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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.
Dear Dranesville Families:
I hope everyone is off to a good start of summer break! I enjoyed honoring the Class of 2025 at their graduations. If you had an amazing teacher or school staff member who went beyond for your student, your school, or your family, please share your story with FCPS Cares (find the details below).
The Comprehensive Boundary work update below includes ways to share your thoughts and concerns around the initial scenarios and what happens next. I will continue to share updates throughout the summer. Please remember, no boundary changes will happen for the upcoming school year.
While summer can be full of fun and relaxing, it can also be stressful, especially in times of uncertainty. FCPS is providing summer meals for students and free mental health consultations for secondary students. There are many ways to connect with Fairfax County and state resources for help with basic needs and assistance during a crisis. Below I shared multiple summer resources for fun activities across Dranesville.
Next school year brings changes to the high school cell phone use during the school day (see full details below). Talk with your students about the coming changes, your expectations, and consider making changes now so the first day of school is an easier transition. This may be a good opportunity to model a healthy relationship with your cell phone before school starts too.
I wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!
Robyn
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
In this newsletter,
Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
Phase 2 (Part 1) Findings The spring meetings included eight hybrid (in person and virtual) meetings held across the division. More than 1,500 staff, families, and community members participated.
You may find the data on our website:
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Community Meetings Comment Summary: Key themes that emerged from the community meetings via the Pigeonhole commenting platform. Our consultant collected more than 3,400 comments, which received more than 100,000 votes.
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Heatmaps – Comment and Survey Locations: Visualizations showing where comments and survey submissions came from, based on addresses entered in the Boundary Explorer Tool. From May 15 to June 10, more than 5,800 comments were received, with additional comments to come.
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Survey Summary Slides: A slide deck summarizing the quantitative trends in the survey responses from the Boundary Explorer Tool.
Please stay tuned for the following information:
- A full set of comments received through the Pigeonhole platform, organized by region. Users will be able to filter by school or topic.
- All comments submitted via the FCPS Boundary Explorer Tool from May 15 to June 10 (with tabs for each region). Each comment shows its associated region, school level, and timestamp
- Feedback received from FCPS’ primary online feedback tool, categorized by region and topic.
What’s Next?
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Summer Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee Meetings The committee will meet two more times during the summer. Key takeaways from those meetings will be shared with the community on the next business day, which is our normal practice.
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Fall Community Boundary Review Meetings During the next few months, the consultant will use the data shared from the Phase 2 (Part 1) findings above, along with feedback from the committee, to update the draft boundary scenarios. In the fall, the consultant will update the Boundary Explorer Tool with refined scenarios, and we will present the scenarios and gather feedback during another round of community meetings as part of Phase 2 (Part 2).
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Final Committee Scenario Development The consultant will develop boundary scenarios in November and December. Then, the committee will review those and make any final recommendations.
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Superintendent’s Recommendations Dr. Reid will then consider the committee’s recommendations, and based on those, she will present her recommendations and a proposed implementation plan to the Fairfax County School Board in January 2026.
You may continue to provide feedback through the survey and commenting function in the Boundary Explorer Tool. You may also submit a question via our primary online feedback tool. Your feedback will be shared with the committee, and with the community thereafter, at regular intervals throughout the summer.
We encourage you to visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our Boundary Review newsletter.
Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee Meeting (6/23/25)
Key Takeaways:
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Welcome and Recap of Community Engagement Dr. Reid welcomed the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee, reviewed the presentation, and reminded the advisory committee members of the night’s focus -- reviewing summaries of community feedback received from the eight hybrid community meetings held between May 15 and June 6, 2025 and summaries of total feedback received across platforms (Pigeonhole from the community meetings and Boundary Explorer Tool on the FCPS website).
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Working Session: Regional & Divisionwide Subgroup Discussions The advisory committee then broke into their regional and divisionwide sub-groups to discuss and identify top priorities for further work by the consultant.
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Group Sharing The advisory committee then came back as a group, and each region and divisionwide subgroup shared key points from their small group meetings.
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Advisory Committee Reflections and Open Discussion Advisory committee members also shared what they have been hearing from their communities, and Dr. Reid and the consultant took questions about the process and what’s to come.
