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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.
Hello Braddock Families,
I officially started my holiday season this week by picking out the perfect tree at the Robinson’s baseball team’s annual tree sale. It was a great way to support the team and get into the festive mood! That visit reminded me that our local schools are truly the heart of our community and the holidays, bursting with opportunities to celebrate.
 If you are looking to keep that festive spirit going, look no further than our own backyard. From the adorable "Tiny Tots" performances at Robinson Secondary and the "Children's Holiday Concert" at Lake Braddock Secondary, to spectacular winter concerts at Fairfax High and TJHSST, there is musical magic happening everywhere showcasing our talented students.
Our teachers are getting into the act also with performances of their own! Catch our teacher-led bands at Jammin’ Java Sunday night in a benefit performance for Educate Fairfax, or just relax while students from West Springfield High School crew rake your leaves to raise money for the team! Take a look below for information on all these great events!
It’s not just holiday cheer, though—the work continues.
Tuesday, we had a full School Board work session discussing Goal 5 of our Strategic plan and our secondary course offerings. We then had a joint budget meeting with the Board of Supervisors on our fiscal forecast.
As the Budget chair this year, my focus during what is likely to be another tight budget year is to ensure earlier communication with our community and stronger collaboration with the Board of Supervisors as we work to meet the needs of Fairfax County.
We then welcomed our latest cohort of students participating in the school board’s Student Leadership Development program.
 Finally, we covered a lot of ground at our regular School Board meeting Thursday night. See below for the meeting recaps.
On Wednesday at the joint Board of Supervisors and School Board SCYPT meeting, we discussed workforce development and legislative advocacy focused on our efforts to jointly support the children and youth in our county.
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
School Board Meeting
Last night, we held our regularly scheduled School Board meeting. We had a packed agenda focused on everything from curriculum updates to funding our future. Here are some of the key conversations we had:
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🏆 Celebrating Inclusion: We started by passing a resolution to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week. We invite the entire community to engage in activities that champion diversity, equity, and belonging.
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📚 Shaping the Curriculum: We reviewed Secondary Course Offerings to decide which standard and optional classes should be added (or removed) across the system next year.
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💰 Bond Funding Next Steps: Voters approved the School Bonds on November 4! The Board then moved to officially request the Board of Supervisors issue those bonds so we can finalize the funding process.
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📈 Academic Standards: During the "Academic Matters" segment, we will dove into the data on how recent changes to SOL Cut Scores are impacting student results and discuss revisions.
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🚚 Strategic Plan in Action: We had a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics and warehouse operations that keep our schools fully supplied and running smoothly.
County and School Board Joint Budget Meeting
I was glad to join my fellow School Board members and the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to hold our Joint Budget Committee Meeting.
We discussed the Fiscal Year 2027 Fiscal Forecast and heard from County Executive Bryan Hill, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, Fairfax County CFO Christina Jackson , FCPS CFO Leigh Burden, Fairfax County Department of Management and Budget Director Phil Hagen, and FCPS Office of Budget Services Director Alice Wigington.
While the focus remains on supporting our students and staff, the forecast presents a challenging fiscal picture.
The Financial Challenge
The updated forecast projects a combined budgetary shortfall of $131.5 million in the FCPS budget. As a result, the FCPS forecast for FY 2027 is strictly focused on "base requirements" rather than new initiatives.
 What is Driving the School Budget?
Because education is a "labor-intensive enterprise," 89% of the FCPS budget is dedicated to employee compensation. The proposed budget prioritizes investing in our workforce to maintain high-quality instruction:
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Step Increases: Funding is included to provide step increases for eligible employees.
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Market Scale Adjustment (MSA): A 3% MSA is proposed for all employees to keep salaries competitive.
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Benefits: The budget accounts for rising health and retirement rate changes.
Impact of Enrollment Changes
Interestingly, not all costs are rising. The forecast anticipates a $41.9 million reduction in expenditures related to "Enrollment and Student Needs"8. This saving is largely due to a projected decline in student enrollment, which offsets some of the other rising costs.
