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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
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
As a proud member of the Fairfax County School Board, and a Latina, I am honored to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 each year. At the September 11th School Board Meeting, School Board Member Seema Dixit and I had the privilege of reading the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation in English and Spanish. You can also see my comments on Board Matters. We were able to celebrate alongside some of the members of the Hispanic Educators Association/Hispanic Leadership Alliance.
This year’s national theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” encourages us to celebrate the traditions and achievements of Hispanic Americans while inspiring future generations. This is a time to recognize and honor the countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our community, our schools, and our country. With over 29% of the population, Fairfax County Public Schools is enriched by the diverse cultures, histories, and languages represented by our Hispanic students, families, and staff. Let us use this month not only to celebrate, but also to listen and learn from each other as we continue building a school system that reflects the strength of our diversity.
 Photo Featuring: School Board Members, Dr. Read and members of the Hispanic Educators Association/Hispanic Leadership Alliance in honor of the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
Welcoming Deirdre Lavery as Interim Principal at Hayfield Secondary School
 A light morning drizzle did not stop Hayfield students and staff from warmly welcoming Deirdre Lavery, the interim principal of Hayfield Secondary School. I visited this Tuesday, her first day, and had the opportunity to connect with both staff and students. Ms. Lavery brings a wealth of experience to Hayfield and was eager to get to know the staff, students, and the community. As we toured the halls with Dr. Ponce, Chief of Schools, we observed the progress regarding the mold situation and even encountered our dedicated maintenance workers who were moving equipment and sharing updates.
Several actions have been taken to address the mold issue effectively, including consultations with Arcadis, a nationally recognized firm specializing in mold remediation. The firm provided a letter outlining the progress made and the steps it will take to assist FCPS in resolving any outstanding concerns.
Key Highlights:
- The remediation control measures implemented thus far comply with industry standards and best practices.
- Visible mold issues identified in early August were not detected during the assessment conducted on August 23, 2025.
- Airborne mold testing shows significantly lower indoor concentrations compared to outdoor levels, meeting post-remediation criteria
School Visits
There is nothing quite as nostalgic for me as strolling through the hallways of our extraordinary Fairfax County Public Schools, it is the motor that keeps me going. I have had the privilege of visiting numerous schools for Back To School Nights and most recently at a Community Conversations Event at Woodlawn Elementary School with Dr. Reid. I've been to Lewis and Edison High Schools to observe the smoothly running metal detector system in place, and I even helped serve as a 'passer'--a staff member who helps students navigate the security system. One of the FCPS Strategic Plan Pillars is to "…Amplify student voice to inform our approaches, honor student's identities and experiences, and ensure student safety and well-being in an inclusive school climate and culture." I invite the Franconia community to keep sharing your thoughts and ideas with me throughout the school year, as we strive to ensure that every voice is heard.
 Title IX Update
Dr. Reid provided an update regarding FCPS' ongoing efforts to resolve a matter with the US Department of Education and FCPS' policies and regulations on bathroom and locker room use based on gender identity
Checking In On Community Use Concerns
I have heard your concerns about recent updates to the FCPS community use guidelines, and I am working with my colleagues to bring this issue up as a forum topic. Please continue to share your challenges and experiences with me.
Warm Regards,
Marcia St. John-Cunning
Franconia District Representative
Fairfax County Public School Board
Immunizations
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. Visit the How To Submit Immunization Documents webpage for step-by-step guidance on how to check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information
Please check with your health care provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2025-26 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
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Boundary Review Update
September Community Boundary Review Meetings
We would like to share that all locations have been determined for our September community boundary review meetings. Registration links are also available.
Based on Policy 8130, FCPS will hold two sets of meetings, one set in September and one set in October. Each set of meetings will be held with a focus on two pyramids per meeting.
At each September meeting, we will provide an overview of where we are in the comprehensive boundary review process, discuss the consultant’s ongoing review of transportation and instructional programming, and share the ways community feedback is informing the process. We will also share next steps.
At each October meeting, we will be reviewing the updated maps and providing opportunities for feedback on those.
