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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 Dranesville Families:
I hope you are enjoying the scheduled days off despite the winter storm and the continued unusually cold temperatures. As we may have more winter weather, I encourage you to review the winter weather resources included in this newsletter. These resources are designed to help keep everyone informed and safe during changing conditions. The FCPS Mobile App delivers FCPS’s weather status before all the other platforms. See below on how to get the new FCPS Mobile App and learn about the many features including the weather status notifications. Please continue to follow FCPS updates on school openings as we deal with the current storm aftereffects and the possibility of more snow this weekend and in the coming week.
At the January 22nd School Board Regular meeting, we approved the first comprehensive school boundary review in 40 years, affecting approximately 1,700 students to better balance our resources for the 2026-27 school year. We remain dedicated to supporting all transitioning families and thank our community for their diligent advocacy throughout this process, see details below.
Superintendent Reid presented her FY 2027 Proposed Budget at the January 22nd meeting. The budget reflects our commitment to excellence by prioritizing competitive compensation for staff and restoring instructional positions and class sizes while continuing vital multi-year initiatives. Please share your advocacy at the February 10th Budget Public Hearing.
January is Principals and Administrators Appreciation Month, and I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize our outstanding Dranesville administration leadership teams. Our principals and administrators play a vital role in creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments for every student. Their dedication, professionalism, and steady leadership make a meaningful difference for students, families, and staff each day. Their commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong school communities does not go unnoticed. We are deeply appreciative of the long hours, thoughtful decision-making, and care you bring to your work throughout the year. Thank you for all that you do.
Finally, thank you to all FCPS employees who work behind the scenes to ensure our school buildings open safely, especially in difficult winter conditions. From facilities and maintenance teams to transportation, nutrition services, and operations staff, your efforts are essential to keeping our schools running smoothly during the winter months.
Regards,
Robyn
Thank you Dranesville student's Principals!
In this newsletter,
January 22, 2026 School Board Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Action Items
Comprehensive School Boundary Review
The School Board voted to approve the boundary adjustments as described in the Superintendent's recommendation. View more on Boarddocs.
Ratification of a Tentative Bargaining Agreement Between FCPS and FCFPSA
The School Board voted to ratify the tentative collective bargaining agreement between FCPS and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators (FCFPSA) with an effective date of July 1, 2026. View more on Boarddocs.
Policy 8410: Leasing for School Facilities; Policy 8320: Site and Building Acquisition; and Policy 8310: Site Planning and Development
The School Board voted to refer these items to the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. View more on Boarddocs.
Fairfax County School Board Electronic Participation Resolution
The School Board voted to adopt its Electronic Participation Resolution. View more on Boarddocs.
Presentations
Proposed FY 2027 Budget- The FY 2027 Proposed Budget totals $4.1 billion, a net increase of $197.0 million or 5.0% over the FY 2026 Approved Budget. I am requesting an additional $138.4 million, or 5.1% over, the FY 2026 transfer from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Strategic Plan Update: Dr. Reid discussed Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered, with an emphasis on transportation safety and technology. Dr. Reid shared this video discussing how technology and our staff members keep students safe, supported, and connected while on our buses.
The FCPS Transportation Service highlights:
- 1,850 drivers and supporting personnel.
- 131,931 students transported daily on 1,398 buses & 45,000 bus stops.
- Covering over 391 square miles.
- 16,877,288 miles driven yearly – which is 450 trips around the world!
January 13 Forum and Work Session
Forum- World Language
Materials; Video
Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report: Academic Growth & Excellence
Materials
Proposed FY 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program
Materials
Watch the full work session.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Proposed Budget
This Proposed Budget reflects FCPS’ unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and community.
The FY 2027 Proposed Budget totals $4.1 billion, a net increase of $197.0 million or 5.0% over the FY 2026 Approved Budget. Dr. Reid requested an additional $138.4 million, or 5.1% over the FY 2026 transfer from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. This year’s county transfer requested increase is 48% less than last year’s requested transfer increase and aligns closely with the fiscal forecast presented at the joint Board of Supervisors Budget Committee and School Board meeting in the fall of 2025.
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Prioritizing competitive compensation including funding the increases in the collective bargaining agreements for both our Fairfax Education Unions (FEU) and the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors and Administrators (FCFPSA) bargaining units.
