|
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 Sully District Families and Community Members,
We have made it to December and there are lots of exciting things happening in our schools over the next two weeks, prior to the winter break. I hope you can attend some of the festive events and enjoy some holiday fun!
This past month has been a busy one on the School Board. At the November 14 regular meeting, the School Board unanimously voted to renew the contract of 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.
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. We also 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
Inside this newsletter:
It was great to see such a robust turnout for the Region 5 Boundary Review Community meeting at Westfield High School earlier this week. I enjoyed listening and engaging with you...it is so important to make your voice heard on this important and much-needed work!
Community meetings regarding FCPS' Comprehensive School Boundary Review are taking place in each of the division's six regions. The upcoming meetings are listed below.
Region 5 Boundary Community Meeting at Westfield High School
Registration is not required but is helpful in planning for childcare and language interpretation. Please click on a date to register:
-
Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria, Region 3.
-
Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., Annandale High School Cafeteria, Region 6.
-
Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Madison High School Cafeteria, Region 1.
You can also sign up to receive the School Boundary Review newsletter by email. Thank you for continuing to share your concerns and experiences with me.
I am excited about National Computer Science Education Week next week! Computer science is very important to the success of our students in a digital, inter-connected world and I am excited about expanding access and participation in CS for all our students to support their career and creative aspirations. It is integral to Goal 5 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan, Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. More #CSEDWeek resources are provided below in this newsletter.
As always, I am honored and privileged to serve this community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be helpful to your family in any way.
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
|
"Take Your Legislator to School" - November Visits with Delegate Shin and Delegate Delaney!
"Take Your Legislator to School" - November Visits with Delegate Shin and Delegate Delaney!
November marks the Virginia School Boards Association's (VSBA) "Take Your Legislator to School Month".
It was my pleasure to take Delegate Irene Shin to Westfield High School along with my colleague Ilryong Moon, Fairfax County School Board, At-Large Member! Our goal is to provide opportunities for educational and political leaders to work together to ensure that we provide the best possible education for our students. Thank you Principal DiBari for sharing the successes and challenges of this school year especially around illicit substance use and school meal debt. It was fun interacting with the students and visiting classrooms! Go Bulldogs!
I also had the pleasure of accompanying Delegate Karrie Delaney and my colleague Kyle McDaniel, Member At-Large, to Deer Park Elementary School.
This visit was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the classroom representatives of the Student Council Association (SCA) from grades 4-6. Their thoughtful questions about leadership, community service, and education policy were truly inspiring. It’s so important for students to see local, tangible role models in their community—after all, "it's easier to be what you can see!"
A big thank you to Principal Damato, and music teacher/SCA lead Mr. Wallace for organizing such a meaningful event! Visits like these are so important to help bridge connections between students, educators, and local leaders. Go Bucks!!
Sully District Happenings
Welcome School Board Leadership Development Program Students!!
 Students selected for School Board Leadership Program along with School Board Student Representative Megan Sawant (also a Sully District student!). Megan Sawant with Ariya Lee, Sully District student selected for School Board leadership program.
Congratulations to all the students who were selected to be part of the School Board Leadership Development Program. We are so thankful to all the students who applied...I am so impressed by your desire to affect positive change in our communities. So proud of Ariya Lee from Chantilly High School who was selected from Sully District to be part of this program.
Student voices are vital to the future of education and I look forward to the valuable insights and ide as Ariya and all of these amazing students bring to the table. The School Board Student Leadership Development Program is for students interested in a future in law, government or public policy. Welcome!
Sully District Music Students Excel!!
Sully Schools highlight fun "Advancing Literacy" learning activities with students!
Thank you to Principal Josh Douds at Centreville Elementary School for sharing a special school tradition for the Advancing Literacy initiative! Centreville Elementary School has been hosting virtual Bedtime Stories for families as a way to promote literacy at home. Last week they read “Eggasaurus” by Jennifer Waugh (pictured above) and “Hattie Harmony” by Elizabeth Olsen.
Principal Doud writes, “Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we engaged our community with virtual Bedtime Stories on Facebook Live. These readings took place from diverse locations, including my office, home, and even the city of Seattle. While the program temporarily subsided post-pandemic, recent requests from our PTA have inspired us to bring it back."