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Next Steps and Timeline Each subgroup chose a team lead, and the subgroups will continue to work together to refine and finalize their top priorities by July 7. The advisory committee will continue to receive information over the summer and is scheduled to meet again as a group on August 5.
Additionally, the committee received summaries of small group feedback that was shared during committee meetings on the following dates:
Visit FCPS’ website to access the June 23rd meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.
School Board News
June 26, 2025 Regular Meeting
Board Meeting Highlights
Spring 2025 Athletic and Academic Team Recognition
The School Board honored the remaining Virginia High School League Team Championships for Spring 2025. The honored teams included:
- Herndon High School, Boys Soccer
- Langley High School, Boys Tennis
- Robinson Secondary School, Film
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Girls Tennis
- West Potomac High School, Boys Lacrosse
Action Items
The School Board approved Revisions to Policy 8258: Building Evaluation, Building Renovation, and Infrastructure Maintenance. In a related action, the School Board approved this follow-on motion to the policy:
- That the building at 7010 Clifton Road, formerly the Clifton Elementary School, is hereby declared uninhabitable, and direct the Superintendent to proceed with demolition and associated site cleanup as required by School Board Policy 8258.3. Before any funds are encumbered for demolition and associated site cleanup, the Superintendent shall return to the School Board with a plan for funding and general site layout for Board approval within a reasonable timeframe so as to meet the required timeline as prescribed in Policy 8258.3. Should the Superintendent, for any reason, be unable to meet the timeline, she must seek an extension from the Board as outlined in the Policy 8258.3.
Additionally, the School Board approved revisions to the Strategic Governance Manual regarding proclamations, awarded a new intergovernmental contract with George Mason University for the Early Identification Program, and approved the minutes of the May 20, 2025 Budget Committee meeting.
Presentations to the School Board
Dr. Reid presented Academic Matters on Portrait of a Graduate.
June 13, 2025 Regular Meeting
Board Meeting Highlights
Action Items
- The School Board voted to approve a one-time bonus to eligible employees.
- The School Board voted to award the contract for the baseball and multipurpose stadium sports lighting replacement at Herndon Middle School to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
- The School Board voted to approve the amendment for the ERFC Retirement Benefit & Payroll System.
- The School Board voted to approve the amendment for Automated Visitor Management Systems.
- The School Board voted to approve the amendment for W2 Self Service Portal.
- The School Board voted to approve a sole source contract with Sonova for Assistive Listening Devices.
- The School Board voted to approve the amendment for Applications Software Technology, LLC.
Presentations to the School Board
Dr. Reid presented the proposed FY 2026 Approved Budget. This budget details the Superintendent's recommended adjustments to the FY 2026 Advertised Budget, which are required to balance that budget.
Dr. Reid presented her Academic Matters segment discussing Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses. The benefits of taking these advanced courses include that they can:
- Build college-level skills and confidence.
- Help students stand out during the college admissions process.
- Save families money on tuition by earning a qualifying exam score or grade in the course.
In the Strategic Plan update portion of the meeting, Dr. Reid discussed Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered, specifically, inclusion and sense of belonging. Read more about Dr. Reid’s presentations in her Weekly Reflections.
June 2025 Audit Buzz Newsletter
In this issue of the Audit Buzz, we provide an update on current engagements, an article on Who Develops Framework for Checks and Balances, our celebration of the May Internal Audit Awareness Month, auditors at work, and a training opportunity. Audit Buzz will take a short break in the summer; and we will return in the fall! Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on Office of Auditor General (OAG) website.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
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Thursday, July 17, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
Volunteer for a School Board Community Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) A local advisory committee for special education, appointed by each local school board, shall advise the school board through the division superintendent. The Dranesville representative will serve August 2025- July 2026. See the ACSD website for more information.
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC) provides recommendations to the School Board on current job needs and the relevancy of career and technical education programs offered and to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the local plan and application. The Dranesville representative will serve August 2025- July 2026. See the CTEAC website for more information.
If you are interested in one of these committees, fill out a form for each committee opening by July 8th. Please share why you would like to be a representative and why you would be a fit for any of these committees. Please email Dranesvillestaff@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
FCPS Updates
Summer Meals for Students
FCPS’ Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check FCPS’ Food and Nutrition summer food service program webpage and the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder for locations, dates, and times.
