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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 Dranesville Families:
It’s hard to believe that the first quarter is ending. These past few weeks I visited many schools, witnessing our staff and students hard at work. I have been privileged to visit community and school events including the boundary meetings for the Herndon, Langley, and Marshall pyramids, the Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker, Herndon HS’s Homecoming parade and football game, the Pride of Herndon’s marching band competition, and Tuesday's McLean vs. Langley Girls Flag Football game. I am thrilled to support the second year of Boys volleyball and the initial year of Girls flag football. A huge thank you to the Washington Commanders for supporting this new sport.
For the next few months, the School Board will be busy with work on the Comprehensive Boundary Work, the Western High School programming and naming, sharing legislative priorities with our Northern Virginia elected officials, and preparing for our FY27 budget. Please share your advocacy, either in support or against, on all these measures. Your engagement assists me with making informed decisions. Please share the upcoming meetings and engagement platforms with your neighborhood to ensure we hear from as many constituents as possible.
FCPS and Fairfax County have resources to help all families through these difficult times and the federal shutdown. You can connect with your student’s teacher, school’s family liaison and mental health team including the school counselors, social worker, and psychologists. Our children feel our stress, and we have resources to help.
I look forward to attending more school activities as we transition from Fall sports to Winter sports and our middle and high schools have their performing arts concerts and plays.
Regards,
Robyn
In this newsletter,
Robyn Lady visited Lemon Road ES and Longfellow MS and spoke with Principal Castillo and Principal Butzer.
Calendar Reminders
October 20 - October 24: National School Bus Safety Week and Digital Citizen Week
October 31: 2-Hour Early Release- End Quarter 1
November 3 - 4: No School- School Planning & Teacher Workday
November 11: Veterans Day- FCPS Holiday
FCPS 2025-26 School Year Calendar
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School Board Updates
FCPS School Board LGBTQ Proclamation
Comprehensive Boundary Work
Scenario 4- Latest Draft Boundary Map
Boundary Explorer tool is available. You will again have an opportunity to search by your address and provide feedback in the tool. This feedback will be shared with the advisory committee at their meeting in November for review, while they prepare a recommendation for Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
October Boundary Review Meetings
Full list of October boundary meetings. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. At the meetings, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and changes specific to the two pyramids. Participants will also be invited to ask questions. Please note that some meeting dates have changed. You can view past meeting presentations on the community boundary review meetings webpage.
Here are the remaining Dranesville pyramid meetings:
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Wednesday, October 29, at McLean High School (1633 Davidson Rd, McLean)- Madison and McLean Pyramids, in person or virtual
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Thursday, October 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Chantilly High School (4201 Stringfellow Rd, Greenbriar)- Westfield and Chantilly Pyramids, in person or virtual
Click “in person” or “virtual” to register for a meeting based on how you would like to participate. Child care for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed.
Engagement Pathways- How to Share Your Thoughts
Robust community engagement across FCPS is a critical part of the boundary review process. It is required by FCPS Boundary Policy 8130 and the Code of Virginia.
Comprehensive Boundary Review Quick Links
K-12 School Start Times Project Update at Thursday’s School Board Meeting
In January 2023, the School Board awarded a contract for the study of middle school start times and the development of alternatives for later start times.
Transportation Services developed an alternative that meets the board’s expressed preferences. This, along with an alternative from Prismatic, the consultant, that would shift all school start times forward 30 minutes, was presented to the board and shared at community boundary review meetings to help inform the decision process.
A presentation at the tonight's, October 23 at 7 p.m., School Board meeting will provide a brief update on the K-12 start times project.
New Western FCPS High School
FCPS has acquired a new high school in the western part of Fairfax County. This strategic investment will allow FCPS students to experience 22nd century learning and prepare for a rapidly changing global society with careers yet to be imagined.
FCPS’ current plan is to open the new high school for the 2026-27 school year. The October 7 School Board Work Session discussed programming and naming for the new western high school. An agenda item to open public comment is being added as New Business for tonight's, October 23, board meeting. Potential programming for the new school will be discussed as well.
Robyn and Supervisor Bierman tour the new Western HS.
Western HS Upcoming events
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Open House- This event will be held at the new high school on Saturday, October 25, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. We plan to begin with a short presentation followed by tours of the main building. The meeting will end with a chance to gather in small groups and discuss opportunities for the future of the school. Please register to attend.
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Community Meetings About Naming Process- Participate in one of two community meetings on Monday, October 27, to learn about the naming process for the new western high school. A virtual meeting will be (via Zoom) 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A hybrid meeting (in person and virtual) is scheduled at Carson Middle School (13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register to participate in person or virtually.
