|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Note: This newsletter contains links to translated versions of the content for your convenience. These translations are generated by Google Translate and are not intended to be a substitute for professional translation services.
Hello Braddock Families,
Welcome back to school! It was exciting to see all the learning happening on the very first day on a visit with Dr. Reid to Little Run Elementary School. Students were already learning how to break sentences into syllables, collect and analyze data on how they get to and from school, and reflect on their first day - a big start to a big day!
The new year has come with some amazing stats!
- 99.7% of staff positions necessary to open schools were filled
- 96% of our buses — covering nearly 6,000 routes — arrived on time.
- Bus driver vacancies dropped by 48% (126 to 65) compared to this time last year.
- More than 74,000 breakfast and lunches were served.
- 82,000 student devices were checked out.
I am thankful for the hard work of FCPS’ central office departments - HR, transportation, facilities, leadership, and more for strong recruitment and retention efforts, impeccably clean schools and buildings ready for students, busses carrying students to and from schools, meals prepped and ready to go, and much more so we could start the school year strong!
And I am extremely grateful for our teachers, staff, and administrators for all they do to ensure students are welcomed, educated, and safe each and every day. There were many eager, happy faces and lots of learning opportunities on the first day of school!
As a reminder, families can access their child’s activity on FCPS devices through Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service. Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s internet access on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
FCPS also has some exciting new programs this year. Check out this video, as well as this story on our website, and an article about some of the new programs this year to see the first day excitement and learn a little more about some new programs.
There are many benefits to these new programs, but, as with any new program, may be a few opening-day glitches. Staff is working hard to resolve any issues that may have arisen.
Here are just some of the new programs this year:
- Transportation will be piloting a new tablet-based system which has tablets employed to help with turn-by-turn navigation, real-time route adjustments in case of detours, and accurate tracking of student riders.
- We are rolling out new safety initiatives to include metal detection programs at many schools. I have heard from some folks that the new safety initiatives at Woodson High School caused delays at the beginning of the week. I’m happy to report that on Friday almost all students were through the OpenGate towers by 8:09 am. Essentially, any student who arrived on time, made it to class on time. I am grateful to Principal Greata for his quick adjustments to streamline the process. At other schools across the County where we have had the screenings in place for longer, the students and staff have adapted to the machines such that they move through quickly and they do not cause such a significant disruption. I anticipate as students and staff adjust, the process at Woodson will work smoothly.
- Volunteers are a vital part of our school communities, and FCPS deeply value the time and care they give to our students. Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: Keeping students and staff safe. I know, however, that the new procedures have raised concerns and I am working on making sure the new policies do not discourage parents from helping out. Revisions continue to be made, including removing background checks as a condition for volunteering regularly in supervised roles. I will keep updating you here as the system gets refined. If you have specific issues you would like addressed use the Submit a Question button on the FCPS Office of Chief Experience and Engagement Officer web page.
- Food and Nutrition Services, which last year served more than 5.5 million breakfasts and 13.5 million lunches, has introduced fun new items for both breakfast and lunch, see below for more details.
- And, every high school will be piloting girls flag football this fall. Many thanks to the Washington Commanders who are supporting the program!
My staff and I have already been out at Open Houses and Back to School Nights, and we look forward to meeting more families as the back-to-school season continues. Also, please see below for the details about the Labor Day Holiday weekend and no school for the special Congressional election on Tuesday, September 9, 2025; it is important for student safety as we will have many voters accessing our buildings on election day.
As always, my team and I are available to answer any questions you might have or address any concerns. Please feel free to reach out to my office at braddockconstituent@fcps.edu.
All my best,
Rachna
 In this issue
 Welcome Back to School! You can watch my Back to School video message here.
Frost MS Back to School Night
Thursday night I was happy to stop by Frost MS's Back to School Night to talk with families about their concerns and hopes for the upcoming school year. We also had the opportunity to chat with Principal Harris, Superintendent Dr. Reid and Frost MS PTA President Nassar. Fly high Falcons!
 Visit to Cardinal Forest ES
On Thursday, we visited Cardinal Forest Elementary School and chatted with families and the administration. We also got a chance to see the progress being made on the new security vestibule which is in the process of being installed. Fly high mighty Red Birds!
 Braddock Back To School Open Houses
 Last Friday, my team and I were happy to visit many Braddock District schools where families, teachers, and students were familiarizing themselves with their schools. We were able to greet many of the families, and share a welcome letter with information about useful resources - we have so many great programs across the county. I am looking forward to doing the work to ensure every student flourishes.
First Day of School!
Welcome back to school!! What a wonderful first day of school we had. The energy and excitement was palpable at bus stops and in the classrooms!
Thank you to the hard work of our teachers and staff in welcoming our students back. I'm also grateful for the strong partnership with our families and the dedication of our students. Looking forward to a fantastic year! #FirstDayFairfax
Mark Your Calendars - Football Season is Here!
Our schools are home to some great student athletics, I hope you will join me in watching one of the fun High School home football games coming up. See below for the schedule of home games of our local high schools. Of course, you can always support your high school team at their away games - click on each school logo to see that school's full schedule!
