|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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.
Board Meeting Recap: June 26, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Last Thursday, at the Fairfax County School Board’s regular meeting (agenda | video), we advanced key efforts to support first-generation college-bound students and celebrated academic excellence across FCPS.
Notably, we renewed our long-standing partnership with George Mason University’s Early Identification Program, which can result in guaranteed admission and scholarships for participating students.
We also heard an update on Portrait of a Graduate, FCPS’ instructional framework that helps students develop critical skills like collaboration, communication, and resilience. This work directly supports our Strategic Plan and prepares students for success beyond the classroom.
Finally, we celebrated outstanding student achievements with proclamations recognizing National Merit Scholars, participants in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and International Women in Engineering Day.
As always, I invite you to learn more about the budget changes and other topics discussed during last Thursday night’s meeting by reviewing the updates below. And, as always, you are welcome to attend School Board meetings (schedule) and register to share your thoughts with us during community participation (sign-up).
In service,
Karl Frisch
Chair and Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents:
FCPS Renews Partnership with George Mason’s Early Identification Program
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board approved a new five-year contract with George Mason University to continue the Early Identification Program (EIP) — a long-standing initiative supporting first-generation college-bound students. FCPS has partnered with EIP since 1987, providing students in grades 8 through 12 with resources such as academic mentoring, STEM enrichment, family engagement workshops, and a signature three-week Summer Academy.
The contract, valued at $375,000 over five years, ensures that students who complete the program with a 3.2 GPA are guaranteed admission to GMU, with scholarship eligibility for those earning a 3.5 or higher. In addition to its academic and college planning services, the program aligns with FCPS’ strategic goals around equity, access, and student success.
Motion: R. Anderson, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 10, No 0, Absent 1
Academic Matters: Portrait of a Graduate
Video | Meeting Materials
For Academic Matters, the Superintendent presented an update on the Portrait of a Graduate (POG) initiative—FCPS’ instructional framework designed to equip global citizenship, and goal-directed, resilient habits. Students develop these essential skills through daily instruction and reflection, with each grade level focused on cultivating students with the durable skills necessary for success in school, career, and life. These attributes include communicator, collaborator, ethical and global citizen, creative and critical thinker, and goal-directed and resilient individual. Participation in the program ensures students are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The presentation highlighted how students document their growth by adding examples of their learning to personal POG portfolios throughout the year. Elementary schools periodically dedicate time for students to “drop everything and reflect” on how they’re applying POG skills in their classrooms, while middle and high school students participate in advisory lessons focused on these durable skills. At the conclusion of the school year, students share their progress through a Presentation of Learning, reflecting on how they’ve grown. Dr. Reid emphasized that these lifelong skills are those that artificial intelligence cannot replace, and that FCPS’s continued investment in this work supports Strategic Plan Goals 3 and 5: academic growth, excellence, and leading for tomorrow’s innovation.
The Superintendent shared this video highlighting POG in action across FCPS:
Proclamation: Honoring International Women in Engineering Day
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board proclaimed June 23, 2025, as International Women in Engineering Day in Fairfax County Public Schools and encouraged all members of our community to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women engineers—past and present—and to support inclusive, equitable access to engineering and STEAM opportunities for all students.
Motion: Dixit, Second: McDaniel / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Proclamation: Honoring FCPS National Merit Scholarship Winners
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized and commended the students who have received National Merit Scholarships this year.
Congratulations to the Providence District students recognized as National Merit Scholars:
Dhruv Chandna (computer science), TJHSST; Chloe Choi (chemical engineering), Woodson HS; Jason Hao (financial quantitative analysis), TJHSST.
Motion: McElveen, Second: Moon / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Proclamation: Honoring FCPS Participants in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Video | Meeting Materials
The Board recognized and commended students who qualified to attend the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, celebrating their ingenuity, determination, and contributions to the advancement of science and engineering.
Congratulations to the Providence District students honored for this achievement: Alina Albeik, Marshall HS; Ethan Lee, TJHSST; Thomas Sparling, Oakton HS.
Motion McElveen, Second: Lady / Vote: Yes 11, No 0, Absent 1
Student Performance of the National Anthem
The Board meeting began with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by Jocelyn Looney from South Lakes High School:
Board Matters: Providence District Update
At the end of most meetings, School Board Members provide updates from their communities about school visits, activities, upcoming events, and more. Here is a video of my update:
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español: Para ver las reuniones de la Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las reuniones regulares en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
