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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.
Welcome to the New School Year!
 [ Video with English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Arabic Subtitles ]
Dear Neighbors,
As your Providence District School Board Member, I send my best wishes to you and your family for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, which begins on Monday!
I hope your summer provided a chance to recharge, explore new interests, and enjoy meaningful time with friends and family.
Whether you’re returning for another exciting year or stepping into our schools for the very first time — including our preschoolers, kindergartners, and new families — we’re thrilled to have you in the FCPS community.
And to the Class of 2026 — this is your moment. Lean in, lead with curiosity, and make the most of every opportunity on your path toward graduation.
Each school year is a fresh chapter — a chance to learn, grow, and create memories that last a lifetime.
As we begin this new year, I encourage you to take a moment to thank the extraordinary teachers, administrators, and support staff who work tirelessly to make our schools welcoming, inclusive, and empowering spaces where every student can thrive.
Together with Superintendent Reid and my School Board colleagues, I remain focused on advancing the student-centered vision of our school division’s strategic plan — one that upholds excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students to realize their unique and limitless potential.
We know that when we center students in every decision we make, we create a stronger, more resilient future for everyone.
As always, I look forward to seeing you at school events and out in the community. Our schools are at their best when they reflect the strength and spirit of the neighborhoods they serve.
Your voice matters — whether it’s at a PTA gathering, a school board meeting, or in a quiet conversation with a neighbor.
Let’s make this year one of bold learning, shared joy, and powerful progress. I can’t wait to see all that our students will accomplish — and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.
Welcome back, and thank you to our parents and other caregivers for everything they do to support our students and educators. If I can ever be of help to you or your family, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to a great year ahead.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
RSVP TODAY: Providence Day & Back to School Celebration
I’m excited to once again co-host the Providence Day and Back to School Celebration with Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik. Join us for a fun-filled day, with performances by the Vienna Singing Princesses, Drew Blue Shoes, and local Providence talent, plus activities for all ages like arts and crafts, bingo, corn hole, and even some furry friends!
This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful chance to celebrate our community, highlight local organizations and businesses, and bring together students, families, and neighbors from across the Providence District. It’s the perfect opportunity to gear up for a successful school year and a festive way to kick off the fall season — let us know you’ll be there!
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕔 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location: George C. Marshall High School
✍ RSVP: Click Here
Back-to-School Checklist
Please review this checklist to make sure your family is ready for the new school year:
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE: Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact your registrar if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
☑️ Update Your Contact Information: Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
☑️ 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.
When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
☑️ Learn About School Meals: 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.
☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar: Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances. Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
Key Updates for the New School Year
The new school year is almost upon us. Here’s what’s new that families should know:
Early Release Wednesdays (Elementary School): Three-hour early release will continue for the 2025-26 school year. The biggest difference is that the day of the week will change from Monday to Wednesday. The main reason is due to the number of school holidays that fall on Mondays. [Learn More]
New Menu Items: Students will be excited to hear that new menu items are headed to their school cafeterias this fall. Starting in September, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services will begin rolling out new breakfast items, including cinnamon apple overnight oats, a breakfast quesadilla, and breakfast tacos. Some of our new lunch items will include vegan chili, Spanish rice, and Peruvian drumsticks. [Learn More]
New Technology on Buses Enhances Student Safety: FCPS is excited to pilot a new safety and routing system on school buses. The new tablet-based technology includes real-time navigation, Radio Frequency Identification check-ins for students, and live bus tracking for families, all designed to make school bus rides safer and more efficient. [Learn More]
Student ID Numbers Needed for School Meals: Starting this school year, students will enter their student ID number — not their current cafeteria PIN — at the cash register to receive school meals. Please remind your child of their student ID number, which you can find in SIS ParentVUE. View more updates and reminders for school meals this year.
Permission Forms: 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. You may also opt in or opt out of after-school care on early release Wednesdays. Visit FCPS’ Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Secondary School Grading Policy Updates: There will be new grading policies for all secondary classes in 2025-26. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. [Learn More]
Updated Cell Phone Policy: The new cell phone policy prohibits cell phone use as instructional tools at any grade. In high school, devices must be off and away all day (“bell to bell”), except during lunch in designated areas. Elementary and middle school rules remain the same (off and away all day). [Learn More]
Weapon 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]
Technology Updates: Parents and caregivers will notice a new login screen for FCPS applications such as Schoology. Additional applications will begin featuring the new login screen throughout the school year. The primary purpose is to make your online experience simple, consistent, and secure. Your FCPS username and password, which you use for ParentVUE, will not change. For questions or support, please visit the Family Technology Resources page or open a ticket with our Technical Support desk.
Providence District School Supply Drive
Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office has launched its first-ever School Supply Drive to support local students this fall. Back-to-school costs can be tough for many families; your donation helps ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.
All supplies collected will be distributed at the Providence Day & Back to School Celebration on September 20. Please consider donating essentials like notebooks, pencils, crayons, calculators, and hand sanitizer. Details, including a list of donation drop-off locations, can be found on her website.
Update: Policy Supporting Transgender and Gender-Expansive Students
As you may have seen, earlier today, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) responded to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding its recent letter challenging our policy on bathroom and locker room access based on gender identity – among the nation’s strongest protections for transgender and gender-expansive students.
Our response to OCR outlines why our policy is clearly consistent with controlling state and federal law. We have asked them to stop further action while this legal issue is clarified by the courts – the branch of government charged under our U.S. Constitution with interpreting the law.
FCPS remains dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff members, including our transgender and gender nonconforming 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.
We firmly believe this request is prudent, reasonable, fair, and consistent with our legal responsibilities under Title IX, as well as our commitment to protecting all students from discrimination. FCPS policies and regulations remain aligned with Virginia law and the rulings of the federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
As a school board member, I cannot sit idly by while adults who should know better try to pit one group of students against another. Our responsibility is to ensure that every child — regardless of who they are or how they identify — has an opportunity to achieve their full, unique, and limitless potential.
We can and must meet the needs of all students without undermining the dignity or rights of any of them. That includes ensuring they have full and equal access to all the incredible academic and enrichment opportunities we offer. To uphold our shared values of equity, dignity, and respect for all students, we owe them nothing less.
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) serves students with disabilities, their families, and staff across all our schools. SEPTA hosts 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.
Keep an eye on SEPTA’s website and social media for 2025-2026 membership information. Watch this video to learn more, and direct questions to president@fairfaxcountysepta.org.
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 for volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and must sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
Student and Family Resources
Family Academy: Building a Brighter Future, Together
The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Its work is aimed at strengthening partnerships in support of each and every student’s success. Explore a wide range of resources, tools, and virtual and in-person webinars, workshops, and programs. The FCPS Family Academy helps you become a key part of your child’s education! [Learn More]
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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]
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 mental health and related stressors, including mood or behavior changes, loss of motivation, grief, anxiety, social challenges, bullying, relationship issues, and academic pressures. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting your school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. [Learn More]
Congressional App Challenge
The office of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District is once again participating in the Congressional App Challenge, which invites high school students to design and submit original apps in district-specific competitions hosted annually by Members of Congress. Winners are publicly recognized by their U.S. Representative, and their apps may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Register Here no later than October 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET. For more information and questions, please email Fatima Malik.
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 the deadline on September 1, 2025.
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and more. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, August 26, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 9, at 11:30 a.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
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