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Beginning to restore last fiscal year’s reductions by fully restoring Special Education Department Chair positions and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) positions at non-Title I schools, as well as a partial restoration of class sizes in elementary, middle, and high schools.
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Continuing multiyear initiatives including certified athletic trainers at each of our high schools, family liaisons, fine and performing arts stipends, student athletics and activity offerings, K-12 robotics, and educator math certification/credentialing.
January 22nd Regular Meeting’s budget presentation video and slides are available online.
Budget Timeline (through February):
February 10- School Board proposed budget work session
February 10- Public hearings on the budget (February 11, if needed)
February 17- Fairfax County Executive presents Advertised Budget
February 19- School Board proposed budget work session
February 24- Joint Meeting with Board of Supervisors
February 26- School Board adopts the FY 2027 advertised budget
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
Comprehensive School Boundary Review Vote
The School Board approved the recommended boundary changes as part of Fairfax County Public Schools’ comprehensive boundary review.This was our first division-wide review of school boundaries in more than 40 years.
Key Highlights
- Adopted boundary changes currently affect approximately 1,700 students at 46 schools.
- The vast majority of FCPS students and staff will not experience a boundary change at this time.
- These changes will be implemented for the upcoming (2026-27) school year.
What Affected Families Can Expect
We understand that boundary decisions shape students’ daily experiences, family routines, and the feelings of stability, community, and belonging that help children learn and thrive. This is why we approached this effort with a focus on excellence, equity, and opportunity.
Families who are being assigned to a new school will soon receive information about their school assignment for the 2026-27 school year. We are committed to supporting these families to ensure a smooth transition.
Looking Ahead
As shared at the end of Dr. Reid's amended Comprehensive Boundary Review Executive Summary, some schools and communities will be studied further within the year, with recommendations presented in January 2027. Others have been flagged to be considered as a priority during the next boundary review cycle in about five years. Please keep in mind that being identified for future review does not mean a boundary change has been proposed or decided.
FAQs
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more information about the boundary review process and implementation.
Thank you to the thousands of families and community members who shared their perspectives throughout this process.
Thank You Dranesville
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Comprehensive School Boundary work and shared your advocacy either directly with me or through the public meetings, the Boundary Explorer Tool, and through our website.
- Thank our Dranesville student’s pyramid’s BRAC representatives:
- Herndon: Zulakha Imran and Christopher Noyes
- Langley: Jane DelGiorno and Ariana Raines
- Marshall: Elise Fisher and Kristina Glines
- McLean : Bo Du and Bongyi Xiang
- Westfield: Jessica Chun and Jenae Grader
- And to all the Dranesville constituents representing community and FCPS groups on the BRAC.
The National Anthem performed by the Herndon High School Guitar 4 Ensemble under the direction of Christopher Cunningham at the Jan 8th Regular Meeting.
Audit Buzz Newsletter- January
In this issue, we include a summary of the January 5 Audit Committee meeting, an article on Navigating the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Buzz, and a training opportunity. Prior editions of Audit Buzz are archived here on Office of Auditor General (OAG) website
See Something, Say Something: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline
FCPS provides a way for employees and the general public to report any suspected wrongdoing related to FCPS’ assets and resources. Reporting will help ensure taxpayers’ money is spent appropriately — on our students’ education. It can also help improve employees’ work environment.
Reports can be made in person, by phone, by email, or online. All reports are taken seriously, and every effort will be made to investigate reports according to the applicable laws, codes, policies, or regulations. Community members can assist with investigations by providing as much information as possible.
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School Board Seeks Applicants for CPDC Community Members- due January 30
The School Board invites interested community members (with architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning, or development expertise) to apply for five Community Member appointee seats on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC). The deadline to apply is tomorrow, January 30, 2026.
The Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee meets monthly, for approximately two hours. The committee’s primary role is to assist the Fairfax County School Board with its capital planning and facility maintenance efforts.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 11:30 a.m.- Budget Committee of the Whole/Work Session
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.- FY2027 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
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Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
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.
Upcoming Public Hearings: Share Your Advocacy with the School Board
The School Board has scheduled the following public hearings. More information, including how to register to speak, will be provided closer to the hearing, available below.
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February 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.- FY2027 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
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May 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.- FY 2027 Approved Budget Public Hearing
How to sign up to speak at a regular meeting or at Public Hearings.
