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Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Hello, Springfield District,
I hope you all had a wonderful end of the school year and are enjoying the start to your summer. I was able to finish out the school year watching thousands of our seniors celebrate their graduations at Robinson Secondary School, Key Center, Quander Road, Bryant High School, Mountain View High School, Lake Braddock Secondary School, South County High School, Fairfax High School, Centreville High School, Davis Center, West Springfield High School, and Chantilly High School. It’s always a wonderful way to end the year with a moment of reflection for the incredible work our staff and students do together. Bittersweet to think about how many summers I have with my own kiddos at home.
As we work to finish out the last few weeks of our year, I have spent a great deal of time listening and sharing all the information I have about where we are in the boundary process. As you all likely know, the Boundary Review Advisory Committee is working through the feedback they received from all of you about the maps. I have shared my own feedback with the contractors as well regarding the advocacy several of our school communities have shared concerns about.
Being in the middle of a project like this one is hard for everyone. I would like to say thank you to all the families who have reached out to me to share your thoughts and stories. I truly appreciate your time and advocacy. Please continue to stay vigilant as we continue to work toward a path together.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer! Congratulations again, graduates! You should be so proud of your hard work.
I will be in touch again in August!
Sandy Anderson
This newsletter includes information on the following issues:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.
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June 26 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: VHSL Spring Recognitions, Revisions to Policy 8258: Building Evaluation, Building Renovation, and Infrastructure Maintenance, etc.
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July 3 at 7 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee Meeting
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July 10 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Annual School Board Organization Arrangements, Including Election of School Board Chair and Vice Chair; Fiscal Year 26 Risk Assessment and Audit Topics, Executive Limitation 12 - Emergency Superintendent Succession Performance and Policy Review, etc.
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July 17 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Community Advisory Committee Charges and Appointments, etc.
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and 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.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Are you interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
Please contact the board clerk if you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting. Find your school board members and learn how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
School Board Work
Building Our Future: Proposed 2025 School Bond Referendum
At the June 12 regular meeting, the School Board approved a resolution requesting the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approve a school bond referendum that supports the school division and the county’s commitment to ensuring safe and welcoming learning environments for all students.
Funding provided by voter-approved bonds is projected to fund the next stages of ongoing projects as well as others in Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The latest CIP for FY 2026-30 was approved by the School Board on February 6, 2025.
School facilities are also community spaces. FCPS hosts approximately 500,000 community events each year, often at no cost to organizations such as homeowners associations, camps, and 4H and scouting groups, in addition to government, cultural, and civic groups.
The school bond referendum will be on the November 2025 general election ballot in the principal amount of $460 million, pending the approval of the Board of Supervisors.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the school bond referendum in June.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Revised Budget
The School Board voted to approve a one-time bonus to eligible employees, a revision to the FY 2025 budget. This action was made possible by $19.7 million in new state funding included in the General Assembly’s adopted budget for Standards of Quality instructional and support positions, paired with $11.7 million in FCPS year-end savings for a total of $31.4 million. The initiative is designed to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators and support staff.
Under the approved plan, all active, eligible employees as of June 1, 2025, who are expected to continue employment beyond June 30, 2025, will receive a $1,000 bonus. This includes full-time contracted staff and hourly contracted employees such as bus drivers, family liaisons, and food service workers.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Approved Budget
At the May 22 regular meeting, the School Board voted to adopt the FY 2026 Approved Budget, marking a historic milestone for the school division alongside its first collective bargaining agreement in recent history. This landmark agreement, developed in collaboration with employee representatives, reinforces the division’s ongoing commitment to supporting its staff and students. The approved budget prioritizes compensation increases and continued investments in student success while making adjustments to ensure alignment with FCPS’ strategic plan.
Despite these challenges, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has taken deliberate steps to protect classrooms and ensure continuity of service across the division.
The approved budget includes:
Staff Compensation
- 6% increase for employees represented by the Fairfax Education Unions (FEU).
- 5% increase for non-FEU employees.
Strategic Budget Reductions
- Adjusting the staffing formula to reduce general education teacher positions (primarily through attrition)
- Eliminate funding for classroom monitors
- Delay Social Studies curriculum materials
- Reduce every central office department budget by 3%
- Reduce the school board office budget by 3%
- Pause funding for electric buses
- Cut non-local travel for professional development by 50%
Central funding for Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART) and Elementary Special Education Department Chairs will be reduced. However, Dr. Reid has assured us that staff will be working with principals on using trades and staffing reserves to keep these positions for next year. Dr. Reid will publicly report on her efforts to maintain these positions during the regular school board meetings.
Read more in FCPS News.
