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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.
 Marcia’s Message
Franconia District's Fourth Quarter Recap
Dear Franconia Residents / Estimados Residentes de Franconia,
I can hardly believe we are so close to the first day of school. As we all agree, Franconia District is truly the best (no bias here 😉) and this 2024-2025 end of school year was no exception. We celebrated remarkable end-of-year events that highlighted our incredible talent and resilience. From our seniors graduating high school to scholarship recipients, a new principal at Woodley Hills, FCPS Honors winners, achieving our absenteeism goals, Cappie award winners, and so much more. I was able to share with so many of you and as we begin this 2025-26 school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for showing up. Whether you are a parent who attends every school event, brings a dish for a potluck, participates in weekend activities, or cheers for your children during sports games, your dedication to our students truly reflects our resilience. You prioritize the well-being of our students and the community, and this is just one of the many reasons I am honored to serve as your School Board Member Representative. I am looking forward to visiting more schools and reconnecting with familiar faces while also welcoming new ones.
In the recent School Board Meetings, I took the opportunity to highlight three important causes that resonate deeply with me. First, I paid tribute to an exceptional teacher from the Franconia District who left us far too soon. Second, I celebrated Immigrant Heritage Month. Lastly, I showcased the outstanding achievements of FCPS students in partnership with the Foundation for Technical Education. During a time when finding the silver lining can be challenging, I hope we can all recognize and appreciate the incredible contributions made by our teachers, staff, students, and community in our schools.
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School Board Meeting- June 26, 2025
I had the privilege of attending the Open House for the 13th home to be built by FCPS students in partnership with the Foundation for Technical Education.
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School Board Meeting- June 12, 2025
Board Matters Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month
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 Crestwood vs. Lynbrook Soccer Game
Jun 4, 2025
What do you get when you cross competition and absenteeism?
The BEST Attendance Challenge Soccer Game!
If you weren't able to attend and support the teams from Crestwood and Lynbrook Elementary Schools, you truly missed an amazing event! I thoroughly enjoyed watching so many students, families, community members, and staff come together for this wonderful cause. From the exciting game to the delicious food trucks, and the spirited competition alongside the news crew, it felt like we were celebrating a FIFA match.
Here are some noteworthy highlights from the news coverage that aired on Telemundo 44.
Lynbrook vs. Crestwood Photos
Cappies
The Cappies of the National Capital area held its annual awards gala honoring excellence in high school theater on June 2 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Awards brought home by Franconia students included the following:
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Category
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Winner
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Show Name
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School
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Stage Crew
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Dramahawks Run Crew
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Crazy for You
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Hayfield Secondary School
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Choreography
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Ava Taylor, Josie Sinniger, Karen Board
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Crazy for You
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Hayfield Secondary School
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🎉 Congratulations to all FCPS Graduates!
Watch a tribute to the FCPS Class of 2025.
FCPS Honors Its Marvelous Staff
Special Congratulations to our Franconia District Winners and Finalist
Read more about the awardees here.
 Winners:
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Award
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Staff Member
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Position
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School/Center
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Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
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Daniel J. Matheney
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Plumber Supervisor
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Edison Support Center, Facilities Services and Capital Programs
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Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee
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Raquel A. Joyner
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Special Education Department Chair
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Quander Road School
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Outstanding Nonschool - Based Professional Employee
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Deborah March
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John Lewis Leadership Program Manager
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Willow Oaks Administrative Center, Instructional Services
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Finalist:
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Award
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Staff Member
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Position
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School/Center
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Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher
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Mackenzie L. Fagan
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Fifth Grade Teacher
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Springfield Estates Elementary School
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Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher
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Casey Wright
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Kindergarten Teacher
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Hybla Valley Elementary School
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Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist
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Rebekah Griffith
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First Grade Teacher
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Riverside Elementary School
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Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher
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Sheridan A. Lusk
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History & Social Studies Teacher
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Hayfield Secondary School
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Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher
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Joshua Coleman McFarland
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Multiple Disabilities Teacher
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West Potomac High School
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Outstanding Secondary School Teacher
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Kate Kallfa
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Biology Teacher
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John R. Lewis High School
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Outstanding Secondary School Teacher
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Kristin Pennebaker
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Mathematics Teacher
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Mark Twain Middle School
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Outstanding Principal
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John Flowers
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Principal
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Walt Whitman Middle School
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Outstanding Principal
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C. Elizabeth Williams
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Principal
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Bren Mar Park Elementary School
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Outstanding New Principal
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Amanda Burke
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Principal
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Edison High School
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Outstanding New Principal
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Jen Fallert
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Principal
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Island Creek Elementary School
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Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
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Beth Curtis
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School Based Technology Specialist
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Key Center
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Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
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Beth Beaulieu
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Administrative Assistant III
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Bryant High School
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Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee ]
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Laurie Laso
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School Social Worker
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Bryant High School
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Outstanding School-Based Leader
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Warren P. Carrington Sr.
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Assistant Principal
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Hayfield Secondary School
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Outstanding School-Based Leader
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Mary Beth Starkey
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Assistant Principal
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Thomas A. Edison High School
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Outstanding School-Based Leader
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Florence "Pipi" Harrison
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Director of Student Services
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Bryant High School
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Pre-K Program Accepting Application
The FCPS PreK programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 3 and 4 years by September 30 who live in Fairfax County.
Applications are accepted online, by email, or by mail or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you a have question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Download the flyer or in translation at the following links:
Limited Early Release Days Continue Next Year: Wednesdays
Early release Wednesdays will start in mid-September 2025. Each elementary school will have a total of eight early release days throughout the school year, which is about one per month. Lunch will be provided on early release Wednesdays.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates for 2025-26 School Year
At the 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.
💯 Secondary Grading Updates
There will be new secondary grading policies 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.
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’ current 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.
Read more about the Cell Phone Policy.
🏫 Calendar Reminder: 2025 First Day of School
Monday, August 18, is the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year.
📅 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.
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.
Class of 2026 - SAT Information
2025 SAT and PSAT/NMSQT Day
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 8, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
🍴 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.
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.
Immunizations
In Virginia, it is required by law that students have certain immunizations in order to attend school. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and FCPS Regulation 2101 support this requirement.We encourage parents/caregivers to check with their family healthcare provider now to ensure their child is up to date with their required immunizations.
Immunization Resources webpage
🍎 Join Team FCPS!
Find Your Career Here
Whether you are just starting a career or are an experienced professional, Fairfax County Public Schools offers a wide range of rewarding careers and the support to help you grow with us! We’re proud of our supportive work environment that enables you to feel and do your best.
View current job openings.
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School Board News |
Keeping You In the Know
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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.
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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