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School Spirit, Service Opportunities, Community Gatherings, and More!
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a fun and rewarding fall across the Providence District — full of Friday night lights, fall festivals, and school spirit everywhere you turn. From cheering on our talented student athletes to seeing families come together at school and community events, it’s been wonderful to see our schools bursting with energy, connection, and pride.
This season offers so many opportunities to keep supporting one another in our schools and our neighborhoods. This week’s newsletter is full of updates and opportunities, including resources for families affected by the federal government shutdown, new volunteer initiatives like the Fairfax Tree Rescuers “Week of Action” (students still looking for service hours — this one’s for you!), and, for our littlest learners, November session dates for the Sensory Sensations program at Jim Scott Community Center.
As always, I’m so grateful for everyone who shows up — to volunteer, to celebrate, to lend a hand, or simply to cheer from the sidelines. Your engagement is what makes the Providence District such a vibrant and welcoming place for every student and family. I hope you’ll continue to stay involved, share your feedback, and join us for the many events and initiatives ahead.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
“A Night at the Game” - Falls Church and Madison
Our community has enjoyed some fantastic evenings under the Friday (and Thursday!) night lights this season. Falls Church’s game two weeks ago and Madison’s Halloween Eve game last week both showcased the enthusiasm and togetherness that make our schools so special. What a great time celebrating the talent and spirit of our amazing students — from football and cheer to the marching band, color guard, and more!
Join Me Under the Friday Night Lights - Next Up: Woodson
It’s been a great season of “A Night at the Game” events, celebrating the outstanding talent and spirit of our students across the Providence District. Join us for the final game this Friday:
🏈 Woodson HS (Spirit Wear) | Fri., Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | RSVP
Tickets for the game 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!
Fall Festivals: Fairhill and Shrevewood Elementary Schools
It was such a treat to attend the fabulous fall festivals at Fairhill and Shrevewood elementary schools and to see so many families out enjoying the games, food, and fun. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make these events a huge success!
2025 State of Our Schools
I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 State of Our Schools event, where Dr. Reid shared exciting updates, recent successes, and her vision for the future aligned with the FCPS 2023–30 Strategic Plan. It was wonderful to see our Providence District students get the chance to showcase their hard work and talent — including 6th-grade Algebra 1 students from Mosaic and Pine Spring Elementary Schools and the Guitar Ensemble from Falls Church High School.
Freedom Hill PTA Meeting
I was grateful for the invitation to join Freedom Hill’s recent PTA meeting with Senator Saddam Salim and my School Board colleagues Kyle McDaniel and Ryan McElveen. We had a thoughtful discussion about a range of topics, including school funding, the legislative program, and threats to public education. My thanks to everyone who took part.
FCPS Supports Families for Safe Streets Initiatives
I was grateful to be invited to the Families for Safe Streets meeting last night to share updates on the school division’s School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment Program, which provides a structured, equitable process for evaluating and prioritizing traffic and pedestrian safety improvements across our school division.
Starting this year, each school will complete an annual self-assessment of its traffic and pedestrian safety conditions. This year's assessments were due on October 31, and the Safe Routes to School team is now reviewing them to identify schools with significant safety challenges, coordinate follow-up, and develop action plans that assign clear responsibilities and timelines for mitigation.
New SOL Cut Scores
It is important that families are aware of the startling impact that new SOL cut scores (the number indicating proficiency in a subject) will have on our students. When looking at FCPS pass rates, 26% of our students who passed their math SOL in the spring of 2025 would no longer be considered passing if they took the same test with these new cut scores. For reading, it’s 28% fewer students.
These changes aren’t about raising expectations for our children, they simply move the finish line for students. Raising expectations means we change the learning experience for our students, something FCPS is deeply committed to, as evidenced by our focus on increasing access to high school mathematics courses in elementary and middle schools and on ensuring that all students have access to rigorous high school courses that prepare them for the future.
The Virginia Board of Education will take action on the plan to implement changes to cut scores on November 13. Community members can provide feedback on these changes through November 6.
The state will also host a listening session for families on November 5 from 5:30-6:30 pm, where you can share your thoughts. You can join the listening session using the following information:
There are also several legislative changes that will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, including additional requirements for SOL testing and requiring SOL testing results to count as a portion of a student's final grade in middle and high school.
