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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 an amazing first week of school! I had the opportunity to join the Superintendent on a few school visits throughout the Springfield District on the first day, starting bright and early at 5:00 a.m. at Centreville High School. It was awesome to see the excitement and hear all the reports about a smooth start to the school year! 

We are in a pivotal moment for public education in our country, and because of the size and prestige of Fairfax County Public Schools, we are naturally going to be the focus of many of these issues. One of the clearest examples is related to the statement Dr. Reid sent out last Friday regarding our efforts to resolve a matter with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concerning Fairfax County Public Schools’ policies and regulations on bathroom and locker room use based on gender identity. You can read her full statement here. Along with many of my colleagues, I want to reiterate these particular words from her statement: “…FCPS remains dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff members, including our transgender and gender-expansive community. Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason, shall continue to be provided with reasonable accommodations.”

I sincerely hope we are able to dispel these types of attacks on our schools as quickly as possible to ensure that we can all stay solely focused on our mission to continue to provide a world-class education to every student in our buildings.

I also wanted to share that, along with my role as Chair of the Board, 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:

• Administration Committee: member
• City of Fairfax School Board: liaison

I am excited to get back to work, and I will be in touch soon!

Sandy Anderson

This newsletter includes information on the following issues:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• School Board Work
• Superintendent Updates
• Springfield District Scene
• Student Opportunities
• Community News
• Family and Student Resources
• In Case you Missed It
• Quick Links

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.

• August 26 at 1 p.m. - Work Session: Boundary Discussion and new Western High School
• August 28 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: To be determined
• September 9 at 1 p.m. - Work Session: Budget Session and Legislative Program
• September 11 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: To be determined
• September 16 at 5 p.m. - Work Session: Will only occur if needed
• September 25 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Legislative Program, 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

Revisions to Policy 8258: Building Evaluation, Building Renovation, and Infrastructure Maintenance

At the June 26 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve revisions to Policy 8258. The policy changes provide the following:

• Required demolition of School Board-owned facilities that, following conduct of a building evaluation, are deemed uninhabitable;
• Identification of structures approaching end-of-life status during performance of infrastructure assessments to facilitate timely planning and budgeting for necessary renovation, remediation, or demolition of each such facility; and
• Development of appropriate criteria for determining when a School Board-owned facility is uninhabitable, as that term is used in this Policy.

A follow-on motion declared the building at 7010 Clifton Road, formerly the Clifton Elementary School, as uninhabitable and directed 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 will request an extension from the Board as outlined in Policy 8258.3. The change effectively makes it possible for FCPS to demolish Clifton Elementary School, which has stood unoccupied for the last 15 years. School Board Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel and I worked with the council and mayor of the Town of Clifton to ensure we had community support for this process.

Acquisition of Western High School Property

To meet the long-term educational facility needs of the western region of Fairfax County, FCPS has been actively searching for suitable property to build a new high school. According to the FY 2026–30 Capital Improvement Plan, the projected cost for such a project—including land and construction—was estimated at more than $431 million.

In recent months, FCPS identified a promising site in Herndon at 2949 Education Drive. The 30-acre property, which has operated as a K-12 private school since 2016, features a 325,000 square-foot educational building. This building includes two amphitheater-style outdoor classrooms, robotics and ceramics labs, modern performing arts and athletic facilities, multiple dining areas, and two 15,000-square-foot administrative buildings.

With School Board authorization, FCPS submitted—and the seller accepted—a $150 million offer for the property, inclusive of all furnishings and equipment. The purchase remains contingent on satisfactory due diligence, including environmental and structural assessments.  With its existing 325,000-square-foot educational facility and modern amenities, this acquisition represents significant savings compared to new construction.

The School Board voted to approve the acquisition of this 30-acre campus in Herndon to serve as the future site of a western high school at the June 12 regular meeting. 

Superintendent’s Annual Summative Evaluation

Each year, the School Board conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the Superintendent’s performance, grounded in the work we’ve done together throughout the year. This process centers around two major accountability structures: Executive Limitations and Strategic Plan Goals. These tools help ensure the division not only meets its goals but does so in a way that aligns with the Board’s expectations for leadership, operations, and equity.