Watch the full meeting.
Student Leadership Development Program Completion Ceremony
Front row left to right: Claire Kim (Centreville HS), Natalia Langdon (Hayfield SS), Sergio Escalier (Justice HS), Faith Mekonen (South County HS), Caroline Lefton (Langley HS), Sam Geller-Cheney (South County HS), Ariya Lee (Chantilly HS), Caroline Cronin (Fairfax HS), Mira Karnik (Marshall HS), Chiara Cryan (West Springfield HS), and Wala Malik (Madison HS)
Back row left to right: At-Large Member Ilryong Moon, Franconia District School Board Member Marcia St. John-Cunning, Mount Vernon District School Board Member Mateo Dunne, At-Large Member Ryan McElveen, At-Large Member Kyle McDaniel, Sully District School Board Member Seema Dixit, Braddock District School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Dranesville District School Board Member Robyn Lady, Providence District School Board Member Karl Frisch, me, and Hunter Mill District School Board Member Melanie Meren
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 Springfield District’s representative, Chiara Cryan from West Springfield High School, and I look forward to seeing her continued growth as a leader in the future!
Superintendent Updates
Special Education Job Fair
Fairfax County Public Schools wants you to join our team! We are hosting an in-person special education job fair on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at Mount Vernon High School | 8515 Old Mt Vernon Rd. Alexandria, VA 22309. There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Find more information online.
Become an AVID Tutor!
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hiring AVID tutors for the 205-2026 school year. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) tutors work with groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called AVID. These groups use inquiry to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $21.13 per hour and must be currently enrolled in college or be college graduates.
If interested, please email your resume to AVID@fcps.edu.
Calendar Reminders
🏫 2025 First Day of School
Monday, August 18, is the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year. View the 2025-26 school year calendar.
🗓️ 2027-28 School Year Calendar Posted
In accordance with the School Board’s preference for publishing a school year calendar three years in advance, the 2027-28 school year calendar is available online. Visit FCPS’ Calendar webpage to view the latest calendar for each school year.
📍 Community Boundary Review Meeting Summaries Coming Soon
The Superintendent’s last community meeting for the first part of Phase 2 of the comprehensive boundary review was recently held. Please stay tuned for summaries of each meeting, along with additional data, which will be shared.
Feedback from 12 community meetings during Phase 1 of FCPS’s comprehensive boundary review offered key insights into the community’s perspectives and needs. Our partner, Thru Consulting, collected and analyzed that feedback as well as the input received via email and our online platform. This data informed the creation of three initial draft boundary scenarios: Neighborhood Connectivity, Cohort Continuity, and Comprehensive Balance.
As a reminder, no boundary changes have been proposed for the upcoming (2025-26) school year.
Now, you can explore and visualize how these initial scenarios may affect boundaries by using our new Boundary Explorer Tool. We encourage you to enter your address in the tool and find out how the proposed draft scenarios might affect your school or neighborhood. Watch this video to learn more about using the boundary tool.
Also, be sure to visit our Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for information about this process. If you have a question or comment, please submit it on our website.
Limited Early Release Days Continue Next Year
During a report to the School Board this month, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced plans to continue limited early release days for elementary schools. They will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year.
This plan is based on recommendations from the Early Release Steering Committee, which includes parents, caregivers, school-based staff, and central office personnel. Read more about the reasons for early release and the proposed early release dates.
🧸 Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
The pre-K program prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and parents/guardians of children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first served.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
✨ The availability of pre-K programs to meet community needs is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start.
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT 2025
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 8, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th-grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th-grade students.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities and Multilingual Learner Supports
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual learner supports.
If you have a student with disabilities entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 4, to request new or updated College Board testing accommodations.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 28, if you wish to request ML supports for the October 2025 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
🎼 NAMM Names FCPS One of the Best Communities for Music Education for 2025
Fairfax County Public Schools has been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Read more about this honor.
Mr. Erik Gordon Appointed to Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs
With an extensive career spanning both federal and private sectors, Mr. Gordon is a results-oriented leader with expertise in facilities program management, strategic planning, and enterprise operations. He has successfully managed large-scale real property portfolios, led complex construction initiatives, and optimized asset management systems across multiple organizations.
After a 30-year career in the United States Army and subsequent work with Raytheon Technologies (RTX), Mr. Gordon joined the Department of State (DOS) in June 2022 as a Division Chief within the Office of Facilities Management Services (FMS), where he oversaw the Department’s domestic facility operations and maintenance program. In March 2025, he assumed the role of Office Director for the Design and Construction Directorate, providing strategic leadership and direction for the Department’s domestic design and construction efforts in a complex and evolving operational landscape. Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Gordon led all aspects of installation facilities for the Army National Guard and, following his military retirement, managed two project delivery teams at RTX.
