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Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Our community lost a dedicated public servant and steadfast advocate with the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly on May 20, 2025. His decades of leadership—from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the halls of Congress—left a lasting impact on our schools, families, and future. As a member of the School Board, I am grateful for his unwavering commitment to education and public service. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Cathy and the entire Connolly family during this difficult time. The board will present a proclamation at our next School Board meeting on Thursday, June 12, at Luther Jackson Middle School, to honor the Congressman’s lifetime of public service. All are welcome to join us.
Last Thursday, The Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the 2025-26 Fiscal Year budget. One of our most important responsibilities as a School Board is building the FCPS budget. I want to thank Superintendent Reid, our amazing FCPS budget staff, and the many educators, students and community members who shared their feedback. Your voices truly guided us.
While tough decisions had to be made, the Board worked hard to minimize the impact to the classroom. We were able to ensure that the Advanced Academic Resource Teachers and Special Education Department Chairs at each elementary school would remain full time for next year. I want to be clear though that ongoing state underfunding and budget cuts are not sustainable and could directly affect instruction in the years ahead.
I was also proud to support the historic collective bargaining agreement and efforts to fairly compensate our educators. When we invest in our staff, we invest in student success. Read the budget news release.
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
📴 Cell Phone Updates to Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) for 2025-26
The School Board has approved updates to the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) regulation, emphasizing equity, clarity, and student well-being.
📵 New Cell Phone Policy
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, high school students will be required to turn off and store mobile devices and accessories (e.g., AirPods, smartwatches) during instructional time and passing periods. Use will be permitted only during lunch.
Middle school students must keep phones silenced and put away throughout the school day, with use allowed only before the first bell and after the last bell. Similarly, elementary students must keep phones silenced and in backpacks during the school day, with use permitted only before and after school.
Importantly, the revised SR&R explicitly prohibits disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion solely for cell phone policy violations.
🔄 Additional Updates
The SR&R revisions reinforce FCPS's commitment to restorative discipline, student voice, and inclusive environments. New definitions and procedures address hate speech, battery, digital safety, and discipline data monitoring. To support understanding and implementation, training for staff, student lessons, and family resources will be provided.
For more information, please visit the FCPS SR&R page.
Motion: Sizemore-Heizer, Second: S. Anderson / Vote: Yes 9, No 1, Absent 2
School Visits: Navy Elementary School & Franklin Middle School
 Collage of Seema Dixit with students and staff at Navy Elementary School and Franklin Middle School.
This month, I visited Navy Elementary School and Franklin Middle School to see learning in action. At Navy ES, I was welcomed by Principal Jason Pannutti and inspired by students designing waterparks, building plant models, and even advocating for afterschool program funding—which, thanks to their efforts, has been extended for another year. At Franklin MS, we spoke with Principal Tom DeRusso and observed students engaged in Shark Tank-style presentations, morphology work in the special education reading room, bridge-building in an engineering elective, and presenting in an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class. I am grateful to both schools for showcasing the creativity, engagement, and advocacy happening across our district. Go Dolphins and Falcons!!!
Student Leadership Development Program Completion Ceremony
 Collage of student leaders with their respective school board members.
Congratulations to all the students who completed this year’s School Board Student Leadership Development Program!🥳 It was a joy to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments with them on May 27, 2025.
I'm especially proud of Sully District’s representative, Ariya Lee from Chantilly High School, and I look forward to seeing her continued growth as a leader in the future.
Bull Run Elementary Celebrates 25 Years!
 Collage of Bull Run Elementary's 25th anniversary celebration and their time capsule from the year 2000.
On May 30, Bull Run Elementary marked a major milestone with a joyful 25th Anniversary celebration. Families, staff, and alumni came together for an evening filled with fun—featuring a bounce house, DJ, food vendors, and engaging activities for all ages. A highlight of the event was the opening of a time capsule sealed by the school’s original students and staff in 2000, followed by the closing of a new capsule to be opened in 2050. It was a heartwarming celebration of Bull Run’s past, present, and future!
Celebrating Tamil Culture and Inclusion
 Collage of cultural performances from the Valluvan Tamil Academy at Oakton High School.
On May 31, I had the honor of attending the 15th Annual Day celebration of the Valluvan Tamil Academy at Oakton High School. The event showcased the incredible talents of students through cultural performances, a spirited Thirukkural-themed debate, and heartfelt recognitions of teachers and volunteers. As Guest of Honor, I was proud to speak on the importance of Tamil inclusion in our county schools and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of our Tamil community.
Sully District Happenings
Welcome Cassie Doyle to Our School Board Team!