Executive Limitations, found on pages 14-31 of the Strategic Governance Manual, serve as the Board’s operational guardrails, outlining how the Superintendent must lead the school system to achieve its mission and goals. Throughout the year, the Board receives detailed monitoring reports from the Superintendent to ensure compliance with the regulations. When a report is found to be out of compliance, a corrective action plan is required. Recent examples include follow-up action on Human Resources and Asset Protection, with revised plans and further Board votes to address areas of concern.

At the same time, the Board reviews progress on each of the five goals in our Strategic Plan through detailed reports and presentations during all-day work sessions and regular meetings. These goal reports assess the division’s progress and outline plans to enhance outcomes in areas that require improvement.

These year-round evaluations culminate in June when the Board uses the Virginia Department of Education’s performance standards to complete the Superintendent’s official evaluation. Each Executive Limitation and Strategic Plan Goal Report is aligned with one or more of the state’s eight standards, encompassing topics like Strategic Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Culturally Responsive Division Leadership, and Student Academic Progress. Board members then conduct individual evaluations using these resources and metrics, which are then combined to reflect the Board’s final annual assessment. The evaluation is then shared with the Superintendent, and a summary is posted online. By state law, this process must conclude by June 30 each year.

Proclamations

I was pleased to support the following proclamations at the Board’s June 26 and July regular meetings.

• Honoring the Quander Family
• Honoring the FCPS Participants in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
• International Women in Engineering Day
• Honoring FCPS National Merit Scholarship Winners
• Honoring School Board Community Advisory Committees
• Honoring Disability Pride Month
• Honoring Juliana Russell’s Legacy of Service as a Beloved Fairfax County Career and Technical Education Teacher

Faith Mekonen Begins Term as 2025-26 School Board Representative

Faith Mekonen, a senior at South County High School, has begun her one-year term as Student Representative to the Fairfax County School Board. Mekonen will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position previously held by Megan Sawant, a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Mekonen is the 55th Student Representative to the School Board.

Mekonen has three main focuses as student representative: reducing discipline disproportionality, elevating student voice in policy decisions, and the implementation of the revised grading and cell phone policy.

Read more online and view the video below.

Superintendent Updates

Back-to-School Checklist

☑️ Sign up for SIS in ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Obtain information about students in the same family through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Contact Information

Be sure you receive important information from your schools. Update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE. By doing so, you’ll be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit day-long absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.”

Note: Partial-day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office. 

☑️ Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.

Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to your school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.

☑️ Prepare for Meals at School

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meal benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. Food and Nutrition Services has a standardized process for requesting dietary accommodations to make sure every child eats safe and healthy food at school. 

Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The application for free and reduced-price meals is now available for the 2025-26 school year. 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 reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Paying for Lunch With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. 

With MySchoolBucks, you can add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information. 

Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account and helping your child learn their PIN. Food and Nutrition Services staff will email you your child’s PIN. Your school’s front office staff can help with any additional questions.

☑️ Save the Date: Back-to-School Nights

The schedule for back-to-school nights is available by region: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, and Region 6. Don’t know your school’s region? Click on “School Profile” on your school’s website.

☑️  Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

• Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
• Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
• Days marked in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.

Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al-Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.

☑️ Complete Permission Forms for School Resources

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Opt your child in or out of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed. Parents/caregivers of elementary students can opt in/out of after-school care on early release Wednesdays. 

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Elementary Parents: Opt In/Opt Out for Early Release Wednesday Childcare

As a reminder, elementary school students will be released three hours early on eight Wednesdays during the 2025-26 school year. View the early release Wednesday dates on our website.  

We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. However, when necessary, we will ensure that students have supervised activities at the school and return home at the regular time if that is what works best for your family. 

Elementary school parents and caregivers should log in to the Parent Digital Consent system to review and provide consent for Early Release Wednesday Childcare.

• OPT IN if you require childcare on our limited early release Wednesdays.
• OPT OUT if your child will go home (or to childcare arranged with SACC or another provider) at the early release time. 

No new instruction will take place, as after-school care is strictly supervision.

Families need to complete the opt-in form by Monday, August 25, to receive care for all early release Wednesdays. If a family needs to change their selection, they should notify their school one week in advance to ensure enough staff are available to provide supervision.

