|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Notes from Principal Harris
These last two weeks at Frost MS were ones to celebrate! Our SCA Spirit Week brought great energy and school pride throughout the building, and today we wrapped up the week with our annual running of the Frost InflataBulls race! We have marveled at the talent in the Frost MS community as well with performances from our Band, Chorus, and Orchestra students. The performances were a true reflection of the time, effort, and talent our students put into their music, and we are so proud of them for such a strong showing. Thank you to Ms. Lee, Ms. Patterson, and Mr. Tilman for working hard to prepare our performers!
I’m excited to share that Frost MS has been recognized as Distinguished under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). This rating, based on data from last school year, shows that our school is exceeding expectations set by the state around student performance.
This new framework places a greater emphasis on standardized test results, alongside student growth, graduation, and readiness measures that vary by school level.
One thing has not changed: our students are learning and growing, and our teachers and staff continue to do exceptional work every day. This recognition reflects the strength of our entire school community. Our strong performance stands out and is something to celebrate.
I am also excited to share that two of our faculty members were recognized as Woodson Pyramid Outstanding Employee Winners! Ms. Christina Russell has won the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award for our pyramid and Ms. Katy Kownacki has won the Outstanding Leader of the Year award! These faculty members will go on to compete with pyramid colleagues across Region 5 in FCPS! We are hopeful to have them both move on to represent Frost MS at the end of the year FCPS Outstanding awards in June!
As we head into Winter Break, we want to wish all of our students and families a safe, restful, and joyful holiday. We hope this time provides an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy time together with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year and are excited for all that 2026 has in store for our Frost MS community.
Warmest wishes for a wonderful Winter Break, and we’ll see everyone in the new year!
Anthony Harris
Principal
Upcoming Important Dates!
- Dec 22 - Jan 2 Winter Break
- January 12 Coffee with the Principal - Frost MS Library
- January 14 Rising 9th Grade Open House @ Annandale
- January 15 Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night @ Woodson
The New Way Virginia Measures School Success
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing our community with transparent information about changes impacting our schools. Recently, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) developed a new School Performance and Support Framework to measure school performance, replacing aspects of the previous accreditation system.
What changed?
The new framework introduces four performance categories: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track, and Needs Intensive Support.
Accreditation is now separate from the school performance category. You may be familiar with the previous accreditation model in which schools are rated Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Accreditation Denied. In the new framework, schools will continue to receive this accreditation status, however accreditation does not reflect academic performance. Instead, schools will be accredited by meeting basic requirements such as having qualified teachers and certain safety requirements. For additional details including school performance components and indicators visit our information page New Evaluation System for Virginia Schools.
Potential impacts:
The new framework places a greater emphasis on standardized test results, alongside student growth and readiness measures that vary by school level. For high schools, graduation rates are also a key component.
This new system may lead to schools with diverse student populations, including those with higher percentages of multilingual learner students and economically disadvantaged students, being labeled as underperforming due to the increased weight on standardized tests and the shortened adjustment period for multilingual learner students to acquire academic language.
The "Off Track" category is broad and may not clearly indicate specific areas of struggle. It's important to remember that a school's label is not the only measure of success.
What FCPS is doing:
FCPS is actively working to understand the full implications of this new framework. We are advocating for a fair and equitable system that accounts for the diverse needs of all our students. We are also monitoring and reporting our own internal metrics as part of our FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan to provide a more comprehensive picture of school success.
The FCPS Future Ready Index highlights our commitment to preparing every learner for future opportunity and long-term success. FCPS will work to provide you clear and timely communication about state accountability and keep the community informed about school and division performance.
What you can do:
Stay informed about the new framework through FCPS communications. Continue to support your local schools and engage with school leaders to understand their efforts. Advocate for adequate resources and policies that support all students in achieving their full potential.
Share your opinions with the Virginia Board of Education. Your voice in the community is vital to ensuring our schools remain strong.
8th Graders! Save the Date!
Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night at Woodson
- Date – Thursday, January 15th, 2026
- Time – 6:00pm-8:00pm (Rising 9th Grade Presentation from 6:00-7:00pm in the Auditorium…attendance strongly encouraged!)
- Location – Woodson HS Auditorium and both Cafeterias
- Additional details - Curriculum Night is an opportunity to meet with teachers from every academic department to learn more about course offerings available for students to take next year. Tables will be set up for each department in both of our cafeterias for families to walk around and visit at their own pace and ask questions of teachers available at each table. Both cafeterias will be open for families to visit tables from 6:00-8:00pm. Rising 9th grade families are strongly encouraged to join us in the Auditorium at 6:00pm for a presentation where additional detailed information will be shared with families to help fully inform students ahead of course selection.
Annandale High School’s Rising 9th Grade Open House
We can’t wait to welcome you to Annandale High School’s Rising 9th Grade Open House on January 14 from 6:00-8:00pm! This is your chance to see what being an Atom is all about, and we promise it’s going to be both exciting and informative.
Here’s what’s in store:
Explore Our Programs – Check out short sessions on awesome topics like student life, sports, the IB/MYP Program, and more.
Meet Your Future Teachers – Visit classrooms and learn about the cool core and elective courses waiting for you.
Get Ready to Shine – Walk away feeling pumped about all the opportunities you’ll have and ready to ace your course request form with your counselor.
Breakout Sessions will include: Welcome to Annandale; Course Request 101; IB/MYP Program; Activities and Athletics; English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program; Special Education; and Student Life.
