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The Dixit Dialogue - October 2025
 Three London Towne elementary students holding up school supplies donated by the FCPS School Board.
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
As we welcome the crisp air and colorful leaves of October, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the power of community and giving. This past month, we were glad to donate much-needed school supplies to schools in the Sully District. These resources will help ensure students and families have the support they need as the school year continues.
We also know the federal government shutdown has created challenges for many families. FCPS and local partners are here to help with resources including:
We remain committed to supporting families and ensuring students have a safe, stable learning environment.
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
🌟Community Spotlight: Sewa International DC
 Collage of Sewa International DC's School Supply Kit Packing Event with FCPS' Seema Dixit and Cassie Doyle.
It was a pleasure to attend and speak at Sewa International’s recent event! Their dedicated youth volunteers assembled nearly 70 supply kits for FCPS students, with additional supplies to be shared with schools in need.
Since 2010, Sewa International DC has been serving Northern Virginia through impactful community programs with a strong focus on youth engagement. Their flagship initiatives include Annapoorna, providing home-cooked meals to Reston Shelter for over 10 years; Aspire, tutoring Title I FCPS students and supporting Science Olympiad; and LEAD, which partners with local agencies to create leadership and volunteering opportunities for students. They also organize food and essentials drives for schools and shelters and, since 2024, have mobilized more than 150 volunteers each year for the 9/11 Day of Service in partnership with AmeriCorps.
We’re grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in support of our students and community.
Cozy Comforts for Deer Park Students 🦥💕
 Collage of Bucky's Rest Stop featuring stuffed animal sloths and pillows.
We’re excited to share that our office has donated supplies to support Deer Park Elementary! 🌟 The school identified wish list items for Bucky’s Rest Stop — a sensory room designed to give students a welcoming space to regulate, participate, and enjoy a calm environment.
As part of this contribution, four cozy sloth pillows 🦥 and four pink pillows 💕 are now at Deer Park (pictured above!). These small comforts are helping make the space even more inviting for all students.
We’re grateful for the chance to support Deer Park’s efforts and to help provide meaningful opportunities for every student. 🙌
📝 Applications Open Monday, October 20, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2030 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available Monday, October 20, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, November 14. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.
Comprehensive Boundary Review – Upcoming Community Meetings
FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review is in its next phase. Thank you to all who shared feedback.
📅 Sully Community Meetings
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Monday, October 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School, Cafeteria for Centreville High School and Robinson Secondary School Pyramids
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Wednesday, October 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at Langley High School, Cafeteria for Oakton and Langley High School Pyramids
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Thursday, October 30, 7-8:30 p.m., at Chantilly High School, Cafeteria for Westfield and Chantilly High School Pyramids
🔜 Next Steps
For a comprehensive list of the meetings, visit the FCPS boundary review webpage. Your input is essential in shaping school boundaries that balance enrollment, support student wellness, and meet the needs of our community.
Sully District Happenings
Sully Resident Jovina Arulandu Becomes Published Author! 🎉📖
 Victoria Yu and Jovina Arulandu holding up their first published book "Hear That, Squiggle Squiggle!"
Congratulations to Jovina Arulandu, a Sully student, and her friend Victoria Yu on publishing their first book, “Hear That, Squiggle Squiggle!” The story follows a young boy learning to navigate life with hearing loss and draws inspiration from Jovina’s personal experience with partial deafness.
The duo began their writing journey in December 2024 with guidance from Oakton High School’s AP Language teachers and officially released the book in June 2025. They didn’t stop at publishing—through book sales, they raised $1,300 to help a young girl in Reston get a hearing aid. 💛
Jovina and Victoria’s next goal is to place their book in public libraries, allowing even more children to see themselves reflected in its pages. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate their achievement and generosity!
Sully Students Recognized as National Merit Semifinalists! 🌟
Congratulations to the 50 Sully District students who have been named 2026 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists:
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Centreville High School: Daniel Ahn, Kareem Aly, Isabel Jung, Sean Kim, Phillip Tran
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Chantilly High School: Carrie Chia, Hee Theng Chong, Rahul Dham, Lillian Fry, Abhiram Gaddam, Hansika Gautama, Kyle Li, Sahas Manchireddy, Jishnav Raj, Srimayi Sriram, Shivam Suri, Anna Tung, Jonathan Wang, Haorui Zhao
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Madison High School: Asha Jha
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Oakton High School: Jovina Arulandu, Jaxen Bream, Aaron Chen, Anna Chen, Ashley Chen, Chunjie Huang, Daniel Lee, Natalie Leong, Sihe Liu, Matthew Negron, Arnav Sharma, Claire Zhang
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Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology (TJHSST): Rishi Anangi, Romanchit Arora, Joshua Cheng, Ria Goel, Holly Huang, Lulu Huang, Ethan Ko, Anant Krishna, Divya Kulkarni, Caroline Li, Ansh Malhotra, Rishikesh Narayana, Aashritha Penumudi, Tanush Vuppala
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Westfield High School: Aurel Arockia Irudhaya Jay, Rebecca Ewell, Salban Nithilaselvan, Jaeden Pangaribuan
We are proud of these students for their exceptional academic achievements and look forward to seeing them compete for National Merit Scholarships next spring!
Don’t Miss “Newsies” at Chantilly High!
 Chantilly High School theatre flyer for Newsies the musical with a scannable QR code to buy tickets.
Cheer for Jack Kelly and the fearless newsboys of turn-of-the-century New York in Disney’s Newsies! Based on a true story and the 1992 film, this high-energy musical features a Tony-winning score, unforgettable songs like “Carrying the Banner” and “Seize the Day,” and a story of courage, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.
