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Celebrating our Students, Climate Initiatives, and Academic Achievement!
Dear Neighbors,
As we settle into the new school year, I’m continually inspired by the energy, accomplishments, and resilience of our students, educators, and families. From celebrating sustainability milestones and student achievements to gathering as a community under the Friday night lights, this season is already filled with moments that highlight the best of Fairfax County Public Schools.
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on exciting events, opportunities for student leadership, important upcoming community meetings, and ways you can support our schools — from cheering at a football game to voting on the upcoming school bond referendum. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore the information below and join us in the many ways we’re working together to ensure every student has the tools and support they need to succeed.
I encourage you to read the updates about various topics included below. If I can ever be of help to you or your family, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Providence Day and Back-to-School Celebration Was a Blast!
On Saturday, Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik and I co-hosted the second annual Providence Day & Back to School Celebration. It was great to have Chairman Jeff McKay, Delegate Marcus Simon, and Superintendent Michelle Reid join us for the celebration.
We had a full lineup of fun and entertainment, including the Marshall Statesman Cheer Team, the Vienna Singing Princesses, the Fairfax County Police, Fire, and Rescue, as well as other service organizations, Sparky the Fire Dog, Drew Blue Shoes, and the Kung Fu Fan Dance.
Thanks to the efforts of Supervisor Palchik’s staff, we were able to hand out free school supplies to parents and students who stopped by my table.
Thanks to the Providence community and our neighbors for coming together to make this such a fun and memorable event.
Celebrating Our Solar Initiative and a Growing Electric Bus Fleet
Yesterday, I joined “Mothers Out Front,” Superintendent Michelle Reid, Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn, and Delegate Holly Seibold at Louise Archer Elementary School for “Sun Day,” a national day of action to celebrate all things solar and renewable energy.
We celebrated the groundbreaking of the FCPS solar initiative, which includes 35 approved schools, and the delivery of 17 new electric school buses for FCPS. By investing in clean transportation and solar energy, FCPS is showing that responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources goes hand in hand with addressing the climate crisis. Our commitment to solar projects and the transition away from diesel buses will deliver long-term savings while reducing pollution for our students and communities.
Groups like “Solar on the Schools,” “Mothers Out Front,” and “Moms Clean Air Force” challenge us to go further, and our students are making it clear that sustainability must remain a priority. It was encouraging to see so many students in attendance and to chat with them as they pressed for answers on how we can continue advancing sustainability in our schools. Young people are counting on us, and we will continue to push forward to meet that responsibility.
“A Night at the Game” - Oakton Cougars Win!
What a fantastic “Night at the Game” for Oakton’s Homecoming! The Cougars pulled off a big win, and the cheerleaders, marching band, color guard, and rowdy student cheering section brought the energy and school spirit all night long.
“A Night at the Game” - Next Up: McLean Highlanders
This fall, my School Board office is excited to host a series of “A Night At The Game” events — a chance for the broader Providence District community to come together under the Friday night lights to celebrate the incredible talent and spirit of our students — from football and cheer to marching band, color guard, and more!
🏈 McLean HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Sept. 26, 7 p.m. | RSVP
🏈 Marshall HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. | RSVP
🏈 Fairfax HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Oct. 17, 7 p.m. | RSVP
🏈 Falls Church HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Oct. 24, 7 p.m. | RSVP
🏈 Madison HS (Spirit Wear) | Thu., Oct. 30, 7 p.m. | RSVP
🏈 Woodson HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | RSVP
Tickets for the games are available for purchase at the gate ($7 for adults, $5 for students). Please RSVP today so we know to expect you. Feel free to purchase some spirit wear and bring your family, friends, and neighbors along to join the fun. I look forward to seeing you in the stands. Let’s show our incredible students how much this community supports them!
Great Time at the Miller Heights Neighborhood Bash
Thank you to everyone who attended the Miller Heights Neighborhood Bash the Saturday before last. It was wonderful joining with neighbors to enjoy the day together. What a great reminder of the strong community spirit that makes the Providence District such a special place to call home.
Congratulations FCPS 2026 National Merit Semifinalists
Congratulations to the 262 FCPS students who have been named 2026 National Merit Semifinalists and are now eligible to compete for over $26 million in National Merit Scholarship awards.
This is an increase of 71 over last year (a nearly 40% jump), underscoring the hard work and dedication of our students and world-class educators!
I’m so proud to recognize the 35 students from the Providence District named as semifinalists:
- Anna Bae - Marshall High School
- Kurshat Bilgin - Oakton High School
- Aiden Brennan - Woodson High School
- Sophie Burrell - Oakton High School
- Evan Cafaro - TJHSST
- Nicholas Dierbeck - Marshall High School
- Jordan Gee - Marshall High School
- Kevin Geng - Oakton High School
- Tayne Han - TJHSST
- Daniel Kim - McLean High School
- Linus Koepcke - Oakton High School
- Katherine Lee - Marshall High School
- Ethan Lee - TJHSST
- Hanseon Lee - TJHSST
- Yuting Liu - Oakton High School
- Alexander Liu - Woodson High School
- Sibel Mehmed - Oakton High School
- Nathaniel Ni - Marshall High School
- Karen Owens - Marshall High School
- Quynh-Chi Phan - TJHSST
- Juliet Phillips - TJHSST
- Ayesha Piracha - Marshall High School
- Sulaiman Piracha - Marshall High School
- Ada Qin - Woodson High School
- Eloise Quan - Marshall High School
- Thomas Santonicola - Madison High School
- Ahana Sekhar - TJHSST
- Timothy Tu - Marshall High School
- Luv Udeshi - TJHSST
- David Wang - Marshall High School
- Yixiang Wang - Marshall High School
- Albert Xu - Oakton High School
- Noah Yen-Goossens - Woodson High School
- Sara Yoshikawa - Madison High School
- Jennifer Zhang - TJHSST
Two Oakton Students are Published Authors
FCPS students continue to lead with talent and heart! A wonderful example is the work of two Oakton High School students who recently became published authors. “Hear That, Squiggle Squiggle!” follows a young boy navigating life with hearing loss. It is inspired by co-author Jovina Arulandu’s real-life experience of being deaf in one ear.