“We've transitioned to Zoom and are thrilled to welcome both of our assistant principals as storytellers, adding a new layer of excitement to the experience. Students and families alike enjoy participating, and the program provides administrators with a valuable platform to model and discuss the significance of literacy.” What a wonderful way to spread the joy and importance of reading. And thank you to everyone who’s helping our students become stronger readers and writers.
|
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC) sponsored trip to Marshall Academy
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Tour of Marshall Academy
On November 14, the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC), of which I am the School Board Liaison, sponsored a fantastic tour of Marshall Academy, one of six high school academy locations in FCPS, for our elected officials and community. Thank you to the Career and Technical Education team for organizing and to all our elected officials including Chairman Jeff McKay for participating to see firsthand how these academy programs are actively preparing students for successful careers and post-secondary education. FCPS offers many opportunities through its academies, where students can explore diverse fields—ranging from trades and technology to the arts and other specialized interests. These academies function as dedicated centers within existing high schools, equipping students with essential skills while providing invaluable real-world experiences through job shadowing, mentoring, and internships with local businesses.
The programs are open to all FCPS students, with courses and transportation tailored to each student’s base school. To learn more about the available courses and transportation options, be sure to check out the High School Academy Course Finder at https://isweb.fcps.edu/CTE/. #careerandtechnicaleducation
⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.
Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, the Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill, and many more fun events.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
During the Academic Matters section of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed student attendance and engagement, in particular reducing chronic absenteeism. As we all know, regular attendance is important because:
- Missing just 10% of school (the definition of chronic absenteeism) negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That is just two days a month.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
After the pandemic, chronic absenteeism in FCPS rose to a high of 17.1% in the 2022-23 school year, but thanks to our multi-tiered systems of support, we reduced that to 12.8% in 2023-24. This is the result of a great deal of hard work and strong partnerships between our schools, staff, and families. We are making good progress, and I’m confident our efforts will continue to pay off in this area.
View data from the “What is chronic absenteeism” graphic in an accessible format.
After the pandemic, chronic absenteeism in FCPS rose to a high of 17.1% in the 2022-23 school year, but thanks to our multi-tiered systems of support, we reduced that to 12.8% in 2023-24. This is the result of a great deal of hard work and strong partnerships between our schools, staff, and families. We are making good progress, and I’m confident our efforts will continue to pay off in this area.
Computer Science Education Week is Dec 9-15!
 The week of December 9-15, 2024 is recognized as National Computer Science Education Week and it recognizes the transformative role of computing and the need to bolster computer science at all educational levels. Schools across the nation participate in numerous activities to promote computer science in the PreK-12 learning environment.
Latest numbers from US Bureau of Labor Statistics state that Computer and Information Technology Occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently. The median annual wage for this group was $104,420 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.
In Fairfax County Public Schools, students participate in computer science learning experiences like the Hour of Code to inspire interest and excitement for continued computer science learning. Explore free resources on the FCPS CS Week Educator Page, continue engaging students in CS learning throughout the school year, and visit the FCPS STEAM and Computer Science public page. More resources for CS Ed Week can be found below:
Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times
At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.
The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.
Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.
Family Resource Center - December Events
 The Family Resource Center offers 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.
December webinars and workshops include:
For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage. You may also sign up to receive the FRC newsletter for updates on webinars, resources, and other information. If you have questions, please contact the FRC via email at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941.
Make a Difference for FCPS Students and Families
 The end of a calendar year marks a time of global generosity when your tax-deductible donations can help organizations transform communities. It is also the kickoff to the Annual Giving Fund for Educate Fairfax, the only charitable foundation dedicated exclusively to the success of our Fairfax County public schools.
Your generosity can be felt in the classrooms, extracurricular activities, and programs that provide students with equitable access to innovative learning experiences, changing the lives of our students and families every day. For some families, securing essential needs such as clothing, medicine, emergency food, and hygiene supplies is a struggle. With your help, we can make their holidays a little brighter.
Educate Fairfax also plays a pivotal role in providing essential support and resources with initiatives focused on workforce development and addressing the critical issue of hunger. Please join in the spirit of the holidays so that local students have what they need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Donate today.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Do Good December
This month, we're encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.
Find out more about the Hazel Health mental health services available for all FCPS high school students: https://bit.ly/3UAQyVe.
George Mason’s Center for Community Health
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website.
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.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
-
Tuesday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. - Work Session: Meeting with the City of Fairfax School Board
-
Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Fiscal Year Midyear Budget Review, Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report, etc.
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
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.
The work sessions and regular 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.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
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.
|
Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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
|