To register for a September meeting, please determine which date will work best for you, then click “In Person” or “Virtual,” depending upon how you would prefer to participate:
The next Franconia District Meeting:
Tuesday, September 30, at 6:30-8 p.m., at Edison High School (In Person or Virtual)
Access the full list of September community boundary review meetings.
Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
If you register to attend virtually, you will receive a link within 24 business hours. The email will come from “no-reply@zoom.us.” Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the link.
We encourage you to visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our Boundary Review newsletter.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid hosts a series of Community Conversations throughout the school year. The events are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions.
As a listening leader, connecting and engaging with community members across our division is critical to Dr. Reid.
Upcoming Events
Click on the date to register. Additional locations and registration links will be shared soon. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
Fall 2025
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Monday, September 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Woodlawn Elementary School (past event)
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Monday, September 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at McNair Upper Elementary School
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Friday, October 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Annandale Terrace Elementary School
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Friday, December 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Churchill Road Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School
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Thursday, December 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary School
🎤 Employee Conversations With Dr. Reid
Your voice matters and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Although registration is not required, it helps with planning. Following is the schedule of upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, September 30, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 18, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Please stay tuned for locations and registration details.
These events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. You can also contact her anytime via the Submit a Question button on the superintendent’s webpage or by emailing Superintendent@fcps.edu.
September is Awareness Month for many important issues, including the following:
September is Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention month, but it is always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and remind individuals, friends and families about resources that are available.
Suicide is preventable and can affect anyone regardless of race, skin color, age, and economic or social status.
The county offers numerous resources and support services to assist those in need. Call or text 9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
For more information about resources, please visit the Fairfax County Government website
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Edison High School Our Minds Matter Club
Our local schools are doing the work to support mental health and WTOP featured Edison High School's Minds Matter Club.
"The group strives to create a space in which students can speak about whatever’s on their minds, whether it be their mental health or a challenge they’re experiencing. In some cases, students just listen and appreciate the opportunity to be included."
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September is Workforce Development Month in Fairfax County
Did you know September is Workforce Development Month in Fairfax County?
In The Lusk Report on September 5th, Supervisor Rodney Lusk highlights some of the local and regional partners offering support for all stages of the workforce. For a quick glance of some of the offerings, view the 2025 Workforce Development Month Calendar.
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🏆 262 FCPS Students Achieve Excellence, Named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists
Here's something to celebrate — 262 students from 19 FCPS high schools are among the semifinalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2026. This marks a 40% increase compared to 2025! This level of student success would not be possible without the support of each and every member of Team FCPS! Thank you for the work you do each day to support our students.
Here is a list of our own Franconia semifinalists:
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Edison High School
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Malyha Bashar
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Edison High School
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Zoe Stanfield
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
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Soren Johnson
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
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Emilia Sloan
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West Springfield High School
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Kennedy Leary
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Edison High School
 Saifullah Mahmood was accepted into the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program this past summer and attended the week-long summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. He presented in a panel discussion and is highlighted at the 1 hour 41 minute mark in this recording.
 The Fairfax County School Board's Student Leadership Development Program is accepting applications until 11:59 pm on September 26.
The program is open to any high school freshman, sophomore, or junior, in good academic standing, who is interested in a future in law, government, public policy, or making a difference in their community. Twelve students will be selected and partner with a School Board Member to observe how FCPS is governed and other opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact SBStudentLeadership@fcps.edu or 571-423-1062.
 Library Card Design Artist Call and Contest
From Sept. 1-30, 2025, Fairfax County Libraries invite you to show your creative side by submitting your ideas for new library card designs that incorporate our new logo.
Call for Artists: Richmond Highway BRT
Fairfax County, in partnership with ArtsFairfax, is looking for talented artists to design artwork for the windscreens at the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ("The One") stations along a 7.4-mile stretch of Richmond Highway in southeast Fairfax County. The project – titled Community Charm – will incorporate elements of the surrounding neighborhoods into the station design based on themes developed with each community.
Eligibility: Professional artists, muralists, and graphic design professionals are invited to apply. Public art experience with comparable projects is recommended. Open to all artists and design professionals residing in the United States. Preference will be given to local and regional artists.
Applications must be submitted to Submittable by September 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 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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