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Dear Franconia Residents/Estimados Residentes de Franconia,
April is a month of spectacular transitions. As days grow warmer and trees begin to bloom, we get a glimpse of the promise that April showers will bring May flowers.
Our students are experiencing their own season of change and promise. High school seniors are planning their last quarter and preparing for graduation…many are visiting universities, securing internships, and exploring employment opportunities. Sixth-grade and middle school students are visiting middle and high schools, respectively, and eagerly selecting their course schedules. Meanwhile, what was and continues to be my favorite transition is seeing staff register our youngest students for kindergarten. It's a powerful reminder of the journey ahead.
This is also a pivotal time for the school board. We’re working hard to secure the funding needed to deliver on the promise of a world-class education for every student in FCPS. But we’re at a crossroads. We are fighting for fair, competitive salaries for our educators and addressing a significant funding gap that threatens the future of our schools.
If we shortchange public education, we’re not just trimming budgets. We’re shrinking futures.
Your voice matters. I encourage you to participate in the April 22, 23, and 24 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors budget meetings and tonight’s FCPS Budget Meeting.
Let’s make sure we protect public education in Fairfax County because an investment in our children is a commitment to the promise of their future.
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Kind Regards/Bondadosamente,
 Marcia St. John-Cunning
Franconia District Representative
Fairfax County Public School Board
School Board News
If you missed the April 10 Regular Board meeting, you can catch up with the highlights and key takeaways here.
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Focus on Franconia
💡 Student Leadership in Action
As part of the board’s Student Leadership Development Program, student leaders from across the county presented thoughtful, well-researched policy proposals during a recent Mock Forum. A special shoutout to Franconia District’s own Natalia Langdon, who worked hard to refine and present her proposal to expand crew programs to all high schools.
Three proposals are now advancing to a Mock Work Session:
1. Strengthening substance abuse awareness and vaping prevention education
2. Revising the FCPS high school grading policy
3. Implementing universal student meals to address food insecurity
Kudos to all student participants and to Student Rep Megan Sawant for leading the session with insight and poise!
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👩🍳 Chopped! Edison-Style
Edison High School's Culinary Arts Academy turned up the heat with a high-stakes Chopped competition! Under the guidance of Chef Walden, student chefs showcased their creativity and kitchen chops as they crafted appetizers using surprise ingredients: ramen, ground beef, Alfredo sauce, and celery. Community judges were wowed by the innovation, teamwork, and flavor-packed dishes. A delicious reminder of the talent simmering in our classrooms!
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🖼️ Community Creativity on Display
I loved spotting familiar faces at the Hayfield Craft Fair! Sheila Holmes, Instructional Assistant from Mt. Vernon Woods; Sally Boyer Scholberg from Rose Hill; and Christina Ibar, former Bucknell teacher, were all there sharing their creativity and supporting local artisans. It was a great day to celebrate art, community, and connection!
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🏆 CARES of the Quarter
Congratulations to Mrs. Vivian-Beck (affectionately known as Mrs. V-B) from Twain Middle School, this quarter’s recipient of the CARES Award! She was honored for her exceptional dedication to students who have not yet experienced success, embodying the true spirit of care and commitment. The CARES of the Quarter Award is proudly sponsored by Guernsey through Educate Fairfax.
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Reading Opens the World – Book Drive & Family Literacy Fair
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079
Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating literacy—with 30,000 FREE books for families and educators!
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Families can select up to 10 books per child (30-book max per family).
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Educators and school staff can choose up to 50 free books for their classrooms.
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Enjoy family-friendly activities, including a live DJ, spring crafts, and LEGO giveaways (while supplies last).
📚 Books are first come, first served—so come early!
Senator Mark Warner’s Academy Day 2025
📅 Saturday, April 26, 2025 | ⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
📍 University of Mary Washington, Dodd Auditorium – George Washington Hall
1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Senator Mark R. Warner invites high school and middle school students, their families, and school counselors to attend Academy Day 2025—an informative event focused on the U.S. service academies and military pathways in higher education.
Attendees will receive:
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A comprehensive overview of the U.S. service academies and their admissions process
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Information on congressional nominations and medical requirements through DoDMERB
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Insights into ROTC programs and military-related educational opportunities across Virginia
After the seated program, guests can visit resource tables and speak directly with representatives from:
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All five U.S. service academies
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DoDMERB, NTAG Richmond, U.S. Marine Corps, and ROTC programs at UVA
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Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, VWIL at Mary Baldwin University, and the University of Mary Washington
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Staff from Virginia congressional offices
🎓 Campus tours will be offered at 1:30 p.m. — meet at the University of Mary Washington’s table to participate.
🔗 Register online: https://AcademyDay2025.eventbrite.com
See a Show!
Matilda
Twain Middle School
April 24, 25, & 26
Tickets!
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The Addams Family
Lewis High School
April 25 & 26, May 2, 3, & 4
Tickets
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Newsies Jr.
Franconia Elementary
May 1 & 2 at 6:30
Tickets!
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Once on This Island
West Potomac High School
May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
Tickets!
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Spamalot
Mt. Vernon High School
May 1, 2, & 3
Tickets!
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The SpongeBob Musical
Walt Whitman Middle School
May 2 & 3
Tickets!
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Game of Tiaras
Key Middle School
May 2 & 3
Tickets!
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Crazy for You
Hayfield Secondary School
May 2, 3, 9, & 10
Tickets!
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School Board Meetings
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Public participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy. I invite you to tune in or attend FCPS School Board meetings. Visit BoardDocs for meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
How to Watch Live
How to Watch Recordings
How to Attend In-Person
- Regular School Board Meetings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
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Work Sessions, Committee Meetings, and Forums are held at Gatehouse Administration Center.
- Public Hearings take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
How to Speak at a Regular Board Meeting
Visit the community participation webpage and fill out the form.
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Helpful Links
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.
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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