Mr. Gordon is a lifelong learner who holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a Master’s in Facility Management from Southern Methodist University, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
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Dr. Ellen Reilly Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ellen Reilly, current principal of McLean High School, as the new assistant superintendent for Instructional Services.
With a 25-year career in FCPS, Dr. Reilly has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, inclusive education, and collaborative leadership. She began as an instructional assistant supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing, reflecting her dedication to empowering every learner.
Dr. Reilly's leadership journey includes assistant principal roles at Oakton and Herndon high schools. As principal of McLean High School since 2012, she significantly expanded Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment opportunities, including the successful implementation of AP Precalculus, which achieved a 98.6% pass rate.
Beyond her experience leading schools, Dr. Reilly has held multiple leadership roles across the division, including serving as the lead principal for grading and reporting, acting as president of the FCPS High School Principals’ Association (HSPA), and chairing the Instructional Services/Instructional Technology Committee.
Reilly’s extensive experience will bring a valuable school-based perspective to the Instructional Services Department, ensuring that FCPS strategies are aligned with the practical needs of our schools.
Dr. Jameile Choice Appointed Region Assistant Superintendent for Region 1
Dr. Choice brings with him more than 15 years of experience in public education. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of Transformation and Innovation in Dallas ISD—one of Texas’s largest school divisions. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for equity, innovation, and academic excellence. He has led a variety of school models, including Montessori, magnet, IB, and single-gender campuses. Under his leadership, schools have made impressive academic strides, and he is known for developing impactful school leaders and fostering student-centered school cultures.
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Dr. Choice has deep knowledge in areas such as instructional leadership, restorative practices, and systemic school improvement. In addition, Dr. Choice is passionate about giving every student access to quality education and values strong, collaborative relationships with principals, educators, families, and the broader community.
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Springfield District Scene
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The Region 4 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Mrs. Jennifer Killingsworth has been named the new principal of Centreville Elementary School.
Mrs. Killingsworth began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Prince William County Public Schools, where she achieved record-high math scores by fostering student agency, autonomy, and goal setting. She later served as the reading specialist at Gravely Elementary School, where she developed a deep passion for early literacy instruction.
She joined Fairfax County Public Schools as a literacy coach at Bonnie Brae Elementary School, where she led collaborative team planning and helped establish Bonnie Brae as the Region 4 literacy hub. In this capacity, Mrs. Killingsworth implemented the Labsites model of professional development, creating opportunities for educators to observe and refine effective instructional practices. She co-led intervention efforts, facilitated multiple academy courses for FCPS educators, and supported the development of school leaders by facilitating Region 4 administrator professional learning.
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In 2020, Mrs. Killingsworth was named assistant principal at Centreville Elementary School. During her tenure, she has led the Behavior and Wellness Team’s implementation of schoolwide expectations and social-emotional supports. She has also chaired the Multi-tiered Systems of Support academic team to ensure all student needs are met and mentored new administrators as part of her commitment to leadership development. She is known for her dedication to building strong, trusting relationships across the school community.
Mrs. Killingsworth is passionate about engaging students in rigorous and meaningful instruction and believes that every child deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, supported, and empowered. She is committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all students, staff, and families at Centreville Elementary.
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Killingsworth as the new principal of Centreville Elementary School. Her start date will be June 23, 2025.
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Centreville High School’s Geospatial Analysis students presented five different projects they worked on throughout the year during a visit by Dr. Reid. These students demonstrated the importance and impact of applying knowledge to solve real-world, complex problems. Presentations include Kiera Charneco’s research on the FCPS Boundary Review, Sam Chen’s examination of how the impacts of historic redlining in Richmond and Lynchburg continue to affect populations today, Seth Witte’s investigation into how urban heat islands impact Dallas and San Diego, and Zach McDonald and John Poythress’ identification of the most viable high-speed train projects in the United States. Wow!
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Chantilly High School’s Employment and Transition Resource teacher, Teresa Clawson-Keeton, received a commendation resolution earlier this month from Senator Stella Pekarsky for her outstanding commitment to providing access for all students to meaningful work experiences that help prepare them for careers following graduation. Congratulations!
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Congratulations to Chantilly High School Girls Lacrosse Coach Becca Wills for being named Region Coach of the Year!
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Throughout the year, Chantilly Academy Systems Tech class students developed a range of technical skills, from hardware repair to software installation and system troubleshooting. They put these skills to meaningful use by refurbishing laptops in partnership with Computers for Family Literacy, an organization dedicated to supporting families without access to personal computers. The students carefully cleaned, repaired, and updated each device, ensuring they were fully functional and ready for everyday use. Their efforts directly helped bridge the digital divide, providing reliable technology to families in need and making a lasting impact on their community.
