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Dear Community Members
Alright, here we are, fully into the 2025-26 school year! I've attended close to two dozen back-to-school events and plan to visit more schools throughout this month, to greet families, meet teachers, and learn about the year ahead.
As my own family transitions out of elementary school, I recognize how the role of parents and guardians evolves alongside our children.
Please see my video message welcoming everyone to the new school year! I talk about Fairfax County Public Schools’ commitment to providing rigorous academics, including instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math, which are crucial for success in the workforce. Our students also need to develop adaptability, persistence, civic engagement, and collaborative skills. Beyond core academics, students have access to athletics, music, fine and performing arts, and leadership roles. This year marks the second year of literacy instruction using Benchmark Advance, an intensive change in elementary schools aimed at helping all students become stronger readers and writers, and identifying struggling readers sooner. I also highlight how staff are beginning to leverage data, including predictive AI, to understand student learning and tailor future challenges to individual abilities.
In my first newsletter in the school year, I highlight here changes that expand access to opportunities and address needs.
More afterschool care coming in elementary schools!
BIG NEWS: expanded afterschool programming is coming to 20 FCPS elementary schools, in an effort to finally decrease the School Age Child Care (SACC) waiting list!!
This includes *four schools in Hunter Mill*: Wolftrap, Flint Hill, Vienna, and Lake Anne! The pilot is expected to impact overall SACC waitlists by 14-23%, and provide access to hundreds of additional families!!
Knowing how vital afterschool programs are to compliment daily instruction - and that extended hours are needed for working parents and guardians to know their children are safe during adult working hours - FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid connected the county with a successful and trusted program familiar elsewhere in the U.S., though not yet located in Fairfax. The offerings will be via the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) office, which runs the highly successful SACC program. This pilot is called Beyond the Bell. There are upcoming in-person and virtual community engagement sessions to learn more and provide your input.
As a parent whose children were on the wait list at Wolftrap for years, and being told at the time that there were no plans to expand and our family just had to wait it out, this is life changing news for families. This is the kind of innovation and solution-making we need in Fairfax County.
Getting consistent with secondary grading practices
Important updates on secondary grading regulations are now in effect for the 2025-26 school year. I helped lead the School Board’s work to update the FCPS grading policy in 2024, with a primary goal being to increase consistency and clarity of practices across all secondary schools. This includes the consistent use of grade weighting, with the Superintendent instituting a 70% summative and 30% formative weighting. While teachers now have the option to assign zeroes for unsubmitted assignments, a minimum grade of 50% will be entered for assignments where students make a reasonable attempt, protecting against the disproportionate impact of a zero on final grades. More information is forthcoming.
No school dates - be sure to know!
There is no school on Tuesday, September 9, due to the special election date set by the Governor, to fill the vacant Congressional seat that represents the majority of Fairfax County residents. Please vote! You can vote early in-person, absentee, or in-person on September 9 (6am-7pm). While I am disappointed that the election date was not set as is allowed on the upcoming November 4 general election, a review of safety determined by the Superintendent found that it is safest to close school for students and staff. This is a reminder of how important our $8.7 million in public school facilities assets are, and that our public schools are for all Fairfax County residents’ benefit. Information about voting is here.
There is no school for 9th grade students only, on Wednesday, October 8. On that day, 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT/NMSQT, and 12th graders participate in SAT School Day. Accessing these exams can be an important component to college admissions and post-graduation learning: a benefit for all students. While I prefer that our 9th graders not lose a day of school, the logistics of administering the exams require use of space and faculty beyond the capacity of the usual school day plans.
Please check the FCPS calendar for more information.
New volunteer management system rolls out
For several years, I’ve advocated for a consistent volunteer management system, so that a secure experience occurs at each school. Now, FCPS is implementing a new process to vet and manage volunteers. Access will be based on the level of interaction and frequency of volunteering, and will standardize background check requirements.
I’m aware that the roll out has caused confusion, and do agree that it should have been initiated more thoughtfully. I and other Board Members have relayed this to the Superintendent. Also, I’m hearing that families and staff are glad to have a more secure volunteer management system in place. Thank you to parents, family members, and community members for the critical resource of time that you provide as volunteers in our public schools! More information is found here.
