportunity for families to play games and have conversations while making new friends and meeting other AAC users.
Register in advance. Please note the upcoming game night is full but use the form to receive updates for additional game nights.
Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students
Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and audibly (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.
Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.
⚕️Free Medical Clinic
The Adams Compassionate Healthcare Network is providing a free medical clinic. They serve uninsured and low-income individuals within the 300% federal poverty guidelines.
Free services available are as follows:
- High Blood Pressure or Diabetes check-up
- Chronic medical condition treatments
- School, sports & annual physicals
- Preventative screenings
- Routine doctor visits
- Health counseling
- Wellness Exams
- Lab Services
Contact them at 703-542-3386 or contact@achnhealth.org.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Contact your student's school counselor, social worker, or psychologist. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
🎧 In a Few Words FCPS Podcast
In a Few Words FCPS is a podcast aimed at providing families with essential school news and resources. It encourages partnership between families and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for children's education. Produced by the Office of Family and School Partnerships and others, the podcast is available in both English and Spanish. Find more information online.
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Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource to families.
FCPS also partners 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.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
Families Reunite Workshops
Family and School Partnerships offers a course for Spanish-speaking immigrant families who are going through the reunification process. It is designed for parents/caregivers and children who have lived apart for at least one year and were recently reunited.
The six-hour Zoom course takes place over three consecutive weeks. Upcoming sessions include:
- Tuesdays, November 19 and 26; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
We encourage families to attend every session to fully benefit from the program. Register for Families Unite and learn more about FCPS’ Immigrant Family Reunification Program.
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.
December webinars and workshops include:
In Case you Missed It
- October 30 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Upcoming Family Academy Offerings
- Carter G. Woodson High School Rededication
- Fairfax County Youth Survey
- November 6 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Fall Testing Results
- Boundary Review Community Meetings
- National Family Engagement Month Resources for Families
- November 13 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space for Everyone
- Boundary Review Community Meetings
- Calendar Reminders
- November 20 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
- Prepare for Winter Weather
- Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
- Reducing Chronic Absenteeism to Improve Academic Success
- Office of Auditor General Current Engagement October Updates
- Office of Auditor General Current Engagement November 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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