Economic Context & Uncertainty
The report highlights significant economic uncertainty that could impact funding. Northern Virginia’s economy is heavily reliant on federal spending, and potential changes in federal policy—specifically regarding federal employment and the "DOGE" impacts—create unpredictable risks for our region. Additionally, while residential property values are growing (projected at 3.2%), the growth is slower than in previous years.
Looking Back to Look Forward
To provide context, the report reminds us that the current FY 2026 budget already required difficult decisions, including increasing class sizes and deferring the purchase of new Social Studies curriculum materials. Because of these prior reductions, the district is approaching FY 2027 with caution, avoiding new resource requests where possible.
You can view the whole presentation online.
As a reminder, the remaining budget timeline is as follows:
🗓️Superintendent Proposed Budget: Jan. 22, 2026
🗓️County Executive Advertised Budget: Feb. 17, 2026
🗓️Joint County/Schools Budget Committee: Feb. 24, 2026
🗓️School Board adopts Approved Budget: May 21, 2026
I will continue to advocate for funding that prioritizes our students and schools so that all in FCPS can thrive and succeed.
School Board Work Session
During Tuesday's Work Session, we met to discuss Goal 5 and Secondary Course Offerings.
Goal 5 states that every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future.
During our discussion on Secondary Course Offerings we looked at graduation success rates, postsecondary plans and outcomes, and Strategies Focused on Graduation Success.
Virginia School Board Association 2025 Convention
 Our Fairfax County School Board delegation joined over 1,000 School Board members from across the Commonwealth as well as other education leaders and professionals at the 2025 VSBA Annual Convention in Williamsburg. We discussed best practices and shared ideas about common challenges and opportunities facing education professionals across Virginia. I am looking forward to bring back some of what I learned to FCPS to continue strengthening and supporting our excellent schools.
FCPS Thanksgiving Community Dinners
 Thanksgiving came early at Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), who, in partnership with Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to supporting and enriching student opportunities across Fairfax County Public Schools, held two Thanksgiving Community Dinners at Annandale High School and Herndon High School right before the holiday break.
I am so proud of these partnerships which help ensure all students and families feel safe, supported and included. The community meals helped build strong bonds between the families, schools, and staff which is one of our FCPS strategic goals.
There were delicious dinner options for all ages - turkey with dinner rolls, nugget bites with dinner rolls, or a PB&J Power Pack, served alongside mashed potatoes and gravy, garlic green beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, apple crisp, and assorted milk.
Thank you to everyone who participated!🦃
Kicking off the Student Leadership Development Program! 🌟
 Tuesday night was a highlight of the week! We held the orientation for the 12 students (and their families) selected for the School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP).
For the next six months, these student leaders—representing every magisterial district—will dive deep into the inner workings of the School Board. 🏫🗳️
I am incredibly proud to introduce the student selected to represent the Braddock District:
🌟 Ryan Hembree from Woodson High School! 🌟
Ryan emerged from a very competitive field and truly impressed me during the interview process. He brings a fantastic blend of experience and passion, including:
- 🏛️ An avid interest in community service.
- 🌍 Experience in Model United Nations.
- 🗣️ Leadership in the Junior Class Council.
I can’t wait to get to work with Ryan and the entire cohort as we learn about leadership together. Congratulations again Ryan! 👏
West Springfield High School Varsity Football
Congratulations to the West Springfield High School Varsity Football team for advancing to the semifinals and being named the Region C champions! Best of luck to them tomorrow, Saturday, December 6 as they play against North Stafford at 2pm. Let's keep cheering them on! Go Spartans!
Boundary Review Update
 Last Monday evening, the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met. Key takeaways from the meeting are available on the FCPS website, including materials that were shared with the committee. During the meeting, the consultant recapped the boundary review work-to-date and the remaining timeline as the process is entering the final stages. The advisory committee members broke into subgroups to review and discuss suggested changes for Scenario 4 and the process for developing the final recommendations. Superintendent Dr. Reid will review and consider these before presenting her final recommendations and a proposed implementation plan to the School Board. Board members will also have the opportunity to review the final proposal, hold a public hearing, and approve any boundary adjustments before a final vote. I encourage you to learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter.