Community use fee changed July 1
Our public school facilities are valuable public assets that require maintenance and staffing. Additionally, updates to staff salaries per the collective bargaining agreement and FY 2026 budget require changes to the costs charged for FCPS staff assigned to community-use activities. Noncommercial (non profit) organizations are charged the least amount hourly, while commercial users are charged double that - plus a cleanup fee per use, no matter the organization. I support this update in sharing the responsibility to upkeep our public schools for everyone’s benefit.
Finally - please brag!
I always want to showcase and share the achievements and work of our students and staff. If you have news to share, please send it to me at this link. Also, if there are events, competitions, celebrations, or activities you think I should see, please also let me know so I can try to attend. Thank you!
School Board Updates and Recent Work
🪙Get the Money
Continued follow-up on outdoor classrooms, which the Board approved with available state-level funding in 2022, has been my priority. In July, the Board approved 15 additional projects for installation. These include projects at Rachel Carson Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, specifically benefiting students in the Hunter Mill District.
As the re-appointed State Legislative Liaison of the School Board this school year, I continue working to Get The Money for our public schools, reversing the chronic underfunding of Virginia's public education system. Virginia ranks 14% below the national average in educational spending per student, which forces Fairfax County taxpayers to pay an additional $1 billion annually. I’ll be facilitating the School Board’s public work session on September 9, to identify the Board’s public policy and state budget priorities. Following this, the Board will hold its annual, public, Legislative Breakfast on October 7, at the Gatehouse Building (FCPS Central Office), where we will meet with state elected officials to unify efforts. See below for details on the Board’s public meeting schedule and how to view and participate.
Ahead in November, I am thrilled to again present a session at the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Annual Convention, this year with School Board Chair, Sandy Anderson. We will focus on the vital JLARC recommendations that conclusively show the chronic underfunding of our public schools.
Our School Board continuously engages with elected members of the Virginia General Assembly (Delegates and Senators) and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Our advocacy is essential as the state grapples with precarious tax revenue and unprecedented disruptions to our local workforce stemming from federal government-related changes. Despite these challenging fiscal realities, the School Board is steadfast in its commitment to a proactive and collaborative approach to budgeting. Public education is the County's largest employer and as such, a primary economic engine.
Update on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review
On August 26, the School Board convened a public work session for an update from the Superintendent, and to engage in discussions about next steps in the comprehensive boundary review. Formal recommendations are expected from the Superintendent this winter.
The community engagement in the review process has been monumental; as such, I want to be sure that details and lived experiences of residents are thoughtfully considered and incorporated into recommendations. This includes the Fox Mill Woods and Tysons Woods neighborhoods, where current scenarios don’t yet adequately support maintaining community schools - that is, students living near their schools.
I repeated my advocacy that families need appropriate time to plan for school re-assignments. Effecting changes for the next school year (SY 26-27) is extremely fast. The Superintendent must provide further specifics to the School Board and public on how changes can be made, over time, in a way that is as least disruptive as possible to our FCPS students and families.
The boundary changes also offer an opportunity to expand access to academic programs, and the Board is yet to consider options. This process must be as transparent and thoughtful as possible - it’s not a time to rush.
A note about the Superintendent’s work and Executive Protection
The new school year begins a fresh cycle of the School Board’s review of what are called “Executive Limitations”. This is a model for how a board holds an executive accountable to doing the needed work, and is not specific just to school boards.
These Executive Limitations express the operational guardrails the Board has for how the Superintendent shall operate the division to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan. Executive Limitations are reviewed annually through compliance monitoring reports, presented publicly by the Superintendent at Regular Meetings of the Board. It is an extremely transparent way to hold the Superintendent accountable for results, and provides a record of work year to year.
Dr. Michelle Reid is the executive of the $4 billion annual enterprise that is Fairfax County Public Schools, which is one of the largest employers in Virginia. Dr. Reid is responsible for the safe operation of our school division, including the allocation of resources. I trust her judgment in these matters, based on her three years delivering results and cost savings to FCPS and taxpayers. If I or the School Board find her delinquent in this duty, we will take appropriate action to amend it.
Dr. Reid works tirelessly, often six days a week, with multiple community events as her norm. In school year 2024-25 alone, in addition to visiting 122 of FCPS’s 200 schools during the instructional day, she attended over 100 public student fine arts performances and athletic events, and herself convened 65 public community meetings well advertised in advance.
