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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.
Dear Dranesville Families:
I love this time of year. December school and community events are full of holiday spirit like these upcoming Dranesville events- school music concerts, McLean HS’s Highlander Holiday Bazaar, and Herndon’s Wintermarkt, to name a few. Please remember learning happens every day, and attendance remains important this time of year.
This has been a difficult year and fall for many in our community.
- If you or your family needs help, find FCPS and FC resources listed below.
- There are multiple ways to access mental health support including your student’s student services team, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, and George Mason University counseling, guidance, and resources, more details below.
- If you are able to help others, the county’s Holiday Gift Giving Guide and Educate Fairfax's 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge provide ways to donate basics, toys, clothing, or gift cards for our neighbors in need.
- If you would rather donate your time, visit Volunteer Fairfax to find ways you, your student, and your family can help.
Cold weather has arrived, and we’ve already had our first 2-hour delay of the school year. You can see how FCPS responds to inclement weather and where to find the schedule status of FCPS. Students have recess in the colder weather, so please remember to dress them appropriately and then look for their winter clothing in your school’s lost and found. You can learn more about cold weather information and resources at Fairfax County’s winter weather webpage.
January and February will be busy with discussions and votes on boundary work, CIP, and budget. The early months of 2026 are full of work that will affect our students, families, and staff. Please share your advocacy with me, our At-Large members, the Board of Supervisors, and our Virginian elected officials. I will share updates throughout the winter in my newsletter.
I am honored to represent the Dranesville community and appreciate your advocacy on how to best serve our students and community as we work together to make FCPS the best school district.
Wishing you the best this holiday season and enjoy the winter break,
Robyn
'Take Your Legislator to School' Day at Cooper MS with Delegate Rip Sullivan, Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, After-School Specialist Brian Klena, and Principal Maureen McLoughlin.
In this newsletter,
Calendar Reminders
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
Classes resume on January 5, 2026.
January 19: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (No School)
FCPS 2025-26 School Year Calendar
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School Board Updates
Inclusive Schools Week Proclamation.
December 4 Regular Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Action Items
Secondary Course Offerings- The School Board voted to approve changes to the list of middle and high school course offerings for the 2026-27 school year.
2026 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program- The School Board voted to adopt the 2026 Fairfax County School Board State and Federal Legislative Program, as amended.
Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee and the Facilities Planning Advisory Committee- The School Board voted to amend the structure of its Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee and to sunset the Board's Facilities Planning Advisory Council, effective April 1, 2026.
Presentations
Boundary Change Phasing & Transportation Decision- recommendation to provide transportation based only on new boundary adjustments. The presentation shared previous Dranesville boundary adjustments' transportation costs for students phased to remain at their previous school.
Costs of Previous Boundary Adjustments
FY 2026 Midyear Budget Review- recommendation that the School Board approve revenue and expenditure changes reflected in the FY 2026 Midyear Budget Review as detailed in the agenda item.
Academic Matters: Standards of Learning (SOL) cut score impacts and proposed accountability revisions- In November, the Virginia Board of Education decided that cut score changes would begin in the 2026-27 school year (no changes for 2025-26) and phase in over four years, with an increased bar to pass each year. The new temporary “Approaching” level would count as pass/proficient during the phase-in so students and schools aren’t penalized right away. Using spring 2025 SOL results as a baseline, the new standards would significantly lower pass rates — for example, reading could drop from 79% to 51% and math pass rate estimates could drop from 78% under current standards to 52% under full implementation.
Strategic Plan Update- Pillar D: Culture of Equity, Excellence, and Accountability, highlighting an overview of FCPS’ warehouse operations. As part of her presentation, Dr. Reid shared this video showing how the FCPS warehouse ensures every student has access to the same high-quality learning materials.
December 2 Work Session
Strategic Plan Goal 5 Report: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
Secondary Course Offerings
Watch the full meeting.
December 2 Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors to discuss the budget forecast. Watch the meeting and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
Upcoming Public Hearings: Share Your Advocacy with the School Board
The School Board has scheduled the following public hearings. More information, including how to register to speak, will be provided closer to the hearing, available below.