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Thanks to a generous grant from Educate Fairfax, Chantilly Academy’s Engineering Systems students partnered with Music for Life on a hands-on project that struck a powerful chord between STEM and music. Using kits from Music for Life, students explored the physics and math behind electric guitars by building their own instruments step-by-step, from woodworking, electronics, finishing, and assembly. Students not only deepened their technical engineering skills but also discovered the joy of making music with something they built themselves.
Students in Chantilly Academy’s Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy level 2 class visited Inova's Cardiac Dome, where they had the opportunity to observe an open heart surgery in order to better appreciate the post-operative rehabilitation process.
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Last month, Fairfax High School Geospatial Analysis students showcased their final projects to faculty from James Madison University. The depth and breadth of their research were truly inspiring, with projects tackling real-world issues such as power outages and resource access in Puerto Rico, the strategic placement and socioeconomic impact of major retailers like Target and Walmart, an insightful analysis to determine the optimal location for a powerlifting gym in Virginia, and an engaging study on the state distribution of gamefish in our freshwater lakes.
Shout out to Fairfax’s Fionn Walsh for receiving the “Think Big Expect More” scholarship from Educate Fairfax! This scholarship, sponsored by Think Big for Kids, will provide support for students who have been accepted into a program at a university, college, or trade school. It encourages students to think big and expect more by pursuing education and training to meet their career goals. The scholarship is for a student who demonstrates the core values of integrity, determination, and passion.
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Fairfax’s Tristan Farmer began the June 12 School Board meeting with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem.
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Congratulations to Frost Middle School Girls Track and Field for winning the FCPS Middle School Girls Track and Field Championship!
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Congratulations to Katherine Johnson Middle School office assistant Kara Payne for being a recipient of this year’s A. Heath Onthank Award! This award was established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and recognizes accomplishments of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in the Fairfax County Government and School System. She will be formally recognized at the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 24, 2025.
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Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Amelia Cole for breaking the Girls 300 300-meter school record of 43.77 with a time of 43.56!
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Congratulations to Lewis High School’s Rihan Abdulaziz and Malak Amiri for breaking the school record as part of the Girls Track and Field 4x800 meter relay team!
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In a "Our Voices, Our Future" video conversation, Dr. Reid spoke with the Oakton High School Robotics Team. They shared how concepts like geometry and trigonometry are essential for designing and building their robots, highlighting the practical use of math skills.
The conversation also touched upon the importance of taking risks, learning from failure, and effective communication within the team.
✨ Students innovating and preparing for the future is part of Strategic Plan Goal 5.
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Shout out to Oakton Theatre’s Into the Woods cast and crew for being named the Best Musical at the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards for the second year in a row!
The winning continues with Oakton’s Girls Tennis Team being named Region Champs, and Softball Coach Brandon McCulla and Baseball Coach Justin Janis named All-Region Coaches of the Year! Way to go!
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Congratulations to the Robinson Secondary School Boys Middle School Track and Field Team for winning the FCPS Boys Middle School Track and Field Championship!
The winning continues with Robinson’s Boys and Girls’ Crew Teams winning the VASRA Division 2 Trophy Points Championship!
Congrats to the Robinson School Rifle Team for winning the Potomac High School Rifle League Regional Championship!
And, shout out to Robinson’s Harry Economon for winning the VHSL Boys Outdoor Track and Field 400-meter dash and to the Boys 4x400-meter relay team for winning the state titles!
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Congratulations to South County High School’s Boys Crew Varsity 4 boat, including Benjamin Brady and Jae Rin Jung, for taking first place at the State Championship!
The winning continues with South County’s Boys Crew 2nd Varsity boat, including Brendan Brady, Andrew Huntington-Williams, and Nicholas Bierstine, also taking first place at the State Championship!
Additionally, South County’s Girls Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, and Softball Teams won the Occoquan Region Championship! The Girls Outdoor Track and Field Team also won the VHSL Class 6 State Championship, with the Girls 4x100 meter and 4x400 relay teams claiming the state title! Way to go!
Shout out to South County’s Sources of Strength Program, which empowers students to lean into their strengths and build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. The program serves as a reminder of the impact of connection, resilience, and peer support.
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Students from South County Middle School brought their compassion and school spirit to the National Mall as they welcomed two Honor Flights of veterans to the World War II Memorial. For the eighth consecutive year, students honored American heroes through acts of kindness, connection, and heartfelt gratitude. Read more about their project.
