|
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.
February Newsletter
Message from Ilryong Moon
Happy Lunar New Year!
새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐!
To all of you who celebrated on January 29, 2025, I hope you had a happy and meaningful Lunar New Year's Day. I also hope you enjoyed a restful winter break. This year, the Year of the Blue Snake, symbolizes wisdom, adaptability, and resilience-qualities that encourage us to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges, and continue to grow together.
I recognize that recent decisions regarding school closings and delayed openings have stirred mixed emotions in our community. For some, these decisions have caused frustration by disrupting routines and learning schedules. For others, there was concern that the closures should have lasted longer to address the challenges posed by icy secondary roads and the safety of students walking to school.
These decisions are never easy, as we must strike a balance between ensuring academic progress and prioritizing student safety. Both remain equally important to our mission, and I appreciate your patience and understanding as we manage these situations with care and consideration.
As we move forward into the new year, I wish everyone in our division prosperity, joy, and meaningful accomplishments. Together, we can continue to build a bright future for all.
Lastly, we are heartbroken to learn of the devastating losses of life on January 29, 2025 aviation accident, including three of our FCPS students and six of our FCPS parents.
Along with my colleagues on the Fairfax County School Board, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and the entire school community. This is an unimaginable tragedy. We join the nation and our students, educators, and families in grieving.
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to supporting those affected in every way possible. Crisis counselors and support staff are available to provide comfort and assistance to anyone in need.
In moments like this, we must come together as a community to support one another. Please keep the families and loved ones impacted by this tremendous loss in your thoughts.
Wishing you all the best,
Ilryong Moon
What’s happened in January
 Ongoing Budget Discussions - FY 2026 Proposed Budget
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared her proposal for the FY 2026 budget at the January 23 School Board meeting. She emphasized that FCPS is dedicated to providing a world-class education while also paying attention to what our students, families, and taxpayers need.
The $4 billion budget is an increase of $297.1 million from FY 2025, with a focus on:
Competitive Compensation: A 7% salary increase for all staff to attract and retain top talent.
Multiyear Initiatives: Continued funding for inclusive preschool, athletic trainers, family liaisons, fine and performing arts stipends, and HR system updates.
Targeted Investments: Security updates, including vestibules, cameras, and tools.
Dr. Reid highlighted the ongoing challenge of chronic state underfunding, with Virginia schools receiving significantly less per-student funding compared to neighboring states. Despite this, FCPS students consistently excel, showcasing the strength of our community.
Over 85% of the budget is allocated to instruction, with no new initiatives proposed this year, ensuring that our resources are used in the best way possible to align with the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
For more details, visit the FCPS Budget webpage. Your support is vital as we continue these important discussions to secure a bright future for our students and schools.
 My good old friend from T.C Williams Senior High School (now Alexandria City High School)
This story takes me back to the 1970’s, to a high school friend I had while attending the then T.C. Williams Senior High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He was a hardworking and determined young man who dreamed of becoming a doctor. To help support his family and save for college, he worked part time as a security guard on weekends, alongside his father at the same company.
As graduation approached, we planned to visit Korea during summer break before entering college. I urged him to book a flight soon, but he hesitated. Finally, he confided in me that he didn’t have a green card. If he left for Korea, he wouldn’t be allowed to return to the States. My heart broke. How anxious and uncertain he must have felt about his status all those years?
Fortunately, my friend and his family eventually obtained green cards. He went on to become a doctor and raised two accomplished children, one now teaching in medical school and the other pursuing a legal career. But I can’t help but wonder, what would have happened if he had been detained as an undocumented immigrant back then? He and his entire family could have been deported to Korea. His studies might have been interrupted, and he might have struggled to overcome the academic differences between schools in Korea and the States.
 Ensuring Support and Safety in Our School Division
Fairfax County Public Schools(FCPS) remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting students, families, and educators. We are determined to ensure that our schools and community spaces remain safe, inclusive, and hopeful places for everyone. To that end, we work closely with FCPS leadership and community organizations to provide resources, guidance, and support to all who need it. We will protect our students and employees to the fullest extent possible and stand firmly against overreaching and unjust actions.
School Board have established policies, and our posted policies reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning spaces for all students and their families. School administrators have access to resources that can be shared with families.
Fairfax County Public Schools will continue to uphold our responsibility to create a community where every student and family feels supported and safe. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide an environment of dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
Welcoming Student Teachers from Seoul National University of Education
 Recap of the Closing Ceremony. Dr. Tyson and Dr. Ponce delivered remarks at the Closing Ceremony held at the Gatehouse Administration Center. Each student was presented with a certificate of practicum, signed by Superintendent Dr. Reid.
