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January Newsletter

Message from Ilryong Moon

Powell Elementary School - Korean Immersion Program

As we begin 2025, the Year of the Blue Snake in the Chinese zodiac, it's a time to value wisdom, resilience, and change. These are the qualities that define this graceful and intuitive creature. Just as the snake can adapt and survive, this year encourages us to create new ideas, continue learning, and evolve. Snakes are those born in the following years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025! Do you see a pattern in the years? It’s every 12 years. 

In that spirit, we should look to the accomplishments of Demis Hassabis for some inspiration. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Google's DeepMind and a 2024 Nobel laureate in chemistry. His work with AlphaGo, an AI program that beat world champion Lee Sedol in the 2016 Go challenge, shows how the lines between what machines can do and what humans can do are becoming more and more blurred. The AlphaGo documentary beautifully explores this intersection. It shows how far innovation can take us. Watch the documentary here.

As we prepare our students for this ever-changing world, let's celebrate the New Year by embracing the promise of transformation and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Let's make 2025 a year of progress, learning, and unity.

Happy New Year!

What’s happened in December

Building Stronger Communities Through Leadership Excellence

I am honored to share the news that I was recognized at this year's Regional Excellence in Leadership Institute (RELI) Awards, hosted by the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. The RELI Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of elected officials across Virginia in fostering community trust, solving challenges, and leading with vision.

Each year, the RELI Board of Directors selects awardees from the Virginia General Assembly, local government councils, and school boards. This recognition is especially meaningful because it represents the recognition by peers and fellow leaders who are committed to regional progress.

The General Assembly award went to State Senator Adam Ebbin, a dedicated public servant who has represented Northern Virginia for two decades. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay received the award for his work on regional transportation, including transformative projects such as the Richmond Highway Corridor and the 495 Beltway Express Lanes extension.

As an at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, I was humbled to receive this year's School Board Award. As I reflect on my journey - from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager who didn't speak English, to graduating from a high school, being the first one in the family to go to a college, earning a law degree, and serving multiple terms on the School Board - this award is a reminder of the opportunities that public service provides to give back to the community that shaped me.

In my acceptance remarks, I shared a metaphor inspired by one of my favorite sandwiches: the BLT. Just as the bacon, lettuce, and tomato each is distinct in its own right, our diverse community members, distinct in their own rights, when brought together with understanding and collaboration, create something extraordinary. It's that unity - just like the BLT - that makes our community thrive.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Fairfax County. Together, we continue to accomplish remarkable things.

Celebrating Excellence: 12 Students Selected for the School Board Leadership Development Program!

12 Selected Student Participants (Top), Student Representative Megan Sawant and Claire Kim (Left), Claire and I (Right).

I am thrilled to announce that 12 outstanding high school students from across Fairfax County Public Schools have been selected to participate in the School Board’s Student Leadership Program. This incredible initiative offers students a unique opportunity to learn about local government operations, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in advisory committees. These students will have the chance to shape the future of education and foster civic engagement, giving them a powerful voice in the decision-making processes that affect their peers and schools.

I am particularly excited to share that my student representative this year is Claire Kim from Centreville High School. Claire is an exceptional leader. She was a finalist for the student representative position on the School Board last year. She is currently a student representative on the FCPS Career and Technical Education Committee. Claire has a strong academic background and is very dedicated to her role. She is also a talented artist. She received the second place award in the Congressional Art Competition, and her artwork is on display at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to service truly embody the spirit of FCPS!

The other 11 selected students are -

Please join us in celebrating these exceptional young leaders and their bright futures ahead!

For more information - Student Leadership Program

Exciting News: Go Clubs Coming Soon to FCPS in 2025!

Louis Yang of Stenwood Elementary School, left, playing with Richard Duan of Cooper Middle School. Richard founded a Go club at his school.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Go clubs soon in some of the schools in Fairfax County Public Schools in 2025! This initiative, in partnership with the American Go Association (AGA), will bring the timeless strategy game of Go to our students, offering unique opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

The schools currently in discussion to open a Go club are — Canterbury Woods Elementary School, Great Falls Elementary School, Wakefield Forest Elementary School, Cooper Middle School. 

I am also hoping that Fox Mill Elementary School, Rocky Run Middle School, and Robinson Secondary School with which AGA had some conversation earlier in the year will join, too.

What is Go?
Go is a captivating strategy game played on a grid where two players alternate placing black and white stones to surround territory. The game originated in China over 4,000 years ago and was historically revered as one of the four essential arts that noble scholars pursued, alongside painting, calligraphy, and poetry. Known for its simplicity in rules yet complexity in strategy, Go challenges players to balance analytical and intuitive thinking, making it a favorite among both students and adults.

Beyond its intellectual appeal, Go is a powerful tool for developing math skills in younger children, such as counting, multiplication, and basic calculations. This unique aspect of the game not only enhances mathematical proficiency but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

About the American Go Association -
The American Go Association (AGA) has been a pioneer in promoting Go across the U.S. since 1935, fostering learning, organizing competitions, and building cultural bridges. With decades of expertise, the AGA ensures our students have access to exceptional resources and opportunities, paving the way for both fun and educational engagement.

We look forward to seeing students immerse themselves in this enriching experience. 

Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved in this innovative new program!

Celebrating the Warhawks’ Spirit and Resilience

At-Large School Board Member Ryan McElveen and I attending the state high school football championship at the James Madison University.