Meal Kits Available for Students- January 30
In an effort to support students who may be experiencing food insecurity while our schools are closed during planned student holidays, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is providing meal kits at specific schools for students. Meal kits will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, January 30.
Children do not need to be present to pick up the kits, which will contain a meal and a healthy snack. No proof of eligibility or identification is required. View pickup locations for meal kits.
Dranesville Area Location:
- Herndon HS (700 Bennett St, Herndon)- Door 1
Prepare for Winter Weather
The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority any time a decision must be made regarding school closures and delays during a weather situation. Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
In the case of emergency for a weather-related closing, delay, or early dismissal, the FCPS’ website will be updated first and includes an alert at the top of each page with the appropriate information. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations.
FCPS Mobile App
The FCPS Mobile App provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
- Customized for Your Family:You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events specific to your family.
- No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly.
- Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates including weather announcements.
- Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages.
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Winter Resources
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Fairfax County's Guide to Snow.
- This resource compiles important information about snow as well as weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.
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VDOT/The roads
- VDOT owns the majority of roads in Fairfax County, and they are in charge of plowing them.
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Fairfax County Police
- For Emergencies, dial 911.
- For Non-Emergencies, dial 703-691-2131.
- For Out-of-Area Emergencies, dial 703-691-2233
Do You Need Cold-Weather Assistance?
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.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911 but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) @FCPS Update
Dr. Reid shared, during her January 8th Academic Matters, an update on how FCPS thoughtfully integrates AI into education to expand access and support for our students. Studies show our students are already using AI, so it is essential that we begin by training adults who can guide this work responsibly. Our AI guiding principles include:
- Humans in Control: recognize teachers as the experts responsible for learning and decision-making. AI augments, it does not replace.
- Ethical and Responsible: we must uphold academic integrity and protect student privacy and security.
- Intentional Adoption: continuously monitoring AI's impacts, maximizing its benefits, and implementing safeguards to avoid harm.
Superintendent Recommendations for New Western High School Name
Dr. Reid presented her recommendations for the name of our new high school located in the western part of the county. The board is scheduled to vote on the new name for the school on Thursday, February 12. Learn more about the new high school.
Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students.
Frost Middle School ( 4101 Pickett Rd. Fairfax)
- Saturday, January 31, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 7, 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Please confirm the schedule, in case of inclement weather.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year, 4-5 weeks prior to the event, on the public webpage.
- Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families.
- Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
 When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit our site for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and your school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify your child’s school and teacher so that assistance can be provided, if needed.
SY 2026–2027 FCPS PreK and Early Head Start- Apply Now
The FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old.
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PreK: For children who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30, with priority given to 4-year-olds.
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Early Head Start: For children ages 0–2 and pregnant women who live in the Reston and Herndon area.
Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
An easy five-step process for parents to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment at your local school.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation and any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online, for kindergarten through 12th grade.
Dual Immersion Program Lottery Open
The 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery is open. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day. The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program. Informational meetings details are available on the FCPS calendar.
Informational sessions:
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February 4, 6 to 7 p.m.: virtual information session- all languages.
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February 5, 5 to 6 p.m.: Kent Gardens ES- French Immersion.
Application dates
- For first grade programs- Thursday, February 12.
- For kindergarten programs- Monday, March 2.
How to Receive FCPS Messages in Other Languages
You may wish to read FCPS messages in a language other than English. There are several ways you can receive or view our communications in a different language. FCPS This Week is distributed in other languages to parents/guardians who have filled out the Home Language Survey form and selected a language supported by FCPS as their preferred language for communication.
Home Language Survey forms are available in the following languages: Amharic | Arabic (العربية) | Chinese (中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (español) | Urdu (اردو) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). Learn more about other communications that are translated.
Multilingual Family Podcast
The FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast, In A Few Words FCPS, provides families with timely, accessible information about school updates, resources, and ways to support student learning. Its purpose is to strengthen communication and engagement with multilingual families across FCPS, and it is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean to ensure broad access.
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Community Updates
 George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government hosted the Governors’ Roundtable on the Future of Virginia in Richmond. Featuring Governors George Allen, Bob McDonnell, Ralph Northam, and Senator Tim Kaine. The discussion focused on:
- urgent priorities facing the new administration;
- early policy goals within reach;
- opportunities for bipartisan cooperation; and
- how Virginia may navigate a polarized national political landscape.