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December 18, 2025 at 6:45 p.m.- Final New Western HS Naming Public Hearing | Speaker Registration Open
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January 10, 2026 at 10 a.m.- Comprehensive School Boundary Proposal Public Hearing | Speaker Registration Opens 12/22/25
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January 13, 2026 at 6 p.m.- FY2027 Proposed Capital Improvement Program | Speaker Registration Opens 12/22/25
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February 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.- FY2027 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
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May 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.- FY 2027 Approved Budget Public Hearing
How to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6 p.m.- Joint Work Session with the City of Fairfax School Board
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Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:45 p.m.- Public Hearing, New Western High School Naming
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Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
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.
Help Us Write Our Dranesville's Schools Next Chapter: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
There’s a story behind the success of every FCPS student — a story about what’s possible with the appropriate funding for world-class teachers, rigorous academics, and future-ready learning experiences. At FCPS, student success starts with a strong budget! FCPS is currently developing the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, which is for the 2026-27 school year. In January, Superintendent Reid will present a proposed budget to the School Board.
During this process, we’ll be sharing FCPS’ budget story with you. The different chapters will explain the impact of chronic underfunding, why strong funding benefits all of Fairfax County, what’s at stake when FCPS schools don’t get the support we need, and more. We invite you to follow along and learn how you can help write our next chapter!
Budget Timeline:
January 22- FCPS Superintendent releases the proposed budget
February 10- School Board proposed budget work session
February 10- Public hearings on the budget (February 11, if needed)
February 17- Fairfax County Executive presents Advertised Budget
February 19- School Board proposed budget work session
February 24- Joint Meeting with Board of Supervisors
February 26- School Board adopts the FY 2027 advertised budget
March 17- Board of Supervisors advertises tax rate
April 14- School Board presents FCPS’ budget to the Board of Supervisors
April 14-16- Board of Supervisors public hearings on the budget
April 28- Board of Supervisors' budget markup and determines the budget package and tax rates
May 5- Board of Supervisors adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS
May 7- Approved budget presented to the School Board
May 12- School Board holds a public hearing on the budget (May 13 if needed)
May 14- School Board budget work session
May 21- School Board adopts approved budget
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates for the School Board meetings.
Analysis: Fairfax County Gets Roughly 50 Cents Back for Every Dollar It Sends Commonwealth
Fairfax County leaders reviewed the findings of a new Revenues and Returns analysis during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors Economic Initiatives Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The analysis, prepared by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, provides an updated look at how much state General Fund revenue is generated from Fairfax County and how much state General Fund support comes back to the county through direct and indirect appropriations.
According to the analysis, Fairfax County generated approximately $5.77 billion in state General Fund revenue in FY 2024 — 20.7% of all state General Fund revenue, driven largely by individual income taxes. In the same year, the county received an estimated $2.93 billion in state General Fund appropriations, or 11.1% of total state General Fund spending. For every $1 contributed to the commonwealth, Fairfax received about $0.50 in support.
According to the Weldon Cooper analysis, “Fairfax’s situation is not unique” in northern Virginia, but “Fairfax’s sheer scale makes the gap the most consequential in terms of dollars.”
Highlights:
- Fairfax County received about 50 cents for every dollar it contributed to the commonwealth in FY 2024.
- The county generated $5.77 billion in state revenue — more than 20% of Virginia’s General Fund.
- Despite representing 13% of Virginia’s population, Fairfax contributes more than the next three largest localities combined.
Northern Virginia contributes far more to the state than it receives in return. As a key driver of the Commonwealth’s revenue, the region’s contributions shape the state’s financial landscape; without them, Virginia’s budget would look very different. While the region produces over 30% of state General Fund revenue, the appropriations returned to support the area account for only about 15% of total statewide spending. This imbalance makes it more challenging to maintain services, balance budgets, and keep the region affordable for residents.
FCPS Updates
Dr. Monika Guerrero Vereb Named New Herndon ES Principal
Dr. Monika Guerrero Vereb with Dr. Jameile Choice, Region Assistant Superintendent for Region 1.
We are excited to share that Dr. Monika Guerrero Vereb has been named the new principal of Herndon Elementary School. Dr. Vereb comes to us with more than 15 years of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools. She is known for her dedication to strong relationships, academic growth, and building inclusive school communities. She brings a proven focus on early intervention, equity, and supporting the whole child. Her experiences and leadership will be a tremendous asset to Herndon Elementary students, staff, and families.
During her tenure at Herndon Middle School, Dr. Vereb demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence and equity, including:
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Academic Excellence: Achieved exceptional equity growth in Math SOL proficiency for specialized groups (2022-2025) and successfully led the school out of Federal Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) designation.
