A father reads to his daughter’s class at Union Mill Elementary School during Month of the Military Child.
🏆 Five Students Awarded National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Five FCPS students have been awarded 2025 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. See the list of winners.
Superintendent Discusses Budget with Student Journalists
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid hosted two dozen student journalists for a roundtable on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget. The discussion comes within weeks of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors finalizing the budget, which currently underfunds FCPS by $150 million. Read more about the roundtable or watch this video summary.
Budget Presentation to the School Board
Dr. Reid also presented the latest facts on the budget to the Fairfax County School Board. Watch her presentation on the budget or view the budget presentation slides.
Fairfax County FY 2026 Budget Public Hearings
Fairfax County is holding public hearings on its FY 2026 Budget this week. The last one will take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. Visit the county website to view meeting materials and learn how to view the meetings.
Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections
Learn more about Dr. Reid’s work and activities in her latest Weekly Reflections.
Mother in Search of Education for Autistic Son Becomes Teacher
Nuril Kingsley, enhanced autism teacher at Fairhill Elementary School, is from Indonesia. When her son was about three years old, she noticed he was not hitting childhood milestones the same way his two older sisters had. She started looking for services to help her son and began learning about autism spectrum disorders for the first time.
In 2005, the family moved to the United States in order to get better support for Danny, who was four. Danny was enrolled in FCPS’ Preschool Autism Class and Enhanced Autism Class. Nuril was inspired by that experience to become a teacher herself. Read more about her journey to teaching.
✅ Share Feedback With County Health Department on School Health Services
The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.
School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff members provide care for students during the school day who become sick or injured, require medications, and/or have a chronic health condition that requires management.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of school health room services as well as inform future planning for schools.
Protect Your Child From Measles
Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care.
Symptoms of measles typically include high fever (may spike up to 104°F), cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.
Learn more about measles from the CDC.
FCPS Pilots Weapons Detection System in High Schools
FCPS is piloting a weapons detection system in randomly-selected high schools this spring. This initiative is part of FCPS’ ongoing efforts to enhance school safety and security. See Dr. Reid discuss the system with several students. Read the weapons detection system announcement.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Reports Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March. The screener provides information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to your school with any questions.
✨ A positive school climate where students feel like they belong and have access to emotional, behavioral, and mental health services are part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.
With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for.
Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity.
Find additional information and copies of upcoming family communication on the IAAT webpage.
✨ Successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade is part of Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. In 2023-24, 59% of eighth graders earned a verified credit in Algebra 1, up from 51% at baseline (an average of the previous three years).
🌱 Spring Break Programs Plant Seeds of Success
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April 14 was the start of spring break for most of the FCPS community, but small pockets of students at more than 30 schools gathered in classrooms to catch up on academics and connect with their teachers. Instructional Assistant Swati Rajurkar, at right, helped a student with literacy skills at Forestdale Elementary School. Read about how some students caught up on academics during spring break. |
🌳 At Clearview Elementary School, Learning Extends Beyond the Classroom
Jeanne Lukas-Ross has been involved with FCPS’ Get2Green and Eco Clubs since she became a teacher at Clearview Elementary School. She enjoys being outdoors and is a certified Virginia master naturalist. She strongly believes “the kids need to be outside.”
A couple of years ago, Lukas-Ross landed a “dream job” when her principal asked her if she knew anyone who would be able to work as a part-time outdoor learning teacher. She embraced the opportunity eagerly! Read more about Lukas-Ross’ outdoor classroom.
Composting Is “Tons” of Fun!
Since January 2023, Marshall Road students have been composting their lunch scraps — an effort that pays off in an estimated 300 gallons of food waste becoming compost every week or nearly 30 tons since the program began!
The initiative, the brainchild of school PTA President Monica Nuno, requires a partnership between parents and the school to operate. It has paid off in community pride and environmentally savvy students. Read more about this green initiative.
🎷 182 Students Chosen for All-Virginia Band, Orchestra, and Chorus
One hundred eighty-two FCPS students have been selected to perform at the 2025 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event, which will take place April 24-26. View the list of students and information on their concerts.
13 First Class Awards Recognize Inclusion and Positive Impact
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) recognized 13 individuals and teams for excellence in all facets of education related to disability. Read about the First Class Awards.
✨ The work of these award winners supports FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered, which fosters student safety and well-being and an inclusive school climate and culture.
💕 Welcoming Families With Heartfelt Kindness
Yesterday was Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you to all the office support staff who welcome our students and families to schools and support our school leadership. Read about Amy Yoham, an office assistant at Brookfield Elementary School, one of our 2024 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Finalists.
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🚌 Going the Extra Mile: Thank You School Bus Drivers!
Tuesday was National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. FCPS employs more than 1,800 drivers and attendants who transport an estimated 131,000 students safely to and from school each day. Driver Tashima Bradshaw seamlessly transitions between small and large buses, always ready to step in wherever she’s needed. Read more about Tashima and how she helped a student in a difficult situation.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
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Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups that are marginalized or underserved.
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Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage for the nomination information form.
☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
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Get a jump on summer learning and fun at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs.
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Learn about summer programs for children and resources from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and other fun activities. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
🚀 Register Today for Summer Camps and Enrichment Programs
Registration is open for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration for these programs ends Friday, June 6.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
✅ Join the FCPS Team!
FCPS is seeking educators with a strong academic background and a passion for making a difference. A virtual career fair for instructional jobs will be held on Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.-noon. During this event, representatives from FCPS schools will offer networking and interviewing opportunities. Register in advance.
Other upcoming hiring events include:
Learn more about job opportunities.
✨ A diverse, adaptive, and supported workforce is Pillar C of the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan.
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🎖️ FCPS Works Toward Becoming a Purple Star Division
At the April 10 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid spoke about Purple Star Schools in her Academic Matters update. Watch this video to see why this work matters.
The FCPS Family Academy
In her Strategic Plan Update, Dr. Reid focused on the FCPS Family Academy and how it supports Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships. Watch the video she shared on the Family Academy.
Fairfax County Honors the Enslaved 16 at West Springfield High School
A powerful moment of remembrance unfolded with the unveiling and dedication of the historical marker at West Springfield High School honoring the Enslaved 16 in Fairfax County. These 16 individuals — once reduced to a list of first names, ages, and dollar values in an 1856 property inventory — now stand as symbols of resilience and recognition.
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The unveiling is part of a broader effort by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and History Commission to shed light on African American history and encourage community engagement through student-led historical marker initiatives. Read more about the ceremony and marker.
It’s Time to Talk About Fentanyl: Become Unskippable
National Fentanyl Awareness Day is Tuesday, April 29. Learn fentanyl facts and how to have short, impactful conversations in a way that teens are more likely to listen. Get everything you need to prepare by visiting the Fentanyl Awareness webpage. Supporting resources are at the bottom of the page.
💊 DEA Drug Take Back Day
Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and free opportunity to dispose of old medications discreetly. On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site.
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Limited Early Release Monday
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early on Monday, April 28:
- Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Oakton, Robinson, South Lakes, and Westfield.
Find out more about Limited Early Release Mondays.
School Board Meeting Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Topics on the agenda include:
- K-12 School Start Times - Mason District Proposed Pilot
- Awarding of Contracts
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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