Reading Specialist Karin DeWispelaere receives a hug and a flower from a sixth grade student during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at Kings Glen Elementary School.
FCPS Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Updates
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. At this meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will share her recommended adjustments to the budget, following the Fairfax County government’s mark up of its own budget on Tuesday, May 6.
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
The School board will hold a public hearing on final budget adjustments on Tuesday May 13, at 6 p.m. Sign up to speak by Monday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m.
🍎 Thank You, Teachers and Staff, Who Go Above and Beyond Every Day!
This week is National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We recognize the remarkable contributions of our educators and staff members who go above and beyond every day to support, challenge, and inspire their students.
Two outstanding FCPS teachers — Shea Hestmark and Symone Keolani Jenkins — were recognized last year as FCPS Honors winners. They both exemplify the professionalism, compassion, and leadership that define excellence in education. Read more about these outstanding teachers.
🏆 28 FCPS Students Named National Merit Scholarship Winners
Twenty-eight students from nine Fairfax County high schools have been named winners of $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Scholarship winners are part of a group of approximately 2,500 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships in 2025 primarily financed by the NMSC. View the list of scholarship winners.
We invite you to participate in a series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.
As part of these community meetings, families, staff, and community members will be able to explore and visualize potential boundary scenarios using a customized Boundary Explorer Tool. The tool will also be accessible from our website.
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Thursday, May 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Oakton High School
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Friday, May 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Robinson Secondary School
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Monday, May 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Herndon High School
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Friday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Lewis High School
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Wednesday, May 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Annandale High School
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Thursday, May 29, 6:30-8 p.m., Whitman Middle School
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Friday, May 30, 6:30-8 p.m., Chantilly High School
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Friday, June 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Glasgow Middle School
Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Registration links will be shared soon.
Visit our Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Stay tuned for a timeline outlining the remainder of the boundary review process.
☀️ Summer Student Intern Program
FCPS is launching a Summer Internship Program, a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students or recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. This program is designed to provide valuable hands-on work experience, professional development, and project-based learning across various FCPS departments.
Interns will support professional staff in their selected department with projects and participate in weekly professional development workshops on topics such as personal finance, communication skills, resume writing, and networking. Interns will shadow staff completing mission-critical projects that prepare the division for the upcoming school year.
Learn more about this internship program, which supports FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Interest Meeting for New Korean Dual Language Immersion Program
Families are invited to learn more about a new Korean Dual Language Immersion opportunity in Fairfax County. Register to attend the informational community meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m., at Halley Elementary School. It will also be available virtually.
The meeting will include information from School Board members and current Korean Immersion teachers. Attendees can learn more about dual language immersion and next steps to apply for the program. They will also be invited to provide feedback.
🚙 On the Road with Dr. Reid
It’s performance season across FCPS, and Dr. Reid has been enjoying many musical and theater events — including “Footloose” at Herndon High School, pictured above. Read her latest Weekly Reflections for details on several productions.
Visit the FCPS calendar, sort by calendar type, and choose Fine and Performing Arts for a listing of events happening across the school division.
🏫 Living History: Former Vienna Colored School Students Visit Newly Renovated Archer Lobby, Featuring Original Schoolhouse Wall
When 92-year-old Alees Coates-Richardson and 91-year-old Gloria Carter recently walked into the newly renovated Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna, it was as if they had stepped back into their childhoods. The centerpiece of the school’s new lobby is an original wall from the historic schoolhouse that they attended as young girls.
The wall, hidden behind brick for decades, was recently uncovered during a renovation and expansion. Watch this video capturing their memories or read to learn more about Alees and Gloria and their school days.
🎷 Creating Safe Spaces and Soundtracks: How Luke Pierce Is Changing Lives Through Music Education
As Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week shines a spotlight on educators making a difference, Luke Pierce stands out — not just for what he teaches, but how he teaches it.
At West Potomac Academy, there’s a classroom unlike any other. It’s not defined by rows of desks or stacks of worksheets, but by soundboards, headphones, and a shared love for music. This is where Luke Pierce teaches Music and Computer Technology — and where students are finding their voices, their confidence, and sometimes, their purpose. Read more about Luke or watch this video about his class.
✂️ Ribbon Cutting Unveils Student-Designed Lounge
Mountain View High School proudly unveiled the Timberwolf Lodge in April. This newly renovated, student-designed space transformed an old cafeteria into a warm and inviting hub for student connection and creativity. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a hands-on, months-long project developed by students in the school’s Economic and Personal Finance classes. Read more about the Timberwolf Lodge.
🏃 Track and Field Program Brings Community Together for 25 Years and Running
It’s a 25-year tradition that helps cement a lasting connection between elementary school students and the high school they will one day attend. Each spring, the Running is Elementary program sends the West Potomac High School track and field team out to coach young athletes at feeder schools in the pyramid.
After two months of preparation, the hard work culminates in two evening track meets this month, which spotlight friendly competition and a sense of school spirit. Read more about Running is Elementary.
☀️ 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.
Learn Spanish in as Little as Three Weeks
In Fairfax County almost 40% of people speak a language other than English in their home. In recognition of National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, consider signing up to learn Spanish on your schedule, from your home, office, computer, or phone and better communicate with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Adult and Community Education (ACE)’s most popular online course, Speed Spanish, can help you learn Spanish in as little as three weeks.
🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity 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 who are marginalized or underserved.
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 additional information and the nomination form.
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🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Limited Early Release Monday
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early on Monday, May 12:
- Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and Woodson.
Find out more about Limited Early Release Mondays.
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