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online, to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects, and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.

A Schoology parent account gives you access to:

• Your child’s classes.
• Your child’s upcoming assignments.
• School, class, and group announcements.

To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS ParentVUE account. Find more information on how to log in and use Schoology.

Weapons Detection System

In our latest effort to strengthen our layered safety and security programs, FCPS piloted a weapon screening system across our high schools last spring. This weapon screening system will be expanded to all middle and high schools this fall. Learn more on the weapons detection frequently asked questions page.

🔒 Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our top priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

As you may be aware, lessons on gun safety are already built into our curriculum; however, all parents and guardians must talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes and any homes that their children may visit.

Our website has resources for parents about gun safety as well as detailed information about FCPS safety and security practices in our buildings.

📅 Calendar Adjustment: September Special Election

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set Tuesday, September 9, as the date for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Because more than half of our schools serve as polling locations, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked us to consider closing for the day.

Therefore, all FCPS schools will be closed on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.

📍 Update on Comprehensive Boundary Review and Key Takeaways from the 8/5/25 Committee Meeting

I am sharing updates regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review process. We invite you to read a letter from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid with information about:

• Key takeaways from the August 5 Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee meeting.

• Comments from the Pigeonhole platform, which was used to collect feedback at the spring community meetings, are now available on our website. The data is organized by region. 

• What’s next in the comprehensive boundary review process.

Staff are working to upload more than 13,000 comments submitted via the FCPS Boundary Explorer Tool and from FCPS’ primary online communications tool. Please stay tuned.

Staff will continue to share feedback submitted via their primary communications platform with the committee and the consultant through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20. This will allow them enough time to review the feedback, which will help inform the next set of draft scenarios.

Quick Reminders

• No boundary changes have been proposed for the upcoming (2025-26) school year.

Comprehensive Boundary Review Quick Links

• Main Webpage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Glossary
• Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee
• Timeline

✏️ Help Students Who Need School Supplies

Educate Fairfax is excited to continue its yearly campaign to support FCPS students. Thanks to business partnerships and the community, Educate Fairfax helps students begin the new school year prepared for academic success. 

This year, Educate Fairfax will provide basic supplies to thousands of students in need, from school supply kits and backpacks to gift cards for essential needs such as food and basic hygiene items. 

Every donation through Educate Fairfax goes directly to students in need and is tax-deductible. Thank you for any support you can offer to our students.

💯 Middle School and High School Grading Updates

There will be new grading policies for all middle and high school classes in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about middle and high school grading policy updates.

Help Keep Students Safe — Become a Crossing Guard

Dependable and caring adults are needed to serve as crossing guards, helping students safely bike and walk to and from our schools. This is a great opportunity for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking to make a difference in their community. Crossing guards will earn $16.50 per hour and receive bonus time: Work 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school for a total of one hour a day and earn $33.00.

The Fairfax County Police Department has engaged a company, ACMS, to recruit crossing guards. Please visit their website to learn more and apply.

Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools

A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students,  parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities in the division. 

All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.

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.

Springfield District Scene

The Region 4 Leadership Team and I are pleased to announce that Ashleigh Long has been selected as the new principal of Cardinal Forest Elementary School. Long is an experienced and dedicated educational leader with a deep commitment to inclusive practices, instructional excellence, and strong school communities. She has served as an assistant principal at both Cardinal Forest and Union Mill Elementary Schools. Her leadership has contributed to stronger collaborative teams, data-informed instructional improvement, and increased outcomes for all learners.

Prior to becoming an administrator, Long served as a special education resource teacher in the FCPS Office of School Support, where she coached school leaders and teachers, developed instructional capacity, and facilitated professional development focused on high-leverage practices, collaborative team structures, and inclusive instruction. She has led professional learning for teachers, administrators, and central office staff at both the region and division levels. With a background in special education and a passion for building teacher capacity and fostering supportive environments for all students, Long partners with staff through coaching, data dialogues, and high-quality professional learning aligned to the School Improvement and Innovation Plan.  Please join us in congratulating Ashleigh Long on her new role as principal of Cardinal Forest Elementary School.