Rebuilding Together- Home Repair Program
Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church (RT-AFF) provides free critical home repairs and accessibility modifications to help older adults, people with disabilities, and families under financial strain live safely at home. Volunteers can install grab bars and stair rails, improve lighting, make minor plumbing and electrical repairs, ensure proper dryer venting, build wheelchair ramps and more. To apply, call 703-528-1999 or visit rebuildingtogether-aff.org/apply to download an application and program brochure.
With the potential for a significant snowstorm this weekend, now is the time to consider adopting a fire hydrant in your neighborhood. There are thousands of hydrants available to adopt across the county. By adopting a hydrant, you play a vital role in ensuring our Fire and Rescue Department can respond more quickly in an emergency. When you remove snow and ice from around the hydrant after storms, it ensures the hydrant is visible and accessible.
Those who adopt a hydrant will receive an official certificate of adoption to celebrate their commitment.
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Observatory Park at Turner Farm- Dark Sky Designation
The Observatory Park at Turner Farm( 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls) has earned the prestigious International Dark Sky designation for its efforts to protect the night sky. It is one of the few spots near Washington, D.C. where you can experience the wonder of a dark night sky.
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Graduation Dates for the Class of 2026
Winter graduation
- Mountain View HS: Monday, February 9, 5 p.m., Mountain View HS
Spring Graduations Dates for Dranesville students’ schools:
- Davis Career Center: Friday, June 12, 10 a.m., Marshall HS
- Fairfax County Adult HS: Friday, June 12, 5:30 p.m., TJHSST
- Herndon HS: Friday, June 12, 2 p.m., EagleBank Arena
- Interagency Alternative Schools: Wednesday, June 3, 5 p.m., Bryant HS
- Langley HS: Monday, June 8, 10 a.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- Marshall HS: Monday, June 8, 2:30 p.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- McLean HS: Tuesday, June 9, 2:30 p.m., DAR Constitution Hall
- Mountain View HS: Monday, June 2, 5 p.m., Centerville HS
- Thomas Jefferson HSST: Saturday, June 6, 7 p.m., EagleBank Arena
- Westfield HS: Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m., EagleBank Arena
806 FCPS Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars
Eight hundred six FCPS students have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This represents an 11% increase in Commended Scholars for FCPS compared to 2024. In recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college, NMSC has honored these students by sending Letters of Commendation to them through their high schools.
Of the 806, 180 Dranesville District Students were named Commended Scholars. Congratulations to these Dranesville District students:
Herndon HS: Renee Deroche; Eja Gatewood; Reagan Giuliano; and Isaac Malik.
Langley HS: Hannah Abraham; Sarah Abraham; Jai Arora; Anthony Aue; Tanishka Bagade; Eric Bhandari; Ray Cai; John Center; Humphrey Chan; Evan Chen; Victor Cho; Jibreel Chohan; Lillian Choi; Katherine Chopra; Sophia Christiano; Connor Chun; Megan Connery; Catalina Coronado; Ben Doan; Rhys Frischling; Zackery Gast; Miles Gu; Samar Haddad; Terra Han; Gabriella Huh; Nicholas Huynh; Adam Kim; Daniel Kim; Julie Kinkead; Payton Kupferberg; Lewis Le; Shreya Lele; Nya Lewin; Lianhan Li; Chloe Lin; Asiya Malik; Yian Mao; Alexander McNeill; Sanika Meka; Fernando Meza; Claire Mo; Katherine Murphy; Katharine Myshrall; Emily New; Quyen Nguyen; Sophia Ojo; Jack Paral; Christian Perrin; Jiawen Qi; Sonia Qiao; Amenah Rashid; Michael Raso; Akaash Sachdeva; Saraswati Sastry; Brayden Schlegel; Logan Schwartz; Ethan Shin; Shiv Singh; Alyssa Sun; Sienna Sung; Kriesh Tivare; Efimia Tripathi; Saanvi Uppalapati; Abhay Velliyatt; Riley Wallace; Nina Wang; Colin Wiltbank; Panat Wongsangpaiboon; Daniella Wu; Leah Wu; Lang Xiong; Meredith Yu; Isabella Zhang; and Yali Zhu.
Marshall HS: Nola Gramatikov; Russell Hartge; Azad Latif; Vihaan Shah; and Thomas Tillemann.
