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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.
Heartbreaking Loss for Our Community
Dear Neighbors,
Like so many of you, I was shocked and heartbroken when I heard the news of last week’s tragic plane crash at Washington National Airport. The devastating loss of life, including three of our FCPS students and six of our FCPS parents, is simply unimaginable. My heart goes out to their families, friends, and the entire school community as we grieve together.
In moments like this, we must come together as a community to support one another. As our School Board noted last week, Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing comfort and assistance to those affected. Crisis counselors and support staff are available for anyone in need. Please keep the families and loved ones impacted by this tremendous loss in your thoughts.
I invite you to continue reading this week’s newsletter for important updates about our work to strengthen our schools and support student success, including an opportunity for Providence District residents who are passionate about ensuring our students have access to high-quality educational resources to serve on the upcoming Mathematics Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC).
I hope you’ll consider applying.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Help Shape the Future of Mathematics in Our Schools – Apply Today!
Are you passionate about ensuring our students have access to high-quality mathematics educational resources? Fairfax County Public Schools will soon adopt new K-12 mathematics instructional materials, and we are looking for a Providence District resident to serve on the Instructional Resource Review Committee (IRRC) for this important initiative. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in selecting new textbooks, online tools, and other resources that will shape mathematics instruction beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The application deadline is 5 pm next Monday, February 10. [APPLY TODAY]
Current Vacancies on Boards, Authorities, and Commissions:
If you’re looking for other ways to become more involved in our community, Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office is looking for qualified Providence District residents to advocate for the needs of our community as a member of one of Fairfax County’s many Boards, Authorities, and Commissions (BACs). To apply, please email your resume to providence@fairfaxcounty.gov and indicate the BAC you are interested in joining:
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Park Authority: Oversees park acquisition, development, and maintenance.
Mantua PTA Basketball Showcases Amazing Student Athletes
On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a thrilling Mantua PTA Basketball game that concluded with a razor-thin margin of just one point! The atmosphere was electric as students showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship, keeping all of us on the edge of our seats until the very end. The game highlighted the dedication and talent of our young athletes and many parent/caregiver volunteers, reflecting the strength and spirit of an important community basketball program that has been serving students since the 1960s! Kudos to all the players, coaches, referees, and other volunteers who contributed to such an exciting event.
Advocating for Appropriate School Funding in Richmond
I recently had an opportunity to attend the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Capital Conference alongside many of my Fairfax County School Board colleagues. It was a valuable chance to connect with other school board members from across Virginia and discuss the importance of protecting public education and implementing JLARC’s recommendations, which would bring an additional $568 million to Fairfax County Public Schools, which would simply bring our state funding on par with the national average. I was also able to speak about our various legislative priorities with several legislators representing the Providence District, including Delegates David Bulova and Holly Seibold, as well as Senators Sadam Salim and Dave Marsden, among others. Advocating for our students and ensuring our schools receive the resources they deserve remains among my top priorities.
Fairfax County Events in Honor of Black History Month
This month, Fairfax County is proud to host a variety of events in honor of Black History Month and invites our community to engage with the rich and diverse threads of African American history and culture.
On February 20, multiple Fairfax County Public Library branches will present a lecture about Carter G. Woodson (also available virtually). In October 2024, Woodson High School was renamed in honor of Carter G. Woodson, “the Father of Black History Month,” to better reflect the values of our community.
Boundary Review Community Meetings
During this first phase of the comprehensive boundary review, FCPS is hosting community meetings where families, staff, and community members can share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the review process.
In addition to the six in-person community meetings held in 2024, FCPS scheduled six virtual community meetings in 2025, and there is one virtual meeting remaining on Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Register and receive your unique Zoom link by clicking the date above. This virtual meeting will follow the same format as the recent in-person meetings, and the same information will be shared. Please note that the virtual meeting will be capped at 400. Language interpretation will be available.
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.
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey
All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and related cell phone storage options. The deadline to submit this survey is today, Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools.
Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program Registration Now Open
The countywide lottery for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program is now open. Current pre-K and kindergarten students may apply for the kindergarten and first-grade immersion programs for the 2025-26 school year. Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. All residents of Fairfax County are eligible to apply. Be sure to register before the 4 pm deadline on February 13. [Register]
Application for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year, FCPS students have an opportunity to apply for the position of student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of Fairfax County Public Schools students.
FCPS students currently in grades 9, 10, or 11 and who live in Fairfax County or Fairfax City are eligible to apply. Students interested in pursuing this opportunity should take the following steps:
- Review Policy 1802 and the responsibilities of the Student Representative.
- Submit a Student Representative Application no later than February 24, 2025.
- Optional: Attend the virtual Primary Election during the school day on April 3.
- Candidates who advance beyond the Primary Election are required to attend the in-person General Election during the school day on April 9 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Community Peers Preschool Program at Stenwood Elementary School
Next school year, Stenwood will have community peers in its Early Childhood Special Education preschool program. This program provides opportunities for preschool students to participate in integration activities with typically developing peers. The program is designed to teach preschoolers with and without delays in the same classroom.
The program provides children with a more stimulating environment, teaches skills for coping with different situations, and provides the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills. The program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (2 per class), who are ages 3.5 to 5 years by September 30 to participate in daily preschool activities.
If you are interested in having your child considered for this opportunity, please complete the Community Peers Preschool Program Interest and Information Form by Friday, February 28. Stenwood will host a playdate for interested students in late March/early April.
Theatre Schedule for Providence District High Schools
Madison High School
Marshall High School
Fairfax High School
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Hadestown - April 25, 26, and May 1, 2, and 3, 2025
Falls Church High School
Woodson High School
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Public Hearing: FY 2026 Proposed Budget (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Goal 3 Report and Budget)
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Goal 4 Report and SR&R)
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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