Meals are available at these Dranesville schools:
- Clearview ES
- Coates ES
- Herndon HS
- Hutchison ES
Please note that no meals will be served during the July 4 holidays. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please contact us at SummerMeals@fcps.edu or at 703-813-4800.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates
At their May 8 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the SR&R, including its cell phone policy. Other SR&R updates include added clarity and/or procedures around topics such as discipline data, parent notifications, hate speech, and integrated discipline training. The full list of changes is available on Boarddocs.
Cell Phone Policy Update for High Schools
Beginning in August, high school students can only use their cell phones and other personal devices (AirPods, smart watches, etc.) during lunch and before or after school. This is a change from FCPS’ SY 2024-25 cell phone policy, which allows high schoolers to use devices during passing periods. Next school year, students must keep devices off and away during classroom time and during passing periods between classes.
Attended the InnovatED Summer Symposium at Herndon HS
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 through August 1, 2025. Any FCPS parent or secondary student will have an opportunity to schedule a free 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference.
To request a consultation, families can complete a request form in the language of their choice or leave a message at 703-503-2520. Families will be contacted at the start of the session requested in order to schedule a date and time for the consultation appointment. Enjoy your summer.
Welcome Herndon Elementary School's Principal Acostas
The Region 1 Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Acosta has been selected as the new principal of Herndon Elementary School. Mr. Acosta recently served as Founder and Executive Director, Paradiso College Preparatory School System in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 15 years of experience as an educator. Mr. Acosta will start his new role on July 1, 2025.
After a career switch from public policy, media relations and real estate, Mr. Acosta found his true love of education when he began his teaching career in 2010 as an Elementary Bilingual Language Arts Teacher in the Dallas Independent School District. Mr. Acosta became a school administrator, first serving as an assistant principal in Dallas ISD. Mr. Acosta went on to lead schools to significant improvements in Texas, Florida and Massachusetts. His experience as a principal includes work in public school systems as well as in charter school systems. As a multilingual learner himself, Mr. Acosta is extremely passionate about bilingual and dual education and ensuring that all students receive a rigorous education.
FCPS Staff Announcements
New Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services- Dr. Ellen Reilly
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, Ellen Reilly and Noel Klimenko
I am pleased to share the appointment of Dr. Ellen Reilly, current principal of McLean High School, as the new assistant superintendent for Instructional Services. I enjoyed working with Dr. Reilly at McLean HS and know she will be missed. I look forward to working her as the assistant superintendent for Instructional Services. I want to wish Noel Klimenko, our current assistant superintendent for Instructional Services, the best in her retirement. I will miss her and her expertise.
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. 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.
New Region 1 Assistant Superintendent- Dr. Jameile Choice
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’ 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.
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.
New Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs- Mr. Erik Gordon
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.
New Speed Cameras Being Installed in School Zones
In addition to nine speed cameras currently issuing tickets to drivers in school zones, the FC Police Department is installing speed zone cameras in 10 additional locations.
A 30-day warning period will begin Friday, August 18, with citations beginning on Wednesday, September 17, at these Dranesville student schools:
- Marshall High School on Leesburg Pike
- McLean High School on Westmorland Road
Currently, Chesterbrook Elementary School, on Kirby Road, is the only Dranesville school with a speed camera in place.
- Data for Chesterbrook ES's speed camera:
- Pre-pilot data average speed: 30.59
- Post-pilot data average speed: 25.73
- Percent change from pre-pilot: -16%
- February 2024 update average speed: 26.2
- Percent change from pre-pilot: -14%
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Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th grade:
- Required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- For the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- For the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 12th grade:
- Required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school.
- For the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and health care providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department.
Community Updates
Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon - Black Women United for Action Reception
Fairfax County Cooling Resources
- Cooling Centers: Many local libraries, recreation centers, and community centers are open to the public as cooling shelters. Check with for hours and locations:
- Virginia’s Department of Social Services offers emergency assistance for cooling costs through the Cooling Assistance Program. Apply online or call 1-855-635-4370 for assistance.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Crisis Support
Fairfax County wants residents to know that help for mental health or substance use crises is available 24/7. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers around-the-clock support—someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Services include a 24/7 crisis line, mobile crisis response teams, and a walk-in crisis center.
