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Hello Braddock Families,
I can almost smell the crisp fall air! I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy our gorgeous fall weather, perfect for fall sports and outdoor play for kids of all ages. It’s great to see runners on the tracks at our high schools, families playing tennis on the courts, and youth sports teams making use of our fields. Our public school continues to serve the community long after the kids go home, and the use of our recreational facilities is only one example. Schools truly are the heartbeat of our communities.
We had a jam packed School Board meeting last week and I wanted to share my thoughts on some of the topics we discussed.
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Middle School Start Times: The Board voted to take a pause on any adjustments to Middle School start times. The Braddock community had voiced concerns regarding the proposed late elementary school start times and I share those concerns. Starting elementary school close to 10 am, which meant that some students would arrive home at the end of the after 5 or even later for students outside their base school is just too late for elementary students. We can’t fix the healthy start times issue at middle schools at the expense of healthy start and finish times at our elementary schools. That’s why I voted in favor of pausing any changes and taking the time to do the work to arrive at schedule adjustments that work for all our students. This extra time will allow for both a thorough evaluation,a planning period, and community engagement. It also allows for the school boundaries to be solidified and the new electronic transportation system phased in. Add to the discussion the 6,987 bus routes, 93,371 miles covered, and approximately 130,000 students transported every day, and there’s a lot to consider. We must take the time to make sure we do this right. I’ve said from the beginning I don’t want to promise something we can’t deliver and I don’t want to fix start times for one group of students at the expense of another
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Western High School: Superintendent Reid presented a thorough overview of options for the newly acquired Western High School. The Superintendent is recommending a comprehensive High School, with traditional boundaries, that includes specialty programming. We are also looking at a “school within a school model” for specialty programming. Possibilities that are under consideration include Aerospace, Data Science, AI, Civics and Government, and Leadership and Ethics. The programming options outlined offer ideas for our existing high schools to explore as well. My primary considerations for the Western High School are alleviating the overcrowding at the neighboring high schools and providing its students the best possible preparation for the challenges of the emerging 22nd-Century workplace. Final programming for the Western High School will be voted on at the November 13, 2025 School Board Meeting.
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Virginia State Changes to SOL Cut Scores: There was a discussion of concerns around Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) planned changes to the current SOL Cut Scores. Cut Scores define the minimum points students must achieve to pass or pass advanced on the SOLs. While SOL scores at younger grades do not impact students, in high school students must pass 5 SOLs in order to graduate. Drastically changing the cut scores can negatively impact our students and those across the Commonwealth. These revisions have not been released yet, but are expected to be implemented in the current 2025-26 school year, which leaves little time to adjust teaching methods and student preparation. As education leaders of seven of the top 10 high schools in Virginia and the fifth-ranked school system in the country, we proudly hold up our student performance as a national model.The way to raise student achievement is by improving how we educate students, not by changing how we test students at the last minute. When cut scores change, many families will see their child marked as failing. This is not about raising expectations. It is about a continued effort to label Virginia’s students as failing, in order to discredit the power and promise of public education. FCPS is closely monitoring the situation
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Progress for Multilingual learners: Progress in an area I am particularly proud of is in our work with Multilanguage learners. Dr. Reid presented data charting FCPS’ continued progress on language proficiency with a higher share of Multi-lingual Learners gaining proficiency and exiting services in School Year 24-25 (Sy 24-25) than in previous years. Here are some data points of key findings from the Strategic Plan Goal 1 Report: Strong Start: Pre-K-12, Multilingual Learner Progress:
- In SY 24-25, 57% of Multilingual learners met the state standard for progress towards English Language Proficiency (ELP) (+12 per pts from baseline)
- In SY 2024-25, 14% successfully exited services by demonstrating proficiency (+4 per pts from baseline)
- Students at ELP level 4 showed some of the strongest gains: 62% met the state standard for WIDA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) progress (+18 per pts) and 53% successfully exited the program (+10 per pts)
I was also pleased to join my colleagues in voting for the proclamations Honoring National Red Ribbon Week and Student Athletics and Activities Month.
All in all there was good news to report, the full agenda, including results from the latest Youth Survey (see below for more information on the results of last year’s Youth Survey as well as information for the upcoming Youth Survey) and an in-depth analysis of the value of pre-K and FCPS’ success implementing Pre-K programs, is available for your review. The next School Board meeting is Thursday, November 13, 2025. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
I want to end by wishing everyone a happy Halloween. Enjoy a rare Friday night Halloween where we don’t have to rush the kids to bed to wake up for school the next morning! And please remember to set your clocks back this weekend - Daylight Savings Time begins at Nov 2 - 12:01am Sunday morning.⏰
As always, my team and I are available to answer any questions you might have or address any concerns. Please feel free to reach out to my office at braddockconstituent@fcps.edu.
