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Marcia's Message 

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the strength, kindness, generosity, and resilience you bring to our community every day.

This season invites us to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on what truly matters. It’s also a time to recognize the neighbors, volunteers, small business owners, educators, and first responders who quietly make a difference all year long. Your dedication is the heartbeat of our community.

While we celebrate, I remain deeply mindful of those who may be facing challenges or uncertainty. Let us continue to look out for one another, extend grace, and lead with compassion—values that define us not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

As I expressed in Board Matters at the last school Board meeting of 2025: 

“I’d like to reflect that we remember it is not by accident that many religious and non religious celebrations occur during the Winter, the darkest season of the year. Many of those celebrations center around light. Light to remind us that kindness, love and peace are what define the best in humanity. Throughout my time on this board and my travels in my district and the division I have been fortunate to see the light that our teachers, staff, families and most especially our students show us every day. As this board takes its Winter break I hope that all of us remember that each of us can be a light carrier in the darkness ... .that we remember that one tiny light can be amplified if it is reflected.” 

As we look ahead to the coming year, I am hopeful and committed to continuing our work together—listening, collaborating, and building a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

From my family to yours, I wish you a season filled with light, peace, love, good health, and moments of joy. May the new year bring renewed purpose and opportunity for us all.

Warmest wishes,

Franconia District Student Representative Help me give a warm welcome to our Franconia Student Representative, Newt Shosteck.  Newt is a lifelong Fairfax County student and dedicated advocate for civic engagement. As President of the Young Democrats and a volunteer intern for several high-profile Virginia campaigns, Newt brings extensive hands-on experience to the role. He is also the founder of The Data Times, where he uses data modeling to analyze global and local elections. With a passion for local governance, Newt is committed to bridging the gap between the School Board and the student body, prioritizing transparency and ensuring that every student’s voice is represented in the decisions that shape their education.

December 2, 2025 Budget Policy Committee Joint Meeting with School Board I shared with the joint group that the commitment to core values remains non-negotiable: children deserve a quality public school education in a safe environment where they are seen and valued. Public education is considered the cornerstone of democracy, and the county maintains its resolve to keep it a system where everyone gets to go to school and it is "not a pay to play" environment. The adults involved must be the "consistency in the room," not the "chaos".

December 4, 2025 Regular School Board Meeting I successfully moved the motion to determine that the Superintendent is in compliance with Executive Limitation #4: Human Resources. With a remarkable 90% retention rate and numerous community students participating in internships and various programs led by Human Resources, I took a moment to express my gratitude for their tireless efforts, as one way or another they touch each employee.

Focus On Franconia

Celebrating Our Exceptional Teachers!

In last month's newsletter, we announced our exciting initiative to give back to our Fabulous, Fearless, and Fantastic Teachers by turning my Back to School funds into $50 gift cards. One lucky raffle winner from each Franconia school will snag a card to support their classroom needs. But wait, there's more fun to come with even more winners to celebrate:

Edison High School- Preparing our Future Workforce At the Board meeting on December 4th, Dr. Reid provided a Strategic Plan Update, highlighting the operations of FCPS Warehouse. The efforts being made are remarkable, and I was delighted to learn that one of our own students from the Franconia District, Jalen from Edison High School, is serving as a student intern. As part of his community work experience program through his WAT class, we see him here scheduling warehouse deliveries at the Forte Support Center.  #FCPSProud

A Day at Lynbrook ES

At Lynbrook Elementary, I had the opportunity to see community collaboration in action through the Cuts with Cops event. Fairfax County Police Officers Rosa and Gudiel partnered with Dreams Salon of Springfield to provide free haircuts to 30 young men. Thank you to Counselor Vanessa Paula for coordinating this effort, to Principal Paredes for leading by example, and to Supervisor Lusk for being there to support our students. Moments like these build trust, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

I also had the joy of attending the Lynbrook Family Literacy Winter Celebration, where parents, students, and staff came together for a wonderful afternoon celebrating learning and community. Events like this remind us how meaningful family engagement and strong school partnerships are to student success.

The Third Annual Future Food Show

Principals News

FCPS News You Need 

📣 Make Your Voice Heard!

Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. Several key decision dates and engagement opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks:

• Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Virginia Governor will introduce the state budget. 
• Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m., there will be virtual regional public hearings on the governor’s proposed 2026-28 biennial state budget. 
• Thursday, January 22, 2026, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board. 