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Equitable Access: Elevated 8th-grade Algebra 1 enrollment from 53% to 88.4% and guided the school's journey to becoming an ISTE Lighthouse School.
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Culture & Well-being: Significantly reduced chronic absenteeism by 14 percentage points and secured the school's first-ever distinction as a Designated Purple Star School, recognizing its commitment to supporting military families.
She currently serves as President of the FCPS Middle School Principals’ Association and holds a Doctor of Education degree from The College of William & Mary. She is also a two-time finalist (2023 and 2024) for the FCPS Outstanding New Principal award.
Showcasing Success in Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework
FCPS is proud to share that the majority of FCPS schools have been rated “distinguished” or “on track” in the first year of Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). All FCPS schools remain fully accredited, even as the state shifts to this new model, which offers less flexibility for measuring student growth.
These strong results reflect the dedication of our excellent staff, the hard work of our students, and the ongoing support of our families, all of whom contribute to the success of our school communities.
Read the full news release on our schools’ performance.
Virginia’s Measures of Academic Performance and Success
In the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the impacts of the Standards of Learning (SOL) cut score and proposed school performance revisions. Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections for more information.
FCPS Thanksgiving Meals Build Community, Thanks to the Community
 On November 24, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and Educate Fairfax hosted the first FCPS Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Herndon High School. FNS staff served more than 150 Thanksgiving-inspired meals in one hour, welcoming all students and their families from the community to participate. Close to 100 meals were also served at Justice High School on Monday.
Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. 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.
Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
A family may apply any time their financial status changes to determine if a student is eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Forms are available online. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages
 Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS.
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.
For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your child’s school counselor. Learn more about ParentVUE.
Changes to FCPS Student Art Recognition
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, FCPS will launch ARTiFAX, Art Recognition for Teens in Fairfax County Public Schools, a new county-level exhibition and awards program to celebrate our talented student artists. This program will replace FCPS's role as a regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art Awards. This decision follows a thorough review and extensive efforts by the Fine Arts Office to align with FCPS vendor criteria, particularly regarding student privacy and security. Despite valuing the Scholastic Awards, we could not reconcile differing operational approaches.
Students can still participate in the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. All U.S. students aged 13 through graduating seniors are eligible to submit their original works, and in the absence of a regional affiliate, submissions are automatically adjudicated in a “region-at-large.” For any questions or concerns, please contact Fine Arts Senior Manager Aaron Stratten (acstratten@fcps.edu) or Art Educational Specialist Susan Silva (sisilva@fcps.edu).
Support Our Schools: 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge
Join Educate Fairfax’s 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge and help ensure every FCPS student has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. Every gift, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, helps students learn while supporting the teachers and staff who make a lasting difference.
Educate Fairfax is the nonprofit education foundation that supports FCPS by providing resources, recognizing outstanding educators, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. Educate Fairfax invests directly in classrooms and programs.
Last year, they contributed $1.27 million back into our schools. The foundation supplied more than 5,000 school supply kits to more than 61 schools, centers, shelters, and Welcome Centers. Its Food for All Campaign packed more than 1,000 snack packs and helped feed more than 350 families over Thanksgiving. Read the Educate Fairfax Annual Report to learn more about their impact.
Community Updates
Lock & Talk: Medication and Firearm Storage
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is offering free locking medication boxes, trigger locks for firearms, and drug disposal kits, as part of the regional Lock and Talk Northern Virginia program, available at several pickup locations. Created by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), this initiative aims to prevent suicides by promoting safe storage practices and encouraging open conversations about mental wellness. Studies show that limiting access to firearms and medications during a crisis can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and accidental overdoses.
Resources available in Fairfax County
Cold Weather Clothing and other Resources
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.
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.
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 to support those who need food assistance or shelter. You may also view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Youth and Their Families
Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. You can make a referral or find out more here, call 703-468-0040, or email youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.orgfor further assistance.
Humane Society of Fairfax County Ani-Meals Program
Ani-Meals provides assistance for food and pet care items to people in Fairfax County and surrounding areas. Their support makes it possible for people to keep their pets when experiencing financial hardship. Fill out the Ani-Meals Application and call their office for pick-up dates and locations. Call for details at 703-385-PETS (7387).
