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Hello Braddock Families,
We are undeniably into autumn now, with the leaves falling and cold winds blowing them all around! I know everyone is looking forward to the long-holiday weekend and plans for family, food and maybe a little football are well underway.
The past few weeks, I've been making the rounds visiting schools throughout the district, see below for more details, and what a treat it's been! There's nothing quite like seeing the buzz of learning in action. We’ve seen kindergarteners learning how to cope with their worries, 4th graders discussing character development and sixth graders solving simple algebraic expressions. The absolute highlight? A Thanksgiving Day song complete with a turkey dance that had us all smiling. Let's just say those turkey moves were truly something special.
As we head into the holiday season, we're thankful for this amazing community and all the fun moments we get to share together. Wishing everyone a cozy, joy-filled Thanksgiving!
 A few reminders - the next School Board work session is Tuesday, December 2 and the next regular School Board meeting is Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7PM. Agendas will be posted closer to the meeting dates. Tune in to watch and participate in School Board meetings from home.
Also, please mark your calendars for a public hearing on Monday, December 1, 6 - 7PM at Luther Jackson Middle School to discuss the Proposal to Open a Full-Time AAP Center at Poe Middle School (Annandale Pyramid) in SY2026-27.
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,
Rachna
In this issue
Take Your Legislator to School Visits
 Take Your Legislator to School Day is a great opportunity to show our elected officials all the work that is being done by our staff and our students. I had the pleasure to show Delegate Dan Helmer around some of our local schools with School Board Chair and Springfield District Representative, Sandy Anderson. First we met with Principal Luerssen at Oak View Elementary School and discussed the programs at Oak View and how to best prepare our students for the future.
 We also visited Robinson Secondary School to meet with Principal Phillips. I was very impressed by the work the ceramic class was doing using algorithms to design 3-D printed pots. We were also able to chat with photography students about their compositions as we toured the dark room, and we met with students learning about AI.
 Next, I visited Fairview Elementary School with Delegate Laura Jane Cohen. We saw multiple classes developing literacy skills, a special education class, and a 6th grade algebra class. Thank you principal Goldstein and staff for all your hard work! Fly high Falcons!
World Food Movement
 I am always looking for ways to partner with members of our community to support our schools and students. Last week, I met with Braddock Elementary School Principal Jackson-Muir and representatives from the World Food Movement (WFM). Together we discussed how WFM can help support the students with weekend food packages. We are hoping this will be the first in a series of collaborations to help serve the needs of our students and their families.
Special Education Visits
 I also had the opportunity to visit Greenbriar East Elementary School and Eagle View Elementary School with our Region 5 Assistant Superintendent Becky Baenig. I am very proud of the work that is being done to make sure all of our students receive the best education possible and that every student feels included in the school community.
Korean Bell Garden
 Congratulations to the Korean American Cultural Committee, NOVA Parks, and the Republic of Korea for the 15th Anniversary of their cooperation in the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna. It was honor for our local community to hear from KACC Chairwoman Ms. Jeung Hwa Yi, Consul-General from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kijoung Cho, Congressman James Walkinshaw, and NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson at the celebration. Congratulations as well to Paul Gilbert, the former Executive Director of NOVA Parks on his retirement. If you have not had a chance to visit, I strongly encourage you to take in the beauty of the gardens and the stunning craftsmanship of the Korean Bell Garden.
First Place Quiz Bowl Performance
 Congratulations to Robinson Secondary School's Quizbowl A Team for their stellar performance at the Burleigh Manor Middle School Invitational in Ellicott City, Maryland which was part of the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT). The Robinson Rams Quizbowl A Team entered the invitational with a 5-0 winning streak and ended with a 9-1 record, tied for 1st place. I will continue rooting for Ryan McManus, Max Parmentier, Stephen Kurian, and Henry Terrill as they represent Robinson at future NAQT competitions. Go Rams!
VHSL Class 6 Cheer
 Congratulations to the following Braddock District schools and students who participated in recent VHSL Class 6 sports tournaments:
- VHSL Class 6 Cheer
- West Springfield High School 3rd place
- Robinson Secondary School 4th place
- VHSL Class 6 Golf (Team)
- Robinson Secondary School - 2nd place
- TJHSST - 8th place
- VHSL Class 6 Golf (Individual)
- Raquel Walker from Robinson Secondary School- tied for 3rd
- Armaan Osterman from Robinson Secondary School - tied for 5th
- Sydney Dinh from Robinson Secondary School - tied for 10th
- VHSL Class 6 Field Hockey
- Fairfax High School Lions - 1st place
- Annandale High School Atoms - 2nd place
- Woodson High School Cavaliers - 3rd place
- Lake Braddock Secondary School Lady Bruins - 4th place
🪨 Fairfax Villa Elementary Students “Rock” World Kindness Day
 I was excited to learn about a project that the students in the Peer Buddies program at Fairfax Villa Elementary worked on together. The Buddies painted “kindness rocks” and wrote notes of encouragement. These will be placed around school grounds to remind everyone of the importance of warmth and compassion in honor of World Kindness Day, which was celebrated on November 13. Read more about the festivities.