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Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Deen Noori for receiving a National Merit Purdue University Scholarship to study electrical engineering! See the full list of recipients.
TJ’s Ocean Bowl Team took first place in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl! Way to go!
TJ’s Megan Sawant, and representative to the Fairfax County School Board, was awarded the Wilcox Scholarship Award at the Virginia Technology Student Association Technosphere! In addition, TJ’s Technology Student Association was awarded the 2024-25 Van Dyke Award winner as the Virginia High School Chapter of the Year! Congrats!
Shout out to TJ’s Girls Tennis Team for winning the VHSL State Championship!
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Congratulations to West Springfield High School’s Alyssa Hughes and Shanaiya Miller for being awarded a Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship by the Fairfax County NAACP! This scholarship honors Michelle Leete’s legacy of justice and education and is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community service.
Shout out to West Springfield High School’s Michael Murray for winning the VHSL Boys Outdoor Track and Field pole vault and to the Boys 4x800 meter relay team for winning the state titles!
The winning continues with West Springfield’s Girls Outdoor Track and Field 4x800 team and Baseball Team claiming the state titles!
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Willow Springs Elementary School’s Luciana Nishanian is one of two students who have been named national winners in the 2025 ExploraVision competition — one of only eight teams selected from across the country! Their project, Electro-BUZZ, is a groundbreaking idea that uses smart drones to pollinate plants just like bees. With pollinators struggling and global food demand rising, these drones step in to help farmers and the environment. Powered by solar, wind, and kinetic energy, Electro-BUZZ drones work together to cover large areas efficiently. Their Smart Hive technology tracks pollination, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly future for farming. Fantastic!
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Congratulations to Woodson High School’s Women’s 2nd Varsity 8+ boat for winning the state championship!
Shout also to Woodson’s Charlotte Reymann, who has been selected as a member of the American Choral Directors Association National Honor Choirs! She will proudly represent Woodson in Dallas next March in performances with other selected members from across the country!
Woodson’s Orchestra Department and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program partnered with the technology company Music: Not Impossible to create an unforgettable experience. Using special vests, wristbands, and ankle bands that translated music into vibrations, students were able to feel the rhythms and harmonies of the orchestra in different parts of their bodies, depending on the instrument being played. Some students joined the musicians onstage to experience the vibrations firsthand from instruments like the cello and bass. The room was filled with dancing, joy, and connection.
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🎭 Students Recognized for Excellence in High School Theater at Cappies Gala
The Cappies of the National Capital area held its annual awards gala honoring excellence in high school theater on June 2 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!
Centreville High School
Madelyn Regan: Maryland Theater Guide Returning Critic
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Madison Eismeier: Sound for The Trojan Women
Nathaniel Howard: Costumes for The Trojan Women
The Trojan Women: Best Play (Lake Braddock is the only school in the twenty-five-year history of the Cappies to have three consecutive Best Play wins!)
Oakton High School
Isabel Suk: Sets for Into the Woods
Robinson Secondary School
Noelle Brosnan: Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical for Tuck Everlasting
South County High School
Cassie DellaVedova: Dancer in a Female Role for A Chorus Line: Teen Edition
See the full list of awards brought home by FCPS students.
FCPS Hispanic Leadership Alliance Honors 32 Students and Leaders
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance — a certified employee group of Fairfax County Public Schools — presented scholarships to 32 high school seniors, adult learners, and community leaders pursuing health care, education, engineering, psychology, law, public policy, and cybersecurity. Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!
Fairfax High School
Mckenzie Ponce Magana - Scholarship for Business Managements
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Ángela Molina - Peace and Justice Scholarship in Honor of Jane and Ron Cruz
See the list of scholarship recipients.
🏆 Outstanding Employees Recognized at 2025 FCPS Honors Celebration
Clockwise from top left: South County Middle School Principal Justin Simmons, Union Mill Elementary School Assistant Principal Dominic Williams, Fairfax High School Principal Dr. Georgina Aye, and Quander Road School Special Education Department Chair Raquel Joyce with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Educate Fairfax Board Members.
Exceptional employees from across Fairfax County Public Schools were recognized at the FCPS Honors event held on Wednesday, June 11. Sponsored by Educate Fairfax, the 2025 celebration was hosted at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.
Annually, more than 800 employees in both instructional and operational roles are recognized through the Outstanding Employee Awards Program. This year, 78 finalists representing 12 categories were recognized during the special award ceremony.
Congratulations to the following staff serving Springfield District students!