We know transitioning to high school can be a big step, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Bring your excitement and your questions (you can even submit them ahead of time through this Google Form by Monday, January 5) so we can make sure this event is everything you need and more.
We’re counting down the days to seeing you at Annandale High School! Go Atoms!
 |
|
A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered for the Fall 2025 Frost Book Fair. It was a success, and the students enjoyed shopping. Mark your calendars: the Spring Book Fair 2026 will take place April 13-21! |
 Help Us Fill Our School's Food Pantry!
We're kicking off an effort to help Food for Neighbors, an amazing organization working to end student hunger right here in Northern Virginia.
Have you seen the Red Bags in our neighborhood?
Food for Neighbors provides weekend food to middle and high school students who struggle with hunger. It's truly neighbors helping neighbors, and we want our school to be a part of it!
How the Red Bag Program Works
It’s super simple!
-
Five times a year, generous donors fill Red Bags with food from a specific list.
-
Volunteer drivers pick up the bags.
-
Volunteers sort the food and deliver it directly to local schools (like ours!) to stock our food pantry.
We want you to join us! Your support helps ensure our students have food on the weekends.
Ready to Make a Difference Today?
It's easy to get involved:
-
Request a Red Bag: Become a food donor!
-
Make a Donation: Support their efforts directly.
-
Get Involved: Volunteer your time to help with pickups or sorting.
You can find out more and sign up by visiting www.foodforneighbors.org today!
Cares Corner
English Empowerment Center
Register for beginning-level English classes. Sign-up for any in-person English classes (excluding Intensive English class) on Wednesday, December 17 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042. Space is limited.
Online class registration will begin on December 15 through January 16, 2026 at 5:00pm. Space is limited! Start signing up here on December 15th.
(Early Registration Flyer) (In-person Class Schedule) (On-line Class Schedule)
ECHO (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.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. Families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant as a resource for families.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Family Winter Assistance
As the winter season approaches, we’d like to share some 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!
Emergency Food Access Map- This food access resource connects community members to the locations of food distributions throughout Fairfax County. The results can be filtered by several variables including zip code, items needed, and language spoken. Metro routes are also displayed to help plan your trip. Please make sure to call or email the food provider listed on the map to confirm they are open. Flyers English and Spanish
Frost Assistance Information Form
Parents and caregivers, throughout the school year we receive information about programs in the community that may be helpful to families who are in need of financial and other types of assistance. If you would like to receive this information, please designate the area or areas of assistance that you could use support in through the following form. All information is kept confidential. https://forms.gle/aX7NwQ5piAbEYU8F9
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. For more information please click on the link: http://bit.ly/4moBFAZ
Throughout the school year we receive information about programs in the community that may be helpful to families who need financial and other types of assistance. If you would like to receive this information, please fill out the following survey. This information will be kept confidential.
https://forms.gle/tikQY2bA7LrjwYnG9
Financial Assistance
Throughout the school year we receive information about programs in the community that may be helpful to families who are in need of financial and other types of assistance. If you would like to receive this information, please fill out the following survey. This information will be kept confidential.
https://forms.gle/tikQY2bA7LrjwYnG9
Food Distribution
Frost Middle School distributes weekend food bags containing nonperishable snack items to students in need on Friday afternoons. Please contact Becky Henry, school social worker, at 703-426-3864 or rkhenry2@fcps.edu if you would like your child to receive a bag or for more information. Participant names are confidential.
Family Resources
Get to Know FCPS and Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
-
School Age Child Care (SACC) — This Fairfax County Government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
-
FCPS Communications for Families — FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
-
Family Engagement Resources — FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities.
-
Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Helpful Resources
-
https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/26/covid-19-updates-new-vaccine-option-baby-vaccine-data-1-million-vaccines/Free hotspot and internet for families with students who receive free and/or reduced-price meals or Fairfax County services.
-
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click here to learn more about 988.
- Locations to receive recommended child and adolescent immunizations are available throughout the Fairfax Health District, including at many pharmacies and groceries that have pharmacies. Please click here to find a location near you.
-
Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends and Supports Webinar (recording). Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports.
-
Healthy Minds Fairfax has a 1-pager on how to know when your child may have a mental health concern and where to get help.
Quick Links & Phone Numbers
Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702
Attendance Email: frostmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu
Attendance Online Submission
SIS Parent Vue Account Set-Up Video
Parent Information Phone Lines: Phone lines available in different languages to assist families.
Parent IT Support Portal
Frost MS Website
Frost MS PTA Homepage
FCPS School Year Calendars
Blue/Gray Calendar and Bell Schedule
Schoology
SIS ParentVUE Account Access
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Frost MS Adminstration
Anthony Harris: Principal apharris@fcps.edu
Kenya Champ: Assistant Principal kschamp@fcps.edu
Katy Kownacki: Assistant Principal kkownacki@fcps.edu
Richard Deixler: Assistant Principal radeixler@fcps.edu
Ellen Reed: Assistant Principal evreed@fcps.edu
Danielle Hornbecker: Director of Student Services dshornbecker@fcps.edu
Counselors
Megan Dunn mpdunn@fcps.edu
Larkin Gibas lrgibas@fcps.edu
Dan Joo djoo@fcps.edu
Becky Mendoza ramendoza@fcps.edu
Katie Webb kawebb@fcps.edu
Frost is on Instagram!
Follow us at @FrostMsFCPS
|