Showtimes:
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Thu, Oct 16 – 7 p.m. (Opening)
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Fri, Oct 17 – 7 p.m.
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Sat, Oct 18 – 7 p.m.
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Sun, Oct 19 – 2 p.m. (Closing)
🎟️ Get tickets here.
October 25 – Food For Neighbors Red Bag Event 🍎
Centreville High School is proud to partner with Food For Neighbors (FFN) to help support local students facing food insecurity. Even in Fairfax County, one in four kids struggles with hunger.
When students are nourished, the benefits are clear:
✅ Better mental & physical health
✅ Higher graduation rates
✅ Increased participation in after-school activities
✅ More success in challenging courses
❤️ FFN helps make this possible through their Red Bag Program, where community donations go directly to school food pantries and are distributed to students each week.
🙌 You can make a difference! Please consider signing up to donate or volunteer to support this important cause. Together, we can ensure no student goes hungry.
Superintendent Reid's Academic Matters
Future-Ready Students in FCPS
 Presentation slide titled "Students who are ready for their future" with bulleted points and a collage of students enagged in learning experiences.
At the School Board meeting on September 25, Dr. Reid highlighted how FCPS is preparing students to thrive in the future as part of the Strategic Plan’s Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.
Future-ready students in FCPS:
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Build strong, transferable skills through engaging learning experiences.
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Understand their own strengths and can advocate for themselves.
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Take ownership of making thoughtful life and financial decisions.
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Explore opportunities that open doors for their future.
A video shared during the meeting showcased examples of these experiences across grade levels:
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Elementary students practice real-world skills through classroom “jobs” and applications.
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Middle schoolers learn financial literacy at Finance Park by navigating budgeting and saving challenges.
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High school students connect with employers through Instruction to Industry: A Future Ready Conference, leading to internships, jobs, and career pathways.
Dr. Reid also shared the annual Opening of Schools Report, reflecting on a strong start to the school year and looking ahead to the opportunities awaiting our students, staff, and families in 2025–26.
Go Team FCPS!
🏗️ School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4
 YouTube video titled "What is a Bond?"
The $460 million School Bond Referendum — supporting the division and county’s commitment to providing safe and welcoming learning environments for all students — will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.
The funding provided by voter-approved bonds is expected to fund projects identified in the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the School Board in February.
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Watch this video that explains, “What Is a bond?”
Make sure you have a voting plan! Learn more about registering to vote.
Student Opportunities
🌱 Fairfax Food Council Seeks Youth Representative
The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) is looking for a Youth Representative to join its Advisory Council! The FFC brings together community members, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies, and businesses to advocate for policies and programs that ensure equitable access to healthy food across Fairfax communities.
This volunteer role is open to high school and undergraduate students who live and/or attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church.
As a Youth Representative, you will:
✨ Share your perspective to help guide food system priorities.
✨ Provide feedback on important issues throughout the year.
✨ Participate in projects, work groups, and events when possible.
✨ Represent the voices of youth in our community.
📅 Applications are open September 15 – October 24, 2025.
📩 Questions? Email FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.
👉 [Complete the application here!]
Senator Pekarsky 2026 High School Leadership Program – Applications Open!
High school juniors and seniors from Chantilly HS, Westfield HS, and Centreville HS are invited to apply for Senator Pekarsky’s 2026 High School Leadership Program, held during the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session in January 2026.
This free program gives students from Senate District 36 in Fairfax County the opportunity to travel to Richmond, engage with political leadership from across the Commonwealth, and gain practical knowledge about Virginia’s legislative process.
Program Dates:
📅 January 28–30, 2026
Highlights include:
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Observing committee hearings and floor debates on active legislation
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Touring the Virginia State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion
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Participating in panel discussions with lobbyists, advocates, and legislative leaders
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Meeting with lawmakers and staff to discuss issues that matter to them
Transportation, lodging, and meals will be provided at no cost to students or families.
Application deadline: Sunday, November 30, at 6 p.m.
Apply now using this link: High School Leadership Program form.
🗣️ O’Connor Institute Ambassadors
High schoolers (grades 9–12) can join the free Online Civics & Debate Club to build leadership skills, compete for a $5,000 scholarship, and strengthen college applications. 🌟📚
🎓 Early College Scholars
High school students working toward an Advanced Studies Diploma can apply to the Early College Scholars Program to earn at least 15 transferable college credits through AP or dual enrollment courses. Requirements include maintaining a “B” average and signing the Governor’s Early College Scholars Agreement, now available in the Parent Digital Consent portal (or as a paper form from your school counselor). ✍️🎯
🎓 VSBA Regional Scholarship Opportunity 🏆
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has announced a new scholarship for high school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who attend a public high school within one of the nine VSBA regions. Fairfax County Public Schools is a member of VSBA and part of the Northeastern Region.
The VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship awards $5,000 💰 to one student per region in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics 📚, leadership 🌟, and community service 🤝.
The application deadline is January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. ⏰ Apply here: VSBA Scholarship Application.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Optimistic October
Actions to help you focus on what really matters.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 October calendar with daily ideas for action.
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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.
☎️ Office Hours
I’d love to hear from you! I hold office hours for Sully District residents to answer questions, listen to concerns, and chat about what’s on your mind. Sign up using this Constituent Sign-Up Sheet, and we’ll send you the meeting details. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!
Upcoming School Board Meetings
 12 FCPS School Board members at the dais.
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Tuesday, October 7, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School
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Tuesday, October 21, 5 p.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, October 23, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School
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Monday, October 27, 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Tuesday, October 28, 5 p.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, November 6, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular 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.
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 o escanee el código QR. |
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.
To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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