McLean HS: Aimee Abraham; Zoe Adams-Christian; Buse Arici; Jay Ben Nassar; Claire Baiyang; Nayan Balebail; Ziya Bhasin; Carolyn Brown; Pranav Budharaju; Edward Burros; Sean Chee; Jiayu Chen; Micah Chlan; Samuel Cohen; Zachary Cramer; Elizabeth DeMartino; Vikram East; Nader EL-Farhan; Julian Estrada; Rahm Fishman; John Frantz; Alex Gan; Alexandra Glass; Noam Gottesman; Sunay Gupta; Luke Hadden; Caleb Han; Rama Istandar; Guillermo Javierre Carmona; Annamarie Jenkins; Michael Jiang; Kushal Jivan; Aashna Kapur; Andrew Ketende; Sara Knauss; Boya Kou; Alexa Krystopolski; Maxwell Kusano; Yael Lan; Matthew LaPointe; Joshua Lee; Alexander Li; Connor Li; Jason Li; Morgan Li; Marina Lopez; Michael Ma; Joshua Massery; Ethan Mei; Indira Melvin; Kaelan Monroe; Lucianna Nuzzo; Agathiya Ramalingam; Kevin Ren; Eugene Schweikert; Annika Singh; Manushri Singh; Varish Sood; Angie Sun; Colin Supik; Vivek Suri; Elizabeth Templer; Danneke Vazquez; Claire Wang; Emma Weinshall; Jeffrey Yin; Harry Yu; Rachel Zamsky; and David Zeng.
Thomas Jefferson HSST: Dheethya Balaji; Andrew Chen; Daniel Choi; Norris Chowdhury; Jimmy-Quoc Anh Do; Daniel Feng; Julian Guevara; Sophia Guo; Sophia Hou; Gabriel Huang; Anna Kim; Jaeyoon Kim; Elizabeth Klein; Smaran Kudapa; Isabella Lee-Truesdell; Fiona MacGarvey; Caitlin McKelvey; Anna Najafi; Mikaela Nowinski; Andrew Raptis; Ishita Sengar; Arrush Shah; Nishka Shah; Amrit Singh; Moe Ma Kha Tun; Aruni Veluri; Anthony Zhao; and Lucas Zhu.
Westfield HS: Simran Jaggi; Young Min Kim; and Susitna Voduru.
Nine FCPS Students Among Nation’s Top 300 Teen Scientists
Society for Science (the Society) announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026 (STS), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Nine of the 300 scholars are students in Fairfax County public schools: one from Chantilly High School and eight from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Congratulations to Dranesville’s top scholar:
- Rushil Kukreja, Thomas Jefferson HSST
- Project Title: Preparing for the Next Carrington: Spatiotemporal Agent-Based Modeling for Safeguarding Satellite Infrastructure Under Extreme Space Weather Disturbances.
Cappies Review: "Arsenic and Old Lace" Delivers Laughs and Strong Performances
This review of Herndon High School’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” was written by Mary Campbell of Westfield High School.
FCPS students are talented actors, musicians, and visual artists. Many FCPS high schools participate in the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theatre, otherwise known as the Cappies.
The Cappies is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers
Clearview ES
 Congratulations to the The Clearview ES Science Olympiad team for winning 1st Place in the Hovercraft competition at the 2026 Langley Regional (Division B).
Coates ES
We want to extend a huge thank you to Pieces of Illumination for their recent, generous donation of games to our students! Their contribution will provide our students with wonderful new ways to learn, play, and engage with one another. We are so grateful for their support and for the work they do throughout our community.
Dranesville ES
Under the direction of Mr. Libby, our 6th Grade Chorus will be performing the National Anthem at the George Mason Women's Basketball game. Join us at EagleBank Arena on Saturday, February 14th, at 3:00 p.m. to support our talented singers and enjoy the game! Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at Eagle Bank Arena.
Franklin Sherman ES
Learn why our teachers join the profession and be inspired by their stories, including this one featuring Sara Eichmeier. Ms. Eichmeier is a fifth grade teacher at Franklin Sherman ES.
Great Falls ES
Artists Selected for Dulles Display- Tennessee D, Ruby F, and Ingrid K were selected for the MPTA Children’s Art Show where their artwork will be displayed at Dulles International Airport. Next time you’re travelling, stop by the TSA’s west pre-check line to find the student artwork display!
Spring Hill ES
Div B Science Olympiad Team- beat all elementary schools and most middle schools in the science Olympiad regionals on January 15.