 Emergency & Crisis Resources – Available 24/7
- Crisis Link Hotline: (703) 527-4077 | Text NEEDHELP to 85511
- Dominion Hospital Emergency: (703) 536-2000
- Mental Health Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
- Inova Emergency Services: (703) 289-7560
- Mobile Crisis Unit: 1-844-627-4747
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 (TTY: 711)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)
From the Fairfax County Police Department,
Keeping Children Safe Online
With school out and screen time up, now is the time to talk with your kids about staying safe online. As technology and social media continue to evolve, so do the risks — from sextortion and inappropriate gaming content to interacting with strangers.
Detectives from our Child Exploitation Unit (CEXU), comprised of highly skilled and specialized investigators, work tirelessly to identify and combat online threats to children. Part of these efforts include proactively investigating online predators.
How can I protect my child from becoming a victim?
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Open Communication: Establish open and honest communication with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences and report any uncomfortable or inappropriate interactions.
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Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules and guidelines for internet use. Monitor the websites and apps your children use and set age-appropriate restrictions using available security settings on your devices.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about popular social media platforms, gaming apps, and other online spaces where children interact. Understanding the digital landscape is crucial to identifying potential risks.
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Privacy Settings: Ensure that privacy settings are activated on social media profiles and gaming accounts. Limit the personal information shared online to reduce the risk of exploitation.
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Monitoring Devices: Regularly check your child’s devices for any inappropriate content or communications. Install parental control software to manage and monitor online activities.
Be Aware of Sextortion: This growing crime involves someone threatening to share private images or conversations unless money or more content is sent. Look for warning signs like:
- Sudden secrecy or emotional withdrawal
- Switching screens quickly or hiding devices
- Unexplained money transfers or new expensive items
Let your child know they can talk to you — without fear or judgment. If someone asks for or shares sexual messages or images involving minors, report it immediately to law enforcement.
Resources:
Back to School Immunizations- Don't Wait until August
Immunizations are the most effective way to protect your child from serious illness and prevent them from missing school and other activities because they are sick. By ensuring your child is vaccinated, you not only protect them but also stop the spread of illness in schools and communities.
Don't wait to schedule your appointment. Make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations as soon as possible to help them have a healthy school year. Parents of students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade should be aware of the Virginia immunization requirements.
 These immunization clinics are open to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations even if they have had vaccines in the past, new to the country, or those who need to be up-to-date on their vaccines. Call now to make your appointment at 703-246-7100. Appointments are limited.
Here are the Clinic dates for the Herndon Reston Clinic (1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston):
- August 5, 2 to 6:30 p.m.
- August 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
- August 9, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- August 11- 13, 2 to 6:30 p.m.
- August 15, 1 to 4 p.m.
- August 19, 2 to 6:30 p.m.
- August 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
Virginia Department of Social Services at 211
The Virginia Department of Social Services can help provide information and referrals for resources to those who need food, shelter, rent, or utility assistance. Reach 211 Virginia by phone at 211, or visit 211virginia.org. They can also connect individuals and families with resources regarding physical and mental health, job training, and transportation assistance. Individuals who would like to help others may also find volunteering and donation opportunities.
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Virginia Delegate Sullivan's Newsletter
Please sign up for Delegate Rip Sullivan's informative newsletter to receive Virginia and Northern Virginia updates and information.
Attended NAACP's Night at the Theatre to see 1st Stage's Piano Lesson
2025 Cappies Winners
Attended the 2025 Cappies Gala
The Cappies, the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, highlights the outstanding work of our talented students and dedicated faculty in areas ranging from performance to technical design.
Congratulations to these Dranesville winners:
10 FCPS Students Earn 2025 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships
Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students from five high schools have been named winners of 2025 Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Congratulations to the newest Dranesville national Merit Scholarship winners:
- Hudson John Keeler of TJHSST (mechanical engineering), National Merit Purdue University Scholarship.
- Blake Powell of McLean High School (aerospace engineering), National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship.
Herndon HS Boys Soccer State Champions
 Herndon High School Boys Soccer team achieved a monumental victory on Saturday, June 14th, winning the VHSL Class 6 State Championship. In a dominant performance, the Hornets defeated Wakefield High School with a decisive 3-0 score. This triumph culminates a fantastic season for the Herndon squad, who demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination throughout their playoff run, including a hard-fought penalty shootout victory against Cosby High School in the semifinals. Their dedication and hard work paid off, bringing home a well-deserved state title.