We live in tumultuous times in America and especially in public education, with unprecedented threats to public school officials and elected officials, including recent violent and deadly attacks. During my six years on the School Board, I have personally had threats to my safety that have required me to take certain precautions, using my personal resources. I continue with such precautions.
Regarding the use of taxpayer money on the Superintendent’s, or School Board Members’ safety, what I think is more egregious is that our school division is forced to spend precious taxpayer dollars on erroneous legal matters, including by individual Fairfax citizens, political organizations, and our own state and federal governments. That amount eclipses the amount dedicated to the safety of FCPS’ leadership.
Dr. Reid’s ceaseless work for the students and staff of FCPS provides an incredible return on investment for taxpayers and ultimately makes Fairfax County thrive as a community and desirable place to live and work.
A more productive question to consider as a community is, “Why is it dangerous to lead a public school system in Virginia and America today?”
🏫FCPS has a new Western High School!
Friday, August 15, FCPS officially became the owner of buildings and land currently referred to as the “Western High School” location, in Herndon adjacent to Rachel Carson Middle School. FCPS has a new school!
The School Board approved that the Superintendent could go forth with the acquisition on June 12. The school site gives FCPS the opportunity to alleviate overcrowding in the western edge of our boundaries. The need was identified in our Capital Improvement Plan since at least 2013. Having this new facility and space is an asset to FCPS and Fairfax taxpayers.
When I toured the facility, I saw the modern learning spaces, instructional equipment including science labs, gorgeous interior and exterior design elements, and whole-school safety features. It’s a showcase of what accessible and future-looking learning spaces are, and should be for our students, staff, and community members.
 
At the August 26 work session, the Superintendent presented initial options for instructional programming, exploring approaches of traditional neighborhood schools, a magnet program, and a combination of the two. As a magnet, a proposal is to offer a focus on aerospace science, to include AI, robotics, machine learning, and data science.
While the possibilities are exciting, further deliberate planning by the Superintendent, public consideration by the School Board, and community engagement is essential for determining what will be adopted at Western High School - for next school year and the years to come. To be clarified further are the costs associated with instructional program options, the amount of funding required from the upcoming November 2025 bond referendum, and the potential impact on the school renovation queue and other elements within our Capital Improvement Program.
Access to modern, accessible, safe facilities is something every FCPS student, staff member, and Fairfax resident should experience. I am eager for the many discussions to be had in the months ahead.
Commemorating Labor Day
The Labor Day holiday is a time to consider the tireless dedication of our incredible FCPS employees, whose work makes our public school system outstanding. This year's landmark collective bargaining agreement, securing competitive salaries and essential resources, powerfully demonstrates the vital role of our Fairfax Education Unions in ensuring a thriving public education system. I will always work to speak up for the sustained investment in our most valuable asset: our people.
Upcoming Public School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thur, Sep 11, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Executive Limitations #8, Superintendent’s Relationship with the Board
- Thur, Sep 25, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Executive Limitations #9, Instructional Program
Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Thur, Sep 18, 4pm - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee
- Tues, Oct 14 at 3pm - Governance Committee (which I Chair)
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tues, Sep 9, 1pm - All-Day Work Session
- Budget Session
- Legislative Program (which I am facilitating)
Hunter Mill Happenings
Madison High School Students set Vision for Future
Building Community.
Igniting Passions.
Inspiring Excellence.
This is the new vision statement for the Madison pyramid, crafted collaboratively by our incredible students. This academic year, the unifying theme is "Our Shared Home," which encapsulates the schools’ commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student, family, and staff member feels a deep sense of belonging and responsibility. This is public education!
🧑🎨Thoreau Elementary School showcases Artistic Talent through Mural
Check out Thoreau Middle School's new 2025 Culture Club mural, a truly incredible piece designed by former 8th grader Sophia Truong and brought to life by our Culture Club members! Art is an essential part of instruction, igniting passions and building community as students prepare to be responsible and contributing members of society.
🚶♀️➡️McNair Upper Elementary School Student Awarded for Pedestrian Safety Work
Saanvi Vangapalli, a dedicated safety patrol captain from McNair Upper Elementary School, has been honored with the prestigious Patroller of the Year award from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Saanvi demonstrated remarkable persistence in her role, tirelessly working to ensure student safety and making a significant impact on her community, especially as a bus patrol. She truly embodies the spirit of making a difference, understanding that "small efforts... add up to a big difference". I am immensely proud of Saanvi's leadership and her commitment to helping others in Fairfax County Public Schools! Read more about the award.