I am delighted to introduce Cassie Doyle, who has joined our district as a School Board Staff Assistant. Cassie brings a strong background in public service, having served as an Executive Assistant at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Civil Rights. She also holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, equipping her with valuable insights into community health and well-being.
Cassie is passionate about supporting our schools and is eager to contribute to initiatives that promote equity and inclusivity. Please join me in welcoming her to the team!
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Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Winners! 🎉
Congratulations to our Sully students for being 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.
Winners of the scholarships, with their probable career fields in parentheses, include:
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Himagnya Elaprolu (finance), Chantilly High School
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Grace Im (law), Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
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Joshua Wang (computer engineering), Oakton High School
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Sanchali Banerjee (science/research), TJHSST
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Jackson Mika (finance), Oakton High School
Each scholarship winner was evaluated on his or her academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; a personal essay; and a recommendation from a high school official. The number of winners named in a state is in proportion to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Winners are chosen by the NMSC, not the school district.
Congratulations to the Winners of the Hispanic Leadership Alliance Scholarships! 🎊
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) — a certified employee group of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees — presented scholarships to 32 high school seniors, who were recognized for leadership and mentoring skills in their educational and social activities and are committed to furthering their education while improving their communities.
The scholarship winners in the Sully District are:
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Demis Martínez Pérez, Centreville High School, Scholarship for Leadership
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Antonella Sagastume Boccanegra, Westfield High School, Sonia Migdalia Rosa-Vélez Future Educator Scholarship
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Nathan Salguero, Westfield High School, Michael Kadow Memorial Scholarship
Congratulations to AFJROTC's Subregion Cadet of the Year, Cadet Borello! 🥳
Asten Borello, a Sully student in Chantilly Academy's Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) program, was recognized as the AFJROTC Subregion Cadet of the Year! Out of 90,000 AFJROTC cadets worldwide, less than 30 earn this distinction. Congratulations, Cadet Borello!!!🎉
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Westfield High Spring Musical Shines with Student Leadership
Westfield High School’s spring production of The Sound of Music wowed audiences with the help of some exceptional student talent. Senior Sean Salas, a marching band percussionist, took the lead as student conductor, organizing auditions, refining the score, and leading rehearsals for the live orchestra—an idea championed by Theater Arts teacher Christine Maxted.
“He was ready to go – and he was excellent,” Maxted shared.
Senior Annabelle DuBard also stole the spotlight behind the scenes, hand-stitching many of the show’s costumes—including the iconic Von Trapp playsuits—using actual drapes, just like in the film.
Student Opportunities
George Mason University Game & Technology Academy Classes
George Mason University’s Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) Prep Program offers Game Design and STEM classes in spring, summer, and fall. The classes are taught by school faculty, graduates, and advanced students to maximize fun, interactive, and cutting-edge instruction.
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The NVSWCD is seeking students to design posters for the 2025 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘Home is Where the Habitat Is’. This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additional poster contest format categories include digital art, braille, and additional assist. Entries are due June 30, 2025. To learn more, view the 2025 youth poster contest categories and guidelines.
Reference: FCPS Get2Green Website | FCPS Newsletter Sign-up
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Mental Health and Wellness Supports
During the Academic Matters segment, the Superintendent shared an overview of the mental health and wellness supports available to students in Fairfax County Public Schools. FCPS offers a range of school-based services—including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists—all aligned with Policy 2121. This policy outlines a multi-tiered approach to education and prevention, assessment and intervention, and crisis response.
Supports include risk assessments, individual counseling, mentoring, school-based and regional crisis response teams, and “Return to Learn” plans for students returning to class after a mental health crisis.
The presentation also highlighted partnerships with community organizations such as Healthy Minds Fairfax, Hazel Health, and the Heart Leaf Center, which help expand access to behavioral health services across high schools, middle schools, Title I elementary schools, and more. Student-led programs like Our Minds Matter promote peer-driven mental wellness, and FCPS continues to support families with resources on suicide prevention, substance use, digital safety, and parenting strategies related to anxiety and autism.
For more information, watch the meeting video and review the meeting materials.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Joyful June
Let's look for what's good.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Joyful June 2025 Calendar
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
 Banner that reads "Highly-qualified therapists that specialize in speaking teen."
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.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month!
FCPS celebrates the rich diversity and honors the many contributions of immigrants of Caribbean heritage to our nation during the month of June. Caribbean individuals are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world. There are more than 8.5 million individuals in the United States born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean ancestry. Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month.
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🌈Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in FCPS
In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Thursday, June 12, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
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Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. - All Day Work Session
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Tuesday, June 24, 5:00 p.m. - PM Work Session
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Thursday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
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 o escanee el código QR.
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
Use this link to sign up for my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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