Visit our budget webpage for more information.

📍Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee Meeting Update  The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee met for the last time Friday, December 12. Visit FCPS’ website to access the meeting agenda and other materials that committee members received. You may also learn more about the comprehensive boundary review and sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter.  Next Steps in the Boundary Review Process Dr. Reid will present her recommendation on proposed boundary changes to the School Board on Thursday, January 8, 2026. A public hearing on the comprehensive boundary review is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. The board is scheduled to vote on the boundary recommendations on Thursday, January 22, 2026.  Boundaries for the new high school in western Fairfax County will be determined by early June. More on that process will be available in the coming months.

Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students 

Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

• Current academic strengths and habits.
• Graduation requirements (high school students.
• Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
• Personal well-being.
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

FCPS’ Graduation Requirements and Course Planning page provides information that students and families can preview to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.  To further help families in tracking these requirements, new this year, families can log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation.

Reviewing the Program of Studies may also be helpful. Be sure to refer to your school’s course catalog and course selection information.

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 the December 4th School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed the impacts of the Standards of Learning (SOL) cut score and proposed school performance revisions. 

In November, the Virginia Board of Education decided that SOL 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 the SOLs each year. 

Using spring 2025 SOL results as a baseline, the new standards would significantly lower pass rates. For example, math pass­ rate estimates could drop from 78% under current standards to 52% under full implementation; reading could drop from 79% to 51%.

Read Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections for more information.

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).

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.

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.

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. 

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.

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! 

🍲 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. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

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.

Together, we can support and encourage all learners and educators and strengthen the future of our schools. Donate to Educate Fairfax today. 

🎁 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 skill 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 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.  For practical purposes, you can gift a high schooler an SAT Prep Course or Driver Education course. 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! Happy Holidays, from FCPS ACE!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• 💻 Technology Tips
• 🍲 Food Assistance
• 📚 Winter Reading Challenge

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Franconia Community Events and Opportunities

_{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.}

WISH | Quarter 1 Workshops (January - March) 2026 

The WISH program at Hybla Community Center is thrilled to announce the upcoming workshops for the first quarter of 2026. There are numerous fantastic opportunities available, including Computer Basics, Teen Workshops, Adult Workshops, and more. For additional information about the WISH programs and other great offerings, please visit the Hybla Valley Community

The Parenting Education Programs is taking registrations for virtual and in-person classes for the winter. Our next class for parents of 0–4-year-olds begins Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Alexandria. County staff can click here to submit a family enrollment form. Others can email us. Check our website for the full schedule of classes that we are offering this winter. 

Clases gratuitas de crianza para madres y padres en Español

Criar a los hijos no siempre es fácil, pero usted no tiene que hacerlo solo(a). Este otoño, el Programa de Educación para Madres y Padres del Departamento de Servicios para la Familia del Condado de Fairfax ofrece clases gratuitas en español y en inglés para apoyar a familias con niñas, niños y adolescentes desde el nacimiento hasta los 18 años. Los grupos de papás apoyan el crecimiento de los padres en la crianza de los hijos y la superación personal. Para más información, visite Programas de educación para padres.

The next free Virtual Parent Café will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Discipline in a Nurturing Environment.” Discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior. It’s about teaching, guiding, and helping your child grow into a confident, responsible individual. Join us for an insightful discussion about effective discipline strategies that strengthen your family dynamic. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online at https://bit.ly/DFS-Parent-Cafe-2026. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.

ARC Reflections Classes

ARC Reflections are classes where the curriculum focuses on safety and routines to promote regulation in children. It provides caregivers with tools to help children and youth learn to regulate themselves, feel connected, and build strengths. It also supports parents and caregivers in understanding how their own personal experiences impact their responses to their children’s own trauma; as well as giving the opportunity to connect with others’ who may have similar parenting experiences.

Winter ARC classes:

Please contact the Parent Support Line at 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information or to enroll.

Call the Parent Support Line Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families Parent Support Line is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children. Get help from our staff with parenting advice, support, and tips to navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. Contact the Parent Support Line 703-324-7720 or by email Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more about how we provide support to parents

Get Help with Heating Your Home Through the Crisis Assistance Program The Crisis Assistance Program helps households facing energy emergencies, like having no heat or being in danger of losing heat. Assistance can include paying utility bills for your primary heat source, covering security deposits for heat utilities, buying heating fuel, repairing or replacing unsafe heating equipment, and providing supplemental heating equipment and maintenance. Applications for heating equipment repair, purchase, maintenance, and one-time heat security deposits are accepted November 1 through March 16, while applications for heating fuel and utility bill payments are open January through March 16. If your household is facing a heating emergency, this program may be able to help.

