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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,
With the unfortunate news of a federal government shutdown, I want to take a moment to share resources available to support families in our community who may be affected.
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Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Families can apply at any time during the school year. A change in household income, such as a furlough, layoff, or job loss, may make families newly eligible. Once approved, benefits last through the school year and extend 30 school days into the next, even if income later increases.
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County & Community Support: Fairfax County Government and local organizations provide food, financial, and housing assistance. Families in need can visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) for information.
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Reduced Transit Fares: The Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) offers 50% off fares for eligible low-income residents ages 18–65.
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Free Community Resources: Fairfax residents have access to outstanding public libraries, parks, and recreation areas. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass, which allows them to check out up to three items for six weeks.
I remain hopeful that the shutdown will end quickly, and in the meantime, I encourage anyone in need to take advantage of these resources. Together, we can continue to support one another and ensure our community thrives.
Sincerely,
Kyle McDaniel
Fairfax County School Board
Member, At-Large
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.
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October 7th at 10 a.m. - Work Session: New Western High School Programming/Boundaries; AI at FCPS
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October 9 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Review of Strategic Plan Goal One; Performance & Policy Review on Financial Planning
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October 23 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: New Western High School Discussion, Secondary Course Offerings
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.
New Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has launched a brand-new scholarship to support graduating seniors across the Commonwealth. The VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service, helping them continue their education after high school.
Details:
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Who Can Apply? High school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who attend a public high school in a division that is a VSBA member. (Fairfax County Public Schools is a member and part of the Northeastern Region.)
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Scholarship Award: $5,000 per regional winner
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Scholarship Theme: Champion for Impact: Share how you plan to use your education to make a difference.
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Deadline: January 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
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How to Apply: Apply Here
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More Info: Download the Scholarship Guide PDF
Winners will be announced in February 2026 and recognized at the VSBA Regional Spring Networking Forums. Northeastern Region recipients (including FCPS students) will be honored on May 12, 2026. Attendance at the forum is required to receive the award (location to be announced).
Other Updates
⏰ K-12 School Start Times Survey
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.
Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. A new School Start TImes Survey is open through Tuesday, September 30. It includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs. Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. Find more information about adjusting school start times.
📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
Thanks to all who participated in our September community boundary review meetings. October community meetings will begin on Monday, October 13.
The new draft map, Scenario 4, will be shared with the community for feedback at those meetings. It will also be uploaded to the Boundary Explorer Tool shortly before October 13. Community members will then be able to provide feedback in the tool at their convenience.
As a reminder, the community provided feedback on draft scenarios 1-3 in the spring. Scenario 4 continues to build upon the first three scenarios. It is informed by the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee, which reviewed community feedback received in the spring to help develop priorities that the consultant used to create Scenario 4.
Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
🎤 Community Conversations With Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with schools 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 with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register for the October 3 meeting, please click that date below. Registration links for the other dates will be available soon:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Please check our website for updates.
🧱 Why Are Bonds Needed to Fund FCPS Construction Projects?
The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the FCPS’ operating funds, but through bonds. Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment.
This approach is good for our taxes, too. If capital construction were financed out of current tax revenues on a pay-as-you-go basis, projects would need to be paid for in a much shorter time frame, likely reducing other county services or necessitating tax increases. Fortunately, the county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
A bond referendum to benefit FCPS will be on the ballot this Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. It represents an investment by the community into the facilities everyone uses — whether for school or to gather as a community.
Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a voting plan and vote on Tuesday, November 4.
🎓 2026-27 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.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
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.
📅 Calendar Reminder
- FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 8, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Get more information about Walk to School Day
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Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Monday, October 13, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day.
See the complete school year calendar.
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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