October 9 Regular Meeting
In the Academic Matters portion of the October 9th School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the Future-Ready Index, which as you may recall from previous issues of Weekly Reflections, is a clear and transparent way for families to understand how the division is doing beyond just SOL scores. She shared this video, which highlights students’ perspectives on how we are preparing them for the future.
Each domain has five indicators which show how the division is progressing toward our shared goals — from academic growth and graduation outcomes to school climate, engagement, and access to meaningful learning experiences. Together, these indicators will provide a more complete picture of how FCPS is preparing students not only for success today, but also for the rapidly changing world ahead. The five domains of readiness that show how FCPS prepares every learner for future opportunity and long-term success:
- Academic Excellence. Rigorous learning that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence.
- Safety and Belonging. Supportive, inclusive schools where every student feels valued.
- Future Ready Experiences. Hands-on, real-world learning that sparks innovation and purpose.
- Great Teachers and Support. Empowered educators driving student growth and equity.
- Community Investment. Partnerships and resources that strengthen every child’s pathway to the future.
In the October 9th Strategic Plan update, Dr. Reid discussed Pillar A: Differentiated and Culturally Responsive Learning Environments. Specifically, she discussed our Design and Construction Services office, who, as their name suggests, are responsible for design and construction of new and renovated school facilities and also provide liaison services between FCPS and Fairfax County Government. During my presentation, Dr. Reid shared this video, in which FCPS staff and educators discuss how Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) guide the design and construction of schools.
September Audit Buzz
Here is the first issue of Audit Buzz for the new school year! We provide an update on current engagements, an article on Look from Outside and Inside - Finance Technician to Auditor, and a training opportunity. Editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on the Office of Auditor General (OAG) website.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tonight, October 23, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
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Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m.- Work Session
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Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
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.
FCPS Updates
McLean High School Homecoming
Federal Worker and Family Resources
FCPS
- Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year.
- If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses.
- Free, virtual mental health sessions for HS students are available through our partnership with Hazel Health.
- Contact your school’s support team: family liaison, school counselors, social worker, and psychologist for more specific resources for your family.
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The Family Resource Center offers webinars, consultations, a lending library, open house events, and guides to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
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Family Academy- Resources for Families to Support Students at Home
- Classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families, more details on the “Learn With Us” tab.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County has compiled resources to assist residents during this time, including a dedicated federal worker resource page and support through the Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) line:
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr, Fairfax):
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School (4101 Pickett Rd, Fairfax) on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
School Bond Referendum
A $460 million School Bond Referendum will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot. Bond-funded projects provide safe, welcoming, effective, and modern spaces for students to learn and staff to work. Potential bond-funded projects are identified in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was adopted by the School Board in February.
The building and renovation of schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment over time to fund building and renovation projects. Watch the What is a Bond? video to learn more.
FCPS Capital Projects Affecting Dranesville Students
Armstrong ES capital project.
 Jordan Short attended Armstrong Elementary School, Herndon Middle School, and Herndon High School. Now, he is working not only on improving his former elementary school, but he’s also improving it for his three children. His two older children, Charlie and Parker, are in the second grade and kindergarten at Armstrong. Learn more about the Short family and Armstrong’s renovation. Watch a video on the project.
Cooper MS capital project.
Dranesville ES capital project.
Herndon ES capital project.
2025 Herndon HS Band Competition.
New FCPS High School Transcript Format
To provide a more comprehensive and accurate record of a student’s educational journey, FCPS will now specify the location where certain courses are taken. This update will provide a clearer picture of the diverse academic opportunities that our students are pursuing across the district.
Starting September 26, 2025, students’ transcripts will list these courses under a separate heading for the corresponding program:
- FCPS High School Academies
- FCPS Interagency Alternative Schools
- FCPS Online Campus
- Classes taken concurrently at other FCPS schools
Transcripts and report cards printed before this date will still show all courses listed under the student’s base school. Colleges will be receiving the newly formatted transcripts during the fall 2025 application cycle.
Academic Excellence: FCPS Outperforms State and Global SAT Averages
FCPS students continued to show the power and promise of public education by surpassing state and global averages on the SAT — an exam taken by high schoolers across the nation and around the world.
The Class of 2025 Fairfax County SAT average (1183) was higher than the Virginia total score average (1112) and the global total score average (1029). Additionally, Fairfax County performance for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subtest (596) and Mathematics subtest (587) is higher than these subtest averages across Virginia and worldwide. This is true for all students and for each reporting group. Learn more about how FCPS students performed on SATs.
