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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 Braddock Neighbors,
As my time on the School Board comes to a close, I want to begin by saying thank you for your trust, your engagement, and for standing with our schools through some truly difficult and defining years. This moment is bittersweet. I am proud of the work we have done together and wistful of the work that remains to be done. I am grateful for the chance to continue to serve you as your new Braddock District Supervisor even while I will miss doing the important work of educating our future.
These weren’t easy times. We navigated a pandemic, staffing shortages, mental health challenges, and deeply emotional conversations about who our schools are for and how they should serve every child. Through it all, I tried to listen, learn, and lead with honesty, humility, and compassion.
Serving on the School Board, including having the privilege of serving as Chair and Vice Chair, has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m deeply grateful to our teachers, school leaders, staff, and administrators who showed up every day for our kids, often under enormous pressure, and to my colleagues on the School Board who worked thoughtfully and in good faith on behalf of this community.
 I’m especially thankful to the families who reached out to me over the years. Your emails, calls, and conversations shaped my work more than you know and reminded me that public service is, at its core, about listening.
And I’m most grateful to our students. Every time I visited a school or spoke with students, the hardest parts of the job faded away. Their curiosity, creativity, and resilience reminded me why this work matters and fueled my determination to fight for schools that help every child find their path.
 My advocacy has always been personal. When my son Jake was diagnosed with autism at age two, I was told there was no hope and urged to lower expectations. I refused to accept that. Today, Jake is on track to graduate from Berklee College of Music and performs across our region as a gifted musician. That experience shaped my belief that no child’s future should ever be defined by what we think they can’t do.
I’m also shaped deeply by my own story. I am the child of immigrants, and English was not my first language. My parents came to this country with very little but with an unshakable belief in education as the path to opportunity. My father came to the U.S. as a Fulbright scholar to Stanford. My mother earned her PhD in mathematics at the Indian Institute of Technology in India at a time when very few women were welcomed in those spaces.
From them, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and education and that barriers exist to be broken, not accepted. My public school education taught me how to be a citizen of this amazing country. I am proud to have been the first Asian American woman to serve on the School Board and now the first Asian American person to serve on the Board of Supervisors, because representation matters. Our diversity is a strength, and when students see leaders who reflect their experiences, it expands what they believe is possible.
 I ran for School Board because I believe every child deserves to have their strengths nurtured, their needs met, to be welcomed and included with dignity, and to be seen for all they can do and not what they can’t do. I believe every student has strengths and passions if we slow down long enough to notice, and that schools must help students build on those strengths while meeting their needs. We must foster critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills alongside strong academic knowledge to set students up for success in a rapidly changing world.
I truly believe there is no greater public service than working in public education. Our democracy, our economy, and our future depend on how well we prepare students to be thoughtful, engaged stewards of our democracy, our planet, and our community.
This role taught me so much about how to listen, how to balance competing viewpoints, and how to make decisions when there wasn’t a clear “right” answer and every option felt hard. And then how to listen first and then work to bring the community along or at least explain the ‘why’ of each decision, because I believe knowledge is power and listening and explaining go a long way.
When I started, almost no one was talking about strengths-focused education; now it’s part of how we think and work. For that I am forever grateful. I am also grateful for your support of the initiatives I was able to champion, including a new strategic plan with Dr. Reid, collective bargaining, expanded access to advanced academics and music education, updated grading practices, and hiring the nation’s first neurodiversity specialist and Virginia’s first twice-exceptional coordinator. What I will miss most is the daily work itself of listening, learning, and doing the hard, hopeful work of shaping our shared future.
 There is still much work to be done, but I know I’m leaving our schools in good hands with Dr. Reid, my colleagues, and the dedicated educators and staff who serve our students every day. I’m excited about the innovative work underway and can’t wait to see how FCPS continues to set students up for success in a rapidly changing world.
And the good news is: I’m not leaving. I’ll continue serving Braddock in a new way — as your Braddock District Supervisor — carrying these same values forward.
Please stay in touch (see full listing of links in the Stay in Touch section at the end of this newsletter):
Email: braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov
Facebook: /FCPSSchoolBoardBraddock
Instagram: @rachna_fcps__sb_braddock
Sign up for Braddock District Board of Supervisors newsletter updates.
And until a new Braddock School Board member is elected, Braddock District Director Stephanie Sedgwick, swsedgwick@fcps.edu, and Staff Assistant Gillie Cuda, gpcuda@fcps.edu, can help with any questions or concerns.
The three at-large School Board members serve the entire County, including the Braddock District. They and their staff are also available to serve you until a new Braddock School Board Member is elected: Kyle McDaniel, Ilryong Moon, and Ryan McElveen.
I share all of this with deep humility and gratitude. I am grateful beyond words for the chance to serve and for the trust you placed in me. I move forward knowing that FCPS, our students, families, and educators, are in good hands with Dr. Reid, our educators, staff, volunteers, and my school board colleagues.
Every child, by name and by strength,
In this issue
3rd Annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show
 On Tuesday the Office of Food and Nutrition Services hosted it's 3rd Annual Future of FCPS Student Food Show. Elementary, Middle and High School students from across the county met with FNS staff, prospective food vendors, School Board Members, and even some students from culinary programs across the county to taste test food and give their feedback. Students from Ravensworth Elementary School, Kings Park Elementary School, Woodson High School, and Annandale High School represented the Braddock District. Melanie and Alice, students from Annandale High School's culinary arts program, even came up with the recipe for 'Nacho Average Spaghetti' which was one of the dishes up for consideration. Preliminary results showed the Chicken and Veggie Ramen was a top favorite. FNS Staff will look at all the feedback from participants and may be adding some of the best dishes to the cafeteria menus at your school starting next year!