Herndon MS
Referees for After-School Intramural Sports Needed- looking for energetic volunteers to referee After-School Program intramural games: basketball, futsal (prefer bilingual (Spanish and English referees), and volleyball on Thursdays, 3:15 to 4:50 p.m.. Choose your preferred sport, and help support our student-athletes while keeping the games fair, positive, safe, and fun! Interested? Contact Liana Shivers at lshivers@fcps.edu or 703-904-4819. Volunteering is open to community members, FCPS students, and FCPS staff.
Longfellow MS
Congratulations to Olivia Cho, who placed FIRST in Speaker Awards at Saturday’s regional debate at GMU. Olivia won against 170 other middle school students from 13 other middle schools.
The Science Olympiad team placed 1st out of 77 teams at the Rustin Invitational, and they placed 1st at the TJ invitational out of 42 teams.
Herndon HS
Congratulations to the Herndon Dance Team for earning first place for their outstanding performance and achievement in the Small Varsity Jazz Category at the 2026 Fairfax Dance Champs (FXDC) competition held on January 11.
Langley HS
Saxon Stage had a successful opening to its theatre season. Saxon Stage's production of The Play That Goes Wrong! was a hit for all ages! In fact, Saxon Stage's production was selected by the State Thespian Festival and was performed on the Capital One Hall stage on Jan 10, 2026, as the State Thespian Festival mainstage performance. A big congratulations to the cast, crew, and production team.
Marshall HS
 Marshall HS held a ceremony to officially rename its main gym the "Joseph D. Swarm Gymnasium," honoring Joe Swarm for over 30 years of service.
McLean HS
National Arts Competition from YoungArts- Senior Wonwoo Do was named a Winner with Distinction for his exceptional portfolio in Photography. He is invited to the National YoungArts Week and also considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
McLean Student Selected for U.S. Senate Page Program- Junior Samhita Som has been selected for the prestigious U.S. Senate Page Program for the spring semester.
Olivia Zhang, MHS Alumni: Former SGA President, Harvard Student, Forbes 30 under 30 Recipient, and founder of Cancer Kids First, the world’s largest youth-led cancer nonprofit. She talked at the January McLean HS PTSA meeting about her experience creating her passion project (Cancer Kids First) while attending MHS and her new book (on preorder now!) with tips on how to start a successful passion project. To learn more about her passion project or pre-order her book, click here.
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.
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Celebrating America's Semiquincentennial
What is the Semiquincentennial?
A 250th anniversary
 From Britannica website
Your Guide to America's 250th Events & Activities in Fairfax County
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, Fairfax County will be at the heart of the celebration, with events, exhibits, and commemorative experiences rolling out throughout the year.
Fairfax County Public Library 250th U.S. Anniversary Celebration
Beginning January 2026, Fairfax County Public Library will launch a year-long celebration in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. In alignment with national, state, and local initiatives, this commemorative year will feature monthly themes, special events, and engaging activities that explore our nation’s past, present, and future.
Visit the County History page for monthly themes and a listing of events, January's theme: Foundations of Freedom.
America's 250th: Fairfax County History Trail Pass
FC History Trail Pass- explore Fairfax County's wide range of historic and cultural attractions and be entered to win monthly prizes. For every site you visit during any given month, you will receive an entry to win that month's prize. The more places you check in, the more entries you receive to win that month's prize.
January Prize: George Washington's Mount Vernon Yearly Membership
Presidential 1776 Award- Registration Opens February 1
The Presidential 1776 Award is a nationwide competition recognizing student knowledge of the American founding. High school students will compete in three rounds of multiple-choice and verbal examinations. Three winners will receive scholarships totaling $250,000. Registration opens February 1 to February 21, 2026.
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.
2026 Student Representative to the School Board- Apply Now
Students may now apply for the 2026 Student Representative to the School Board. The student representative serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information on this role, see FCPS Policy 1802. The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) student delegates elect the Student Representative to the School Board.
FCPS Students and Fairfax County and Fairfax city residents in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade are eligible. Students must provide:
- A written application- due Monday, February 23.
- A 30-second candidate video statement- due Monday, March 16.
HS Seniors: E.B. Henderson Essay Contest
The Washington Wizards, alongside INROADS, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and the Leonsis family, are inviting high school seniors in the DMV and Baltimore area to participate in their annual essay contest. This contest honors Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, a pioneer in D.C. athletics. All students who submit an eligible essay will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to a select Wizards home game during the 2025-26 season. Submissions due February 1.