      
The next School Board meeting will be next Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Jackson Middle School. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Educate Fairfax Announces 2025–2026 FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to eleven new inductees into the FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame! An incredible eight of the eleven inductees attended Braddock district high schools, reminding us again how blessed we are to be in Braddock. Those eight alumni are:
- Amir Abu-El-Hawa (Annandale High School, 2005) – Politics/Government/Military
- Jim Acosta (Annandale High School, 1989) – News/Entertainment
- Maureen Boland (West Springfield High School, 1986) – Education/FCPS Leadership
- Michele Bolos (West Springfield High School, 1986) – Business/Nonprofit Leadership
- Arun Gupta (Lake Braddock Secondary School, 1987) – Business/Nonprofit Leadership
- Jennifer Montone (Robinson Secondary School, 1995) – News/Entertainment
- Dennis Scarborough (Annandale High School, 1985) – Politics/Government/Military
- Jennifer Williamson (Fairfax High School, 1990) – Business/Education/FCPS Leadership
Braddock District student Kristen King from Canterbury Woods Elementary School was featured in a WTOPnews article for her service as a Safety Patroller. Her and another student were named AAA Safety Patrollers of the Year for their great service in helping others stay safe.
Congressional App Challenge
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 #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.
- Additional sponsor prizes TBA!
More information can be found here. Click here to register. Our district’s 2024 winning app can be found here.
For more information and questions, please feel free to contact Fatima Malik at fatima.malik@mail.house.gov.
Stay Connected with SEPTA
 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 families 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
Back to School 2025-2026
The Family Resource Center extends a warm welcome to all Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) families for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are committed to supporting FCPS students, families, and staff in accessing available resources and services within our community. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance. We wish everyone a successful and productive year ahead. Below please review some of our available resources.
Does your child need a tutor?
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) Tutor List contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia and want to tutor after their contracted school day.
The 2025-2026 School Year Tutor list is updated monthly. Please fill out this form to obtain the most current list of available tutors.
Family Resource Center (FRC) Back to School Packs
The Family Resource Center curated kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school top resources from their library, webinars, and digital resources for "Back to School 2025-2026".
Each FRC Pack contains:
- Selection of 2-3 books for a caregiver or educator.
- Books for a child (perfect for a read-aloud or independent reading for an older child).
- A resource guide with a list of eBooks, free webinars on YouTube, and other resources
Please call 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to reserve your pack. Packs can be picked up at the Family Resource Center or sent to your child's school for you to pick up.
Family Resource Center Digital Resources
FRC Webinars - List of upcoming free webinars.
Labor Day Holiday Weekend
Friday, August 29, and Monday, September 1, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
Día del Trabajo (Feriado)El Viernes Aug. 29, y el Lunes, Sept. 1, son feriados del Día del Trabajo para todos los empleados y estudiantes de FCPS. La legislación de Virginia requiere que las escuelas que abren antes del Día del Trabajo deben estar cerradas el viernes inmediatamente antes del Día del Trabajo. Esperamos que todos tomen el fin de semana largo para celebrar un comienzo fuerte del año escolar y disfrutar tiempo con familia y amigos. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
노동절8월 29일 금요일과 9월 1일 월요일은 모든 FCPS 교직원과 학생을 위한 노동절 휴일입니다. 버지니아 법에 따라 노동절 이전에 개학하는 학교는 노동절 바로 전 금요일에 반드시 휴교해야 합니다. 모두가 긴 연휴를 이용해 학년의 힘찬 시작을 축하하고 가족 및 친구들과 즐거운 시간을 보내시기 바랍니다. 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.
September 9th - 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.
Everything You Need to Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Don’t forget to complete your back-to-school forms and checklists! Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find important forms and updates.
If you do not have a ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
☑️ Update Contact Information
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
Parents/caregivers who do not have a ParentVUE account should either contact their school for an activation code to create an account, or print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form and submit it to your school’s front office.
☑️ Submit Absences
Parents can submit daylong 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.
☑️ Review and Submit Immunization Forms
Parents/caregivers can check their child’s immunization compliance and submit immunization records in SIS ParentVUE (See more information on immunizations below). Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.
If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form.
Please visit the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to submit each of these items.
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.
These resources help family and staff understand procedures, rights, and processes. Find additional information on Special Education Instruction and the Family Academy: Resources to Support Special Education and 504 Plans pages.
What's New for FCPS in the 2025-26 School Year?
There are multiple new changes for the 25-26 school year at FCPS. Below are some of the changes that may impact you and your family. More information can also be found here as the list is updated.
- Elementary Schools - three-hour early release days on Wednesdays instead of Mondays.
- New breakfast items for students, including cinnamon apple overnight oats, breakfast quesadilla, and breakfast tacos
- New lunch items for students, including vegan chili, Spanish rice, and Peruvian drumsticks
- RFID check-ins for students on buses to enhance student safety
- Secondary grading policy updates
- Students Rights & responsibilities Updates: Cell Phone Policy
- Technology updates for families on login screens such as Schoology
- New Volunteer Management System - Volunteer FCPS
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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