All my best,
In this issue
 Join Senator Pekarsky’s 2026 Youth Leadership Program!
Applications are now open (until Sunday, November 30 at 6 p.m.) for the 2026 Youth Leadership Program for students across Virginia to learn firsthand how state government works, meet with elected leaders, community members and advocacy organizations. Apply now to gain valuable experience at the Capitol during the Spring 2026 legislative session.
Participants will: attend committees, watch the floor session in the Capitol, meet legislators and staff, attend panels from a variety of people working in the General Assembly, and more!
Eligibility: Virginia High School Juniors & Seniors
Program Dates: January 28, 2026 - January 30, 2026
TJHSST 40th Anniversary
 Forty years ago Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology opened with 400 ninth-grade students. Since then, over 16,000 students from across Northern Virginia have passed through the school doors and achieved amazing feats. TJ is consistently ranked as one of the best high schools in the country and the best high school in Virginia, with a 100% graduation rate and 99% college attendance rate. Before graduating students partake in a senior research project on topics ranging from Chemical Analysis to Quantum Physics and Mechanics. I was thrilled to attend the 40th Anniversary Celebration last Saturday to celebrate the many achievements with over 500 faculty, staff, alumni and members of FCPS leadership. TJ's own Principal Michael Mukai graduated from TJ and shared remarks about what keeps TJ special, and how to continue the culture which keeps students inquisitive and eager to learn. Go Colonials!
Cardinal Forest Elementary School Literacy and Math Programs
 Last week, Cardinal Forest Elementary School hosted Dr. Reid, where she sat in on literacy and math classes. Melanie Ano, a Participate Learning ambassador teacher from the Philippines, led a Benchmark Literacy lesson comparing “The Dog and the Bone” and “The Ant and the Dove.” Dr. Reid also had the opportunity to see Cardinal Forest’s participation in the Virtual Algebra 1 pilot, where sixth grade students were engaged in online instruction under the supervision of an AART. Principal Ashleigh Long shared that Cardinal Forest is a “school community that truly continues to ‘remain in the light’ where joyful learning, inclusion, and intentional teaching shine brightly” and ”a place where students and staff feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.” Well said! Go Mighty Red Birds!!
Virginia Department of Education’s Principal of Distinction Program
 Congratulations to Braddock District principal Shawn DeRose of Annandale High School for being selected for the Virginia Department of Education’s Principal of Distinction Program! The program honors school leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire excellence, and improve student outcomes. This recognition is offered in partnership with the Virginia Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals. Shawn is part of a group of 31 principals across the state, including two others from Fairfax County, who were selected for the award. They recently participated in a professional development symposium in Richmond, which focused on learning and collaboration centered on leadership, professional growth, and school improvement. They will also complete a capstone project demonstrating school-level impact. Once finished, they will receive the Level II Principal of Distinction endorsement in administration and supervision preK-12. Go Atoms! Go Team FCPS!!
2025 Champions of Character
 On Monday, October 27, 2025, at the annual Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards at the Fairfax County Government Center many young athletes, coaches and parents were honored for their exemplary display of character.
The annual awards, founded in 2001, honor county youth, coaches and parents in each magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship and community service.
From the Braddock district, the following awardees were honored:
- Male Athlete - Tillman Abeyta, Football, Braddock Road Youth Club
- Female Athlete - Norah Garcia, Soccer, Annandale Boys & Girls Club
- Coach - Carlos Santizo, Soccer, Braddock Road Youth Club
- Parent - Angela Santizo, Soccer, Braddock Road Youth Club
Purple Star Schools
 Congratulations to the five first-time, seven second-time and two third-time Braddock district schools for being recognized as Purple Star Schools. Purple Start schools earn the designation for their support of military-connected students and their families. With more than 12,700 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS, it is important that every school is equipped to help them. FCPS is now 75% of the way to having all FCPS schools earn the Purple Star distinction!