💸Volunteers Needed for Tax Season Giving back to your community isn’t just for the holiday season! Get involved during the upcoming tax season as a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program helps households who made less than $69,000 in 2025 prepare tax returns and maximize refunds and tax credits. Volunteers needed to act as greeters, interpreters, screeners, and tax preparers. For more information, visit the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) county website.

ARTS Fairfax- Arts Opportunities

Fairfax County Public Libraries

This winter break don’t forget to visit your local library for great opportunities:

Read For The Gold This Winter with FCPL!

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, Fairfax County Public Library invites readers of all ages to warm up with a good book and join the 2025 Winter Reading Adventure - Read for the Gold! This exciting countywide challenge runs from December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, encouraging everyone from preschoolers to adults to set reading goals, discover new stories and celebrate their achievements along the way. 

eMagazines Available Anytime and Anywhere Your favorite magazines are available free anytime and anywhere with your library card. Fairfax County Public Library offers over 6,200 digital magazine titles for all ages in 28+ languages. It's easy to get started today online and in the Libby and Magzter Library apps.

Ways you can help keep the Franconia Community Safe 

3 Easy Steps to Report Streetlight Outages Streetlights, like light bulbs at home, don’t last forever. One way you can help is by reporting streetlight outages in your neighborhood and in other areas you frequent. Reporting an outage is simple and helps keeps neighborhoods safe; it also helps keep pedestrians visible and safe. Streetlights along public roadways in Fairfax County are typically maintained by Dominion Virginia Power or the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC). The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) operates the streetlights along interstates and at major interchanges. 3 Steps to Report a Streetlight Outage Look for the pole ID number, which can be found on the pole. If you can’t find the pole number or if you notice a streetlight outage while driving, use the online streetlight locator tool to find pole numbers. Zoom in on the map to see streetlight locations. After finding the streetlight on the map, report it online in the link provided on the map. If a particular streetlight is not on the map, it may be privately maintained by a homeowners association or other group.

See Something, Say Something Detectives Seek Public’s Help in 2021 Hybla Valley Homicide

School Board News

Keeping You In the Know

December 18, 2025 School Board Meeting Highlights:

Watch the full meeting.   

Key Votes

Authorizing a Special Election

The School Board voted to approve a resolution directing Division Counsel to file a petition with the Circuit Court of Fairfax County for issuance of a writ of election to authorize a special election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 

Strategic Plan Goal 5 Report: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation

The School Board voted to approve the Strategic Plan Goal 5 Report for the 2025-26 school year.

Fiscal Year 2026 Midyear Budget Review

The School Board voted to approve revenue and expenditure changes reflected in the Fiscal Year 2026 Midyear Budget Review.

Boundary Change Phasing and Transportation

The School Board motion to provide transportation based only on new boundary adjustments failed. 

Centreville High School Lease Agreement

The School Board voted to approve the motion that the School Board direct the Superintendent to seek to achieve a global resolution of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) issues affecting any and all FCPS schools within land zoned Residential-Conservation (RC).

New Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Center in the Annandale Pyramid

The School Board voted to approve opening a new full-time AAP Center at Poe Middle School to begin with grade 6 in school year 2026-27.

Motion to Rescind

The School Board amendment to the main motion failed. Under VA Code Section 22.1-75, when there is a tie and the full School Board is not present, the agenda item is deferred to the next regular School Board Meeting. Since it was a tie on an amendment, the whole agenda item is deferred to the next Regular Meeting.

December 4, 2025 School Board Meeting Highlights: 

Watch the full meeting.

Key Votes

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. 

December 2, 2025 Budget Policy Committee Joint Meeting with School Board

November 13, 2025 School Board Meeting Highlights

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Photo of all 12 FCPS school board members

January 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. -Comprehensive School Boundary Proposal Public Hearing

January 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. - FY2027 Proposed Capital Improvement Program

February 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. - FY2027 Proposed Budget Public Hearing

May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. - FY 2027 Approved Budget Public Hearing

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.

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

E-mail: Marcia St. John-Cunning | Phone: 571-423-1081

Franconia Staff: Jessica O'Connor | Ana Chavez | Phone: 571-423-1069