Outstanding Secondary New Teacher
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Elissa P. Austria (finalist), Fairfax County Adult High School, Non-Region
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Patrick McGee (finalist), Centreville High School, Region 4
Outstanding New Principal
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Justin Simmons (winner), South County Middle School, Region 4
Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
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Beth Beaulieu (finalist), Bryant High School, Non-Region
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Loc Bui (finalist), Oakton High School, Region 1
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Samina Z. Butt (finalist), Irving Middle School, Region 4
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Kara Payne (finalist), Katherine Johnson Middle School, Region 5
Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee
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Raquel A. Joyner (winner), Quander Road School, Region 3
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Beth Curtis (finalist), Key Center, Region 6
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Megan Jackson (finalist), Burke School, Region 4
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Laurie Laso (finalist), Bryant High School, Non-Region
Outstanding School-Based Leader
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Dominic A. Williams (winner), Union Mill Elementary School, Region 4
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Florence “Pipi” Harrison (finalist), Bryant High School, Non-Region
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Katherine A. Martin (finalist), Carter G. Woodson High School, Region 5
Outstanding Elementary School Teacher
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Michelle Keenan (finalist), Kings Glen Elementary School, Region 4
Outstanding Secondary School Teacher
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Paul Arena (finalist), Robinson Secondary School, Region 4
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Molly J. Flatley (finalist), Mountain View High School, Non-Region
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Kate Kallfa (finalist), John R. Lewis High School, Region 6
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Douglas Maloney (finalist), Chantilly High School, Region 5
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Nikki S. Walsh (finalist), Oakton High School, Region 1
Outstanding Principal
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Dr. Georgina Aye (winner), Fairfax High School, Region 5
Learn more about this recognition program and the nominees in all categories.
🏅 Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association Awards
The Fairfax County Council Parent Teacher Association (FCCPTA) presented awards to students, volunteers, and staff at their May 28 General Membership meeting. Congratulations to the following recipients!
- 2025 FCCPTA Senior Scholarships: Ainsley Buice of Fairfax High School and Ella Ridgway of Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Impactful PTA: Hunt Valley Elementary School
- Elementary Volunteer of the Year: Chesapeake Dalrymple or Saratoga Elementary School
- PTA Connected Ready, Tech, Go National PTA Grant: Kings Park/Kings Glen Elementary Schools
- PTA Connected Create with Kindness National PTA Grant: Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Healthy Lifestyles Initiative National PTA Grant: Irving Middle School
See the full list of recipients.
🏅 Students, Staff, and Community Members Recognized by SEPTA
Fairfax County’s Special Education PTA (SEPTA) recognized 21 groups and individuals at their annual Excellence Awards last month. These awards recognize the students, staff, and community members who see, value, and celebrate children for their strengths while also supporting their needs.
Award winners were chosen from approximately 200 nominations from schools across all grade levels in FCPS. Congratulations to the following staff members who support Springfield District students!
- Outstanding School-Based Inclusive Program: Ballin’ with Buddies – Rolling Valley Elementary School, Irving Middle School, South County High School, and West Springfield High School
- Outstanding General Education Teacher, Elementary: Christine Waters, Union Mill Elementary School
- Outstanding Special Education Teacher, Secondary: Donna Waiss, Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Special Educator of the Year, Preschool: Lori Murphy, Colin Powell Elementary School
View the full list of SEPTA Excellence Award winners.
🎼 FCPS Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Music Award
Twenty-three FCPS schools received the 2025 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon Award for musical excellence. The VMEA Blue Ribbon 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. To qualify for this award, each school’s top band, chorus, and orchestra must receive a final rating of Superior at the VMEA District Concert Performance Assessment.
Congratulations to Chantilly, Fairfax, Oakton, South County, West Springfield, and Woodson High Schools; Frost, Katherine Johnson, and South County Middle Schools; and Robinson Secondary School!
See the full list of recipients.
Student Opportunities
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.
🧩 Get Clued in to the FCPS and Safe Routes to School Puzzle Hunt!
FCPS and Safe Routes to School return with an engaging activity to help get families outside this summer. The Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt offers online puzzles that lead to a location in Fairfax County and additional clues toward the final puzzle.
For more information, visit the Hunt’s How to Play page.
📖 Color Our World With Reading This Summer!
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) understands the importance of summer reading. Reading and participating in engaging reading activities throughout the summer are two effective ways to help students retain skills they learned in school this year. Their Summer Reading Adventure has begun!
Register online or visit your local library.
🏳️🌈 Pride Prom
Safe Space NOVA and the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts are hosting their 4th annual regional Pride Prom on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Pride Prom provides support to LGBTQIA+ youth from the Washington, D.C. area. This year’s theme is Enchanted Forest, and activities will include art activation stations, door prizes, a quiet room with books and board games, and great food, as well as an ice cream sundae bar.