Braddock District Schools recognized as 2025 Purple Star Schools for the first time include:
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- Annandale High School
- Braddock Elementary School
- Eagle View Elementary School
- Fairfax Villa Elementary School
- Laurel Hill Elementary School
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Being recognized for the second time are:
- Cardinal Forest Elementary School
- Frost Middle School
- Irving Middle School
- Kings Glen Elementary School
- Robinson Secondary School
- Terra Centre Elementary School
- West Springfield High School
Third-time recipients include:
- North Springfield Elementary School
- Woodson High School
2024-25 Fairfax County Youth Survey
 According to the 2024-25 Fairfax County Youth Survey, which is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary annual survey that asks students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 questions about behaviors, experiences, and risk and protective factors, we have good news to share in FCPS! Based on the survey results, student alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use continued to decrease in 2024. This year’s rates were the lowest since 2018! The percentage of students reporting mental health concerns are down, and the percentage of students reporting healthy habits has increased, other than the percentage of students watching TV three or more hours a day. The percentage of students reporting bullying concerns is also down. The survey also found that when children and youth have three or more positive protective factors in their lives – known as Three to Succeed – they are more likely to successfully manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits. The protective factors in FCPS include:
- Building student connectedness and belonging
- Positive communication to caregivers
- Access to activities
- Parent education
You can also hear from FCPS teachers on how they use the Youth Survey data to better support our students in this video. More information about the upcoming 2025-26 Youth Survey is included below in this newsletter as well.
School Boundary Review Meetings
 Over the past few weeks, my team and I have been eager to attend boundary review meetings at Annandale HS, Lewis HS, Irving MS (for Lake Braddock and West Springfield HS pyramids), and Fairfax HS. Hundreds of parents have shown up to share their input and it reminds me to be thankful for such an engaged community. With the Community Boundary Review meetings coming to a close, I am pleased to share that most Braddock District concerns have been resolved. You can find a summary of each high school pyramid changes online. Additionally, the Boundary Review Committee will meet twice in November to address any outstanding issues, though these will likely be very minimal changes. There will also be two new Community Boundary Review meetings for the new Western High School November 1 and November 14, although no Braddock District families should be impacted by that. The new Western High School will help relieve overcrowding in nearby schools though.
FCPS App
 FCPS has a new mobile app! The app provides a custom, district-branded platform that keeps families connected and informed right from their smartphones. It consolidates essential content such as news, live updates, calendars, district and school-specific notices, cafeteria menus, and more, all in one place. Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. Additionally, schools can publish content and push notifications simultaneously to the app and to social media platforms. You can learn more about the new mobile app in this video.
TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes, two FCPS parents, previewed the app and gave their feedback. TeAndra said she “loves the app itself” because of how convenient it is for her to “just go on my phone and get all the announcements that I need.” This is especially helpful because she has four students in two different schools!
Roy found the app to be “easy to use” for keeping up with football games. He said, “I can look for my Centerville High School and immediately know that the football team is at Chantilly tonight.” He then accessed Maps through the app to get directions to Chantilly, so he certainly won’t be missing a game anytime soon!
To download the FCPS mobile app, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Next Year's Fairfax County Youth Survey
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The survey is given each fall to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. It provides information about a variety of topics related to our students that influence their physical and mental well-being, from sleep, physical activity, and nutritional habits to protective factors, substance use behaviors, and symptoms of depression.
The 2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey will be taken by students between Monday, November 10, and Friday, November 21. Parents and caregivers can opt their student out of participating in the survey if they so choose.
Visit the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage for more information and to review the opt-out forms.
✨ Providing students with access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
🏗️ Vote for FCPS Bonds 🗳️
 Over the last year I was able to see in person the impact bonds have for our schools. I've attended the construction update community meetings and ribbon cuttings at Bonnie Brae Elementary School, Wakefield Forest Elementary School, and Frost Middle School. And those renovations were just for schools in the Braddock District. Together with other schools across the county there are more than 20 schools that have started or completed their renovation this past year.
Many of these renovations were thanks to Fairfax County voters in 2019 supporting the bond which helps fund beautiful new buildings, increased capacity, new music and art spaces, improved roofs and HVAC systems, improved security, and much more.
Next Tuesday, November 4, voters will decide on a $460 million bond to ensure other schools can be renovated and all our students can have modern learning spaces.
It’s your chance to shape the future of Fairfax County schools.
Learn more about how the bond works by clicking on the image above to watch the "What is a Bond?" video, or read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum.
✅ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. We will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, November 12.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. This year, FCPS expects to receive approximately $4 million in Impact Aid funding. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or submitting the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type “Federal Impact Aid Survey” in the Issue Description section. You may also call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
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.
© 2023 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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