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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.
Dear FCPS Families,
As the school year gets underway, I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the start of the year such a success. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from those first days of school, and it’s clear how deeply our community values our public schools.
Here is a quick update on items I have been closely monitoring in the last few weeks:
Back to School Metrics:
- FCPS had an employee vacancy rate of 0.3% - the lowest in three years.
- More than 82,000 student devices were checked out.
- 96% of bus routes, nearly 6,000 in total, ran on time.
- 74,000 breakfasts and lunches were served.
High School Performance and Academic Achievement:
Per U.S. News and World Report, 8 of the top 10 high schools in Virginia are FCPS Schools with T.J.H.S.S.T being ranked #5 nationwide (an improvement from #14 last year) and #1 in Virginia. Additionally, and just as exciting, 262 FCPS students have been named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists, representing 19 high schools across the county. This is a 40% increase from last year.
Weapons Detector Program:
In the last 2 weeks I visited half a dozen high schools at 7:30am to observe how students and staff are handling the new weapons detector protocols. As with any new process, there were some bumps in the first few days as faculty sorted through some practical implementation challenges. That being said, of the six high schools I visited, the vast majority of students were screened through the system by the time the first bell rang, and I noticed a significant improvement from the first week of classes, to this week.
Volunteer Screening Program:
I received some feedback on the new volunteer screening program being implemented across our schools that, in some cases (i.e. chaperoning a field trip), necessitates volunteers to be background checked by submitting their fingerprints. I understand this is new and can be frustrating. My biggest concern is requiring volunteers to drive to Gatehouse in Falls Church to have their fingerprints taken. After speaking with the Superintendent, security staff are facilitating mobile fingerprinting on site at your neighborhood schools should principals make that request. I hope this local option improves access and helps volunteers continue to stay involved in our schools.
Committee Corner
As Chair of the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC) I want to provide an update on some items related to facilities:
Western High School:
As you may have heard, the School Board purchased a high school site in western Fairfax County. I want to thank those who have shared their thoughts on the future of the new western high school. I’ve heard clearly from families that the site should be a “traditional”, neighborhood-based school to provide long-overdue relief to overcrowded schools in western Fairfax County. I appreciate the Superintendent and her staff exploring all options and developing a model for a magnet program. In my comments to the School Board, I stated that the model she developed is a roadmap for much needed expansion of magnet-style programming across the entire school system.
That being said, I support the western site being a neighborhood school with boundaries to provide overcrowding relief in our western Fairfax County communities.
Hayfield Secondary School:
I have continued to follow developments and concerns regarding mold remediation at Hayfield Secondary School. Prior to the first day of classes, FCPS staff engaged with remediation contractors to prepare the building for the arrival of occupants. In the last few days FCPS engaged a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in mold remediation to continue mitigation efforts, identify any root cause, and make recommendations to prevent recurrence.
The firm issued a letter outlining progress the steps it will take to support FCPS in resolving any lingering issues. Key points include that the remediation control measures taken thus far align with industry standards and best practices; visible mold impacts identified in early August were not observed in the August 23, 2025, assessment; and airborne mold testing shows very low concentrations indoors compared to outdoors, meeting post-remediation criteria.
In the interest of full transparency, I am sharing that letter with you now. I will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our communities have safe environments inside our buildings.
I’m excited to continue working together to support our students, our teachers, and our families throughout the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.
Please note that times and topics are subject to change.
The work sessions and 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.
For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.
Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
The multiple school forms parents and caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year.
If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
🍽️ Free and Reduced School Meal Application
We encourage all families to submit an application for free or reduced-price meals if they think they may qualify. Every child deserves nutritious meals to support learning, and applying ensures your student can receive these benefits. Please remember, a new application must be submitted each school year. Learn more here.
🩹 Immunization Requirements
Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure that your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. Find more information on immunizations.
📋 Permission Forms
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch a video to see how to use the tool.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned to your school’s front office by Tuesday, September 30.
Other Updates
📵 Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact your school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level.
✅ Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success
September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
🔆 National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
📅 Calendar Reminder
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Rosh Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 22. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
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Tuesday, September 23, is a holiday for all FCPS students and staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
🏅 Fairfax County Public Schools Maintain Excellence, Continue to Surpass Average SOL Scores
FCPS’ Standards of Learning (SOL) 2025 results show the division is continuing to significantly outperform state averages.
In addition, the annual pass rates released by the Virginia Department of Education on August 27 illustrate how FCPS has made year-on-year gains across all three core subject areas of science, math, and reading.
These impressive results reflect the hard work of our staff, our students, and their supportive families. We should all feel proud of this achievement! Read more about FCPS testing results.
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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