2026 AAUW STEM Essay Contest
The eighth annual STEM Essay Contest sponsored by the McLean Area Branch is now open. The contest challenges 7th and 8th grade Fairfax County students to discover and publicize an under -recognized women who made a difference in STEM fields. Strong preference is given to essays about women who are not well known even today. The deadline is February 8, 2026, at 11 p.m.
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Join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program
Are you a middle school student with a passion for change? We invite you to apply by February 11th for an opportunity to join the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program!
What is the Fairfax County Youth Global Leaders Program? As a member, you'll work alongside other middle school students to develop and implement a project addressing your assigned Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in your local community. You will share ideas, propose solutions, and fully participate in meetings (in person and online) from February to May.
Who We're Looking For: 7th or 8th graders with a minimum 3.5 GPA; strong communication and collaboration skills; and a proactive individual ready to address a local need through your assigned Sustainable Development Goals.
Ready to Lead? Apply here: https://forms.gle/YZKeZVq7BM2Fakr9A Please use your FCPS email address.
Seeking Students for New Paid Work Program
Fairfax County's Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is excited to announce its new Work Student Program, starting January 2026. This paid program is open to students ages 16+, college students, and young adults, offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and career exploration in public service. Participants will work flexible, part-time hours to accommodate busy schedules, with jobs available across Fairfax County.
The program is designed to build skills in public service, program management, and administration—all aligned with the county’s One Fairfax Policy. Students will be matched with positions using their resumes and areas of study, in roles offering varying responsibilities and pay scales. Don’t miss this chance to gain meaningful experience while making an impact in the community!
Superintendent’s Student Youth Environmental Council
The Student Youth Environmental Council has officially launched and transitioned into a monthly meeting schedule. And they are always accepting new members. If you know a student who has a passion for the environment and would like to join us, please ask them or their family to email superintendent@fcps.edu with their name, school, and contact information. The next meeting will be rescheduled from January 27th.
Student Scholarship Opportunities
VSBA Regional Scholarship- Deadline tomorrow, January 30
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has announced a $5,000 Scholarship opportunity for the Class of 2026 for high school seniors attending a public high school in a VSBA regions. Fairfax County Public Schools is a member of VSBA and part of the Northeastern Region. Deadline: January 30 at 4 p.m.
Latino/Hispanic FCPS Seniors Scholarship
Applications for the 2026 Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship is now open. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, academic commitment, and clear goals for their future. Students should contact the HLA Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Jane Cruz (jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com) to request the application form. Application Deadline: February 20.
Apply for the Michelle Leete Scholarship
This year, Fairfax County NAACP is proud to award five scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to equity in our community. We invite eligible Fairfax County students to apply. Access the application and learn the full eligibility details. Applications close February 26th
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia- Scholarships
Funding Your Future Scholarships- The 2026 Scholarship Cycle at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is officially open. High-school students from Northern Virginia may now select from over thirty CFNOVA scholarship funds to apply. Individual scholarship awards are for students interested in a specific field of study at the undergraduate level or with specific interests. Application deadline- March 5th.
Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship
Applications for the 2026 Asian Leadership Alliance (ALA) Scholarship have opened. Graduating FCPS Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi American seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Deadline is March 13. Email questions to fcpsasianeducatorsassociation@gmail.com
Public Library Winter Reading Challenge
Join the Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure through January 31, 2026. Visit your local FCPL branch or their Winter Reading Adventure website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes.
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2026 First-Class Awards: Nominations Open
First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First-Class Awards nominees who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS in seven categories with up to 14 awards. You may nominate an administrator, a staff member, or a student due February 20. Questions, email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair- Call for Judges
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held on Saturday, March 14, at Robinson Secondary School. Each year, more than 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in categories ranging from astronomy to plant science to biomedical engineering. Qualified individuals who are interested in judging should click “Create Account” and register as a judge by Sunday, March 8.
Judges should hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic and/or professional experience in the category for which they apply. Parents, teachers, and family friends are not allowed to judge in categories in which their child, student, or family friend's child is competing
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Volunteer Fairfax
Volunteer Fairfax aims to increase volunteerism across the Greater Washington region by acting as a bridge between volunteers and local nonprofits. Through a variety of programs and events, we enhance the capacity of our nonprofit partners and public agencies while expanding their reach and effectiveness.