✨ The Peer Buddies program and the Fairfax Villa Kindness Rocks project demonstrate schools meeting the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Join FCPS and Educate Fairfax for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner! 
 FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services, in partnership with Educate Fairfax, is excited to host free Community Thanksgiving Dinners for our students and families!
Come enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving-inspired meal and celebrate the season together.
 Monday, Nov. 24 | 6–7 p.m.
 Herndon High School
Justice High School
Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 6–7 p.m.
Annandale High School
Mount Vernon High School
Free for children and adults, thanks to the FCPS Food & Nutrition Services Afterschool Program and our partnership with Educate Fairfax.
No registration needed, meals are served first come, first served. Enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal with a main dish, sides, fresh fruits & veggies, and dessert!
Learn more online: fcps.edu/food.
⛄ Lewis High School 2025 Tiny Tots Concert
 Join the Lewis High School Band for their 2025 Tiny Tots Concert on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. at John R. Lewis High School. Hear season selections and see your favorite characters. Admission is $3 per person. Please note that reservations are required for the morning performances.
For reservations and further information, contact lancerbandtinytots@gmail.com.
❄️ Robinson Secondary School Tiny Tots
 Celebrate 30 years of Tiny Tots by joining the award-winning Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band for music and magic of the season on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. and Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The show will take place at the Robinson Secondary School Russell Theater (door 1). Don’t forget to meet your favorite characters after the show!
Group tickets for 10 or more are available in advance for $7. Purchase tickets by emailing robinsontinytos@gmail.com.
❄️ Fairfax High School Winter CollaBRRret
 The Fairfax High School Theatre Department is presenting a winter cabaret titled "CollaBRRret" on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Fairfax High School auditorium. Admission is free, but donations are welcome for their spring musical production of Something Rotten. See the FX Players and friends perform show tunes and seasonal songs.
For more information, visit their website at www.FXPlayers.org.
🎺 Lake Braddock Secondary School Children’s Holiday Concert and Open House
 Join the Lake Braddock Secondary School Bruin Symphonic Band on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. for a Holiday Concert and Open House designed for children and young band students. Hear holiday tunes, watch the Marching Bruins Halftime Show, and listen to small instrumental ensembles. Children may explore the Bandieland trail through the Music Department wing, collect treats and stickers at various stops, and learn more about the instrumental music program along the way!
The concert will take place in the Lake Braddock Little Theater (door 14).
TJHSST Winter Concert
 We came for the music! Enjoy festive holiday songs at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m.
🎶 The Fairfax Carolers
 Ready for some holiday music? Hire the Fairfax High School Choir Fairfax Carolers for your seasonal event! They are now scheduling 30-minute entertainment slots for December holiday parties, craft shows, work events, luncheons, etc. Donations are requested. The last date for this year’s events is Friday, December 21, 2025.
Please contact Juliana Woodill at jcwoodill@fcps.edu to schedule.
🍂West Springfield High School Crew Leaf Raking
The air is starting to get crisp, and leaves are starting to fall, which means it is time to schedule the West Springfield High School Crew Team to rake your yard this season.
This is a win/win opportunity - they clear your yard while you help them raise funds for the upcoming season. This fundraising opportunity helps make it possible for many of their rowers to participate in this club sport.
- They will rake every Saturday and Sunday through December 21.
- Crews are 3-4 rakers (always with an accompanying parent)
- The fee is $15 per hour per raker
- Their minimum job is $90; their average job is ~2.5 hours
- You provide the paper bags or containers
- Remember, Fairfax County requires containers or paper bags for yard waste.
- They bring the rakes, blowers, and brawn and move the leaves to a location of your choice.
- There are two raking sessions per weekend day: 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For information or scheduling, email leafraking@spartancrew.org with your preferred date and details of the job.
🌲 Robinson Secondary School Christmas Tree Sale
The Robinson Secondary School Baseball Program is holding its annual tree stand opening on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trees were cut the second week of November, and the program has used the same grower for 34 years. They always supply great trees that are always fresh. All trees have a hole drilled in the base, are netted, and loaded into your car at no extra charge.
Tree stand hours are as follows.
- Monday, November 24: 5 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 25: 5 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, November 28: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Prices for trees and wreaths vary depending on size, quality, and availability.