All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Now all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter. Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Join a Community Conversation with Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent 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.
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Friday, December 5, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Churchill Road ES
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Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill ES
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Thursday, December 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Bull Run ES
Community Updates
2025 Herndon Homecoming Parade
Honoring Jane Edmondson
Longtime Chief of Staff to the Dranesville District, Jane Edmondson, passed away following surgical complications and a lengthy hospitalization. We remember Jane's many years of service to the Dranesville community.
You can read her obituary here. If you would like to make a contribution in Jane’s honor, her family recommends Chesterbrook Residences, Inc., where she long volunteered.
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Youth Survey Results
The 2024–2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey offers important insights into our young people’s well-being. More than 44,000 students participated, reporting improvements in mental health since the pandemic. Twenty-two percent of students in grades 8, 10, and 12 reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, a sign of progress compared to previous years. Substance use is at its lowest in over a decade, with rates below national averages.
However, challenges remain and there is still work to be done. Ten percent of older students and 25 percent of 6th graders reported being bullied. Many students spend three or more hours daily on non-school screen time, and less than half say they have a trusted adult in the community to turn to.
The survey highlights the importance of protective factors like parental support, community connections, and involvement in activities. When students have at least three of these supports—known as Three to Succeed—they are more likely to make healthy choices and manage stress.”
The Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker at Hayfield High School.
49 FCPS Recognized for Supporting Military-Connected Families
Forty-nine Fairfax County public schools have been recognized for the first time by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as 2025 Purple Star Schools. Additionally, 40 schools renewed their Purple Star designation. The Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. The total number of Purple Star Schools in FCPS is now 145, nearly 75% of schools.
Drranesville student Purple Star schools:
First Time Recognition
- Aldrin ES
- Churchill Road ES
- Colvin Run ES
- Clearview ES
- Forestville ES
- Franklin Sherman ES
- Herndon HS
- Herndon MS
- Langley HS
- Westlawn ES
Recognized a second time:
Recognized a third time:
Schools within their three-year designation:
- Chesterbrook ES
- Cooper MS
- Dranesville ES
- Great Falls ES
- Haycock ES
- Herndon ES
- Lemon Road ES
- Westfield HS
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FCPS Impact Awards
FCPS Impact Awards recognize employees who have exhibited extraordinary achievement in one of four areas: Collaboration and Partnerships, Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, Innovation and Improvement, and Student Achievement and Success. See the full list of Impact Awards recipients.
Dranesville Collaboration and Partnerships Individual Impact Awardees:
- Kristen Ceglie, 4th Grade Teacher, Coates ES
- Shelli Carpenter Farquharson, Career Experience Specialist, Marshall HS
Dranesville Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Individual Impact Awardees:
- Julie Curtin, Multilingual Learners Teacher, Marshall HS
- Aileen J. Mavity-Hoffman, 4th Grade Teacher, Spring Hill ES
Dranesville Innovation and Improvement Individual Impact Awardee:
- Alexis Hermes, Administrative Assistant, Coates ES
Dranesville Student Achievement and Success Individual Impact Awardee:
- Benjamin Hutton, Multilingual Learners Teacher, Herndon HS
Dranesville Collaboration and Partnerships Team Impact Awardees:
Mariam Aboubakr, Amel Elameen, Tiffany Kim, Grace Dasi, Trisha Ferland, Dhana Gaddigopula, Charu Gupta, Pearl Kim, Hye Lee, Marisa Rivera, Rekha Satish Chandra, and Deanna Sorrell, Enhanced Autism Classroom (EAC) Team, Coates ES
FCPS Girls Flag Down Commanders to Help Kick Off Flag Football Program
 Dr. Reid and I visited Westfield High School to attend the first of two uniform reveal events for FCPS’ new girls flag football program. The program is sponsored by the Washington Commanders. Watch a video about these high-energy events! Read more in Dr. Reid’s October 6th Weekly Reflections.
McLean HS & Langley HS Flag Football Game
Coates ES
 Our Get2Green team partnered with Fairfax County Stormwater Management on an exciting new conservation planting project! Over the past week, our 6th graders worked hard preparing and planting a 1,200 sq. ft. plot near our Kiss and Ride area with native species that will provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Last Thursday, our project received a special visit from Supervisor Bierman, our Board of Supervisors representative, and our School Board representative, Robyn Lady!
Dranesville ES
Six-Seven Reading Challenge- Our Dragons have taught us to celebrate leveling up with the saying "six-seven". Now Drake is challenging all of our Dragons to read 6-7 books, one book each week, October 28 to December 16. Let's see who is ready to accept the challenge and level up their reading!