FC Parent Support Line
Parenting can be tough! It’s okay to ask for help. The Department of Family Services offers a Parent Support Line where you can talk with trained parenting specialists for guidance on a wide range of topics including child development, reducing your stress, strengthening the parent-child bond, and accessing community resources. Parents, caregivers, or anyone who works with children can call 703-324-7720, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. with questions or concerns. Language support is available.
Family Academy Offers Opportunities to Support Parents and Guardians
The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. Find upcoming events and programs in the Family Academy Catalog including these topics:
- Family Cafe Series
- Getting to Know FCPS: A Family Orientation- available in English, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.
Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger
Rise Against Hunger is a global organization dedicated to ending hunger by providing life-changing meals to those in need. This initiative unites our students, staff, and families to make a meaningful impact in the fight against food insecurity worldwide. In 2025, the Langley Pyramid service-learning event celebrated a major milestone- our 1,000,000th meal.
Save the Date: Together We Rise Against Hunger! On Saturday, February 7, 2026, families in the Langley Pyramid will gather at Colvin Run ES (1400 Trap Rd, Vienna). Langley Pyramid ESs, MSs, and HSs will collaborate with Rise Against Hunger to prepare 73,800 meal packages for schools and orphanages worldwide.
Your Sponsorship, Their Future—Tax Benefits Included! We invite businesses to sponsor our Rise Against Hunger event. Contact Principal Junge at langleyshn@gmail.com, if interested. Donations are tax-deductible.
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.
Herndon Food Packaging Event- January 31
The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston, Rotary Club of Great Falls, Interact Club of Herndon High School and South Lakes, and The Outreach Program, will gather at Floris United Methodist Church to package 10,000–15,000 meals for families in need.
The packed meals will be donated to Cornerstones, helping local neighbors facing food insecurity. This hands-on service opportunity welcomes individuals, families, teens, and friends to participate—no prior experience required. For more details or to sign up, visit The Outreach Program: Food Packaging Event.
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English Empowerment Center- English Language Classes
There is one more opportunity to register. Learners who come to register will have the option to enroll in evening classes at HNRC, morning classes at Reston Community Center, or classes at any other site with seats left. See the full class and registration schedule here.
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In-person registration- Monday, February 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden Str., Herndon)
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Lunar New Year Celebration- February 7
11a.m.- 3 p.m.- Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a free, family-friendly afternoon of opportunities to learn and explore Lunar New Year traditions across Asian cultures at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Highlights include: cultural performances; arts, crafts, and cultural games; tasty samples of Asian cuisine and more.
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Janet's Planet: Astronaut vs. Aquanaut- Feb. 7
6 p.m. (ASL interpreted) All ages- Two scientists go head-to-head and spacesuit-to-wetsuit to decide once and for all who is the ultimate explorer! Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
Game On, Calm On: Helping Your Child Conquer Sports Anxiety- February 12
7 p.m.- Learn insights from sports psychology to help your children and teenagers regulate anxiety in competitive sports at this free program cosponsored with McLean Safe Community Coalition at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean). The aim is to equip parents with the tools to support their child's emotional well-being and optimize their performance.
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Boost Your Child's Success: Join Our Executive Functioning Training Series
Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) is excited to offer families a no-cost, four-part “Building Skills for Success” training series on executive functioning skills.
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February 13, 2026: How To Develop Flexibility With Your Child
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March 13, 2026: How To Develop Emotional Regulation
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April 17, 2026: How To Develop Organizational Skills With Your Child
Visit the Family Resource Center to learn more information and sign up for the virtual sessions.
TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Camp
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.- Join Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s (TJ) Baseball Team for its inaugural Adaptive Baseball Camp. The team is hosting a 3-session camp for kids and teens with disabilities. The camp will be a fun, supportive space to learn hitting, throwing, catching, and base running with help from the TJ players! Ages 6-16. Register now for February 7, 14, and 21 at the Thomas Jefferson HSST gym.
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Save the date- Family Special Education Conference- 3/21
The FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will be on Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. Families will have the opportunity to hear from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources and other families, and participate in afternoon sessions.
FCPS families are invited to register to attend this year’s conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available. Families are also invited to register to serve as event volunteers by Friday, February 20. Volunteer hours will be awarded to student volunteers.
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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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