The stand will be held on the Robinson outdoor basketball courts, and cash or checks made payable to “Robinson Secondary School” will be accepted.
🧒 Parents’ Night Out Fundraiser
The Lewis High School Girls Volleyball Program treats K-6 children in the Lewis Pyramid to an evening of games, crafts, pizza, and fun on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. (drop off begins at 5:45 p.m. at door 14). Coaches and players will keep all participants entertained in a safe and supervised environment —all proceeds support the volleyball program.
Costs are as follows.
- $30 for 1 child
- $45 for 2
- $50 for 3
- $55 for 4
Families are asked to complete the registration form for each child to guarantee their spot at the event. Payment by cash or check (payable to Lewis HS Sports Booster) will be taken at the door.
Questions or cancellations? Contact Coach Fernanda Rojas at fcrojas@fcps.edu.
🎭 Rambunctious Theatre Company's Candy Sale
Support the Robinson Secondary School Rambunctious Theatre Company (RTC) through their See's Yum-Raiser! Every purchase of See’s boxed chocolates, candy bars, and more goes to RTC. Order today, and candy will be shipped directly to any U.S. address. Enjoy sweet treats while supporting a great cause! The fundraiser ends on December 5, 2025. Order online.
🎤 Woodson High School See’s Candies Sales
The Woodson Chorus has just launched its annual See’s Candies Sale, with a percentage of the proceeds going back to the chorus! Order by December 5, 2025, (with free shipping) to ensure you receive your candy before the holidays. View their store and place orders.
Robinson International Show
 Save the date - March 25, 2026 Robinson Secondary School will be holding its 2025-2026 International show. Students from Robinson will once again showcase the diversity of cultures present at the school through their songs, dances and clothing.
✅ Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
 FCPS is asking all families to complete 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 the survey as soon as possible.
Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child’s education at FCPS.
✅ Entregue su Encuesta de Asistencia por Impacto Federal
FCPS les está solicitando a todas las familias que completen la “Federal Impact Aid Survey” o Encuesta sobre la Asistencia de Impacto Federal. Esta planilla está disponible en SIS ParentVUE en la sección “Online Packets” o Paquetes Online, la cual está ubicada en la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla, una vez que haya entrado a la aplicación. Por favor, complétela tan pronto como le sea posible.
Las escuelas entregarán estas planillas a aquellas familias que no la hayan completado en ParentVUE. Para encontrar más información, visite la página del Federal Impact Aid Survey o mire el video acerca de por qué la asistencia por impacto es importante.
Regístrece para Acceder a ParentVUE
Aprenda cómo activar su cuenta de SISParentVUE, para que pueda fácilmente entregar su encuesta y para que acceda a otra información útil sobre la educación de su niño en FCPS.
Family Engagement Month
 November is National Family Engagement Month! This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children's education. Family engagement is a shared responsibility between home, school, and the community. Check out some of the resources below that you may benefit from.
Free Workshops and Events from the Family Resource Center and Family Academy
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC). Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.
The Family Academy is a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families. The Family Academy offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families in our learning catalog. Sign up for the Family and School Partnerships newsletter or visit the Family Academy catalog for classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families.
December offerings include:
🩹 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 cost. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Additional Immunization Resources are available online. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.️
🩹 Eventos de Vacunación para Estudiantes de FCPS
FCPS, en asociación con “Inspire Health Alliance”, ofrecerá las vacunas obligatorias para ir a la escuela y la vacuna contra la influenza (“Flu” en inglés), de forma gratuita, para todos los estudiantes. También se ofrecerán fechas adicionales durante todo el año escolar.
La participación en este evento es voluntaria. Están disponibles online Recursos sobre la Vacunación. Padres y tutores podrían programar una cita para sus estudiantes.️
Apply Anytime for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meals at any time during the school year.
If your income changes — for example, due to a furlough, layoff, or job loss — you may become newly eligible. Once approved, your benefits stay active for the rest of the school year and for the first 30 days of the next school year.
Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school receive free breakfast and lunch every school day. It’s a great way to make your food budget go further and save time from packing meals. Learn more about FCPS Food and Nutrition.
Give the Gift of Learning
 ‘Tis the Season for Learning! Shop the 20% Off Black Friday Sale
on ALL of the hundreds of classes available through FCPS Adult and Community Education.
- Save 20% when you register for any ACE Class!
- Sale starts at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
- Register for as many classes as you want, all at 20% off!
- Give the Gift of Learning and save 20% when you purchase a class for family or friends!
- Don’t miss this special opportunity to save!
Add classes to your shopping cart and see your discount applied at checkout. Sale only valid from 6:00 p.m. on 11-27-25 through 11-30-25 at 11:59 p.m. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Does not apply to Gift Card purchases.
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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