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Mason District Community,
It has been a busy time in the Mason District. As our students work diligently to finish the calendar year strong before a much-deserved break, they have also presented beautiful musical performances, engaging theatre experiences, and exciting sporting events in our community.
I had the wonderful opportunity to join Woodburn Elementary students earlier this month as they participated in a tree trimming event hosted by Senator Mark Warner in his D.C. office.
This week’s School Board meeting will include a vote on the proposal to establish a Middle School AAP Center for the Annandale Pyramid to be located at Poe Middle School. The staff recommendation includes accommodations for students currently in full-time AAP service at Canterbury Woods. Please see below for the more specific details of the staff’s recommendations which includes phasing options for current elementary AAP students.
Several public hearings have been scheduled for the coming months. These hearings will include the following:
- Boundary - January 10, 2026
- CIP - January 13, 2026
- Budget - February 10 & May 12, 2026
Register to speak at a public hearing to share your ideas and/or concerns. See below for additional information about the hearing topics and dates.
I value the input I receive from the Mason Community and am happy to address questions or concerns via email or phone. You can reach me by email at rjanderson@fcps.edu. If you are interested in scheduling a phone call, please reach out to my assistant, Cristy Coffey, at cmcoffey@fcps.edu to arrange a time.
I wish you all a safe and restful winter break!
In this issue:
Mason Moments
District Champions
Edison Girls Volleyball - 2025 National District Champions!
TJHSST Boys Volleyball - 2025 National District Champions!
TJHSST Boys Cross Country - 2025 National District Champions!
Falls Church Academy Grant
From left, clockwise: ambulance simulator; check presentation from Claude Moore Charitable Foundation; dentistry student from Falls Church HS, healthcare students from Hayfield HS, Annandale HS, and Justice HS; healthcare student from Woodson HS.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the presentation of a $200,000 grant from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation to the Falls Church Academy, supporting the Health & Medical Sciences. This generous grant will expand opportunity, equity, and real-world preparation for students in high-demand healthcare career pathways.
I was energized by the tour of the newly renovated facility and impressed with the students, staff, and administrators who bring this program to life each day. Thank you to Educate Fairfax and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation for their commitment to expanding opportunities for students.
Holmes Middle School Cursive Club
Students learn how to write in the classic handwriting style during cursive club at Holmes Middle School. Once a staple in schools, these students say there is still value in cursive: it helps them in class and prepares them for life in the real world. Read more about the positive impact Cursive Club is making at Holmes.
2025 VMEA Senior Honors Choir and All-Virginia Orff Ensemble
Thirty-nine students representing 18 FCPS high schools and two FCPS elementary schools were selected for the 2025 Virginia Music Education Association Senior Honors Choir, the 2025 All-Virginia Orff Ensemble, and the 2025 All-Virginia Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process for positions within these ensembles. Participants rehearsed with nationally recognized conductors and collaborated with fellow musicians in preparation for their performances at the VMEA Conference in Norfolk, VA in November.
Congratulations to the following Mason District students earning a place in these ensembles:
VMEA Senior Honors Choir
Joshua Vaughn, Annandale High School
All-Virginia Orff Ensemble
Austin Glazner, Westlawn Elementary
Sophia Guevara, Westlawn Elementary
Jackson Plevniak, Westlawn Elementary
Cassie Sahami, Westlawn Elementary
Emmy Veas, Westlawn Elementary
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Virginia Department of Education’s Principal of Distinction Program
Congratulations to Principal Shawn DeRose of Annandale High School, selected for the Virginia Department of Education’s Principal of Distinction Program! The program honors school leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire excellence, and improve student outcomes. This recognition is offered in partnership with the Virginia Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals. Mr. DeRose is part of a group of 31 principals statewide who were selected for the award.