Jovina and her friend Victoria Yu, who lives in Providence, began writing the book in December 2024 with support from Oakton’s AP Language teachers, and officially published it in June 2025. But they didn’t stop there — Jovina and Victoria raised $1,300 through book sales to help buy a hearing aid for a young girl in Reston. Their next goal? Getting their book into public libraries so even more children can see themselves represented.
Apply Today: School Board Student Leadership Development Program
The School Board is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Student Leadership Development Program! This is a great opportunity for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing who are interested in pursuing futures in law, government, or public policy.
Selected students will partner with their School Board Member to observe how the school division is governed. They will also learn about the board’s various committees and functions, develop and debate their own policy proposals, and acquire details about the process for running to be Student Representatives on the School Board.
The nine magisterial district School Board Members will each select one student from their respective districts, and the three At-Large Members will select one student each from among all applicants. Interested students must submit their applications by this Friday, September 26, 2025. Click here for more information.
Game On for Jaguar Spring Athletics
Falls Church High School is slated for a comprehensive renovation of its athletic field complex, scheduled to begin in early 2026. The project scope encompasses significant renovations and updates to the baseball field, softball field, tennis courts, stadium, stadium concession and restrooms, practice field, field lighting, and parking facilities.
To minimize long-term disruptions and costs, all renovations will be completed simultaneously, and the outdoor athletic fields will be closed during the construction period. That said, the Jaguars’ spring athletic season will continue for Falls Church High School:
- Falls Church High School and the FCPS Athletics office will work with each impacted sports team to develop a spring schedule that accounts for player and family needs.
- The FCPS Transportation office will develop bus schedules to help get student athletes to and from their practice and game locations.
In partnership with Falls Church High School, FCPS will hold a community meeting on Monday, October 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria to discuss the project scope, anticipated impacts, and plans to support the student athletes during the spring season.
This renovation is a major step forward in ensuring Falls Church High School students have access to top-quality athletic facilities. FCPS and school leadership are working together to make the transition smooth and positive for everyone.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fairfax Walk
AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks are a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. For the first time, this event will be hosted in the Providence District at the Mosaic District on Saturday, October 4. Check-in starts at 11 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Learn more about registration, sponsorships, fundraising opportunities, and event details. [More Details]
Global Passport Adventure
Mark your calendars for the Global Passport Adventure on Sunday, October 5, from 12–2 p.m. at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. All ages are welcome to join this free, fun, educational event to learn about world cultures through art, song, and dance. [More Details and Register Here]
School Bond Referendum on Ballot This November
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 in place. Learn more about registering to vote.
Upcoming Community Boundary Review Meetings
As a reminder, FCPS is holding two sets of community boundary review meetings this fall — one in September and another in October. Each set of meetings will focus on two pyramids per meeting. [More Details]
September meetings will include an overview of the current status of the comprehensive boundary review process, an update and opportunity for feedback on school start times, a discussion on how community input is informing the process, and an update on next steps in the process.
Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
By mid-October, the consultant will have updated the Boundary Explorer Tool with the latest draft boundary scenarios. FCPS will present those scenarios and gather feedback during 12 community meetings in October:
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Monday, October 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School - For Centreville High School and Robinson Secondary School Pyramids
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Tuesday, October 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at Herndon High School - For South Lakes and Herndon High School Pyramids
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Wednesday, October 15, 6:30-8 p.m., at Langley High School - For Oakton and Langley High School Pyramids
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Thursday, October 16, 6:30-8 p.m., at McLean High School - For Madison and McLean High School Pyramids
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Friday, October 17, 6:30-8 p.m., at Falls Church High School - For Marshall and Falls Church High School Pyramids
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Tuesday, October 21, 6:30-8 p.m., at Annandale High School - For Justice and Annandale High School Pyramids
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Wednesday, October 22, 6:30-8 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary - For South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Pyramids
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Friday, October 24, 6:30–8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School - For West Potomac and Mount Vernon High School Pyramids
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Monday, October 27, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School - For Woodson and Fairfax High School Pyramids
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Tuesday, October 28, 6:30-8 p.m., at Chantilly High School - For Westfield and Chantilly High School Pyramids
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Wednesday, October 29, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lewis High School - For Edison and Lewis High School Pyramids
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Thursday, October 30, 7-8:30 p.m., at Irving Middle School - For Lake Braddock Secondary School and West Springfield High School Pyramids
Join a Community Conversation with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Michelle Reid wants to hear from you. At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success in both school and life. A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events also provide an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all and planned for the following dates:
- Monday, September 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at McNair Upper Elementary School
- Friday, October 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Annandale Terrace Elementary School
- Friday, December 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Churchill Road Elementary School
- Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School
- Thursday, December 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary School
Special Education and 504 Newsletter
The FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is sent by FCPS’ Department of Special Services, which provides a network of support to staff, students, and families to break down barriers to learning and help students succeed as individuals. The Back-to-School issue of the newsletter is available online. [Subscribe Here]
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 8, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th-grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th-grade students. Because of the testing, most ninth-grade students will not have school on October 8. Contact the Student Services team at your child’s school with any questions. Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and more. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, October 7, at 11:30 a.m. (Goal 1: Strong Start: Pre-K-12)
- Thursday, November 6, at 11:30 a.m. (Budget Fiscal Forecast)
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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