Over two days, Centreville High School Wildcat Mentors came to school to receive training on how to conduct community circles. Students were open and enthusiastic about the process and will use their skills to conduct these circles in 9th-grade ROAR classes once a week to build connection and belonging with the newest Wildcats!

Congratulations to Chantilly High School 2025 graduate, Akshara Subburam, for receiving a National Merit Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarship to study medicine! Way to go!

Over the summer, at Kings Glen Elementary School, students participated in the CodeUp Summer Program funded by the DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) grants. Students engaged in hands-on learning that blended technology, engineering, and environmental science in creative and memorable ways. Read more in FCPS News.

At Lake Braddock Secondary School this summer, students took part in Production Camp, a new offering from the Institute for the Arts (IFTA). The summer enrichment program gives middle and high school students hands-on experience in visual arts, music, theater, and dance. Production Camp challenges students to develop and perform a full-length musical in just three weeks. Read more in FCPS News.

A historical marker honoring General Colin L. Powell was unveiled at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville on Saturday, June 14. Students, educators, community members, friends, and family of Powell attended the unveiling of the marker, which highlights his legacy as an advocate for youth initiatives, a trailblazing military leader, statesman, and longtime resident of Fairfax County. The dedication marks the fourth installation in the county’s Black/African American Historical Marker Project. Read more about the latest installation.

Congratulations to White Oaks Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association on earning the two-year 2024-2026 National PTA School of Excellence designation for their effective family-school partnerships!

I am happy to share an update on Willow Springs Elementary School’s Luciana Nishanian, a 2025 ExploraVision competition national winner. Recently, she shared her work with members of the House and Senate while on Capitol Hill to receive her award, as well as with executives from Toshiba. Luciana also met with staff from Senator Mark Warner’s office. One of the most unforgettable moments for her was meeting Bill Nye, who not only took time to speak with her but also asked thoughtful questions about her project, Electro-Buzz, which uses AI-powered drones to mimic the behavior of bees and pollinate crops. What an incredible experience! Way to go!

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.

❤️‍🩹 Applications Open for Fall 2025 Public Health Youth Ambassadors Program

Applications are now open for Fairfax County’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) fall 2025 cohort. This program trains high school students in grades 10 through 12 across Fairfax County on important public health topics, including:

• Reducing opioid use
• Addressing teen mental health
• Becoming a Community Health Worker

PHYAP provides students with certifications from two nationally-recognized public health institutions, Morehouse College and George Mason University, for each of these areas.

Find more information online. The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 28, at 5 p.m.

🏆 2025 Champion of Character Award Nominations 

It’s time to submit nominations for this year’s Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards.

This award honors one female athlete, one male athlete, one coach, and one parent from each magisterial district in Fairfax County. It is a prestigious recognition, with top county and school officials in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Nominees may be of any age, from any sport, and at any level, and should embody the values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, and Fairness — core traits that reflect true sportsmanship and strengthen our teams, schools, and communities both on and off the field. 

Providence District is home to many talented athletes, committed coaches, and dedicated parents — let’s make sure we’re represented! Submit your nominations by September 1, 2025.

🏛 Virginia Student Advisory Board Opportunity

Governor Youngkin and Secretary Guidera are excited to announce that the application for the 2024-2025 Student Advisory Board is now open! The Student Advisory Board is a highly competitive group comprising one student from every superintendent’s region in the Commonwealth. The Board works closely with the Virginia Department of Education to gather student perspectives and play a vital role in shaping policy by the Virginia Board of Education.

Students are chosen based on demonstrated academic achievement and passion for educational policy issues. The students will pick an education topic of their choosing and present suggested policy solutions to the Board of Education. Additionally, the students will have a private meeting with Governor Youngkin to present their ideas.

The application is due September 30, 2025. Applications are open to any rising high school senior. The Student Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month beginning in October and will present to the Board of Education in June 2025. The application is available on the Secretary of Education’s website.

Please visit the Secretary of Education’s website for any additional information, and contact Ms. Hannah Keeton Hughson at hannah.hughson@governor.virginia.gov  with questions.