Last month, 14 top-tier student teachers from Seoul National University of Education (SNUE), Korea’s premier institution for elementary teacher education, interned at five of our FCPS elementary schools - Flint Hill Elementary School, Marshall Road Elementary School, Vienna Elementary School, Wolftrap Elementary School and Colin Powell Elementary School for Korean Immersion Program. It was an honor to host these exceptional future educators, who experienced firsthand what makes FCPS a world-class public school division.
 SNUE Teacher teaching at Vienna Elementary School, and Korean Lunar New Year artwork done by one of FCPS students at Marshall Road Elementary School.
Groups of three to four students from the SNUE were assigned to Flint Hill, Marshall Road, Vienna, and Wolftrap Elementary School. During their visit, they assisted their homeroom teachers and shared Korean culture with our FCPS students.
SNUE students had a one-day visit to Colin Powell Elementary School to observe our division's prominent Korean Immersion program, and the student teachers have garnered significant interest from students seeking unique educational offerings at Powell Elementary School.
 Flint Hill Elementary School Students made Ttakji/Ddakji - Players flip paper tile, Paengyi - Paper spinning top, and played Gonggi - Catching the stones. These are all Korean traditional children’s game.
Lastly, during the closing ceremony, the students shared their admiration for FCPS. Many were impressed by our integration of technology, noting that every student having a laptop, even in elementary school, is uncommon in Korea.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Reid, Dr. Tyson, Dr. Ponce and Principal Luerssen (Colin Powell ES), Principal Montaquila (Flint Hill ES), Principal Chapman (Marshall Road ES), Interim Principal Williams (Vienna ES), Principal Grove (Wolftrap ES), teachers, and families who welcomed these student teachers and enriched their experience. Your support helped showcase the exceptional education and community FCPS provides.
Thank you for staying connected with our FCPS community. Let’s make February a month filled with growth, collaboration, and celebration as we continue supporting our students and schools.
Seize These Opportunities in February!
 Math Basal Resource Committee Nominations
I am sorry for the late heads-up notice, but I want you to know that the Fairfax County residents have opportunities to serve on the Math Basal Resource Review Committee.
Each school board member can nominate a representative for this committee, if you would like to be nominated by me, please submit your information to my staff aide at skpark1@fcps.edu by February 11.
Important Notes:
- Please include your background information. The deadline is February 10th. The committee will get to review the math basal resources (e.g., textbooks, online materials).
Appointments will be on the February 20 Regular Meeting consent agenda.
2025 Student Representative Applications Now Open
FCPS students in grades 9–11 can apply to become the next Student Representative to the School Board. While the role is non-voting, it provides a unique platform for students to represent their peers and share their perspectives at the county level.
Application Details:
-
Deadline: Written applications are due February 24, 2025.
- Election Process:
- Virtual Primary Election: April 3, 2025
- In-Person General Election: April 9, 2025, at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Learn more and apply using the Student Representative Application Form.
Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) Scholarship Opportunity
We are thrilled to announce the 2025 HLA scholarships are now available! These scholarships support FCPS graduating seniors who are first-generation college students.
Key Information:
-
Deadline: February 25, 2025 (early submissions encouraged)
-
Eligibility: Hispanic/Latino FCPS seniors who are the first in their families to attend a post-secondary institution.
-
Application Process: Submit the completed application and required documents to Jane Cruz at jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of this remarkable program, which awarded 33 scholarships in 2024. Let’s continue supporting this initiative by sharing it with teachers, counselors, and eligible students.
American Youth Climate Summit – March 29, 2025
Empower students to tackle climate challenges at the American Youth Climate Summit! This exciting event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities with national climate leaders.
Event Details:
-
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
-
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (light breakfast included)
-
Location: American University, Washington, DC (Free parking available)
-
Fee: $30
This summit is a fantastic opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of climate issues and build leadership skills. Register here or contact Rida Karim at rskarim@fcps.edu for more information.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
Broadcast & open to the public:
- Monday, Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m. - Audit Committee (CANCELLED)
- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10:00 a.m. - Public Engagement Committee
- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
- Thursday, Feb 13, 7:00 p.m. - CPDC Meeting
- Tuesday, Feb 18, 2:00 p.m. - Governance Committee
- Tuesday, Feb 18, 5:00 p.m. - PM Budget Committee Meeting (All School Board Members)
- Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
School Board Regular Meetings and Work Sessions are broadcast live and available to the public on several platforms:
If you miss the live broadcast of any School Board Meeting or Work Session, you can also watch archived broadcasts:
** Dates & times are subject to change. Please check the 2024 School Board Annual Work Calendar for the latest information **
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
|
