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Hello Braddock Families,
I hope you have been enjoying this beautiful weather! It's been an exciting week! I visited Wakefield Forest Elementary for not one, but two exciting celebrations. In the morning, I joined FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid, Supervisor (now Congressman) James Walkinsaw, School Board Member At-Large Kyle McDaniel, and other key members of FCPS and Wakefield Forest communities to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated building. In the evening, I was able to tour the building, as Principal Sharyn Prindle welcomed the entire Wakefield Forest community to a 1950’s inspired celebration of the school’s 70th anniversary. The sock hop, root beer floats, poodle skirts, and hula hoops were fitting reminders of what may have been happening at Wakefield Forest when it opened!
Congratulations to the school staff that kept the learning going during the construction, the FCPS staff that planned and implemented the renovation, and all of the Fairfax County voters who supported the school bond referendum that made this renovation possible!
 On November 4th, a new bond referendum will be on the ballot. Please vote “Yes” so we can continue to update our aging facilities.
Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Lake Braddock vs. Madison varsity football game, and what a night it was! It was Lake Braddock's pyramid night, with mascots and the "future Bruins" excitedly running through the tunnel onto the field. The energy from students, families, and staff was inspiring, with the marching band bringing the crowd to life in their lively pirate-themed show, and the dance team delivering a dynamic performance.
On the field, the Bruins pulled off an incredible 34–31 come from behind victory in front of a roaring home crowd. This victory not only moves the Bruins to 2–0 and extends their home winning streak to nine straight, but it also avenges last year’s heartbreaking state semifinal championship loss to Madison.
 As a school board member, I couldn’t be prouder of our players, performers, coaches, and the entire Bruin community. Friday night lights at Lake Braddock are truly special. Go Bruins!
I am looking forward to attending football games at Woodson, Annandale, Robinson, and West Springfield in the upcoming weeks!
You can watch a news story recapping the exciting game here.
And some great news from across FCPS! The number of FCPS students being named National Merit Semi-Finalists increased year-to-year by 40%! Congratulations to all the students and a big thank you to our teachers for helping them. Success like this reflects the hard work of the kids, their families and our talented team of educators.
School Board Work:
The School Board was back to work at Tuesday’s Work Session. Important conversations were had around the SY2025 - 2026 school budget communications plan. The plan is to start early, collaborate closely with the Board of Supervisors, stakeholders and community groups to help make the Spring budget adoption a successful culmination of months of cooperation.
Last night the School Board met and items discussed or voted on including:
- Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
- Resolution dedicating the Towle Activities Office at Westfield High School
- Resolution dedicating the Swarm Gymnasium at Marshall High School
- Land easements and facilities
- Academic Matters regarding newly released SOL scores
- Strategic Plan Update regarding Food and Nutrition Services
I’m proud that FCPS’ SOL pass rates in reading, math, and science have all increased and continue to exceed the Commonwealth of Virginia’s passage rates!
And I was amazed by the numbers shared by FCPS Food Nutrition Services (FNS):
- 1,295 staff members
- 110,000 meals served daily across 198 sites
- SY 2024-25 Daily Breakdown: 31,500 Breakfasts, 77,500 Lunches, and 1,000 After-school Meals
You can view the complete agenda for last night’s meeting. The next School Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2025. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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,
 In this issue
 Double Victory for Robinson Secondary School! 
 Robinson Secondary School won both the Virginia High School League (VHSL) National Guard Cup for Athletics and Academic Activities for Class 6 schools in 2024-25! 
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
Senator Pekarsky's 2026 Highs School Leadership Program
 Senator Stella Pekarsky’s office is offering students from Robinson High School in the Braddock District the opportunity to participate in her High School Leadership Program this session! This program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to visit Richmond during the General Assembly's legislative session and learn about political leadership on the state level. Students will be able to observe committee hearings and floor debate, take a tour of the state capitol, participate in panels with lobbyists, advocates, and political leaders, as well meet lawmakers and their staff. This is a great opportunity for students considering a future career in government, politics, or law - but all are encouraged to apply.
Please note that this is a free program and students will be provided with transportation, lodging, and meals at no cost to them or their families.
The application is open to junior and senior students until Sunday, November 30th at 6:00pm. Spots are limited, so students should expect to be notified about their status following the closing of the application.
Reminder that this weekend is Stuff the Bus, the one-day food drive.
Fastran buses, along with Fairfax County Fire Department trucks, will be at several sites from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for this Hunger Action Month event to combat hunger. Please consider donating non-perishable food items and gift cards at the locations listed, more information is available online.
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 🚨 Safety Drills During the School Year
- 📵 Cell Phones Off, Learning On
- Attendance: Every Day Counts
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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
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