⚙ AI Bootcamp for High School Students

The Mark Cuban AI Foundation is offering an AI Bootcamp for high school students. Students will participate in building AI systems, gain a clear understanding of what AI truly is (and what it is not), see how AI plays a role in their daily lives, delve into the ethical aspects of AI technologies, and explore much more. The camp will be held in Richmond on November 1st, 8th, and 15th, 2025.

The application deadline is September 30, 2025. Apply online.

The Congressional App Challenge Encourages High School Coders

The Congressional App Challenge serves as an opportunity for high school students to be more engaged in coding in their district. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district-specific. U.S. Representatives publicly recognize their winning teams, and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year.

• Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov.
• Winning students are invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.
• Additional sponsor prizes are to be announced!

For more information, visit the Congressional App Challenge website. To register, visit the registration page of the Congressional App Challenge website. The deadline is Thursday, October 30, 2025, at noon.

LearnServe Fellows Program for High School Students 

Community News

🎽 Asha-Jyothi 17th Annual Run-Walk

As in previous years, FCPS schools are invited to participate in the nonprofit Asha-Jyothi 5k Run/Walk at 4250 Fairfax Corner Avenue, Fairfax, VA  22030 on Sunday, September 21, 2025. To sign up, participating staff, students, and/or their families visit the webpage to register: (https://asha-jyothi.redpodium.com/2025fairfax5k). Use the coupon “AJ4Schools” to receive $10 off the 5K.

 Asha-Jyothi, a volunteer-based global nonprofit organization based in Chantilly, is dedicated to supporting the community through health care and education initiatives and has given over $350,000 to FCPS through its Educate and Innovate Program Grants. Schools such as Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, and Woodson High Schools, as well as Franklin, Frost, Katherine Johnson, Liberty, and Rocky Run Middle Schools, and Eagle View, Greenbriar East, and West, and Willow Springs Elementary Schools, have received grants for innovation labs and technology education.

Family and Student Resources

Resources for Families New to FCPS

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.

• Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
• Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
• Do You Know About Community Liaisons? – Community liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First

If you or your child has concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the security or administrative team so that we may quickly address the issue.  Students and parents may also utilize the FCPS Office of Safety and Security safety tip line, which you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).

If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.

Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.

🆘 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

📞 Parent Information Lines 

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.

📑 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 Tutors’ 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.

💻 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, fears
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships
• Academic stress

You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association

Fairfax County Special Education PTA, or SEPTA, is a PTA that serves students with disabilities and their families and staff across all 200 schools in Fairfax County Public Schools. SEPTA was founded in 2017 by a small group of families who were determined to build an organization where they could unite parents and staff to build connections, share experiences, educate one another, laugh and cry together, and work to bring about positive change in the lives of their children and students with disabilities. Throughout the year, we host educational presentations open to all on a variety of special education topics, from navigating community resources to IEP meeting tips and strategies to social-emotional learning topics like bullying and anxiety. Our membership dues and fundraising primarily support our staff mini-grants program and our end-of-year awards ceremony. Please keep an eye on SEPTA’s website and social media for 2025-2026 membership information, coming soon! Questions? Contact president@fairfaxcountysepta.org.

Updated Special Education and 504 Handbooks

The Department of Special Services has updated and translated key resources to help our families of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or Section 504 Plan:

• Section 504 Procedures Manual
• Special Education Handbook for Parents
• Special Education Glossary

These resources help family and staff understand procedures, rights, and processes. Find additional information on the Special Education Instruction and Family Academy: Resources to Support Special Education and 504 Plans pages.

Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider

Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. Attend a workshop on Wednesday, September 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. that will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.

Find more information on the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center website.

Virginia Commonwealth University Support for Individuals and Family Members

The Center for Family Involvement, which is part of the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University, has a network of staff and volunteer Family Navigators who have lived experience and provide one-to-one emotional, informational, and systems navigational support for individuals with disabilities and their family members. For more information and assistance on a wide variety of resources. Call the Helpline (877) 567-1122, email cfihelpline@vcu.edu, or complete the online form.

Arc of Northern Virginia - Upcoming Workshops and Special Events

The Arc of Northern Virginia protects and promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They host a variety of informational and educational events throughout the year. You can attend these events in several formats, including live online webinars, in-person workshops, and round-table discussions. Their events also include multi-day conferences.