Langley HS Boys Tennis State Champions
On Thursday, June 12th, Langley High School Boys Tennis team won the VHSL Class 6 State Championship. The Saxons defeated James Madison High School with a 5-4 score.
2025 National Science Olympiad Results
One of the nation’s most prestigious science, technology, engineering and math competitions, Science Olympiad brings together 120 middle and high school teams who advanced from state-level competitions this spring. Rigorous hands-on and lab events led by experts from government agencies, top universities, industry and Science Olympiad state chapters cover topics in engineering, physics, epidemiology, astronomy, chemistry, robotics and coding. Find a full list of 2025 National Tournament award recipients and official tournament results, including event-by-event scoring is available here.
Congratulations to these Dranesville student schools:
- Division B
- Cooper MS- 12th Place
- Longfellow MS- 13th Place
- Division C
- Thomas Jefferson HSST- 19th Place
Attending the FCS Honors event was extra special for me. My wife was recognized as her school's outstanding school based professional for her role as a SBTS, and her daughter was recognized as her school's outstanding new teacher.
School News
Langley HS
Congratulations to Joshua Hyams, senior at Langley High School, who was honored by Best Buddies as the Leader of the Year. Best Buddies is an organization that encourages those with and without disabilities to form meaningful friendships and participate in activities together.
McLean HS
Mark Thompson Earns Eleanor Sue Finkelstein Award Congratulations to Mr. Thompson for receiving the Eleanor Sue Finkelstein Award! This award is presented each year to a professional from the community who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Northern Virginia’s inclusion and disabilities community.
Summer Stadium Construction Our stadium will be going through a major renovation. Outdoor restrooms and new stadium lights will be installed over the summer. Due to these two projects, the stadium (including the track) will be closed from June 16th- July 16th. We will keep the community updated throughout the summer in case the project finishes sooner or later than expected.
Chesterbrook ES
Foyer Vestibule Construction The county will begin demo on Wednesday, June 18th to begin installation on our foyer vestibule. This will improve the safety measures of our building providing a secure entrance into the main office to check in all guests entering the building.
Preschool Playground FCPS will be installing a preschool aged playground in the coming weeks. We expect this work to begin soon but do not have a specific date. We are grateful to FCPS for their financial support of this project which will benefit our preschool program as well as younger children in our community.
Churchill Road ES
FCPS will be adding a security vestibule to our front lobby.
Clearview Road ES
 Stars on Stage is a 12-week, after-school theater residency program run by NextStop Theatre. This inspiring program brings a team of professional teaching artists into local Title I elementary schools to provide students with hands-on theater training and guide them through the production of a fully staged musical. This program (which ran at Clearview and Dogwood Elementary schools this year) is completely free for participating students and includes free bus transportation home, ensuring that it is accessible to more students in our community. By building confidence, creativity, and connection, Stars on Stage helps students shine, on stage and beyond. This program is generously underwritten by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia / Shrivastava Charitable Fund and ArtsFairfax.
Please contact Tomoko Azuma at development@nextstoptheatre.org to learn more or support efforts to expand this program to reach more students in our community.
Colvin Run ES
Congratulations to our Continental Math League for an exceptional showing this school year.
- Regional First Place in 3rd Grade: Felip T., Madeline H., Nathan W., John M., and Ellen S.
- Regional First Place in 4th Grade Level: Gianna L, Grace L, Cyrus M, Oliver W, Abhiram R
- Regional First Place in 6th Grade: Miranda W., Oleg D., Callie H., Maya N., Everett X., Isabelle S., Rishabh S., and Bryan W.
Dranesville ES
Calling all Global and Ethical Citizens in the Dranesville community! One of our rising fifth graders, Felix H., is leading a challenge for us to collect 1,000 pounds of plastic. Collect plastic items (ie. grocery bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, ice bags, stretch film) this summer. Bring them to Dranesville during Open House on Friday, August 15th. Let's all collect recyclable plastic between now and April 24, 2026 to earn a bench for our school!
Forestville ES
Odyssey of the Mind — World Finals Update- our 3rd grade Odyssey of the Mind team traveled to Michigan State University to compete in the World Finals! Out of 52 teams, they placed 21st—a huge accomplishment for this young, first-time team.
