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The Dixit Dialogue – January 2026
 Colorful fireworks graphic with “Happy New Year!” text and the FCPS logo in the top-right corner
Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Happy New Year and welcome to our January edition! As we begin 2026, we’re excited to share updates, opportunities, and important dates that help keep our school community informed and connected. This month brings a fresh start and plenty of reasons to stay engaged, from upcoming events to ways we’re working together to support student success. Let’s make this year a great one!
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
Boundary Review Update & Public Hearing Speaker Registration
 Illustration of parents walking their kids to school
The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met for the final time Friday, December 12, at Gatehouse Administration Center. We are grateful for the committee members’ time, thoughtful feedback, and professionalism in representing their communities throughout this process.
The meeting focused on reviewing post–Scenario 4 changes in regional breakout groups and discussing next steps as the boundary review enters its final phase.
The Superintendent will present a recommendation on proposed boundary changes to the School Board on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and the the Board is expected to vote on the recommendations on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Boundaries for the new high school are expected to be finalized by early June. Additional information will be shared in the coming months.
Visit FCPS’ website to access the meeting agenda and other materials that committee members received at their December 12 meeting. You may also learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter.
📣 Public Hearing & Speaker Registration – School Boundaries
A public hearing is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium on the proposed changes to school boundaries. If capacity is reached, overflow testimony will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The snow date for this public hearing is January 17, 2026.
🗣️ Want to speak?
Register to speak online starting December 22, 2025 at the link below. The Speaker’s List closes at 4:30 p.m. on January 7, 2026.
👉 Register to Speak: Speaker Registration for the Fairfax County School Board Public Hearing on the School Boundaries
Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 10 a.m.
📍 Location: Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
⏱️ Time per Speaker: 2 minutes
New High School Outreach, Opt-In Update & Recommended Names
 The entrance of the new FCPS high school
Acting Planning Principal Dave Jagels and central office staff recently met with 8th and 9th graders and families across the five western pyramids (Westfield, Centreville, South Lakes, Oakton, and Chantilly) to share information about the new high school. The opt-in period opens December 19 and runs through January 16. An Open House on January 11 will offer school tours and answers to key questions about programs (including aerospace sciences, AI, and advanced technology), sports access, transportation, and the opt-in process. The new principal will attend, if named.
Based on community input, the following names are being recommended for the new high school in the western region of Fairfax County:
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Western High School
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Innovation High School
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Discovery High School
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Skyview High School
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Endeavour High School
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Bessie Coleman High School
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Kalpana Chawla High School
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Sally Ride High School
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Ronald McNair High School
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David Brown High School
The School Board will vote on the new name for this facility at a regular meeting on February 12, 2025.
Public Hearing: Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program
The Fairfax County School Board will hold a public hearing on the Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Luther Jackson Middle School Auditorium. Overflow testimony for school boundaries may also be heard at this meeting.
🗣️ Want to speak?
Online registration to speak opens December 22, 2025. Each speaker is allotted 2 minutes. The Speaker’s List closes at 4:30 p.m. on January 9, 2026, and speakers will be notified by the School Board office by the morning of January 12, 2026.
👉 Register to Speak: Speaker Registration for the Fairfax County School Board Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program
Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
⏱️ Time per Speaker: 2 minutes
📓 Help Us Write FCPS’s Next Chapter: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
 Book with "FCPS Budget" written on the spine
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 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 Dr. Michelle 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 doesn’t receive the support it needs, and more.
We invite you to follow along and learn how you can help write our next chapter!
🗣️ Pre-Session Regional Town Hall — January 6
 Regional Town Hall flyer that pictures Senator Pekarsky, Delegate Shin, Delegate Delaney, and Delegate Helmer
Senator Stella Pekarsky, along with Delegate Irene Shin, Delegate Karrie Delaney, and Delegate Dan Helmer, will be hosting a pre-session regional Town Hall on Tuesday, January 6th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (Virtual).
RSVP here: Regional Town Hall RSVP Form
This is a great chance to hear from our local legislators and stay connected as the session approaches!
✨3rd Annual FCPS Food Show Highlights🍴
 Collage of FCPS students and staff at the 3rd Annual FCPS Food Show
Students had the opportunity to sample a variety of new dishes and cast votes for their favorites, helping to inform potential additions to the FCPS breakfast and lunch menus. 🥪🍓
The event featured creative recipes and presentations, offering inspiration and encouraging collaboration as student preferences directly influenced menu considerations.
Thank you to the staff and vendor partners whose efforts continue to support nutritious and enjoyable meals for students. 🌟
Sully District Happenings
🎮 Chantilly High School Wins VHSL Esports State Championship!
Huge congratulations to the Chantilly High School League of Legends team for capturing the 2025 VHSL Esports League of Legends State Championship! The Chargers battled through the season and came out on top with a thrilling victory over Lightridge High School in the finals, capped off with strong performances throughout the playoffs. The team’s success highlights the growing excitement and competitive spirit around esports in our schools. 🏆
We’re incredibly proud of these student-athletes and their coaches for representing our community with skill and teamwork!
🎭 Tickets Available Now! — The Day the Internet Died
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Don’t miss this hilarious comedy at Franklin Middle School Theatre on January 22, 2026 at 7 p.m.! When the internet disappears in the town of Bloomington, chaos and laughs ensue as everyone struggles without screens.
🎟 Get your tickets today!
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🐧 Support the Bull Run Polar Plunge — January 24 🥶
Bull Run staff will be participating in the Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Virginia and our school. Proceeds will support Special Olympics tournaments and help provide inclusive equipment, including a communication board for our playground.
Please consider donating, sharing, joining the team, or attending the event to show your support. Visit the Special Olympics VA webpage to donate or join a team.
Thank you for helping us foster inclusion for all students.
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Happy National Mentoring Month!
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
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Student Opportunities
Disclaimer: Opportunities 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.
🗣️ O’Connor Institute Ambassadors
High schoolers (grades 9–12) can join the free Online Civics & Debate Club to build leadership skills, compete for a $5,000 scholarship, and strengthen college applications. 🌟📚
🎓 Early College Scholars
High school students working toward an Advanced Studies Diploma can apply to the Early College Scholars Program to earn at least 15 transferable college credits through AP or dual enrollment courses. Requirements include maintaining a “B” average and signing the Governor’s Early College Scholars Agreement, now available in the Parent Digital Consent portal (or as a paper form from your school counselor). ✍️🎯
🎓 VSBA Regional Scholarship Opportunity 🏆
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has announced a new scholarship for high school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who attend a public high school within one of the nine VSBA regions. Fairfax County Public Schools is a member of VSBA and part of the Northeastern Region.
The VSBA Board of Directors Regional Scholarship awards $5,000 to one student per region in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and community service.
The application deadline is January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. ⏰
Apply here: VSBA Scholarship Application.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering 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. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme: Happier January
Let's start the new year happier.
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 January 2026 calendar with daily ideas to take action for a happier and kinder world
Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Business & Meetings
 12 FCPS School Board members at the dais
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Thursday, January 8, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School
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Thursday, January 10, 10 a.m. - Public Hearing: School Boundaries at Luther Jackson Middle School
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Tuesday, January 13, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Tuesday, January 13, 6 p.m. - Public Hearing: FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, January 22, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and the FCPS website. Both will be recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS School Board YouTube channel.
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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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.
To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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