GMU’s Center for Community Mental Health
George Mason University’s(GMU) Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, suite 400, Fairfax) is here to help. The center provides evidence-based therapy and testing services that are accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive. Care is available for children as young as age 5, adults of all ages and veterans. No matter your income level, the center ensures that quality mental health support is within reach.
For those who need immediate assistance during the holidays, the center’s Emotional Help Line offers free, anonymous and confidential support in English and Spanish. The line is open daily (except for December 21-January 5) from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call 703-215-1898 for English or 703-914-3878 for Spanish.
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Volunteer Fairfax
Get Involved- The purpose of Volunteer Fairfax is to increase volunteerism across the Greater Washington region by acting as a bridge between volunteers and local nonprofits. Through a variety of programs and events, we enhance the capacity of our nonprofit partners and public agencies while expanding their reach and effectiveness.
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Shop and Enjoy Made in Fairfax
This year, residents can find those truly unique, one-of-a-kind gifts by supporting local artisans and "makers." Be sure to check out the businesses in the Made in Fairfax network! From handcrafted goods to local treats, shoppers will find something special for everyone on their list.
Robyn Lady at the Herndon Pyramid PTA Meeting.
Celebrating FCPS' Fall 2025 VHSL Sports Champions!
 Congratulations to all the FCPS student-athletes who participated in the 2025 fall sports season. This year, four teams and one individual won the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 championship in their respective sports, and four teams and one individual were the state runners-up.
The Dranesville team winning a state championship:
- Langley High School, Field Hockey.
McLean HS
Atul Kotamraju representing Team USA at the Pan-American Karate Championship
Congratulations to Atul Kotamraju for his stellar performance representing Team USA at the Pan-American Karate Championship in Natal, Brazil. Of the four events he participated in, Atul won two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal!
McLean Highlander Math League Achieves Second Place at Duke Math Meet- placed second out of around forty talented teams from the USA and overseas, beating all other US teams including TJHSST for the first time in McLean history. The team members were Daniel Kim, Jeffrey Yin, Kalan Warusa, Sarah Li, Alice Wang, Gloria Lu, Arham Jain, Yimin Hou, Erica Lee, Yana Dalugdug, and Brian Baek.
McLean Seniors Win First Place at Washington DC History Bowl- Edward Burros, Edward Lin, Alan Tang, and Angelika Tzioumis won first place against 12 other varsity teams at the Washington DC History Bowl, qualifying for the National History Bowl for the fourth straight year. Congratulations!
McLean Model UN Team Sweeps Awards at UVA's VAMUN Conference- McLean's MUN team delivered an extraordinary performance at the UVA’s VAMUN Conference, earning the highest honor of the weekend: Best Large Delegation. This honor is given to the school with the highest average number of awards per delegate.
Herndon HS
Robyn Lady at Herndon HS for Tommy McFly’s Teacher Tour
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Herndon HS Honored on Tommy McFly’s Teacher Tour- NBC Washington’s Tommy McFly made a special stop at Herndon HS on the Virginia Lottery’s "Tommy’s Teacher Tour. " Schools featured were selected from nominations submitted by families and staff. NBC Washington reviewed submissions from schools across the state, selecting those with compelling narratives and evident community spirit. |
Longfellow MS
Three times a week at Longfellow Middle School in McLean, Va., thirty students are huddled in a few classrooms after school, drilling science facts and building hovercraft, helicopters, and gravity-powered vehicles alike. The students, selected from a group of roughly 120 who tried out for Longfellow’s storied Science Olympiad team at the start of the school year, are aiming to uphold their school’s 13 consecutive state titles. Since 2002, Longfellow’s Science Olympiad team has won the state championship 19 times, and finished as high as fifth place nationally.
Their latest competitions- On November 15, Longfellow placed 1st and 2nd at the UVA Science Olympiad Invitational, earning top-three placements in 14 of 17 events. On December 6, the team placed 1st at the Lake Braddock Science Olympiad Invitational, with top-three finishes in 10 of 23 events.
Lemon Road ES
Lemon Road Elementary’s Eco Defense Squad was recently spotlighted on ABC 7. Learn about their Green Flag and the inspiring environmental action students are leading at their school. Read more and watch the video.
Dranesville ES
Dragons at Herndon Fortnightly Library- Thank you for joining us for our second Saturday of Dragons at Fortnightly Library. We loved reading with your children and learning what they were interested in reading about.