View their website for more information.

🚍 Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall High Schools, and Davis Center can ride the Student Bus Pass + Metrobus for free, in addition to the Fairfax Connector and the City of Fairfax CUE. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

❤️‍🩹 Eight Self-Care Tips for Back-to-School Season

As school starts up again, it's easy for parents to get overwhelmed. Between new routines, after-school activities, and sports leagues, it's more important than ever to make time for yourself. Taking care of your well-being isn't selfish; it's essential.

Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services offers some helpful strategies for managing stress and staying sane during this busy time:

• Set boundaries. Don't be afraid to say no to extra commitments. Knowing your limits will prevent you from getting burned out and allow you to focus on what truly matters.
• Take short breaks. Even a few minutes to breathe, stretch, or simply be still can recharge your mind.
• Connect with other parents. You're not the only one feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your experiences can lighten the load and remind you that you're not alone.
• Create routines. A predictable daily schedule for you and your kids can provide stability and reduce anxiety for the whole family.
• Make self-care a family activity. Take a walk together, have a game night, or practice gratitude as a family. This not only nurtures everyone's well-being but also strengthens your family bonds.
• Focus on sleep and nutrition. A well-rested and nourished body is better equipped to handle stress. Make sure everyone in the house is getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals.
• Delegate tasks. Ask for help with school preparations or household chores. Sharing the load with your partner or kids can reduce pressure and foster teamwork.

Introduce mindfulness. Simple techniques like deep breathing can help your children handle back-to-school jitters.

Fairfax County Education Programs

The Fairfax County Children, Youth, and Families Department offers free services to help families develop important skills to grow healthy relationships with their children, including

• Parenting Education Classes
• Parent Support Line
• Parent Cafés (Virtual)
• Parenting 101 Videos
• Parenting Tips and Resources (Sign up for their newsletter.)

For more information, visit the Parenting Education Programs web page.

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board’s Wellness, Health Promotion, and Prevention Program

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board's Wellness, Health Promotion, and Prevention (WHHP) team is dedicated to improving our community's emotional well-being and resilience. They do this by offering training, workshops, presentations, and campaigns, and by actively participating in community events. Their efforts specifically address challenges related to mental health concerns, suicide, and substance misuse.

All Fairfax County adult and young adult residents are eligible to participate in their classes, which include:

• Talk. They Hear You. Underage Drinking & Substance Use Presentation
• Mental Health First Aid (Youth and Adult)
• Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (REVIVE! Kit Training)
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

To learn more about their services and view upcoming training, visit their program webpage. You may also email them directly at csbprevention@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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.

September offerings include:

• September 5, 10-11:30 a.m. - New School Year, New Strategies: How to Prepare for the Best Back-to-School Start
• September 12, 10-11:30 a.m. - Together is Better: Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators

• September 19, 10-11:30 a.m. - Worried Parents, Anxious Kids: How to Help Your Student Manage School-Related Anxiety
• September 26, 10-11:30 a.m. - What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Student with Disabilities

In Case You Missed It

• July 9 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
• Back-to-School Immunization Requirements and Clinics
• FCPS Student Interns
• Updates to Student Rights and Responsibilities
• July 23 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
• Special Education Job Opportunities
• Calendar Reminders

• August 7 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
  • What’s Cooking at FCPS
  • School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4
  • FCPS’ New Login Experience
• August 13 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.

  • New Technology on Buses Enhances Student Safety

  • Updates to FCPS’ Cell Phone Policy

  • Student Interns Reflect on Summer Experience with FCPS

• Happy #First Day Fairfax! FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.

  • Ten Things to do to be Ready for School

  • Walk, Bike, and Ride to School Safely

  • Welcome Back, From the Superintendent

• August 20 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
  • Help Your Child Navigate the Lunch Line
  • Girls Flag Football Takes the Field This Fall
  • FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan
• July FCPS Business & Community Partnerships Newsletter
• August FCPS Business & Community Partnerships Newsletter
• July Global Classroom Project News & Information Newsletter

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, sign up today.

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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.

© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

Contact: Sandy Anderson  |  571-423-1080

Executive Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Sheridan | 571-423-1065