Franklin Sherman ES
Franklin Sherman Elementary School Assistant Principal Scott Ralston- discovered his love of teaching when working for The Greatest Show on Earth. Scott taught about 25 children, kindergarten through 12th grade, in a one-room schoolhouse setting for the traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Read about his experiences and how he landed in Fairfax County.
Haycock ES
All of our 4th grade students will be participating in the Ford's Theatre Lincoln Oratory Residency again this year. This is an amazing opportunity for our students. In the process of working with the teaching artists from Ford's Theater, our 4th graders will learn and practice FCPS Portrait of a Graduate skills and perform at Ford's Theater in the new year.
Lemon Road ES
Students at Lemon Road Elementary School conduct compost and trash collection efforts during their recess.
At Lemon Road ES, dozens of fourth to sixth grade students in an “Eco Defense Squad” are giving up lunch and recess once a week to compile compost from school waste, collect dried-out markers for recycling, scour the school grounds to remove trash, or tend to the school’s gardens.
Lemon Road is one of the 44 Fairfax County public schools recognized this year as “Green Flag Schools” by the National Wildlife Federation, a distinction given to schools that show exceptional achievement in educating students about sustainability, as well as youth leadership for environmental change. Nearly half of the 108 U.S. schools to earn the “Green Flag” honor are part of FCPS, more than any other school district in the country.
Other Dranesville District Green Flag Schools: Churchill Road ES, Spring Hill ES, Marshall HS, and McLean HS.
Spring Hill ES
On October 13th, our staff and administration were recognized by the FCPS Senior Leadership Team, School Board, and General Assembly for our 2024 National Blue Ribbon award. This was a wonderful tribute to our incredible staff for all of their hard work. However, I would be remiss if I didn't thank our parent community for the partnership and support that you provide our school on a daily basis. I am so fortunate to be the leader of a school with so many individuals who are so invested in our students' future.
Ms. Szynkowski's class- WJLA (Channel 7) came into our very own Ms. Szynkowski's class to find out how the first weeks of kindergarten are going from the perspective of the student. Click here to watch! So exciting that there is a spotlight on our teachers and classrooms! |
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Herndon MS
A Huge Thank You to Mayor LeBlanc! Our Cross Country student-athletes had an incredible meet on Saturday at Stone Middle! Looking sharp in their new uniforms (generously sponsored by Herndon Mayor Kevin LeBlanc, thank you!), they ran a fantastic race. A huge congrats to the team for earning 2nd place overall! Three of our girls even finished in the top 10. We're so proud of all of you!
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Herndon HS
Herndon HS Boy's Soccer State Champion Ring Ceremony.
Langley HS
Langley High School senior, Rujvi Thakkar, launched ClearLungs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangerous vaping and nicotine trends. It came in response to the amount of vaping she saw in the community and school, specifically where many students encountered their peers vaping in bathrooms. Thakkar's efforts were recently highlighted in a WTOP news article.
McLean HS
Congratulations to McLean's band for an outstanding competition performance at VMBC Rock Ridge! McLean Band placed 2nd in class 6 and 3rd place overall out of 22 bands. Go Highlanders!
National School Bus Safety Week: October 20 - October 24
National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
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National School Principals Month
October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Their dedication, passion, and commitment shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures.
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Every day, FCPS principals inspire teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best. They navigate challenges with grace and create environments where every student can thrive. This month, join us in recognizing and thanking these remarkable leaders.
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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
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Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
Cybersecurity Month and Digital Citizenship Week
October is Cybersecurity Month and Digital Citizenship Week is October 20-24. This year's Digital Citizenship Week focuses on supporting student's digital well-being in the age of AI.
Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
Fairfax Food Council Youth Representative Applications- Close October 24
The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) is seeking a Youth Representative to serve on its Advisory Council. The Advisory Council serves as a resource to the FFC on diverse food system issues, offering perspective, facts, and guidance to promote and ensure equitable access to healthy food. This position is only open to high school and college undergraduate students who live and/or attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church. Applications are accepted through October 24. Questions? Email the Fairfax Food Council at FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Red Ribbon Awareness Open House- October 24
12 to 2 p.m.- This event, at the Family Resource Center (2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring) aims to equip attendees with essential resources and confidence to discuss substance use with their children. Narcan training will be offered. After the presentation, participants can tour the FRC library and browse through pre-selected resources. No registration needed.
Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Membership Drive
Help us keep the momentum going! We’re working toward 300 SEPTA members by October 30 — join today and add your voice to our advocacy for equitable, fully supported education for every student.
