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Welcome Back from Spring Break!
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a restful and restorative spring break. As we enter the final stretch of the school year, there’s a lot happening across Fairfax County Public Schools—and I’m excited to share several important updates and upcoming events with you in this edition of our Providence District newsletter.
Below, you’ll find highlights from recent student performances and academic competitions, important news about school safety and boundary reviews, budget updates, and upcoming opportunities to engage with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
You’ll also find a schedule of high school and middle school theater productions taking place across Providence District—I hope you’ll consider joining me in showing your support for our talented students by attending a performance or two.
As always, thank you for staying informed and engaged. Wishing you a smooth and successful spring season!
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
50th Annual Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival
I had the pleasure of attending the 50th Annual Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival at Mount Vernon High School—one of the longest-standing traditions in FCPS. Students earn their place through a competitive audition process and spend months preparing with their general music teachers. The festival culminates in two days of intensive rehearsals led by a special guest conductor specializing in children’s choirs, culminating in a truly spectacular final performance. This year’s event featured 800 talented students from 97 elementary schools, supported by 160 dedicated music educators. It was an inspiring and joyful celebration of music and teamwork.
Join the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC)
Providence District now has an opening on the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC), which I must fill for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year (APPLY HERE).
- Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC): Advocates for minority student achievement by identifying, reviewing, and assessing issues affecting minority student academic achievement. Meets monthly.
If you are interested in applying but are unsure if you live in Providence District, you can use the district look-up tool. School Board Advisory Committees are essential to our work, meeting throughout the year to advise our Board and submit an annual report of recommendations. Please help spread the word about this exciting volunteer opportunity.
Please consider applying by the extended deadline on Monday, April 28, at 5:00 p.m. Following interviews with select applicants, the committee member will likely be approved at the School Board meeting on May 8.
Oakton High School Model Congress
I was grateful to speak with our Oakton High School Model Congress students last month. Watching them elect leaders and debate their legislation is always a highlight of the school year. All seniors enrolled in a Government class take part in this annual tradition, which gives students a one-day immersive opportunity to step into the role of a Member of Congress. Each student researches a topic of interest and drafts their own legislative bill to present and debate at the event. It’s an impressive display of civic engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Weapons Detection System Pilot
FCPS continues to review the latest in school safety technology and best practices to do keep students and staff safe. In our latest effort to enhance our safety and security efforts, we are piloting a weapons screening system across all high schools beginning this spring. The system is similar to those used at sporting events.
At least once a week, the system will be tested at randomly selected high schools during morning arrival. The system may be in place for one day or several days. The FCPS Office of Safety and Security will be leading this work for the remainder of the school year. Only a few administrative staff will be required to participate in secondary screenings.
School communities will not receive advance notice of the screening. During the pilot, an email will be sent after the bell, making parents/guardians aware that the school was selected for the random screening. A second message will be sent at the end of the day with results of the screening.
Please watch this video for a demonstration of how the system works. You can also learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions on our website. If you have additional questions after reading the FAQs, you can submit them online to our Chief of Safety and Security Office.
NoVA Prism Center’s Grand Opening
I was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the new NoVA Prism Center, the only center in Fairfax County dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Founded in May 2022, the center emerged in response to an urgent need for safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly as local school board meetings began to spotlight contentious debates over providing adequate support. The growth of the Prism Center is a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up for inclusion.
School Bus Safety Program Update
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 school buses to identify drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting. Warnings for drivers began on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will be issued starting Thursday, May 8.
We are grateful for the close collaboration with our Fairfax County colleagues as we work together to ensure drivers follow the law. Our new stop arm camera initiative will remind motorists of their responsibility to drive responsibly and keep students safe.
Global Classroom Project Showcase
It was a joy to attend the Global Classroom Project Showcase and see Luther Jackson Middle School students open the event with their very inspiring performance of spoken word tributes to the goals and purposes of the program. Global Classroom Project instruction is designed to engage, empower, include, and challenge students through a variety of learning opportunities. Students collaborate with peers from around the world on authentic tasks through a virtual exchange, preparing students to be innovative global citizens.