Purchase tickets online.
🎻 SoCo Summer Strings
SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 7 to July 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th through 9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
Register in advance.
🏈 South County High School Football Camps
The South County High School Varsity Football Team is holding two football games this summer. The Stallion Kids Camp, for rising 1st-6th graders, will be held July 8-10, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Stallion Middle School Camp, for rising 7th-8th graders, will be held July 15-17, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost for each camp is $100.
🥍 Robinson Secondary School Summer Sports Camps
Robinson Secondary School is hosting summer camps for boys and girls lacrosse and field hockey. The camps will take place at Robinson as follows.
Girls Lacrosse
- For rising Kindergarten through 10th-grade students
- July 7-10, 2025, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse
- For rising 3rd through 12th-grade students
- July 14-18, 2025, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Field Hockey
- For rising 7th through 12th-grade students
- July 22-24, 2025, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) Early Online College
NOVA’s Early Online College is back for the Fall 2025 Semester!
NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows rising high school juniors and seniors (will be 11th and 12th graders in 25-26 SY) the opportunity to take up to 2 tuition-free college courses. The deadline is Friday, July 25, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- 13 courses offered
- Courses run for 12 weeks
- Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only
- Students must meet eligibility requirements (GPA or available test scores) to take EOC courses
- EOC courses are selected because they meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s Associate degrees, as well as being highly transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.
New Textbook Policy: Some EOC courses require a textbook. Students will be automatically enrolled in NOVA ALL ACCESS ($22.50 per credit hour). Students may make the payment for course materials in their myNOVA account or opt out and purchase the course materials on their own. Review details about NOVA All Access so students can make an informed decision.
Important Dates:
- Registration Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- Classes Begin: Monday, September 22, 2025
- Classes End: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Community News
Fairfax County Legislative Town Hall with Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy and Delegate Rozia Henson
Join Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy of Senate District 33 and Delegate Rozia Henson of House District 19 for a Legislative Town Hall to connect, ask questions, and hear legislative updates on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the South County High School auditorium. RSVP online and submit questions in advance.
Contact Kim Cummings with questions at KCummings@Senate.Virginia.Gov.
Family and Student Resources
💚 Free Virtual Mental Health Consultations for Parents and Secondary Students
This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer free virtual mental wellness consultations from June 23 through August 1. Any FCPS parent, middle school, or high school student will have the opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or video conference. Learn more in the latest Healthy Minds blog.
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, and 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, and 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.
😋 Free and Reduced-Price Meals for School Year 2025-26
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2025-26 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2024-25 school year.
🍽️ Summer Meals for Students
FCPS’ Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check the FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services webpage and the Summer Food Service Program webpage for specific dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please contact us at SummerMeals@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
🌞 Summer Resources Help Students Stay Curious, Healthy, and Busy
The FCPS Summer Resource Guide has activities and tips on a variety of subjects and interests, from camps and activities to health and safety resources.
Be sure to check back over the summer, as more resources may be added.
🌻 Learning Doesn’t Take a Vacation — and Neither Does Fun!
FCPS’ Summer Learning webpage offers ideas and strategies for families to keep students curious until August. Summer is the perfect time to help your student explore new interests, reinforce concepts, and stay engaged!
⚕️Fairfax County Health Department Back-to-School ImmunizationsThe Fairfax County Health Department will hold Back-to-School Immunization Clinics for the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit their website for dates and times and to schedule an appointment.
🍴 At Family Meals, Make Conversation the Main Course
Shared meals strengthen families. Family meals also help children build vocabulary and social skills. Try to make eating together a regular habit. While you eat, engage your child in relaxed conversation by asking specific, open-ended questions. "What was the funniest thing that happened today?" will probably get a more detailed response than "How was school?" Never use mealtime to criticize your child. Then, keep the conversation going as you clean up together!
💵 Show Your Child that Needs Come Before Wants
Learning to manage money teaches children math skills as well as school success skills like responsibility, patience, and how to set priorities. Help your child distinguish between "needs" and "wants" and keep track of them in a notebook. Explain that your child should pay for the needs first. Any money left over can be saved toward the cost of the wants. Help your child track the savings in the notebook.
Read more about it online.
👂 Listening is More Effective Than Lectures
You've lectured until you're blue in the face, but your teen keeps doing things you've said not to do. That's probably because lecturing often makes teens defensive and defiant. What works? Working on a problem together. To encourage cooperation, say, "I'd really like to hear what's going on with you so we can talk about it." Teens are more likely to react positively if they feel their families are listening to them.