Scouting for Food Drive
Huge congratulations and thank you to Pack/Troop 150! They collected an incredible 9,049 lbs of food benefiting many families in Annandale! Their effort included 114 Scouts, 52 adults, and 547 service hours, stocking the ACCA Pantry in Annandale and the AUMC Mission Center.
School Board News
AAP Center Vote - Scheduled for vote on Dec 18
Region 6 is the only FCPS region without a middle school AAP Center. Currently, students attending the K-5 local full-time program at Annandale Terrace ES, Braddock ES, and North Springfield ES must transition to Canterbury Woods ES, and then to Frost MS if they wish to attend a middle school AAP Center.
Several parents of Canterbury Woods ES students expressed advocacy for an exception for current AAP students at CWES. In response to this feedback, staff have provided the following recommendations for the Board’s consideration on Thursday, December 18th.
Staff Recommend that the School Board approve the following:
- Opening a new Full-Time AAP Center at Poe Middle School to begin with grade 6 in SY 2026-2027;
- A phasing option for impacted students currently attending Canterbury Woods Elementary in grades 3-6 (base school Annandale Terrace, Braddock, North Springfield) to allow them to complete elementary through grade 6 at Canterbury Woods;
- A phasing option for the Falls Church Pyramid-based Mason Crest students who are currently attending Belvedere Elementary for AAP Center services in grades 3-5. This action would allow impacted students to choose to attend either Glasgow Middle (the current AAP middle school center assignment) or Poe Middle School; and
- Directing staff to begin community engagement on the staff proposal to open a new Full-Time AAP Center at North Springfield Elementary School to begin with grade 3 in SY 2026-2027.
FPAC Sunset
It is with deep regret that I share that at the December 4th Board Meeting, with a vote of 8:3, the Board voted to eliminate the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC), effective April 1, 2026.
FPAC which was created in 2010, has been an invaluable community advisory committee that brought together an expert group of citizens to provide guidance on facilities issues. I am disappointed the Board elected to disband this valuable committee. The removal of access to a committee that not only provides expert guidance at no cost to the division, but has also been able to engage in deep research, assessment and analysis about facilities matters while representing specific needs of each magisterial district of Fairfax County is a great loss to our system.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the members of FPAC, especially the Mason District Representatives Bart Stewart (2023 - present) and Daniel Aminoff (2010-2023).
Full discussion on the matter can be found on YouTube.
Boundary Update
As we inch closer to the conclusion of the 2025-26 Boundary Review process, please be reminded that certain students are afforded the opportunity to remain at their current schools as identified in the Boundary Policy 8130. Please see below for the phasing accommodations provided therein.
VII. PHASING OF ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustments under this policy shall be implemented through attrition and phasing. These allowances shall not be applicable in the opening of a new school, or in the closing of an existing school.
Elementary Schools: When a boundary adjustment occurs at the elementary school level, attendance in the new school boundary shall be mandatory for rising K-3 students in schools with a K-5 grade configuration; and for rising K-4 students in schools with a K-6 grade level configuration. Currently enrolled students in grades 4-5 in schools with a K-5 configuration, and in grades 5-6 in schools with a K-6 configuration shall be given the option to remain at the school or attend the school in the new boundary.
Middle Schools: When a boundary adjustment occurs at the middle school level, attendance in the new school boundary shall be mandatory for incoming 6th grade students in schools with a 6-8 grade configuration and for incoming 7th grade students in schools with a 7-8 grade level configuration. Currently enrolled students Policy 8130.8 Page 5 shall be given the option to remain at the school or attend the school in the new boundary.
High Schools: When a boundary adjustment occurs at the high school level, attendance in the new school boundary shall be mandatory for incoming 9th grade students. Rising 10-12 graders shall be given the option to remain at their current school or attend the school in the new boundary.
Secondary Schools: When a boundary adjustment occurs at the secondary school level, attendance in the new school boundary shall be mandatory for incoming 7th grade students. Rising 8-12 graders shall be given the option to remain at their current school or attend the school in the new boundary. The School Board may adopt other phasing plans as appropriate to the individual boundary study.
