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 Graphic of fireworks lighting up the sky
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
As the summer season officially begins, I hope everyone takes time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the longer days with family and friends 🏖️. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and look ahead to new adventures 🌿.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I want to wish all Sully District families a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday. May this Independence Day be filled with community, celebration, and gratitude for the freedoms we share.
We are also seeking a community member to serve on the 📖 Challenged Materials Interdepartmental Review Committee (CMIRC). Please see below for more details.
Wishing everyone a safe and joyful summer and Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
📣Final Committee Appointment: Seeking Representative for Challenged Materials Interdepartmental Committee
We are looking to fill our final committee appointment and are seeking a community member to serve on the Challenged Materials Interdepartmental Review Committee (CMIRC), in accordance with Regulation 3009. The committee meets only in the event of formal challenges to instructional or library materials, which have occurred infrequently in recent years.
If you are interested in supporting thoughtful, balanced review processes, please fill out the CMIRC Interest Form by Wednesday, July 9 at 12:00 p.m. to be considered.
🎓Congratulations Class of 2025!🎉
 Collage of the Class of 2025's High School Graduation Ceremonies in the Sully District
I was honored to attend graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025 at several schools, including Centreville, Westfield, Chantilly, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. It was truly inspiring to see our 🐾Wildcats , 🐶 Bulldogs, ⚡Chargers, and 🏛️Colonials celebrated with pride, meaningful traditions, and heartfelt speeches.
Congratulations to all our graduates! Thank you to the dedicated FCPS staff whose hard work made these memorable celebrations possible.
Spotlight on Sully: Celebrating Student Talent at the Cappies Gala
 From left to right: School Board Members (SBM) Melanie Meren, Karl Frisch, Ricardy Anderson, Robyn Lady, Superintendent Dr. Reid, SBM Ryan McElveen, Student Representative Megan Sawant, SBM Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and SBM Seema Dixit
It was a true joy and honor to attend the 25th Annual Cappies National Capital Area Gala on June 2 at the Kennedy Center. The evening was a beautiful celebration of the creativity, dedication, and collaboration that define our student theatre programs.
Sully students shined brightly for their work on Into the Woods at Oakton High School. Savannah Day won for Comic Actress in a Musical, while Caroline Cochran and Eva Klinker were honored with the award for Props. Meera Ayyar was also recognized as Best Actress at the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards in Washington, D.C., for her powerful performance as the Witch.
I was especially proud to see students from Westfield High School and other Sully District schools represented so strongly—both on stage and behind the scenes. From standout performances to impressive technical achievements and insightful critiques, our students continue to inspire with their incredible talent and passion for the arts.
Celebrating Excellence at FCPS Honors Event
 FCPS Honors Event on June 11, 2025
On June 11, I had the privilege of attending the FCPS Honors event—a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible educators, leaders, and staff who make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. It was a joy to cheer on our Sully District nominees and award recipients, whose dedication and excellence embody the very best of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Congratulations to all the honorees! Your commitment to our schools, families, and communities is truly inspiring. Thank you for the impact you make each and every day.
Sully District Happenings
Honoring the Legacy of General Colin L. Powell
 Colin Powell Historical Marker
On Saturday, June 14, students, educators, community members, and friends and family of General Colin L. Powell gathered at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville to unveil a new historical marker celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of General Powell. A trailblazing military leader, statesman, and longtime Fairfax County resident, General Powell was also a lifelong advocate for youth and education.
This marker—the fourth installation in Fairfax County’s Black/African American Historical Marker Project—recognizes General Powell’s historic service as the first African American to serve as both Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State. It also honors his dedication to community service, including his role in launching a mentorship program between St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean and MacFarland Middle School in D.C., and his work as founding chair of America’s Promise Alliance, a national nonprofit committed to helping young people succeed.
The marker was proposed by a 17-year-old Langley High School student and parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal, who reflected on Powell’s humility and quiet leadership, writing that he deserved recognition not only for his national achievements but for the meaningful way he consistently showed up for his community.
Addison Smith, interim principal of Colin Powell Elementary, remarked, “The marker will allow upcoming generations of students to learn about the tremendous impact Colin Powell has made on the world and inspire young students to truly embody his morals and love of learning.”
The Black/African American Historical Marker Project was launched in 2021 as a partnership among the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, the History Commission, the Department of Planning and Development, and Neighborhood and Community Services. It supports the county’s One Fairfax policy and aims to tell a more inclusive and comprehensive history of Fairfax County by highlighting historically significant people, places, and events that have shaped the Black experience.
