Third grade students collaborate during Angela Clarke’s science class at Terra Centre Elementary School.
⏰ Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey
Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times
Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
On Tuesday, April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.
🏆 Lake Braddock Gymnastics: A Legacy of Excellence
The Lake Braddock Secondary School gymnastics team has further cemented its place in history. For the fourth consecutive year, the Bruins’ senior gymnasts claimed the Virginia state championship title, continuing a dynasty. With 13 state titles — more than any other school in the state — Lake Braddock has become synonymous with excellence in gymnastics. Read more about their achievements.
✨ Student participation in extracurricular activities is one of the measures of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2 - Safe, Supported, Included and Empowered.
🔬 Nine FCPS Projects Earn Grand Prize Award in Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The 70th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased roughly 400 high school science projects. More than 600 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 200 professionals, and 40 professional organizations and businesses.
The grand prize winners are eligible to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Many others are eligible to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair in April. Read more about the winning projects.
✨ Students innovating and preparing for the future is one of the measures of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 5 - Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
👗 Annual Prom Dress Shop Open at Centreville High School
Students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program opened their annual Prom Dress Shop to help students celebrate in style. The shop has helped hundreds of students attend prom each spring by providing prom dresses and accessories at no cost to students.
There are also opportunities for community members to donate gently used, dry-cleaned prom dresses and accessories.
The shop is open Friday, April 4, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2-5 p.m., and Sunday, April 6, 1-4 p.m. Read more about the Prom Dress Shop.
✨ Student access to career and technical education (CTE) courses is one of the measures of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4 - Equitable Access and Opportunity.
🏫 Kindergarten Open Houses Scheduled for This Spring
Kindergarten open houses are being held this spring to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at their school. View an alphabetical list of open houses.
FCPS recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Register your child today.
Family Services Specialist Gives Voice to Children and Families
Alyce Pope has been involved with FCPS’ Head Start program for more than 40 years. At first she was a parent of a student in the Higher Horizons Head Start program. Then she worked as a classroom assistant and administrative assistant. Now she works with families to encourage them to enroll in the program.
As a result of her dedication to her job, Alyce was named a finalist for the National Education Association (NEA) Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year award. The award honors an NEA member who demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and whose achievements reflect the vital role ESPs play in public education.
Read more about Alyce and how advocating for public education runs in her DNA.
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☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
🖥️ FCPS Family Academy Offers Free Webinars and Events for Families
In April, the Family Academy will offer the following webinars and events presented by the Family Resource Center (FRC):
Click on the titles for more information or to register. Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child’s education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.
⚡ Go, Greased Lightnin’! Edison Academy Recreates Iconic Car for Spring Musical
Greased Lightnin’ is coming to Edison High School! The automatic, systematic, hydromatic hot rod will take center stage in Edison Theatre Company’s spring production of Grease - School Edition, thanks to a group of talented students in the Automotive Collision Service class at Edison Academy. Read more about the automotive project.
✨ Student access to CTE and trade courses is one of the measures of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4.
🙋 The Power of Showing Up
At Whitman Middle School, it’s understood that attendance isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. Whitman is focusing on encouraging regular attendance through monthly attendance challenges.
Read Whitman’s blog. Learn more about the importance of regular school attendance.
✨ Whitman's intentional efforts to improve attendance rates are tied directly to FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
🌍 Justice High School Teacher Named Global Educator of the Year
Kirsten Salonga was named the 2025 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year. Kirsten is a biology and environmental science for multilingual learners teacher and science department chair at Justice High School.
The Global Educator Award recognizes educators who have demonstrated excellence in integrating cultural diversity, global competence, and internationalized concepts into their instruction with the aim of cultivating active global citizens. Read more about Kirsten's award.
Virginia Finalists for Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Kirsten Salonga and John Mika, a mathematics teacher at Hayfield Secondary School, have been named Virginia’s finalists for the 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The award — regarded as the nation’s top honor for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers — recognizes educators who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas.
✨ The availability of, accessibility to, and student enrollment in coursework in science and mathematics is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4.
🎥 Our Voices, Our Future — Learn About Individuals Who Make FCPS Shine
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid talks about the recording of an episode of Our Voices, Our Future. The YouTube podcast features Dr. Reid learning about the individuals who make FCPS a premier school division.
She sat down with Clermont Elementary School Art Teacher Madeline Deveney to discuss Madeline’s journey to becoming an art educator and the ways in which she incorporates classroom curricula into students’ art projects. Watch the video of Dr. Reid and Madeline.
Keep up with Dr. Reid by checking out Weekly Reflections.
🎤 Community Conversations With Superintendent Reid
A series of Community Conversations with Dr. Reid are being held as an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Events are open to all. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided. Click on the date to register for that event. Visit our webpage for other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
✨ Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships is Pillar B of the Strategic Plan.
📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review FAQs
Do you have questions regarding FCPS' comprehensive boundary review process? Check out a new list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website. If you have a question that is not addressed, please submit your question at your convenience.
🚍 Buckle Up for Fun at the 2025 Bus Safety Road-eo!
The Office of Transportation Services is celebrating student safety with the Annual Bus Safety Road-eo on Tuesday, April 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Stonecroft Transportation Center. This event provides a unique opportunity for our drivers and attendants to showcase their extraordinary expertise through challenging courses, demonstrating the precision and control that keeps our students safe every day!
During the event, talented drivers navigate intricate obstacle courses, exhibiting the mastery and finesse that makes them the best in the business. Cheer on the heroes behind the wheel, enjoy a variety of food trucks, and enjoy fun activities for all ages! The day will culminate with an awards ceremony honoring our transportation champions.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Teacher Workday
Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school.
All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr.
Tuesday, April 1, is a teacher workday and there is no school for students.
SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure
The gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the quarter from Friday, March 28, at 4 p.m. to Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m.
Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
🌷 Spring Break
Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m.
Nominate an FCPS Employee for the County’s Highest Honor
Nominate an FCPS employee or a Fairfax County employee for the A. Heath Onthank Award. Nominations are due Friday, April 4. Visit the A. Heath Onthank Award webpage for the nomination form and more information.
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