6-7 reading challenge- We have challenged all of our students (and staff) to read 6-7 books in the 6-7 weeks between October 28th and December 16th. If each student reads just 5 books during this time, our students will have read close to 3,000 books!
Fairfax County Public Library LEAP for FCPS Students
Did you know that all FCPS students can borrow books from the Fairfax County Public Library? All FCPS students have a FCPL account and can borrow 3 books or materials through the Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP).
Winter Break (Student Holiday)
Winter break will be held 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.
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Teachers may assign long-range 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. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Chanukah
A very Happy Chanukah to those in our community who celebrate! This Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple's menorah for eight days. This year, Chanukah (also spelled, Hanukkah) starts at nightfall on December 14 and ends with nightfall on December 22.
Christmas
A very Merry Christmas, December 25, to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts.
Disclaimer: Opportunities and events offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
2026 Shark Tank Technology Challenge: Call for Entries
FCPS high school students are invited to participate in the 2026 Shark Tank Technology Challenge. This competition challenges students to design an innovative device or app that positively impacts older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, or wounded warriors. Winning projects should promote independence, reduce isolation, foster social connection, and bring something new or improved to the marketplace. Proposals are due Friday, Dec. 19.
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Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team (MCY PAT)
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Military-Connected Youth Process Action Team (MCY PAT) identifies the unique academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of military-connected youth and families, and ensures faculty and staff are informed and prepared to meet those identified needs.
The MCY PAT strives to include family representation, and highly encourages military-connected family members to apply to be part of our team. As a military-connected family member, if you would like the opportunity to be selected to participate, please complete this Google form by Friday, December 19. Meetings are virtual on the first Thursday of each month.
For more information, please contact Katie Server, Family Partnerships Specialist, Military-Connected Youth & Families, at kaserver@fcps.edu
Applications Open for Spring 2026 Public Health Youth Ambassadors Program
Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort of the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP), offering high school age students across Fairfax County a flexible and meaningful way to build real-world skills and connections in healthcare and community health.
The program’s Evening and Weekend option, held at the Fairfax County Government Center, is open to all 10th–12th grade students who live in Fairfax County.
2026 First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest
Start 2026 on the right foot with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation’s annual First Hike Photo Contest! Community members of all ages and abilities are invited to join the fun and explore the beauty of Fairfax County parks.
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Audition for the Alden's Wizard of Oz
January 13 and 14, 7-9 p.m.- Attention young local actors! The McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre will host auditions for the 2026 Youth Production of The Wizard of Oz! When Dorothy drops into the Land of Oz, only one thing is certain: she's got to find a way back to Kansas. This imaginative adaptation captures the heart of L. Frank Baum's classic tale. Actors must be residents of the MCC tax district and between the ages of 10-16 at their audition. Previous theatrical experience is preferred, but not required.
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UVA SNMA 2026 Mini-Medical School Day- January 31
Registration is now open for the UVA SNMA 2026 Mini-Medical School Day, a day-long, hands-on career exploration program hosted by the UVA School of Medicine SNMA Chapter in collaboration with Inova’s Dream B!G program. High school students will take part in clinical simulations, interactive workshops, a hospital tour and lunchtime roundtable discussions with Inova physicians, faculty and UVA medical students.
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Please register now to secure your spot for January 31st, 2026. A confirmation email will be sent if your spot is secured. Students placed on a waitlist will be notified if a spot becomes available. Questions? Please email the Mini-Medical School Leadership Team at minimedicalschool25@gmail.com
Bored Over Winter Break?
Looking for fun ways to keep kids busy over winter break? Check out this list of simple, family-friendly activities — from indoor crafts to outdoor adventures. There’s something for everyone!
Winter Break Literacy Adventures
Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
FCPL’s Read for the Gold Over Break!
 Join the Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure 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.
Alden's Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship
Each year the McLean Community Center hosts the Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition for high school students who live or go to school in Dranesville District #1A (McLean Community Center’s tax district). The deadline for entry into the 2026 competition is January 26.
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There are four categories: Theatre, Dance, Vocal Music, and Instrumental Music. There is an application fee per entry, and students are allowed to enter as many categories as they like. The preliminary competition is the week of February 9th.
Boost Your Child's Success: Join Our Executive Functioning Training Series
Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) is excited to offer families a no-cost, four-part “Building Skills for Success” training series on executive functioning skills.