To learn more and view previous markers, visit the Black/African American Historical Marker Project website.
Story and photo courtesy of Fairfax County Government.
🎉Celebrating Sully Scholars: National Merit Winners Shine Bright
We are proud to recognize three outstanding Sully District students who have been named 2025 National Merit Scholarship winners! Congratulations to:
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Arnav Gupta (TJHSST), pursuing financial quantitative analysis, recipient of the National Merit Indiana University Bloomington Scholarship
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Seth Parcell (Oakton HS), pursuing computer science, recipient of the National Merit Purdue University Scholarship
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John Shinkman (TJHSST), pursuing international development, recipient of the National Merit Grinnell College Scholarship
These exceptional students were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and impressive achievements. We are thrilled to see Sully students leading the way!
🎊Sully Student Among Four Honored with Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship
Congratulations to Daniel Purvis of Chantilly High School, one of four students countywide selected to receive the Fairfax County NAACP’s Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship during the 2025 College Day event at the Gum Springs Community Center. This scholarship honors the legacy of Michelle Leete—a passionate advocate for education, equity, and community leadership. Daniel’s recognition reflects his dedication to these values, and we are proud to celebrate his achievements in the Sully District.
Building Our Future: Fairfax County School Board Approves Proposed 2025 School Bond Referendum
At the June 12 regular meeting, the Fairfax County School Board approved a resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors place a $460 million school bond referendum on the November 2025 ballot. The bond would support ongoing and new projects in Fairfax County Public Schools’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, aimed at ensuring safe, modern, and welcoming learning environments for all students.
“School facilities have a direct impact on student well-being and success,” said School Board Chair Karl Frisch. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid added, “This bond is about creating the conditions for excellence in public education.”
Pending approval by the Board of Supervisors later this month, the referendum will fund critical upgrades that benefit not only students, but the entire Fairfax community — which uses school facilities for approximately 500,000 events annually.
Comprehensive Boundary Review: Phase 2 Updates
 Cartoon of parents walking with their kids to school.
Fairfax County Public Schools has completed eight hybrid (in-person and virtual) community meetings as part of Phase 2 (Part 1) of the Comprehensive Boundary Review. More than 1,500 staff, families, and community members participated, sharing over 5,800 comments and 3,400 Pigeonhole submissions, which received more than 100,000 votes.
These meetings focused on three draft boundary scenarios and key issues such as overcrowding, split feeders, long travel times, and school facility challenges. No boundary changes are proposed for the 2025–26 school year.
What’s Next:
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Advisory committee subgroups will continue refining regional priorities through July
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The committee will reconvene on August 5
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In the fall, FCPS will host another round of community meetings to share updated draft scenarios (Phase 2, Part 2)
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Final recommendations will be presented to the Superintendent by the end of the year
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The Superintendent’s recommendations will be shared with the School Board in January 2026
📣 You can still share your thoughts! Submit feedback through the Boundary Explorer Tool and FCPS’ primary online feedback platform, before the comment feature closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18.
🔗 Visit the Boundary Review webpage for detailed updates, comment summaries, survey results, and meeting materials—and don’t forget to sign up for the Boundary Review newsletter to stay informed.
Student Opportunities
Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) Early Online College
Fall 2025: Tuition-Free College Courses for Rising Juniors and Seniors
NOVA’s Early Online College (EOC) program returns this fall, offering rising 11th and 12th grade FCPS students the chance to take up to two online college courses at no cost. These 12-week, asynchronous classes are for college credit only and begin on Monday, September 22, 2025, and end on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
A total of 13 courses are available, all selected to align with NOVA associate degree programs and widely transferable to other colleges and universities as general education credits.
Students must meet eligibility criteria based on GPA or test scores.
Please note: Some courses may require textbooks. Students will automatically be enrolled in NOVA’s All Access program ($22.50 per credit hour) for course materials, but can choose to opt out and purchase materials independently.
🗓️ Registration Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025, by 5 p.m.
For more information and course offerings, visit NOVA’s Early Online College website.
George Mason University Game & Technology Academy Classes
George Mason University’s Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) Prep Program offers Game Design and STEM classes in spring, summer, and fall. The classes are taught by school faculty, graduates, and advanced students to maximize fun, interactive, and cutting-edge instruction.
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Jump Back Up July
Let's find ways to bounce back!
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 July calendar with daily ideas for action.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
 Photo of all 12 FCPS school board members.
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Thursday, July 3, 7:00 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning Development Committee (CPDC) Meeting
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Thursday, July 10, 7:00 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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Thursday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Community Advisory Committee Charges and Appointments, etc.
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.
To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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