Cross Country Champs
Congratulations to the Lake Braddock Bruins Boys Cross Country team and the Robinson Girls Cross Country team! 🏃🏆
 🐻The Bruins had an incredibly historic championship run, winning the Patriot District, Occoquan Region and finally the Class 6 State Championships. Your talent, discipline and dedication on and off the course showed in your stellar performance. Go Bruins! 🐻
 🐏The Rams had a great performance with three runners in the top 15, earning them an impressive 28-point victory. Their grit, focus and teamwork from start to finish led them to be repeat Class 6 State Champions. Go Rams! 🐏
 Dr. George Nield once traveled in space, but now he is traveling around the county as a collaborative effort between the Space Foundation and FCPS. He is also one of FCPS' own - he attended North Springfield Elementary and graduated from Annandale High School! Nield visited nine schools to inspire kids to reach for the stars. He emphasized that students can pursue STEM education and many career paths if they are interested in space.
“Space is so important to our everyday life that we need to pay attention to it,” Nield said. “But one thing I think we can do better, from the air and space community, is help people to understand you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to be part of the team that is supporting people going to space. So my message to the kids, hey, if you’re passionate about space, there’s a place for you.”
You can also read more about his visit in this Fairfax Times article or the FCPS article. You can also watch on youtube to see interviews of the students and hear their excitement during Dr. Nield's presentation.
 All Fairfax County Public Schools remain fully accredited, even as the state transitions to the new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). Adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in September 2024, this framework provides less flexibility for supporting student growth.
Regardless, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is pleased to share that the majority of our schools have been recognized as “distinguished” or “on track” - including all of our comprehensive high schools - by new state and federal performance measures.
“FCPS remains a world-class school division, with five of the top 10 elementary schools and seven of the top 10 high schools in Virginia,” says Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. “We are proud of everything that we have achieved together, through the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the hard work of our students.”
This first year of SPSF ratings released Tuesday, reflects data from the previous 2024-25 school year. The new system places greater emphasis on standardized test mastery and less emphasis on individual student growth, as well as graduation and readiness indicators that vary across grade levels.
Continue reading the full article online.
Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, 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. 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.Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.
Vacaciones de Invierno
Como un recordatorio, las vacaciones de invierno serán del lunes 22 de diciembre al viernes 2 de enero. Para asegurarnos que usted y sus hijos tengan relajante receso, hemos decidido que no se asignarán tareas durante estas vacaciones. Los maestros pueden asignar tareas a largo plazo en las semanas previas a las vacaciones, lo que les permite a los estudiantes practicar habilidades de manejo de su tiempo, pero no habrá tareas que deban ser entregadas inmediatamente después de las vacaciones. Esperamos darles la bienvenida a los estudiantes en el nuevo año.Las clases comenzarán el Lunes 5 de enero de 2026. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar.
겨울방학 (학생 휴일)
겨울 방학은 12월 22일월요일부터 1월 2일 금요일까지입니다. 자녀와 학부모님께서 편안한 휴식을 보내실 수 있도록,이 기간에 숙제를 내지 말아 달라고 알렸습니다. 학생들이 시간 관리하는 방법을 연습할 수 있도록 선생님들이 방학 전 몇 주 동안 장기 숙제를 낼 수 있습니다,하지만 방학 때는 숙제를 내지 않을 것입니다. 새해에 우리 학생들을 다시 만나 반갑게 인사하기를 기대합니다. 수업은 2026년 1월 5일인 화요일부터 시작됩니다. 전체 학년도 일정을 확인하세요.
Sibshops and SibTeens
January 29, 9:00-noon Jim Scott Community Center 301 Vaden Dr. Fairfax, VA
The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. Play games and have fun. Register here
SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. Register here
Please contact FCPSSibshops@FCPS.edu for follow up questions about either program.
 ‘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!
✅ 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.
There is one last even in December:
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.
Special Education Family Conference: Call for Presenters
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference — Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Marshall High School. The event features a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate Dr. Shelley Moore, a resource fair, and breakout sessions. Community partners are invited to facilitate breakout sessions on topics of interest to FCPS families. Presenters should plan to present during both one-hour sessions at 1:20 and 2:25 p.m. Complete the 2026 Special Education Family Conference Presentation Proposal Form by Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The conference presentation review committee will send confirmation of accepted proposals to the email provided in the proposal form. Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.
Reminder: Early Release Wednesday
Just a reminder that students in the Robinson pyramid will release 3 hours early on Wednesday, December 17
🎓 Save the Date for 2026 Graduation!
The dates, times, and locations for FCPS graduation ceremonies are available.
🎁 Last-Minute Gifts That Have Lifelong Value!
Are you still looking for that perfect gift that shows how much you care? Give experience, knowledge, and skills that have value long after the holidays are over with the Gift of Learning through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE)! Some of the best gifts are an experience, rather than a material object:
For a young teen, make their screen time fun and educational with a computer coding or video game making class. Gift friends or family a culinary arts class. Learning a new language can be exciting and useful. Wrap up your holiday shopping now on ACE's website or call 703-658-1201. Purchase a specific class or a gift card. And don’t forget to give yourself the gift of learning too!
Keep In Touch
Please feel free to keep up with me in my new role as Braddock District Supervisor. Subscribe to the Braddock Advisory and Braddock Beacon or email me starting Wednesday at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov.
You can also follow me on social media:
Facebook: /FCPSSchoolBoardBraddock
Instagram: @rachna_fcps__sb_braddock
Threads: @rachnasizemoreheizer
Blue Sky: @rachnaSH.bsky.social
And you can follow the Braddock Supervisor's Office:
Blue Sky: braddocksupervisor.bsky.social
Linkedin: @braddocksupervisor
Nextdoor: Braddock District Supervisor
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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