🗣️ To Make a Point with Your Teen, Keep it Current…
Does your teen tune you out when you talk about the future? Many teens find it hard to relate to a time that seems far off. You may be trying to explain that if your 10th grader doesn't develop better study habits, college will be tough. But to your teen, college seems a million years away. Instead, try linking study habits to a current event, such as the math test your teen needs to do well on to continue taking driving lessons.
Read more about it online.
📱 Parent Tech Talk
The digital world is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay informed as a parent. Here are some excellent resources to continue your learning journey:
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Common Sense Media: This non-profit organization provides age-based ratings and reviews of media, including games, apps, and movies. They also offer valuable articles and resources for parents on a wide range of digital topics.
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ConnectSafely: This non-profit organization focuses on online safety and digital literacy. They offer resources and training for parents, educators, and young people.
Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI): FOSI provides resources and tools to help families stay safe online. They offer information on a wide range of topics, including cyberbullying, online privacy, and digital addiction.
Talking to Teens About Sexting: An Open and Honest Conversation
How Do the Offenders Gain Access? The victim often knows their offender, who is typically a current or former romantic partner. In other instances, the offender is someone the victim only knows online. In financial sextortion, the offender often makes initial contact online, and victimization happens quickly after that. Additionally, the offender might create explicit content using generative AI and use it to victimize the child.
Approach: The offender typically initiates contact with a victim on a social media platform, using it to learn about the child’s interests, friends, school, family, etc. They then ask the child to move to a second or third platform that uses encrypted messaging systems. The sextortion may also be perpetrated by an ex-romantic partner who received the image from the victim.
Coercive: Tactics Offenders use various tactics, such as offering something of value (money, drugs) in exchange for sexual material, pretending to work for a modeling agency, pretending to be younger and appear to have a romantic interest, creating fake sexual material of the child or hacking accounts to steal sexual images.
Threats: The offender may use the threat of spreading the image to force the victim into staying in or returning to the relationship, acquiring additional sexual content, or obtaining money from the child. They may also threaten to physically assault the child or their family, or ruin the child’s life with false narratives.
Red Flags
Recognizing the red flags associated with sextortion can help you protect yourself or your family.
Red flags could include your child:
- Receiving gifts through the mail, such as cell phones, gift cards, and webcams.
- Calling unknown numbers.
- Rejecting family and friends in favor of spending time online.
- Getting upset when he or she can’t get online.
- Minimizing the screen or turning off the monitor when you come into the room.
If Your Child’s Image is Already out There
- Help them report it to CyberTipline.org, then visit MissingKids.org/GetHelpNow to learn about contacting various websites/apps to request removal of the explicit content.
- Talk to school officials so they can help limit the spread of the image and stop any harassment that may be happening.
- Contact the police if your child is being blackmailed, harassed, or if it involves an adult.
Above all, offer support. Consider seeking professional counseling if they need help coping.
Financial Aid Help Desk and Webinar Series
uAspire has partnered with GEAR UP Virginia and Level Up Virginia to offer a free Financial Aid Help Desk. Students and their families can text financial aid questions to 434-478-4003 to get answers from an expert in financial assistance within 24 business hours.
The following Summer Steps for Financial Aid Webinar is for new and returning college students, which provides a timeline/checklist for the summer. The webinar will discuss understanding and paying the college bill, applying for outside scholarships or additional loans, and various other financial aid steps (such as the Master Promissory Note and loan entrance counseling, a brief discussion on appeals, and planning for indirect expenses). We also provide opportunities for Q&A and follow-up support.
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Virtual: Zoom - Register in advance to receive the link.
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for 2024-25 School Year
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the VDOE annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey will remain open through December 12, 2025. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2024-2025 school year.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov or via telephone at (804) 418-4672.
Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole Sensory Friendly Hours
Sensory-friendly swimming times will return this year at The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole. The water park will open to all those with disabilities and their families for a sensory-friendly hour at the times below.
- Tuesday, July 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 5, 10 to 11 a.m.
Free Workshops and Events from the Family Resource Center and Family Academy
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC). Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
The Family Academy is a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families. The Family Academy offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families in our learning catalog. Sign up for the Family and School Partnerships newsletter or visit the Family Academy catalog for classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families.
Summer offerings include:
In recognition of Disability Awareness Day, we invite you to join us at the Family Resource Center to raise awareness of available resources for individuals with disabilities, while fostering family engagement, inclusion, and acceptance. The event will include presentations from representatives of the Community Service Board (CSB), Best Buddies VA/DC Chapter, and a panel featuring parents sharing their unique experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to receive a guided tour of the Family Resource Center and to explore our library resources. No registration needed.
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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.
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