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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.
There’s Still Time Before Winter Break!
Dear Providence District Families,
Don’t miss out – there is still time to see our talented students performing in end-of-year concerts before winter break! Check out the events featuring Providence District schools, which are listed below.
As the calendar year wraps up, I want to wish Providence District families a joyful holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating cherished traditions with loved ones or simply enjoying a well-deserved winter break, I hope this time of year brings you peace and happiness. As we look ahead, may the new year bring new opportunities, growth, and success for all in our school community.
Thank you for your continued support of Fairfax County Public Schools and the work we do together to ensure the success of all students.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
‘Take Your Legislator to School Month’ Visits to Graham Road, Timber Lane, Westgate, and Mosaic Elementary Schools
As part of the Virginia School Boards Association’s annual “Take Your Legislator to School Month,” I had the pleasure of hosting several of our state lawmakers at Providence District schools:
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Senator Saddam Salim joined me at Graham Road Elementary, where we spoke with fourth graders about democracy and the roles of local and state governments.
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Delegate Marcus Simon visited Timber Lane Elementary, and we had a thoughtful discussion about how to best support our schools in the upcoming legislative session.
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Delegate Holly Seibold, a former teacher, joined me at Westgate Elementary, bringing invaluable insight to our conversations about education.
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Delegate David Bulova joined me at Mosaic Elementary to discuss the needs of our students, educators, and schools.
I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working with them to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools receives the support it needs from the Commonwealth.
Supporting Military-Connected Students, Families, and Staff
Not long ago, we were honored to welcome military-connected students, families, and staff to our School Board meeting as we celebrated the 38 FCPS schools recognized as 2024 Purple Star Schools by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
The Purple Star Designation is awarded to schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families. These schools demonstrate a commitment to addressing the unique needs of military families through dedicated staff, professional development, and tailored resources and programming. Each Purple Star School also includes peer-led transition teams, like Student Ambassadors, to help new military-connected students feel at home in their school community.
This fall, Superintendent Reid announced an ambitious goal for FCPS to achieve Purple Star Division status by 2027, with 100% of schools earning this prestigious designation. We are proud to support military families and look forward to expanding this critical work in the years ahead!
Fairhill Elementary Visit with Scout Pack 656
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining my School Board colleague Ilryong Moon at Fairhill Elementary School to meet with Scout Pack 656. We had a great discussion about the role of the School Board and the importance of civic participation. It’s always inspiring to see young minds eager to learn about how they can make a difference in their communities!
Marshall Student Appointed to Student Leadership Program
I am pleased to announce that from a group of very impressive students, I selected Marshall sophomore Mira Karnik to participate in the School Board Student Leadership Program as Providence District’s representative. Mira wants to create positive change for students, especially those in marginalized communities, and plans to pursue a career in government and public policy.
The program is open to FCPS high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing. It is designed for students interested in pursuing a future in law, government, or public policy. Twelve students were chosen – one from each School Board Member’s magisterial district and one for each At-Large seat.
Students will work closely with the School Board and its staff, learning how the school division is governed, observing the operation of various board committees and regular meetings, developing and debating their own policy proposals, and even learning how to seek election to the Student Representative seat on the School Board.
Visiting Waples Mill Elementary
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Waples Mill Elementary, where I enjoyed lively conversations with students about their school and the work we do on the School Board. Their curiosity and thoughtful questions highlighted just how engaged and passionate our young learners are about their education and community. Visits like these remind me of the importance of ensuring every student has a voice and feels empowered to share their perspectives. Thank you to Principal Thirus and the Waples Mill community for the warm welcome!
Kilmer’s Outdoor Classroom Under Construction
On September 26th, the School Board approved nearly $1.4 million in new investments to retrofit ten middle schools and 12 high schools with outdoor classrooms, including Kilmer and Thoreau Middle Schools and Madison, Marshall, and Oakton High Schools. Kilmer was selected to be one of the first for installation, and crews are currently hard at work bringing the outdoor classroom to life. This exciting addition will provide a space for Kilmer students to explore and learn in a natural environment.
Thoreau Symphonic Band Selected for Conference Performance
Recently, Thoreau Middle School’s Symphonic Band, under the direction of Pat Smith, had the distinct honor of performing at the Virginia Music Educators Conference. Selected as one of only two middle school bands from the entire state, this achievement is a testament to the dedication and talent of Thoreau students. We offer them congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!
Last Chance to See Talented Students in Winter Concerts
There is still time to see our incredibly talented students in a winter concert this week:
- Freedom Hill ES Band/Strings Winter Concert: Monday, December 16, 6:00 pm
- Mosaic ES Winter Concert: Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm (Oakton HS)
- Camelot ES Band and Strings Concert: Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 pm
- Spring Hill ES 5th/6th Grade Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 pm
- Marshall HS Orchestra Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 pm
- McLean HS Orchestra Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 pm
- Oakton HS Performing Arts Winter Showcase: Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 pm
- Westgate ES Band/Strings Concert: Wednesday, December 18, 6:00 pm
- Longfellow MS Orchestra Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm (McLean HS)
- Fairhill ES 5th/6th Band, Chorus, Strings Winter Concert: Thursday, December 19, 5:30 pm
Providence District Supervisor’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik invites the community to her inaugural Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, January 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Jim Scott Community Center. This family-friendly event honors the cultural heritage of our Asian communities and will feature cultural performances, delicious food, and festive fun! The event is a great opportunity to learn about Lunar New Year traditions and welcome a prosperous New Year! [Register Here]
Asian Community Service Center’s Annual Chinese New Year Festival
Join the Asian Community Service Center for its 16th annual Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm at Luther Jackson Middle School. It’s a full day of fun activities for all ages, exciting performances, delicious food, and a Lunar New Year dragon parade. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. [Additional Information]
Boundary Review Community Meetings
FCPS is hosting Community Boundary Review Meetings in each of the school division’s six regions. The final session is later this week for Region 1 schools, which includes the Herndon, Langley, Madison, Oakton, and South Lakes High School pyramids:
- Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 pm, Madison High School Cafeteria - Register Here
In addition to in-person community meetings held during this first phase of the comprehensive boundary review, FCPS is also planning to host virtual community meetings in 2025. Dates are still being confirmed for January 2025. As a reminder, FCPS is not discussing or developing any specific boundary changes during this initial phase of its work.
Please visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information, You can also sign up to receive the School Boundary Review newsletter.
Seeking Professionals for “Future Ready” High School Student Event
School divisions across the region are teaming up with Virginia Ed Strategies to host the annual Instruction 2 Industry Future Ready Conference at the Inova Conference Center on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The event will offer participating high school students the chance to connect with local professionals from high-demand career fields and learn about promising career paths for their postsecondary future. Interested employers and industry experts from all career clusters are invited to submit an interest form. Thank you for considering this opportunity to engage with high school students and prepare the future workforce of tomorrow!
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 5:30 pm (Meeting with City of Fairfax School Board)
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
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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