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Celebrating Providence District’s Class of 2025
Dear Neighbors,
It’s graduation season here in Fairfax County — a time of joy, reflection, and excitement for what’s ahead. I’ve had the privilege of attending dozens of FCPS graduation ceremonies over the years, and I can tell you: the pride on display from students, families, and educators is always contagious.
When our graduates cross the stage and move into the next chapter of their lives, I hope they carry with them a sense of possibility — not just about what they’ll achieve, but about the kind of people they’ll become. May they remain open to new experiences, willing to take unexpected turns, and confident in the difference they can make in their communities.
As we cheer on our graduates, we’re also recognizing other important milestones across our school communities. In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find highlights from recent events like Luther Jackson Middle School’s Heritage Night, the American Legion’s Memorial Day ceremony at McLean High School, and celebrations honoring our exceptional student scholars and PTA volunteers. We’re also spotlighting big wins in the arts — with 24 FCPS schools receiving top music honors.
To the Class of 2025: You’ve worked hard, persevered through challenges, and earned every bit of celebration coming your way. Congratulations and best of luck in your future endeavors!
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Class of 2025 – Providence District Graduation Ceremonies
As previously noted, graduation season is upon us in Fairfax County, and we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025! Included below is a list of ceremonies for schools attended by Providence District students (you can also view the full list of FCPS graduations here):
- Fairfax High School: Thursday, June 5, 8:30 a.m., Fairfax High School
- Falls Church High School: Monday, June 9, 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena
- Madison High School: Tuesday, June 3, 10:00 a.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- Marshall High School: Monday, June 2, 10 a.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- McLean High School: Tuesday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- Oakton High School: Monday, June 2, 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena
- Woodson High School: Tuesday, June 10, 9:30 a.m., EagleBank Arena
- Thomas Jefferson HSST: Wednesday, June 11, 9:30 a.m., EagleBank Arena
- Mountain View High School: Tuesday, June 3, 5 p.m., Centreville High School
- Cedar Lane School: Friday, May 30, 3:30 p.m., Cedar Lane School
- Davis Career Center: Monday, June 9, 12 p.m., Marshall High School
- Fairfax County Adult High School: Thursday, June 5, 5 p.m., Thomas Jefferson HSST
- Interagency Alternative Schools: Wednesday, June 4, 5 p.m., Lake Braddock Secondary
- Kilmer Center School: Friday, May 30, 10:00 a.m., Kilmer Center
Gerald Edward Connolly (March 30, 1950 – May 21, 2025)
Proclamation Honoring Congressman Gerry Connolly
Most politicians take themselves far too seriously. Not Gerry Connolly.
That’s not to say he was unserious. On the contrary — he took his work representing Northern Virginia in Congress quite seriously. But he did it with a sense of humor and an unmistakable joy that filled every room he entered. You could always count on him for a perfectly timed quip during a stuffy meeting — or a knowing wink to make sure you heard what he heard, just the way he did.
It was an incredible education being Gerry’s school board member over the past six years. How to persevere. How to center constituents. How to marry pragmatism with progress. He made public service feel both purposeful and human. What a gift it was to learn from him—and what a loss for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
You are invited to join the School Board at our regular meeting on Thursday, June 12, as we adopt a proclamation honoring Congressman Gerry Connolly – a Providence District resident – for his lifetime of service to Fairfax County. All are welcome to join us in person as we show our appreciation for a public servant whose impact can be seen across our schools and neighborhoods.
Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕔 Time: Between approximately 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
📍 Location: Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium
Luther Jackson Middle School Heritage Night
I had an incredible time at Luther Jackson Middle School’s Heritage Night. The student performances were spectacular, and the food was delicious! Thank you to the students, families, and staff who made this beautiful celebration of diversity possible.
American Legion Memorial Day Celebration
I am grateful to have joined Delegate Rip Sullivan and my School Board colleague, Robyn Lady, at the American Legion’s Memorial Day Ceremony at McLean High School. We came together as a community to remember and honor the brave men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
School Board Student Leadership Development Program
Congratulations to the students who completed this year’s School Board Student Leadership Development Program. It was an honor celebrating their hard work!
I’m especially proud of Providence District’s representative, Mira Karnik (Marshall High School), and look forward to watching her continued growth as a leader in the years to come.
Fairfax County Council PTA Award Ceremony
It was a pleasure attending the FCCPTA Awards Ceremony to celebrate the outstanding students, families, and PTA leaders who make our schools so special. Congratulations to all the honorees, and a heartfelt thank you to Debbie Kilpatrick and the entire FCCPTA team for organizing such a meaningful evening. Your tireless work strengthens the partnership between our schools and families every day.
24 FCPS Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Music Award
Congratulations to the 24 FCPS schools that received the 2025 VMEA Blue Ribbon Award for musical excellence, including eight attended by Providence District students: Fairfax, Madison, Marshall, Oakton, and Woodson High Schools, and Frost, Longfellow, and Thoreau Middle Schools. This award is the highest award given to school music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and recognizes outstanding achievement in band, chorus, and orchestra performance.
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are still 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; and 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 options. Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (OAG Annual Report)
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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