|
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.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
🌸 Spring is here!🌼
As the days grow longer and flowers are blooming, our schools are buzzing with activity. From student achievements to budget updates and upcoming events, there’s a lot happening this season.
It was a packed house at the Sully District Budget Town Hall on March10th, 2025 with Supervisor Kathy Smith!
I am so grateful to the many, many students, teachers, staff, principals and community members who participated and provided their thoughtful comments on the importance of Middle School Afterschool (MSAS) and Value In Prevention (VIP) summer programs, Transition services to FCPS seniors, and other community based programs and initiatives.
Sully District Budget Town Hall with Supervisor Kathy Smith, held on March 10th, 2025 at Rocky Run Middle School.
As a community, we have come to expect excellence in Fairfax County Public Schools, including programs like All-County Chorus, and a wide variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities that offer opportunities for each and every one of our students.
FCPS cannot continue to sustain excellence with ongoing State underfunding and budget cuts. The current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million. Go to fcps.edu/crossroads to learn more, and to get information on how you can share your thoughts with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors before the budget is finalized. More information is also in this newsletter below.
As always, I appreciate the partnership with the board of supervisors as we work to fund important programs for our county.
Inside this newsletter:
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend my PTA/PTO/PTSA/PTSO Leaders Roundtable on March 19th. I want to ensure that your important community voices are heard. Please know that your tireless efforts in organizing PTA events, supporting educational initiatives, and building a sense of community at our schools do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do!!
Finally, I value the input I receive from the Sully community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. I am so proud of our students, teachers and staff and I look forward to a strong fourth quarter!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Excellence Is at a Crossroads
Fairfax County residents believe in the value of a strong public school system. Residents live here because of the excellence of Fairfax County Public Schools, even our community members with grown children. Excellence in FCPS comes from its people — dedicated teachers and support staff who make sure that our students are ready to learn. Today, that excellence is at a crossroads.
The County Board of Supervisors will finalize the budget on May 6. The current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million.
Now is the time. Do we want continued excellence, or are we ready to consider cuts to important programs that we have come to expect from FCPS?
Do you believe in the power and promise of public education? Go to fcps.edu/crossroads to learn more, including ways that you can share your thoughts about the county budget before the vote.
School Visit to London Towne Elementary School!
School Board member Seema Dixit visits London Towne Elementary with At-Large member Ilryong Moon!
I had a wonderful visit to London Towne Elementary on April 2nd along with my colleague Ilryong Moon, Member At-Large! It was a real pleasure seeing first hand all the hard work the teachers and staff have been putting in translate into wonderful programs that help our students succeed and thrive. Thank you Principal Banford for being so welcoming and sharing with us the challenges and successes of this year. I appreciate your insights on the significant changes to literacy instruction in FCPS, particularly the shift to evidence-based practices, to help ensure that all students develop strong literacy skills and achieve reading success by Grade 3. As Sully District school board member, I am committed to listening and working with you to address your concerns and to provide you with the tools to succeed. Go Lions!! 🦁
Sully District Happenings
Chantilly High School Speech Team win 2025 State Championship!!
Congratulations to our Chantilly Speech team on their State Championship this past weekend! The team took first place once again! Individual Awards: Storytelling- Brooke Ciriacks - 3rd place, Mika Omtri - 2nd place, Humorous Interpretation - Gayda Makki- 2nd place, Sam Wolff - 1st place, Serious Dramatic Interpretation - Camille Dausch - 2nd place, Prose - Bella Rafferty - 3rd place, Reagan Shin - 2nd place, Poetry - Gaayathri Mathuria - 2nd place, Humorous Duo - Eva Obernberger and Owen Guzman - 2nd place, Serious Dramatic Duo - Amelia Marsh and David Garcia - 2nd place, Anya Saffari and Zach Topscher - 1st place.
So proud for our students. Their hard work paid off! 🏆🌟
|
Westfield Pyramid Art Show features Spectacular Student Works!
It was a real treat to attend the Westfield Pyramid Art Show on April 3rd. Our students are so talented!! The show features works from students in all schools in the Westfield Pyramid. For juniors and seniors, their art is displayed just as it would be in a gallery.
