A kindergarten student practices yoga in Beth Robertson’s class at Lees Corner Elementary School.
🛑 School Bus Stop Arm Cameras: Warnings Begin Today
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. The cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus. This is referred to as a “stop arm violation.”
Warnings for violators began today. After a 30-day warning period, citations will be issued starting 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. Motorists should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
Read more information about the stop arm cameras and ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
🎖️ Celebrating Military-Connected Youth
April is the Month of the Military Child. This year’s theme is Celebrating Military Children and Youth: Building Stronger Character and Relationships. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Col. David Stewart, U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, joined forces to kick off the celebration in this video.
FCPS on Its Way to Becoming a Purple Star Division
With nearly half of its schools already designated as “military friendly” by the state, FCPS is on its way to achieving Dr. Reid’s goal of becoming a Purple Star Division by the 2026-27 school year. Read more about this designation and goal.
✨ A positive school climate — including a sense of belonging — is part of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
⏰ School Start Times Survey Closing Soon
FCPS would like to hear from all parents/caregivers and students in grades 5-12 on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. If you haven’t participated yet, please check your email for a survey reminder sent on Monday, April 7. The confidential survey will be open through Saturday, April 12.
Excellence Is at a Crossroads for FCPS
Excellent teachers are the heart of FCPS! They inspire our kids, go the extra mile, and make a real difference. The current county advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps FCPS keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up. Keeping the best teachers includes compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts. Now is the time. Learn more about how excellence is at a crossroads on our website or in this budget video.
There will be a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, April 10. View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
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FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in 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. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed. See upcoming events below.
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Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.
There’s an easy to follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
Upcoming Family Academy Events
Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Getting to Know FCPS: A Family Orientation (available in English, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish)
- Learn About Lexia and How It Supports Students’ Individual Learning Needs
- Military Family Workshop on the Advanced Academic Program
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: Cognitive Disabilities, Twice-Exceptional Students, and Teen Development.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
✨ Building vibrant home, school, and community partnerships is Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
Student-Run Soccer League Boosts Attendance, Grades, and Community Spirit
At Lewis High School where soccer reigns king, a group of varsity players saw an opportunity to widen access to the sport they love. Aware that the highly competitive varsity team they play on is a pipe dream for many, seniors began an alternative program open to all Lewis students. Read more about the program that is inspiring good grades and better attendance.
🏅 Celebrating Our Successes
🏀 FCPS Athletes, Coach Honored With All-State Selections
South Lakes High School’s Jordan Scott (pictured above holding trophy) was named the Class 6 Boys Player of the Year by the Virginia High School League. Doug Craig from Woodson High School earned Coach of the Year honors. Several FCPS athletes earned First and Second Team selections, highlighting the depth of talent within the region. See a list of athletes honored.
✨ Consistent availability of and access to extracurricular activities is part of Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.
🎨 FCPS Students Received 31 National Art and Writing Awards and 196 Regional Writing Awards
FCPS students received 31 national awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. FCPS students were recognized for original art and writing with one American Visions Medal, 11 Gold Medals, 16 Silver Medals, and three portfolio Honorable Mentions. See the full list of national art and writing award winners.
Student writers won 24 Gold Key awards in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. In all, 196 Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions were earned by FCPS students. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Writing Awards. See the full list of regional writing award winners.
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🏆 Carson Middle School Counseling Program Recognized as Model Program
Carson Middle School’s school counseling program has been recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as a model program. It was awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2025 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling program benefits all students. Read more about the RAMP designation.
✨ Student access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of Strategic Plan Goal 2.
🔬 Four FCPS Students Win Grand Prize at Virginia State Science Fair
Sixty-two students from FCPS participated in the Virginia Science and Engineering Fair. Four FCPS student projects received the Grand Prize. Read about the winners and their projects.
Comprehensive Boundary Review Video Available in Multiple Languages
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 others related to school boundaries. In addition to English, the video is now available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Urdu.
Find out more on the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.
📚 FCPS CARES Recipient Celebrates Students and Literacy
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FCPS CARES allows parents/caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Among the CARES of the Month recipients for February is Jen Blanco, the head librarian at Holmes Middle School. Jen is pictured on the right with Principal Serena Giron. |
“Jen Blanco goes above and beyond to celebrate students and literacy,” her nominator said. “She looks for every opportunity to provide students access to diverse books, to celebrate reading, and to honor student authors.”
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Jacqueline Massingill, Transition Support Resource Center-Herndon
- Bethany Slingerland, Madison High School
- Emily Bradshaw and Ashley Lowry, McLean High School
- William Hurd, Fort Hunt Elementary School
- Kathryn Stevens, Cherry Run Elementary School
- Dara Markenson, Fairfax High School
Read about all the recipients.
Honoring Leadership in Action
This week is National Assistant Principals Week, a time to recognize the vital role assistant principals play in supporting student success, empowering teachers, and shaping positive school climates.
In FCPS, our assistant principals go above and beyond each day to ensure our schools are places where students thrive and staff feel valued. Their tireless commitment, leadership, and compassion are foundational to our mission, and we’re proud to honor them this week.
Read about several of our assistant principals — including Andrew Orenstein, pictured — in a blog featuring some of last year’s Outstanding School-Based Leader finalists.
Teach Teens to Be Prepared
Are you planning on spending time with your teen during spring break? Or are they planning to spend time away from you with friends?
Now may be a good time to talk with them about fentanyl, other drugs, and overdoses. Learn how to start an Unskippable conversation, and find resources to share with your teen on how to spot an overdose and how to respond.
💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
🤖 Experiments Gain STEAM at Hunt Valley Elementary School
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared details on the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Night she attended at Hunt Valley Elementary School. The event for families included a parachute and wind tunnel, 3D printing, MicroBit coding, and other math and science concepts. Read this week’s Weekly Reflections for more information.
✨ Students innovating and preparing for the future is part of Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
School Board Meeting Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Topics on the agenda include:
- Third Quarter Budget Review
- FY 2026 Approved Budget Update
- Awarding of Contracts
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Spring Break
Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed to the public.
See the complete school year calendar.
The next issue of FCPS This Week will be published after spring break, Wednesday, April 23.
Reach the Virginia Department of Social Services at 211
The Virginia Department of Social Services can help provide information and referrals for resources to those who need food, shelter, rent, or utility assistance. They can also connect individuals and families with resources regarding physical and mental health, job training, and transportation assistance. Individuals who would like to help others may also find volunteering and donation opportunities.
Reach 211 Virginia by phone at 211, or visit 211virginia.org.
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