Resources for Life After High School
Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School Join the FCPS Family Resource Center for this engaging and informative webinar on what high school students should do to stand out on college applications. Attend for a guide for families and clear strategies for college preparation and success. This webinar is for families of upper-middle and high school students. Register to attend on Friday, October 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
2026-2027 FAFSA Form Now Open
Federal Student Aid has released the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will offer several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to help complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
Financial Aid Resources for Parents and Students Parents and students in the Class of 2026 are invited to attend a series of workshops designed to help them understand the financial aid and scholarship processes. Join College Access Fairfax at any of the following virtual presentations. For more information, contact info@collegeaccessfairfax.org.
- Paying for College for Military Families
- FAFSA Line-by-Line
2025 World Series of Innovation (WSI)
2025 World Series of Innovation (WSI), a free annual global competition inviting young people ages 5-24 to imagine bold solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. This year’s competition invites young innovators worldwide to design creative, actionable projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prizes range from $300 to $1,500, with a special prize given to the school or organization that has the most submissions. Competitors can participate individually or as part of a team, with submissions due by Dec. 12, 2025.
HS Shark Tank Technology Challenge
Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is now accepting entries in the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge. Initial proposals are due Dec. 19, 2025.
The 2025-26 challenge invites youth to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers or wounded warriors. A winning device should enhance independence and life enjoyment for the target audience, foster social connection and help reduce isolation, and be truly innovative – either by introducing something new to the marketplace or significantly improving an existing product.
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New VSBA Scholarship
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) is thrilled to announce a new scholarship. Deadline- January 30, 2026, by 4 p.m. Who? HS seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who attend a public high school in a VSBA member division and located within one of the nine VSBA regions. Find your VSBA region here. Questions? Reach out to Bella Corbo at bella@vsba.org.
"Thank a Teacher" Student Art Contest
The Virginia Lottery is once again honoring Virginia’s dedicated educators through its 9th annual “Thank a Teacher” contest, an initiative that celebrates the artistic talents of K-12 students across the state. Three winning teachers will be selected, one from each educational level: elementary, middle, and high school. The talented student artists behind the winning entries will each receive a $200 Visa gift card. Additionally, their respective schools will be awarded $2,000 in art supplies from The Supply Room. Closes February 2.
NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt
Fairfax County residents can participate in the first NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt. The hunt is free and filled with puzzles for you and your family and friends to solve together. Solve one segment's puzzles or solve all nine. Each puzzle leads to a different location along the NOVA Loop Trail.
Lifelong Learning Through FCPS Adult & Community Education (ACE)!
The 2025-26 FCPS ACE Course Catalog is available now! Enhance your career or take a fun cooking class for the holidays! Affordable classes are conducted in person or online to meet your busy schedule for your student and family. Enrich your life through FCPS ACE courses.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
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Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
Herndon Pyramid Chorus Concert- October 27
6:30 p.m.- We’re excited to celebrate our musical community at the Herndon Pyramid Concert on Monday, October 27! The concert will will showcase talented chorus singers from our elementary, middle, and high schools—culminating in a special group performance.
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Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward -AI November 3
6 to 8 p.m.- Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, at West Springfield HS (6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield).
All are encouraged to attend to:
- Learn about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
- Explore how AI can support FCPS student achievement and workforce readiness.
- Engage in a thought-provoking panel and keynotes.
- Help shape the future of innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Register for the AI conference. Agenda details will be shared with registered participants in the coming weeks. Contact DITEvents@fcps.edu with any questions.
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Adaptive Glasses Available for Colorblind Guests at Art Exhibit
The Rogue Art Project has partnered with EnChroma on "Illuminating Art," an initiative to allow colorblind individuals to fully experience art exhibitions. Specialized glasses are available to guests during gallery visits at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center in Fairfax, Virginia, where The Rogue Art Project's latest exhibition "Colorburst" is on display through Dec. 19.
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Discover the Universe at the George Mason Observatory
Looking for a stellar way to spend your evening? Join us for a public tour at the George Mason Observatory! On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, through November 1 at 8 p.m., explore the cosmos through engaging 45-minute scientific talks designed for curious minds ages 6 and up. George Mason experts will help you learn about stars, planets, galaxies, and the latest celestial events. George Mason University, Research Hall (10401 York River Rd, Fairfax)
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McLean HS & Langley HS Crew Club Turkey Trot 5K- November 29
Please join McLean Crew Club and Langley Crew Club, on Saturday, November 29 at 9 a.m. for our Turkey Trot 5K. The friendly rivals are joining together as ONE team to support and strengthen rowing in our McLean and Great Falls community. Proceeds from the event will be shared equally between the two teams.
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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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