FCPS News
FCPS Launches New Mobile App
The new FCPS mobile application is a convenient, all-in-one tool to help families stay connected and engaged with their schools. With just a few taps, families can:
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Get news and updates directly from the district or their selected schools; if it’s on a school’s website, it’s in the app.
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Follow multiple schools, perfect for families with children in different schools.
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Access school calendars for events, sports, performances, and holidays, and even add them to their own calendar.
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Find contact information for schools and staff, including phone numbers and email addresses.
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Use essential tools like Schoology, SIS, and MySchoolBucks, right from the app.
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Check daily menus under “Meals” for what’s being served in the cafeteria, including nutritional information.
Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
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Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application.
Additionally, students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall high schools, and Davis Center can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application.
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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.
Calendar Reminder - Winter Break
Winter break is Monday, December 22, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026.
To ensure a restful break, no homework is to be assigned during winter break. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks before the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately after the break.
Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.
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Opportunities
Public Health Youth Ambassadors Program
Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort of the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP). This grant-funded program is designed to prepare more young professionals for public health-related careers, while creating opportunities to improve health in our communities.
The program is offered as a Daytime Program at three partner high schools, including Justice High School. Students attending other high schools in Fairfax County are eligible to apply for the Evening and Weekend Program.
Applications for both programs are due January 15, 2026.
$5000 Scholarship from VSBA
$5,000 Scholarship opportunity for the Class of 2026!
Theme: Champion for Impact
Deadline: January 30, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Details and the application form are available in the VSBA Scholarship Guide.
Delta Sigma Theta Scholarships
The Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter (FCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will award scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate a high degree of scholarship, leadership, and community service. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and must be residents of Fairfax County, Virginia.
Applications are due February 7, 2026. Links to individual scholarship applications are below.
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FCAC S. Yvonne McCall Scholarship: The FCAC S. Yvonne McCall Scholarship which honors Past Chapter President Yvonne McCall, a retired elementary school principal, who championed literacy.
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EMBODI Book Scholarship: Two Book Scholarships will be awarded to male students who participate in the Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI) program and demonstrate a high degree of scholarship and leadership.
Regional Science and Engineering Fair Judges Needed
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held Saturday, March 14, at Robinson Secondary School. Each year, more than 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in a wide variety of categories ranging from plant science to engineering technology.
Volunteers serving as judges should hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic and/or professional experience in their selected judging category. However, all interested individuals are encouraged to apply.
Please note that parents and caregivers, teachers, and family friends are not permitted to judge in categories in which their child, student, or family friend’s child is competing.
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Last-Minute Gifts that have Lifelong Value!
Are you still looking for that perfect gift that shows how much you really care? You can give experience, knowledge, and skill that has value long after the holidays are over. You can give the Gift of Learning through FCPS ACE.
Research shows that the best gifts are trending toward an experience, rather than a material object. And your gift will never go out of style!
- For the 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 where they can explore cultural cuisine and learn lifetime cooking skills.
- Learning a new language is exciting and useful. Health and Wellness classes are a major trend in self-care and medical interest.
- Or find a class that YOU want to take and give-one-get one for yourself!
Wrap up your holiday shopping now at www.fcpsace.org or call 703-658-1201. Purchase a specific class or gift cards are available if you want to let them choose their enrichment experience. And don’t forget to give yourself the gift of learning too!
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- December 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
- January 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- January 13, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Public Hearings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- December 18, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. (New Western HS Naming)
- January 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Comprehensive School Boundary Proposal)
- January 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (FY2027 Proposed Capital Improvement Program)
- February 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. (FY2027 Proposed Budget)
- May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. (FY 2027 Approved Budget)
All meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. The meetings are recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
Would you like to share your ideas and concerns with the School Board and staff? Register HERE to speak at a regular meeting or public hearing.
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 o escanee el código QR.
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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.
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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