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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.
August 2025 Newsletter
 Cartoon of kids playing sports at summer camp.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
We're in the midst of summer, a season that has brought energy and meaningful connections throughout our school community. From engaging in enrichment programs to discovering new passionsāor simply taking time to rechargeāstudents are making the most of these weeks. As summer continues, we remain dedicated to thoughtful planning and preparation to ensure a strong and successful start to the school year š
At the July 10 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously elected Sandy Anderson (Springfield District) as Chair and Robyn Lady (Drainesville District) as Vice Chair. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing Chair, Karl Frisch (Providence District), for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service. I look forward to continuing our collaborative work. Working in partnership with our superintendent, devoted teachers and staff, we remain dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every student in Fairfax County.Ā
Each summer, the School Board undergoes a reorganization of its standing committees and liaison assignments. For the current term, I am honored to serve in the following capacities:
I am committed to these roles and look forward to collaborating with our community to support the educational success of all students in Fairfax County.
I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to our new and former community advisory representatives for their invaluable contributions, and to everyone who expressed interest in the open roles we posted this summer in Julyāeven if they were not selectedāfor stepping forward and demonstrating your commitment to our schools.
At the July 17 meeting, the School Board updated Policy 8130 to clarify how future school boundary adjustments may be phased in by grade level to ease transitions for students and families ā please find more information in the newsletter below.
As always, I value hearing from the Sully community and am happy to address any questions or concerns by email, phone, or in person. To keep up with weekly updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the summer! Keep an eye out for my back-to-school newsletter before the school year begins.
Ā
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
šSchool Board Updates Policy on Phasing for Future Boundary Adjustments
At its July 17 meeting, the School Board approved revised language in Policy 8130 to provide clearer guidance on how future school boundary adjustments may be phased in when feasible. The goal is to minimize disruption for students and families.
Key updates include:
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Elementary Schools: New boundaries will apply to rising kindergarten through 3rd grade students in schools with grades Kā5, and to rising kindergarten through 4th grade students in schools with grades Kā6. Older students may choose to stay at their current school or move to the new one.
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Middle Schools: In schools with grades 6ā8, new boundaries apply to incoming 6th graders. In schools with grades 7ā8, new boundaries apply to incoming 7th graders. Current students may remain at their current school or move.
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High Schools: New boundaries apply to incoming 9th graders. Students entering grades 10ā12 may remain at their current school or transfer.
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Secondary Schools (Grades 7ā12): New boundaries will apply to incoming 7th graders. Students in grades 8ā12 may choose to stay or move to the new school.
The policy allows for grade-by-grade phasing or other customized plans based on the specific boundary study. These changes do not apply when opening or closing a school.
Learn more on BoardDocs.
Educate Fairfax's Supplies for Success Campaignšš
 Educate Fairfax'sĀ annual Supplies for Success campaign is going on right now to help FCPS students start the school year strong. This yearās goal: raise $525,000 to provide school supply kits, backpacks, and essential items for over 35,000 students in 50 Title I schools.
Donations are tax-deductible and go directly to students in need. You can even host or join a virtual supply drive with your workplace, school club, or neighborhood group.
Thanks to community and business partnerships, Educate Fairfax continues to make a lasting impact. Letās help every FCPS student start the 2025ā26 school year prepared for success!
š½ļø Summer Meals for Students
Ā FCPSā Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check FCPSā Food and Nutrition Services webpage and the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder for specific dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please email summermeals@fcps.edu or call 703-813-4800.Ā
š“ Apply Today for Free and Reduced Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.Ā
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage.
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Sully District Happenings
šµ Oak Hillās Money Camp Makes a Triumphant Return
After a five-year break, Oak Hill Elementaryās beloved Money Camp is back ā giving rising 3rdā6th graders a fun, hands-on introduction to real-world financial literacy. Students in āCent Cityā take on jobs, earn income, pay taxes, and run small businesses, all while learning about budgeting, marketing, and economic decision-making. From managing surprise expenses to creating their own currency (ābanananasā), campers gain essential life skills that align with FCPS Portrait of a Graduate goals ā growing as resilient, collaborative, and financially savvy citizens.
š Congratulations to Jack Koo of Centreville High School for being awarded the 2025 National Merit Vanderbilt University Scholarship! Jack is one of three Fairfax County Public Schools students recognized this year by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their exceptional academic achievements. He plans to pursue a career in law and will receive an annual scholarship of $500 to $2,000 for up to four years of undergraduate study at Vanderbilt University. Jack's dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we wish him continued success in his future endeavors. š
Student Opportunities
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutorsā services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
Multilingual Learner Progress and Graduation Success
During the Academic Matters segment of the July 10 meeting, the School Board heard an update on the progress of multilingual learners in Fairfax County Public Schools. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), all multilingual learners are assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS test, which measures growth in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
FCPS has seen steady gains over the last three years in the percentage of students meeting English language development progress goals:
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2023: 48.3%
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2024: 55.5%
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2025: 57.1%
A video featuring Timber Lane Elementary School showcased English Language Development instruction in action, highlighting how FCPS is helping students thrive across all subjects. This work supports Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence and Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity in the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
The Superintendent also shared an update on Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrowās Innovation, celebrating this yearās more than 14,000 graduates. A video spotlighted the powerful impact of relationships, belonging, and personalized support in helping every student graduate with confidence, skills, and a path forward.
For more information, watch the meeting video and review the meeting materials.
Middle School After-School Programs
At the July 17 meeting, the Superintendent highlighted the robust after-school programs available at all FCPS middle schools. These free programs operate five days a week and are designed to support student growth in key areas, including:
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Academic Achievement
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Student Behavior
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Social Competence
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Relationship Building
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Community Involvement
Each middle school offers approximately 12ā15 hours of programming weekly and provides late bus transportation to ensure students can participate safely. Across the division, students have access to more than 940 unique after-school activities, offering enriching experiences that help them build confidence, connections, and new skills.
For more information, watch the meeting video and review the presentation slides.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Altruistic August
Let's create a wave of kindness to spread around the world. Ā
Go toĀ Action for HappinessĀ for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 August calendar with daily ideas for action.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental healthāor your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.Ā
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff isĀ available by phoneĀ 703-204-3941Ā or emailĀ 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.
š± 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.Ā
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason Universityās 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 centerās 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.Ā
Upcoming School Board Meetings
 Photo of all 12 FCPS school board members
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.Ā
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.
ReunionesĀ de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en EspaƱol
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 EspaƱol o escanee el cĆ³digo QR. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use theĀ officialĀ 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.
Ā© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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