“Pedal with Petals” Family Bike Ride
Join Tysons Community Alliance at Westbriar Elementary School for “Pedal with Petals” – a FREE fun-filled day of biking with family and friends. Choose between a 2-mile beginner/family-friendly route or a 9-mile (on-road) intermediate ride showcasing Tysons’ newest off-street trails, wooded areas, and parks. All ages and skill levels are welcome, so bring your bikes and helmets for a beautiful ride through Tysons. After your ride, stick around for a family-friendly festival filled with fun activities, vendors, food, DJs, music, and more. [More Information and Register Here]
FCPS Summer Extravaganza
FCPS invites all families to the 2025 Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Woodson High School. Students can get a jump on summer learning by participating in engaging, educational, and enriching activities. The Summer Extravaganza is FREE and activities include face painting, a fire truck, a moon bounce, music, storytime, student performances, FCPS Student Program Marketplace, and more! [Register Here]
Senator Warner’s Annual Academy Day
U.S. Senator Mark Warner invites high school and middle school students, their parents or guardians, and school counselors to Academy Day 2025 on Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. The event will provide a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes, application procedures for congressional nominations, medical requirements for the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB), and other military-related options that exist at higher education institutions in Virginia. [More Information and Register Here]
Congressman Connolly’s Annual Art Competition
Congressman Gerry Connolly invites all high school students (public, private, and home-schooled) who are residents of the 11th Congressional District to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. To verify that you live in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, click here. The event affords students in our district the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent and creativity. Students do not need to create a new piece of art specifically for this competition – they are welcome to submit any piece from their portfolio. All entries must be received in Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax office by the close of business on Monday, May 5. [Guidelines and Submission Packet Here]
Fairfax County NAACP’s Leete Memorial Scholarship
In honor of her lifelong dedication to justice and education, the Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship was established to support students who exemplify the values she championed. This scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community service. Four scholarships will be awarded in Fairfax County: one at $1,000 and three at $500 each. Applications must be submitted by May 9. The recipients will be announced at the Fairfax County NAACP’s College Day in June. [More information and Apply Here]
Speech and Debate Tournaments
Last month, WACFL, a speech and debate league open to all public and private middle and high schools in the greater DC Metro area, held its Metrofinals tournament for Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Student Congress Debate, and Public Forum and Policy Debate. These tournaments determine which students will be moving onto Nationals. The top 6 students in each individual event at the varsity level qualify. Congratulations to all of the FCPS students who qualified to represent the Arlington Diocese, including two Madison High School students, Koby Shnekendorf and Avi Saraf who live in my district.
2024-25 Winter VHSL Sports Championships
This year, five teams and 36 individuals won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and five teams and 35 individuals were the state runners up.
Congratulations to all the FCPS student athletes who participated in the 2024-25 winter sports season, including two students who live in my district:
- Emma Watts, Marshall High School - won the School Swim and Dive, Girls 200 Yard Freestyle championship
- Hana Coutts, Oakton High School - runner up in Girls Wrestling 145 pounds.
FCPS Budget: 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. Learn more about how excellence is at a crossroads on our website and in this budget video:
$100 Million in Savings Through Energy Reductions
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has reduced its energy use by 31% since 2014, surpassing its 10-year goal of a 20% reduction. The result is more than $100 million in cumulative energy cost savings since 2013, across over 28 million square feet of building space. This progress reflects FCPS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with broader efforts by Fairfax County to address climate change and promote energy efficiency.
These energy reductions support the county’s Operational Energy Strategy and its goal of carbon neutrality in government operations by 2040. Through investments in energy-efficient technologies, smarter building operations, and sustainability education, FCPS is not only conserving resources and saving taxpayer dollars—it’s also helping to create healthier learning environments for students and setting an example for school systems nationwide.
Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained
Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for an explanation of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. Visit the FCPS Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information, and be sure to sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid hosts a series of Community Conversations throughout the school year. These events are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions.
Pre-registration is not required, but it does help us plan. Childcare and language interpretation services are provided. Two sessions remain:
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and more. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Mantua Drama Club Presents “Frozen KIDS!”
Mantua Drama Club, a Mantua Elementary PTA program, is back with a performance of Frozen KIDS! Adapted for young performers, this musical features favorite Frozen songs, including “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. Tickets are available at the door. Performances include:
- Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Plays and Musicals
Incredible student talent is on full display in our spring middle and high school theater productions! From Broadway favorites like Hadestown, Mean Girls, and Into the Woods to exciting student showcases and one-act plays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These performances reflect months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration by our students, teachers, and volunteers. I encourage you to join me in support the arts in our schools by attending one of these fantastic shows—you won’t want to miss them!
HIGH SCHOOLS
Fairfax High School
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Hadestown - April 25, 26, and May 1, 2, and 3, 2025
Falls Church High School
McLean High School
Madison High School
Marshall High School
Oakton High School
Woodson High School
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Kilmer Middle School
Luther Jackson Middle School
Thoreau Middle School
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
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.
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.
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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