In addition to these cut score changes, the state is also changing how it measures schools. Superintendent Reid explains more in this short video, and additional details can be found on the FCPS website.
Volunteer Opportunity: Fairfax Tree Rescuers
All are invited to participate in a “Week of Action,” November 8-16, the official launch of Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM, a community-wide initiative to save our trees and natural areas from the invasive plants that are smothering and strangling them. This is a great opportunity for students who need service hours!
Join your neighbors and friends right here in the Providence District for Helping Our Land Heal Habitat Restoration at Oakmont Park, Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. to noon. (Register Here)
More events are listed at FairfaxPRISM.org, where you can also learn about other ways to help, or get help with the initiatives you’re already leading.
Download the New FCPS Mobile App
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help families stay connected and informed, directly on their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” With the app, you can:
- Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from FCPS
- View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
- Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
- Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
- Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without signing in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. Learn more about the new mobile app.
November Sensory Sensations for Little Learners
The Sensory Sensations program at Jim Scott Community Center is designed especially for little ones to explore different sights, sounds, textures, and movement, while interacting with others their age. Caregivers and parents can also meet and share resources. Registration is required:
Fairfax County Pet Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
Fairfax County’s Animal Shelter Pet Resource Center offers low-cost clinics where county residents can have their dogs and cats vaccinated and microchipped without paying for a veterinary exam.
Fairfax Center Fire Station 40
Wednesday, November 5, 9 - 11 a.m.
Wednesday, December 3, 9 - 11 a.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus
Friday, November 21, 9 - 11 a.m.
Friday, December 19, 9 - 11 a.m.
Providence District Food Drive
Now through November 15, Supervisor Dalia Palchik’s office and community partners are collecting non-perishable food donations to support Food for Others and the food pantries at Oakton, Woodson, and Falls Church High Schools. [More Information]
Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities Town Hall
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) invites families, staff, and community members to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas about special education in FCPS at its annual Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 7 to 9:00 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center, 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Room 1000B. Each speaker will have three minutes to address topics related to students with disabilities and learning differences.
If you can’t attend in person, you may join via Zoom, send a short video, or submit written comments to be read during the meeting. To participate virtually, email ACSDChair@fcps.edu by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11.
Support and Resources for Furloughed Federal Employees
Families across our community are feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown. While the duration remains uncertain, I want to highlight several resources and supports available to those affected:
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Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Families experiencing changes in income due to furloughs, layoffs, or other reasons may now be eligible for free and reduced-price meals and can apply at any time. [More Information]
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Federal Workforce Resource Hub: Fairfax County offers a central hub with resources for job assistance, training, insurance, financial aid, mental health support, and veteran services. [More Information]
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Community Resources for Families in Need: Through partnerships with community-based organizations and other Fairfax County agencies, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) provides information, referrals, and advocacy to help individuals connect with services, including basic needs (food, shelter, clothing), financial assistance, health care services, and referrals to services and resources. [More Information]
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New Guidance Provided to Cover November SNAP Benefits; What You Need to Know: The Virginia Department of Social Services has stated that SNAP benefits will lapse starting November 1. The State has created an emergency food assistance program called Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA). VENA will provide emergency food assistance to eligible SNAP households while the federal shutdown continues in November. [More Information]
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How to Access or Donate Food to Those in Need: View the Emergency Food Access Providers webpage to see where to access food or donate to your local food bank.
Youth Athletes, Coaches, and Parents Honored as Champions of Character
Last week’s Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards recognized youth athletes, coaches, and parents from each Fairfax County magisterial district for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. I’m especially proud to recognize our Providence District winners:
- Male Athlete - Ben Ochsendorf, Basketball, McLean Select and Nova Cats AAU
- Female Athlete - Ryan Elizabeth McIntosh, Swimming
- Coach - Mark Cruz, Volleyball, Vienna Youth Inc.
- Parent - Mary Wong, Volleyball, Vienna Youth Inc.
Congratulations to all who uphold Fairfax County’s longstanding tradition of amateur athletics, promoting teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and community service.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots to all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Immunization clinics will be held 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. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. [More Information]
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 other vital areas. 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.
School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs
All sessions are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with no pre-registration required.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Fiscal Forecast / Boundary Discussion)
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation)
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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