Educate Fairfax Benefit Concert
 Educate Fairfax is hosting a Benefit Concert on Sunday, December 7 at Jammin’ Java, and two incredible bands made up of FCPS teachers — The Randos and Aftermath — will be rocking out live with your favorite hits from the 80s, 90s, and more.
It’s a great night out with friends and family, and all proceeds support Educate Fairfax’s work to uplift FCPS students, educators, and schools.
🎶 Grab your tickets🎸 Enjoy live music 💛 Support FCPS teachers and students 🙌 Be part of a night that truly makes a difference
❄️ Robinson Secondary School Tiny Tots - Last Chance Tonight at 7 p.m.
 Celebrate 30 years of Tiny Tots by joining the award-winning Robinson Secondary School Symphonic Band for music and magic of the season tonight Friday, December 5, 2025, at 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 Connector is excited to announce Winterfest 2025 will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage located at 7039 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150.
- Sensory Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.
- General Public: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This FREE event will open at 9:00 a.m. with sensory-friendly time for neurodivergent children and families. This will be a time when it's a little quieter to enjoy the Santa Bus and other activities. The event opens to the general public at 10 a.m. To help us plan, we ask that everyone reserve a free entry ticket. Please note that this ticket is separate from the Santa Visit time slots.
❄️ 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 next 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.
🧒 Parents’ Night Out Fundraiser - Tonight
 The Lewis High School Girls Volleyball Program treats K-6 children in the Lewis Pyramid to an evening of games, crafts, pizza, and fun tonight, 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 - Last Chance Today
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 - Last Chance Today
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.
CTE Pathway & Specialty Program Fair
 Next Wednesday, December 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School rising 8th to 11th graders and their families have a great chance to explore and learn more about the Career & Technical Education Programs. School counselors, support staff and central office leaders will be in attendance so you can learn more about the registration process.
Winter and Spring Break Camps
Registration is open for Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Teens in Action Camps for winter and spring breaks. Admission is free, while some activities and field trips will require a fee in order to participate. Financial assistance is available.
Winter Break Camp will be offered December 22 - 26, 2025, and December 29, 2025 - January 2, 2026. Spring Break Camp will be offered March 30 - April 3, 2026. Program hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer Break Camps will be published in February 2026.
Find more information, including locations and registration forms, online.
Join Teen Advocates to Help End Teen Dating Violence
Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program—a dynamic opportunity for youth ages 12-19 to become powerful community leaders!
This is your chance to actively work with your peers and county agencies (DSVS, NCS, and Second Story) to make a real difference.
What you will do:
- Run Awareness Campaigns focused on dating violence, sexual violence, and youth-related issues.
- Plan Cool Events like an art contest and talent showcase.
- Engage the Community in important conversations about healthy relationships and consent.
If you are ready to be a voice for change and learn leadership skills, we want you!
Commitment
Once selected, Teen Advocates commit for one semester or a full school year, meeting just twice a month to collaborate on projects.
Your Application
No need to worry about spelling or grammar! We want to hear your genuine voice. Tell us: Why is promoting healthy relationships important to you? Applications are due Monday, January 19, 2026.
Questions? Email Noraybeth Nieto (DSVS, habla español) at Noraybeth.Nieto@fairfaxcounty.gov, Debra Miller at Debra.Miller@fairfaxcounty.gov, and Shanna Kim at Shanna.Kim@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) provides clothing, food, grade-appropriate school supplies packaged in backpacks, household items, computers, and financial assistance to families that live in Burke and the greater Springfield area. Including all addresses in the following zip codes: 22151, 22152, 22153, and 22015, and some addresses in 22150 and 22312.
Find more information about getting help, donating, and getting involved on the ECHO website.
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
‘Tis the season for winter weather! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Your school’s principal will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Family Winter Assistance
As the winter season grows colder, here are important reminders and community resource information regarding holiday assistance.
Families who may need assistance are encouraged to apply directly through the local charities and organizations listed below. These groups provide a range of supports during the holiday season, but also year-round!
Healthy Minds Fairfax
Healthy Minds Fairfax offers short-term behavioral health services for children and youth who live in Fairfax County. Families can access up to 8 free counseling sessions with licensed therapists for support with depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, or loss. Find more information online.
✅ 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.
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:
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.
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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