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January 16, 2026: Building Skills for Success: How To Develop Motivation With Your Child
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February 13, 2026: Building Skills for Success: How To Develop Flexibility With Your Child
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March 13, 2026: Building Skills for Success: How To Develop Emotional Regulation
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April 17, 2026: Building Skills for Success: How To Develop Organizational Skills With Your Child
Visit the Family Resource Center to learn more information and sign up for the virtual sessions.
A Warm Gesture is Back!
We’re collecting handmade hats and scarves for those in need this winter season. This could be a meaningful community service project for your group! Please drop off your hand-made items in the Fairfax City Hall Atrium during business hours, 8:30 am to 5 pm. The donation box is open through Feb. 15. Thank you! Watch a video featuring Frank Taylor.
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VA 250 Passport
Get Your Free VA 250 Passport at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. The United States marks its 250th anniversary next year. The free commemorative Virginia 250 Passport is a history travel guide, discount book, and 250th keepsake. From now through Dec. 31, 2026, participants can collect unique stamps at 70 history sites and museums across the Commonwealth, receive special pricing on admission, and enter to win prizes.
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Disclaimer: Opportunities and events offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
McLean HS's Highlander Holiday Bazaar- December 13
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.- McLean HS (1633 Davidson Rd, McLean) hosts its 22nd Annual Holiday Bazaar. Guests can enjoy food and drinks from the cafe, live entertainment from the McLean HS Orchestra, and shop from a wide range of vendors offering unique gifts like scented soap, jewelry, candles, scarves, home decor, and bespoke items. Don’t miss this special community tradition!
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Scottish Highland Dance Showcase- Dec. 13
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.- Discover the vibrant rhythms and spirited movements of Scotland's cultural heritage at Great Falls Library. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, and learn traditional dance steps along the way.
Herndon Wreath Across America Event- Dec.13
12 p.m.- Volunteer wreath-laying ceremony honoring veterans at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery HerndonWomansClub.org is sponsoring this event. Reach them at 703-435-3480 or email Wreaths@HerndonWomansClub.org
Frostival Winter Market- December 13
12 to 6 p.m.- Immerse yourself in a festive wonderland at the 5th annual winter market at The PARC at Tysons. Shop from 25+ local makers, artisans and crafters offering unique gifts perfect for the holidays. Enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer and family-friendly activities.
Herndon WinterMarkt- Dec. 13
12-7pm- The Herndon WinterMarkt is bringing the old world charm of Christmas in Europe to community-oriented Herndon, Virginia. These markets feature a delightful blend of holiday food, drinks, gifts, and decorations and have become well-known for their hand-crafted Christmas decorations, wood-working, artwork, and textiles.
Park at Herndon High School and take the free shuttle bus.
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(the) Unruly Theatre Project Audition- Dec. 16
7 to 9 p.m.- (the) Unruly Improv is The Alden’s professional teen improv company dedicated to bringing comedic performances to the community. Company members rehearse twice a week from late September through May on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Performances are at local venues such as art galleries, the Old Firehouse Center and cafés. Because UTP is a professional opportunity, attendance is crucial and company members serve various roles, including marketing, stage management and photography.
Preregistration is recommended and will be available on UTP’s website for students 8th through11th grade. Prepared monologues are not needed. Headshots and resumes are not necessary but are welcome.
SCC Free Narcan Training- December 18
7 p.m.- Join the McLean Community Center and the Safe Community Coalition on Thursday, December 18 for a free NARCAN training. REVIVE training is offered to equip community members with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. Anyone over 16 is welcome to attend (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Upon completion of the training, residents will receive free NARCAN. Register for the training at the MCC (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean) now, space is limited.
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The McLean Community Center Food Drive through 12/19
The MCC is collecting nonperishable food for SHARE of McLean through Friday, Dec. 19. Donations will be accepted in marked boxes at both the MCC lobby and The Old Firehouse Center during regular hours. SHARE’s most-needed items can be found here. If you are able, please consider helping our neighbors in need together.
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Holiday on the Farm: through December 20
Each weekend in December through Dec. 20, Times Vary- Come celebrate the holidays at Frying Pan Farm Park with an evening of wagon rides, indoor activities, food, animals, campfires and visits with Santa. Learn more.
Save the Date: Special Education Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Marshall HS. Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to learn more about special education services, supports, and resources.
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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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