Kindergarten students at Hunters Woods Elementary School put the “Kind” in Kindergarten.
Excellence at a Crossroads: FCPS Budget Update
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will begin finalizing the budget on Tuesday, May 6. The current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million.
Without new revenue, such as the meals tax (adding just $2-3 to an average dining bill for a family of four), FCPS will face significant cuts.
What is at Risk?
Go to fcps.edu/crossroads to see examples of where FCPS exceeds minimum state standards.
🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades.
- All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
- All students entering 12th grade are to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the Fairfax County Health Department.
✅ 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.
🎵 50 Years of Harmony for the All-County Sixth Grade Choral Festival
Since 1975, the FCPS Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival has united student voices from every corner of the county in one powerful performance. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the festival continues to inspire future musicians, elevate the work of music educators, and connect generations of families.
This year’s event featured 804 students representing 97 schools, performing for a live audience of 2,400 and many more tuning in via livestream. Read powerful stories from students, teachers, and alumni who have been forever changed by this uniquely FCPS experience.
💄 Cosmetology Students Help Prep for Prom
At Chantilly Academy, “service for others” isn’t just a motto — it’s a meaningful experience woven into classroom learning. For the second year, Cosmetology 2 students have teamed up with peers from the Category B program for students with intellectual disabilities to get them glammed up for one of the year’s most heartwarming events: Day Prom. Read more about the Day Prom prep.
🚙 On the Road With Dr. Reid in Weekly Reflections
Follow Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid as she highlights significant moments in schools across the division in her Weekly Reflections. Last week’s events included visiting Oak Hill Elementary School to celebrate the completion of their renovation.
🚗 Online Driving Permit Test Prep Offered by ACE
Nearly 35,000 students have been educated by FCPS’ ACE Driver Education program in the last decade, preparing them to be safe, responsible drivers.
In Virginia alone, 17% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving, amounting to more than 21,000 accidents that could have been avoided. The Virginia DMV reports that driver education plays a significant role in safer driving by young drivers, with some studies showing that it can reduce accident rates by up to 20%.
ACE now offers one of the only online permit test prep courses authorized by the state of Virginia. Learn more about driver education and FCPS ACE Driver Education courses.
☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Join us at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School! During this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
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.
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🎖️ Irving Challenges Military Students to Remember Them
Challenge coins are a familiar part of military culture. They may be presented to a service member for a special achievement or exchanged during visits. They may also be used to help tie service members with their branch or unit.
When staff at Irving Middle School were looking for a way to recognize their military-connected students, they designed their own military coin, which they present to military students who are leaving Irving for a new school. Read more about this recognition for military-connected students and watch a video about the challenge coins.
Military Mom/Teacher Hopes Her Children Feel “Welcomed, Heard, and Seen”
Neika Smith, a teacher at Bucknell Elementary School, was in college when she first met her husband, Qadree, who was serving in the Army. They have two children who attend Fairfax County public schools.
Neika said that being part of a military family makes her a more compassionate teacher. Read more about her experience.
✨ Neika and the staff at Irving Middle School model FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe Supported, Included and Empowered.
💚 No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
🎓 Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
At last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented the Strategic Plan Goal 5 report for the 2024-25 school year. Goal 5 states: Every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future.
In the 2023-24 school year, 94.58% of students graduated on time and 3.81% dropped out. This was an improvement on both measures. View Dr. Reid's presentation or video of her Strategic Plan update.
Closing Opportunity Gaps
In her Academic Matters presentation, Dr. Reid shared information on AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and its mission to close opportunity gaps by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.
📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
🥪 Thank You, Lunchtime Legends!
Get ready to cheer for our lunchtime legends on School Lunch Hero Day, Friday, May 2. This will be a great opportunity to extend our gratitude to all the School Lunch Heroes who go above and beyond for our students every day.
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!
In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at the school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
🕐 Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School
All secondary and high schools will have a two-hour day with dismissal at 10 or 10:10 a.m. on the last day of school, Wednesday, June 11. All other schools will be dismissed two hours early on this day.
🏫 Unlock FCPS’ Past on Historic Schoolhouse Day
Step into the rich history of Fairfax County Public Schools on Historic Schoolhouse Day, Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Unlock the doors to six captivating former FCPS one- and two-room schoolhouses.
Immerse yourself as each location comes alive with engaging activities and insightful tours, offering a glimpse into Virginia’s educational heritage. Come be a part of this vibrant celebration of our educational legacy. For schoolhouse locations and additional details, visit the Historic Schoolhouses of Northern Virginia website.
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