The Art show showcases 11 different schools within the Westfield Pyramid (to include Carson Middle School) on a variety of art forms ranging from: 2D, 3D, Digital Art, and photography. This show highlights students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, with the 12th graders putting together entire booth collections. Students win awards from their fellow students, art, faculty, and principals. The arts continue to be integral to a world class education. I’m deeply grateful to our incredible arts educators, whose passion and dedication inspire and nurture the creative talents of our students.
Cub Scout Pack 1540 - Future Community Leaders!
It was a pleasure to be invited to speak with 4th grade Cub Scouts from Pack 1540 (Navy Elementary School) about why elections are important, how school board elections work, our role in the school system, and how they can make a difference in their communities even as fourth graders! I really enjoyed speaking with the scouts (and their parents) and hearing what they had to say. #citizenship #leadershipbadge
|
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Earth Day Festival!
Spring is here and Earth Day Fairfax is almost underway! Mark your calendar for Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day extravaganza at the Sully Historic Site on Saturday, April 26.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.at Sully Historic Site
3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA
Admission is FREE; Parking is $10 per car at the gate.
Cash and credit accepted.
Celebrate our world with a day filled with games, entertainment, food and hands-on crafts, exhibits and activities. With so much to do, learn and experience, it’s an event you’re not going to want to miss. Stay up to date with the latest event details at Earth Day festival website.
|
April is National Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. This year’s theme, “Arab American Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” reflects on the community’s legacy while recognizing the next generation of leaders making strides in business, government, education, science, and the arts.
Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. For over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to every aspect of American society—in medicine, law, business, technology, civic engagement, government, and culture. From cryptography, to the artificial heart, to the iPod, here are a few examples of some of the major advancements by Arab Americans. Please join me in celebrating the rich history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans in Sully District and beyond!
|
Month of the Military Child - #PurpleUpFCPS!
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.
Visit our Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow our FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email our Family and School Partnerships team.
Purple Up! Day
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on Wednesday, April 9, for military children.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
✨ A positive school climate where students feel a sense of belonging is part of FCPS' 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered..
|
FCPS Achieves $100 Million in Savings From Reductions in Energy Use
Fairfax County Public Schools has reduced its energy use by 31% since 2014, surpassing its 10-year goal of a 20% reduction. This has led to more than $100 million in cumulative energy cost savings since 2013 across more than 28 million square feet of building space. Read more about FCPS’ environmental stewardship and savings.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
For Academic Matters at the March 13th School Board meeting, the Superintendent provided a report on Career and Transition Services (CTS), which support students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as they prepare to move on to a variety of postsecondary options after high school. Every high school in Fairfax County has at least one employment and transitions representative who is responsible for working with families and students and providing input to the IEP transition plan.
In addition to classroom opportunities, real-world, work-based learning experiences with over 50 business and community partners offer opportunities for our students to gain valuable workplace and life readiness skills. Our Postsecondary Planning and Transition Services also help increase student access to college and trade and technical opportunities through college visits, job-shadowing field trips, and career fairs.
In the Academic Matters section of the School Board meeting on March 27th, the topic was elementary literacy, specifically, getting all students to read on grade level by third grade, which is part of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan’s Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. Some of the actions being taken to achieve this goal are:
- Deliver evidence-based literacy curriculum across the division (Benchmark Advance).
- Assess and monitor student progress using screeners.
- Provide intensive intervention documented reading plans.
As you can see in the slide above, 14.2% more third grade students have gained the foundational skills they need to achieve grade level success since last fall and 8.4% percent are no longer below grade level. Our hard work is paying off! As part of the Superintendent's presentation, she shared this video that shows how a dedicated team of educators is empowering multilingual learners and students with disabilities through a rigorous curriculum, targeted interventions, and inclusive teaching practices.
#FCPSEarthWeek is April 21-25!
FCPS Earth Week is right around the corner! Get2Green is hosting FCPS Earth Week April 21-25, 2025. The themes for Earth Week are:
- Monday, April 21 - wear blue for Watershed Day
- Tuesday, April 22 - wear green for Earth Day
- Wednesday, April 23 - wear white for Zero Waste Day
- Thursday, April 24 - wear red for Climate Change Day
- Friday, April 25 - wear a nature print for Wildlife Day
Engage students with FCPS Earth Week BINGO boards, Days of Service, and more. Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.
Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking students to design posters for the 2025 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘Home is Where the Habitat Is’. This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additional poster contest format categories include digital art, braille, and additional assist. Entries are due June 30, 2025. Learn more about the poster contest categories and guidelines and download your entry form here.
NOAA Students for Zero Waste Week
Students are inviting their local communities to "Go Green and Think Blue" by joining them in the annual Students for Zero Waste Week campaign. During this campaign, students focus on reducing land-based waste in order to protect the health of local marine environments. These young leaders are raising awareness of how single-use plastic and other types of litter affect the health of local watersheds, national marine sanctuaries, and the ocean. In addition, some schools are looking at ways to reduce their energy use on campus with hopes of raising awareness of how the burning of fossil fuels also impacts the health of the ocean. All PreK-12 schools are invited to participate in this free campaign! Interested schools can choose one week (or more) during the campaign period to designate as their Zero Waste Week. Learn more about Zero Waste Week on the NOAA website.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | Newsletter sign-up
Fairfax County Spring Watershed Cleanup 2025
Help keep trash and debris out of waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Join The Nature Conservancy and the Fairfax County Park Authority for a clean up! Register for the Fairfax County watershed cleanup date and location that works for you.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | Newsletter sign-up
Youth Conservation Camp for HS Students
Applications are now open for Youth Conservation Camp, a week-long summer camp sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This year’s camp will be held July 13-19, 2025 on the Virginia Tech campus. This program will focus on forestry, soil, aquatics, and wildlife to teach 9th-12th graders more about the natural world with hands-on experience with conservation professionals. NVSWCD offers financial assistance and nominates campers in this selective program. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Applications are due Sunday, April 20. Learn more about Youth Conservation Camp, including how to obtain an application and contact NVSWCD with questions.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | Newsletter sign-up
Interest Form for 4-H Embryology Program
Interested in participating in Fairfax County 4-H’s Embryology program to raise eggs to chicks? Express your interest in participating in the 4-H Embryology program here.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | Newsletter sign-up
NWF Photo Contest
The prestigious National Wildlife® Photo Contest celebrates wildlife, habitats and the natural world, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical photography honoring the well-being of animals in the wild. In keeping with the National Wildlife Federation’s critical work combating climate change, protecting wildlife and connecting people with nature, the National Wildlife Photo Contest inspires millions of NWF members and supporters to care about wildlife and to act on its behalf. EcoSchools U.S. encourages aspiring young photographers and conservationists, ages 13-17 to share their best images of wildlife and wild lands—from around the world and their own backyards—in the Young Nature Photographers category. For free registration, use the code ECOSCHOOLSUS. Learn more about the NWF Photo Contest and apply.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | Newsletter sign-up
Girls Who Code Summer Programs - Deadline is April 11th!
Time is ticking! Applications for our 2025 Summer Programs close Friday, April 11.
Our Summer Programs help high school girls and nonbinary students build coding skills, explore career pathways in tech, and connect with a supportive community–no program fees or prior coding experience required!
Students can choose their own adventure with two exciting program options:
🚀 Summer Immersion Program (SIP): Spend two weeks designing computer games in live virtual classrooms while making friends, getting practical college and career advice from industry leaders, and exploring a future career in tech. Eligible students can apply for a $300 SIP Student Grant plus laptop and hotspot access!
🧭 Pathways: This flexible, six-week program lets students learn at their own pace with step-by-step video tutorials. Participants explore hot topics in tech like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and web development, with opportunities to apply new skills to real-world projects and get career insights from tech industry pros.
👉 Ready to apply? Submit the Summer Programs Application to start your adventure!
Questions? Learn more at one of our upcoming webinars, or email us at summer@girlswhocode.com.
|
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Active April
Let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! Offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Teletherapy services are available for all FCPS high school students at no cost. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Hazel Health’s highly qualified therapists specialize in working with teens. Learn more on FCPS’ teletherapy webpage.
Find out more about the Hazel Health mental health services available for all FCPS high school students: https://bit.ly/3UAQyVe.
George Mason’s Center for Community Health
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Learn more on the Center's website.
Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.
Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.
Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens About Fentanyl
Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But young people die from fentanyl overdoses in Fairfax County each year — so it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.
As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen.
See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
-
Tuesday, April 8, 10:30 a.m. - All Day Work Session
-
Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
-
Thursday April 24, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
|
Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board contact form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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
|