 Independence Day
Vienna Independence Day Celebration- July 2
- George C. Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Dr SW, Vienna): 6 to 10 p.m.
Great Falls Events - July 4
Town of Herndon 4th of July- July 4
- Bready Park, (814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon): 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Students- Volunteer for Advisory Committees
Incoming Student Representative to the School Board, Faith Mekonen, is accepting applications for SY 2025-2026 student representatives to the School Board Community Advisory Committees. There are two student positions for each advisory committee.
Student members must be an FCPS High School student (rising 9th through 12th grader). Representatives will serve a one-year term from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026; attend monthly meetings; engage with their committee; and share feedback with the Student Representative to the School Board.
The application form is available here and due July 7, 2025.
Learn more about each committee below:
NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest
Calling all student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District 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.
Free National Park Passes for 4th Graders
Heading to a national park or other federal recreation site this summer? All 4th grade students can get a free year-long national park pass through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative. Learn more about Every Kid Outdoors and get your free national park pass for 4th graders!
Summer Opportunities
DBVI's Super Summer Camp
Virginia's Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)'s free Super Summer Camp 2025, July 27th to August 2nd, is a fun-filled week of exciting activities like goalball, horseback riding, swimming, and independent living skills training. Camp is open to students ages 8 through the completion of 10th grade who are registered with DBVI Education Services. Campers must be able to manage personal hygiene, move independently, and benefit from the activities.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Value In Prevention (VIP) Camp
FCPS and Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) offer a 5-week camp at Rachel Carson MS (13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon) that serves rising 7th and 8th grade (2025-2026 school year) students who reside in the Carson, Hughes, Herndon, Cooper, and Longfellow Middle School boundaries. Campers will have a great time participating in sports, games, fitness, art, and STEM activities in a safe environment. Bus Transportation will be provided from feeder middle schools and other selected stops
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July 1 - July 31 (no camp on July 4th) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Site opens at 8 a.m. for drop off
Herndon Park and Recreation’s Camp on the Go!- Through August 8
We’re excited to launch a brand-new program this summer — Camp On The Go! This free, drop-in program is open to kids of all ages and will take place at Alabama Drive Park (1100 Alabama Dr, Herndon). There’s no registration required; kids can just show up and enjoy fun outdoor games, activities, and a welcoming space to play, laugh, and connect. It’s all about bringing recreation straight to the neighborhood!
- Wednesdays & Fridays, through August 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Dranesville Area High School Sports Camps
- Herndon HS
- Langley HS
- Westfield HS
Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Adventure
Through August 17 Reading and participating in engaging reading activities throughout the summer are two effective ways to combat summer learning loss. Fairfax County Public Library Youth Summer Reading Adventure can help children retain reading skills and foster a love for the library!
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FCPS 2nd Annual Puzzle Hunt
We are excited to bring back the 2nd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt this summer! With a focus on community building and outdoor fun, it is a fun, free opportunity for families and friends to solve puzzles together and explore all that our wonderful county has to offer. For more information and details, you can visit the Hunt’s “How-To Play” page.
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Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Morning on the Mall at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival- July 6
July 6: 9:30 to 11a.m. Morning on the Mall is a free program designed for children, teenagers, and young adults who are neurodivergent and their families. This event will include artists, performers, and athletes sharing their talents. Location- the National Mall between 7th and 12th St. NW and will be entirely outside.
Space is limited! Register early by emailing access@si.edu or by filling out the online registration form.
FRC Disability Awareness Open House- July 14
July 14: 12 to 2 p.m. In recognition of Disability Awareness Day, we invite you to join us at the Family Resource Center (FRC) to raise awareness of available resources for individuals with disabilities, while fostering family engagement, inclusion, and acceptance. Participants will have the opportunity to receive a guided tour of the Family Resource Center and to explore our library resources. No registration needed. Location- Dr. Larry Bussey Family Library- Room 105 (2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring)
Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole Sensory Friendly Hours
Sensory friendly times at The Water Mine return this year. The Water Mine (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston) will open to all those with disabilities and their families for a sensory friendly hour:
- Tuesday, July 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 5, 10 to 11 a.m.
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.
© 2025 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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