🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students, How AI Is Shaping Technology, 🏗️ Blueprints for Success

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/15/2025 07:15 PM EDT
Fairfax High School homecoming court smiles for a photo


Fairfax High School celebrates its homecoming court.

đź©ą 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. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. 

Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:   

  • Thursday, November 6
  • Tuesday, November 18
  • Wednesday, November 19  
  • Thursday, November 20

A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit our site for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and your school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify your child’s school and teacher so that assistance can be provided, if needed.

Reid All About It: How AI Is Shaping Teaching and Learning

In her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid talks about a recent School Board work session discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI). She shared information on how AI is being integrated into teaching, learning, and getting our students ready for the workforce of the future as well.

Dr. Reid also promoted Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, which will take place Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. 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.

Read Dr. Reid’s latest Weekly Reflections.

đź“ť 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.

🚀 Rocket Day Was a Blast for Students

students with their science project


Students at Flint Hill Elementary School built rockets last week and tested them on the school’s baseball diamond. More than 50 FCPS elementary schools hosted Baking Soda Rocket Day for their students in recognition of World Space Week. Read about what the students learned from Rocket Day.

🏗️ Project Manager Builds on the Strong Foundation He Received at His Elementary School

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Jordan Short, senior manager of Capital Projects for FCPS, 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 sons. 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. 

Bond Referendums Support Communities

The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s annual operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. A $460 million bond referendum is on the November ballot. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.

✨ Blueprints for Success: Thoughtful Design Shapes School Life

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In the Strategic Plan update portion of the last School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented on Pillar A: Differentiated and Culturally Responsive Learning Environments. Specifically, she talked about the Design and Construction Services office, which is responsible for the design and construction of new and renovated school facilities. View Dr. Reid’s slides. 

She also shared a video of FCPS staff and educators discussing how Educational Specifications (Ed Specs) guide the design and construction of schools. From flexible libraries filled with natural light to safer and more efficient traffic flow at kiss-and-ride, thoughtful design shapes daily experiences for students, staff, and families.

🍔 Schools Cook Up a Recipe for Partnership with Families

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Families at Hybla Valley Elementary School didn’t just meet their teachers at back-to-school night — they also got a taste of school meals in FCPS. Watch a video capturing some of their reactions to the food. 

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services partnered with Hybla Valley to pilot a hot supper program. It offers free meals for students and $5 meals for adults. Read more about the pilot program.

National School Lunch Week

This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead. 

Did you know that 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. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. See Dr. Reid’s October 1 letter to the community for other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown. 

Outstanding Principals Build Empathy and Community

Principal Aye high fives a student


This National Principals Month, we celebrate two outstanding FCPS principals who demonstrate what exceptional leadership looks like: Georgina Aye of Fairfax High School (pictured above) and Justin Simmons of South County Middle School. They were honored last spring at the FCPS Honors celebration. 

Georgina and Justin are focused on helping students grow and feel like they belong, and ensuring every teacher and parent has the resources they need to best support those students. Read about these outstanding principals.

FCPS Ombuds Office: Your Independent, Confidential Resource

Do you have a question or concern about FCPS, but you aren’t sure where to find the answer? Dawn Clements wants you to know you can ask her! Dawn's mission as the FCPS ombuds is to make it easier to understand the school system and help build trust within the community. In honor of Ombuds Day, learn more about Dawn and the Ombuds Office.

Explore Lifelong Learning Through FCPS Adult & Community Education (ACE)!

Increase your skills. Raise your value. Enrich your life through FCPS ACE courses. Be on the lookout. The 2025-26 FCPS ACE Course Catalog is hitting mailboxes now! 

Explore hundreds of continuing education, career certification, and personal improvement classes available through FCPS ACE. Affordable classes are conducted in person or online to meet your busy schedule. Even before your catalog arrives, you can browse all classes online anytime.

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🚍 Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

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. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application. 

Additionally, students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall high schools, and Davis Center can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Bus Discount Program for Adults

By the way, Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18 to 65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.

We Are Fairfax County Public Schools: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Future

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In the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the Future-Ready Index, which is a clear and transparent way for families to understand how the division is doing beyond just SOL scores. 

The index measures what matters for the future, such as the five domains of readiness that show how FCPS prepares every learner for future opportunity and long-term success:

  • Academic Excellence. 
  • Safety and Belonging. 
  • Future-Ready Experiences. 
  • Great Teachers and Support. 
  • Community Investment. 

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. View Dr. Reid’s presentation. 

Dr. Reid also shared a video that highlights students’ perspectives on how we are preparing them for the future.

đź“Ť Participate in an October Community Boundary Review Meeting

Boundary graphic for newsletters


Our October community boundary review meetings are underway. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. At the meetings, the consultant will present the latest draft map (Scenario 4) and changes specific to the two pyramids being covered. Participants will also be invited to ask questions. The following meetings will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. over the next week, unless stated otherwise. Please note that some meeting dates have changed:

View the full list of October boundary meetings. 

Click “in person” or “virtual” to register for a meeting based on how you would like to participate. 

If participating in person, you may come to the event 30 minutes early to explore the latest draft map in the Boundary Explorer Tool. A limited number of FCPS laptops will be available, and staff will be on site to assist you in using the tool. Virtual participants may log on 30 minutes early, and a staff member will be able to show how to use the tool.

Feedback can be provided through the Boundary Explorer Tool or to your pyramid representative on the Superintendent's Boundary Review Advisory Committee. 

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.

✨ Step Into Your Future at the FCPS Operational Career Fair

banner where different employees are smiling


On Tuesday, October 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., FCPS will host an Operational Career Fair and Networking Event at the Fairfax County Government Center. This event is a collaboration with Fairfax County Government to showcase current and future FCPS operational job opportunities. 

Registration is required to attend. Please register by Friday, October 24. Learn more about the networking event fair. 

Questions should be directed to the FCPS Department of Human Resources online or by calling 571-423-3000.

🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Diwali (Holiday)

Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali. All schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS Statement on Nondiscrimination: Americans With Disabilities Policy Notice

Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, Title IX, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information in its programs and activities. These protections apply to students, employees, and other members of the public.

FCPS is committed to equal access and equal opportunity in all services and employment, including its policies, complaint process, program accessibility, religious accommodations, and other equal employment opportunity matters. FCPS prohibits retaliation against individuals who report allegations of discrimination, file a formal complaint, or participate in the investigative process.

Compliance is coordinated by the directors of the following:

  • Office of Employee Relations, Department of Human Resources, regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues. Find contact information on their website.
  • Office of Special Education Procedural Support, Department of Special Services, 571-423-4290, regarding programs and activities for students with disabilities.

For more information, visit the non-discrimination policy webpage or the non-discrimination/ADA webpage.

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