Second grade students react as they read together at Franconia Elementary School.
☕ Learn How to Navigate the Digital World Together at Family Café
Technology connects us like never before, but it’s important to know how to stay safe while using it. This family workshop provides hands-on learning about internet safety so families are aware of:
- Today’s popular social media sites and apps used by students.
- Effective strategies to engage your child in discussions regarding internet safety.
- Seven primary topics to discuss with your child that will remain important from kindergarten through adulthood.
Join FCPS Intervention and Prevention Services at the Chantilly High School library on Tuesday, December 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., to learn how your family can build healthy, secure, and positive online habits together. Register for this workshop.
💻 Inspire Students During Computer Science Education Week
Next week is Computer Science Education Week (CS Ed Week). Explore free resources for you and your child on the FCPS CS Ed Week webpage and learn how you can continue engaging your child in CS learning throughout the school year. View the FCPS STEAM and Computer Science webpage to discover how FCPS prepares students for their future careers.
Please note that some digital resources may require parental consent before they can be used. Find more information about parental consent for digital resources in the Digital Ecosystem Library.
🎭 On the Road With Dr. Reid
In her Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shares her activities from the week and celebrations across the division. Read Dr. Reid’s highlights, including a mention of the Rocky Run Middle School performance of Lion King Jr., pictured above.
🎤 Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
A series of Community Conversations is underway to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
🎓 Graduation Status: New Feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE
A new Graduation Status tool is available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The tool helps parents and students monitor and track progress in meeting graduation requirements.
Graduation Status includes progress toward the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new feature is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.
Take the following steps to view the Graduation Status section:
- Log in to your SIS ParentVUE/StudentVUE account.
- Go to Course History.
- Go to Graduation Status and toggle “on.”
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your child’s school counselor. Learn more about ParentVUE.
Explore Career and Technical Education (CTE), Academy, and Specialty Programs
As academic advising season approaches, families are encouraged to explore the many opportunities available for rising and current high school students.
Learn more about FCPS academies, specialized programs, and high school CTE courses at the Pathway Fair on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria.
Central office leaders and academy counselors will share insights about CTE programs, courses, and opportunities across FCPS.
Find additional information, including dates for academy open houses. Contact Bonnie Wannett with questions.
🚀 Blast Off! Elementary Students Meet Astronaut Who Attended Their School
George C. Nield, who rocketed to space on a Blue Origin mission in 2022, made it clear that going to space was not out of reach for anyone at North Springfield Elementary School. They had closer ties to the astronaut than they realized. He attended the school in second and third grade. Read about the astronaut’s visit.
Quander Special Education Chair Is a Lifelong Advocate for Students
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Among them is Raquel Joyner, special education chair at Quander Road, who won FCPS’ Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee award last year. Read about Raquel’s impact.
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers and helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS is the economic engine of Fairfax County.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors yesterday to discuss the budget forecast. Watch the meeting and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
📍Comprehensive Boundary Review Update
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met on November 24. If you missed Dr. Reid's message on November 25, please visit FCPS’ website to access key takeaways from the meeting and materials that committee members received.
At the School Board meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, the board will discuss phasing of boundary changes and potential impact on transportation. View the slides. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings. You may also learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.
🫶 Counselor CARES, Inspires Falls Church Staff
FCPS CARES allows parents and caregivers, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Among September’s CARES of the Month recipients is Amy Marketos, a counselor at Falls Church High School.
“Amy’s action towards a student who faces serious health challenges truly showed her compassion and dedication,” her nomination said. “She went above and beyond to make sure the student felt supported and cared for. She visited them at their home and shared an encouraging message. That kind of kindness inspires all of us!"
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Rue De La Bay and Maged Gerges, Facilities and Maintenance Satellite Office.
- Ken Junge, Felecia Allen, and Faye Cofer, Colvin Run Elementary School.
- Jae Lemeshewsky, Sandburg Middle School.
- Hope Song, Colin Powell Elementary School.
- Joni Fraundorfer, Franklin Middle School.
- Alicia Fyfe, Forestdale Elementary School.
To recognize an employee with an FCPS Cares, please visit the submission page.
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break, which can impact your child’s learning. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Check out our attendance resources.
🗓️ Calendar Reminder: Bodhi Day, Early Release Wednesday, Winter Break
Bodhi Day
Monday, December 8, is a religious and cultural observance day recognizing the Buddhist holiday of Bodhi. There is school on this day; however, specific events that cannot be made up will not be held.
Guidelines on Religious Accommodations for Students
FCPS makes reasonable accommodations so individuals are able to meet their personal religious obligations. Parents, teachers, and administrators are encouraged to consult the Guidelines for Religious Activities for Students.
If you have questions, please call the Office of Equity and Employee Relations at 571-423-3070.
⏰ Early Release Wednesday
On Wednesday, December 10, elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early:
- Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, West Springfield, and Woodson.
Find out more about limited early release Wednesdays.
❄️ Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held from Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2.
To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-term assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break.
Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.
School Board Meeting Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
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The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:
- Secondary Course Offerings
- 2026 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program
- Boundary Review Phasing and Transportation
- New Western High School Naming – Public Comment Period #2
- FY 2026 Midyear Budget Review
View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
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Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS site. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available in Fairfax County to support those who need food assistance or shelter, or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
📚 Read for the Gold Over Break!
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Visit your local FCPL branch or their Winter Reading Adventure website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes.
Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about gingerbread house making, crafting sessions, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and book discussions.
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