On Saturday of December 14, I had the pleasure of traveling to James Madison University alongside my colleague, Ryan McElveen, to cheer on the James Madison High School Warhawks as they faced Oscar Smith High School in the state football championship. It was an intense and thrilling game that came down to the final moments. Madison scored a touchdown with a long pass with the time running out. Its two-point attempt failed, however, ending up falling short by just one point 20-21.

Though the outcome was bittersweet, the Warhawks’ incredible season and relentless efforts are worth celebrating. I am immensely proud of the players, along with their coaching staff, for their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which exemplify the true spirit of our FCPS student-athletes.

Congratulations to Madison High School on an amazing season, and thank you for giving us such a memorable game. You’ve made our community proud!

Dual Language Immersion - 
Lottery Registration Opens January 13

Powell Elementary School - Korean Immersion Program

Mark your calendars! Registration for the countywide lottery for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025.

This program offers an exciting opportunity for students to immerse themselves in languages and cultures, fostering bilingual skills and cultural appreciation. Current pre-K students can apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students are eligible to apply for the first-grade immersion program for the 2025-26 school year.

Languages Offered: French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish

Parents and caregivers interested in learning more are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at a school offering the program.

Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a complete list of meetings by language.

For detailed information, visit the DLI Program webpage or the DLI Program Registration webpage.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for your child!

Boundary Review

To those who attended the boundary review meeting, thank you for your participation and thoughtful input. Your engagement is vital as we work together to shape the future of Fairfax County Public Schools. I have personally been to 5 of 6 regional meetings. I missed the last one at Madison HS because I needed to go out of town.

As you know, the Fairfax County School Board voted to update FCPS Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024. This policy marks the first comprehensive boundary review since 1986—nearly 40 years ago. Over these decades, both Fairfax County and our student population have grown significantly, making this review critical to addressing the evolving needs of our community.

Through this process, we aim to:

• Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities for all students.
• Optimize the use of our school facilities by balancing available capacity.
• Simplify attendance zones by addressing isolated attendance areas and reducing split feeder patterns. This change would enable more students from the same neighborhoods to attend the same schools, ideally those closest to their homes.
• Minimize travel time for students, ensuring that their journeys to and from school are efficient and manageable.

Your continued feedback will be instrumental as we move forward with these efforts. Together, we can ensure our schools reflect the principles of equity, efficiency, and community cohesion. Thank you for being part of this important work!

Together, We Build Brighter Futures with Educate Fairfax

As the Fairfax County School Board liaison to Educate Fairfax, I am excited to share the remarkable achievements of this year and invite you to support its vital mission. Educate Fairfax is the exclusive 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to supporting the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), ensuring that all students have the resources they need to thrive academically and beyond.

This year, Educate Fairfax made history by funding 107 grants across 100 schools, including 24 Title 1 schools, benefiting nearly 36,000 students. These grants, totaling $180,273, supported innovative projects and equity-focused initiatives in classrooms throughout FCPS.

However, our work is far from over. With 37% of FCPS students qualifying for free or reduced meals, we must continue to address critical needs such as food, clothing, and essential school supplies. These resources lay the foundation for learning and success, ensuring every child has a fair chance at a brighter future.

How You Can Help

Your donation to Educate Fairfax can:

• Provide basic needs like meals, clothing, and school supplies.
• Empower teachers with resources to innovate in the classroom.
• Support all 199 FCPS schools and centers in the 2025-26 school year.

Your contribution is not just a gift; it’s an investment in our community’s future. Let’s make 2025 even brighter for every FCPS student.

Donate Today at EducateFairfax.org and help us transform lives through education.

Wishing you a joyful new year and sending heartfelt gratitude for your continued support!

Upcoming Budget Cycle -
Key Dates and the School Board's Role

As we approach the FY 2026 budget cycle, the Fairfax County School Board is preparing to navigate one of its most critical responsibilities, ensuring resources are aligned to best support student success. Here are the key dates for the budget process and insights into what happens during each step:

Key Dates:

• November 26: Joint County/School Budget Committee discusses the FY 2026 fiscal forecast.
• January 23: Superintendent releases the proposed FY 2026 Budget.
• February 4: School Board holds public hearings to gather community input.
• February 18: County Executive releases the Advertised Budget Plan.
• February 20: School Board adopts the Proposed Budget Plan.
• February 25: Joint County/School Budget Committee discusses the budget and tax rate.
• March 4: Board of Supervisors advertises the FY 2026 tax rate.
• April 22: School Board presents the FCPS budget to the Board of Supervisors.
• April 22-24: Board of Supervisors holds public hearings on the FY 2026 Budget.
• May 6: Board of Supervisors marks up the budget.
• May 13: Final adoption of the FY 2026 Budget by the Board of Supervisors.
• May 22: School Board adopts the Approved Budget.
• July 1: The FY 2026 Budget goes into effect.

What Does the School Board Do During the Budget Cycle?

The School Board plays a pivotal role throughout this process.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing the Proposed Budget: After the Superintendent releases the budget, the School Board carefully evaluates funding priorities, balancing the needs of students, staff, and schools.
• Engaging the Community: Public hearings are held to listen to feedback from families, staff, and community members, ensuring their voices are part of the decision-making process.
• Collaborating with County Leaders: The School Board works closely with the Board of Supervisors to align priorities and secure necessary funding for FCPS.
• Adopting the Budget: The Board adopts the budget at multiple stages, moving it forward for county review and final approval.

This comprehensive process ensures transparency, accountability, and a focus on student achievement. As we move through this cycle, your input remains invaluable.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage in this essential work!

Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings

Broadcast & open to the public:

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

Contact: Ilryong Moon | 571-423-1089

Staff Aide: Sarah Park | 571-502-5386