Pedestrian safety is paramount for ensuring that students and adults can travel safely to and from schools, preventing injuries and fostering a secure community environment. It requires a whole-of-community approach, as new legislation and continuous advocacy emphasize protecting individuals from unsafe roadways and negligent driving practices. When our community works together to keep each other safe, we can save lives.
Meeting Dr. Jameile Choice, Region 1 Assistant Superintendent
It was a pleasure to connect with Dr. Jameile Choice, our new Regional Assistant Superintendent for Region 1, which serves most of the Hunter Mill district. Dr. Choice brings extensive experience from the Dallas Independent School District, and he's already enjoyed learning how we do business here at FCPS compared to Texas. I am eager to collaborate with him as he supports our principals and works to ensure our schools continue to thrive in the new school year.
✖️➕➖➗Herndon Middle School Improves Algebra Skills
An insightful video highlights the incredible algebra growth at Herndon Middle School! This vital focus on increasing students' math proficiency and expanding access to higher-level courses in middle school is key to unlocking more academic paths for their future, especially with a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math since the 2023-24 school year. Please take a moment to watch and see the positive impact of this work on students.
📖Herndon-Reston Bookmobile brings Reading to the Community
Did you know that Reston and Herndon residents have a “Bookmobile” mobile library? Members of the Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston, the RoSigle Foundation, and other donors pooled their resources to provide volunteers, books, and transportation for books to students at schools such as McNair Upper Elementary School. The Bookmobile provides reading materials for families who may not have access to a nearby library. A big thank you to Mallory Janofsky, an advanced academics educator at McNair, for spearheading this community service.
Cathy Hudgins Community Center Closed for Five Months
The Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate is closed through January 2026, for essential renovations and HVAC replacement. While the indoor facilities are being updated, I'm pleased to confirm that the basketball courts will remain open for use. Information on where activities will be moved during this period is here: schedule website.
It’s time to go. 🚽
The South Lakes High School athletic stadium now has real bathrooms! No more porta-potties.
It's taken over three years for this project to be completed, from when the School Board authorized it. I've followed up and nudged it along all that time. It should not be this difficult to get bathrooms at our public school athletic facilities - facilities that not only fans of FCPS student athletes will use, but also participants and spectators who convene at FCPS facilities for regional events. Stay curious.
Other Info of Interest
New School Buses Technology has potential to make Travel Safer🚌
New technology is coming to school buses, and it has the potential to make travel safer for students. Drivers will be able to verify student identities and confirm passengers are on the correct routes. The new system will also provide route adjustments in case of detours, helping children to arrive on time at school and home. Eventually, families will be able to track their children’s location using an app. I look forward to seeing how this pilot program performs in this school year.
✡️Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
The upcoming Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a profound period for reflection and renewal for those observing. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on the evening of September 22, through September 24, followed by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, from the evening of October 1 to October 2. May this sacred time bring introspection and new beginnings.
Applications due September 26 for FCPS School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program
Any high school student can apply to participate in the School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program by September 26. This is an incredible opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of how our complex school system is governed, and truly make your voices heard. Selected students will be notified by the end of November.
Last year’s inaugural year for this Board was a success, and I enjoyed working with my student leader, Wala Malik, from Madison High School.
Applications due September 15 for Virginia Student Advisory Board
High school seniors can seize a remarkable opportunity to influence state education policy by applying for the 2025-2026 Virginia Student Advisory Board. This highly competitive board offers a unique platform to bring student perspectives directly to the Virginia Board of Education and even engage with the Governor. What an impactful way to develop leadership skills and ensure student voices are powerfully heard across the Commonwealth!
O’Connor Institute Ambassadors
High school students can elevate their civics knowledge and debate skills by joining the free O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club. This program for grades 9-12 offers a unique chance to compete for a $5,000 college scholarship and boost students’ understanding of government, law, and civil discourse, fostering future leadership. Participants can join a national team, earn a graduation cord, and demonstrate civic-mindedness for college applications by registering and participating in monthly online meetings and community volunteer work. For more information, please visit the O’Connor Institute website.
Contacting Me
I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.
Best,
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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
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