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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.

Marcia’s Message

I hope you had a restful and joyful Winter Break, filled with meaningful moments shared with family, friends, and loved ones. I am continually grateful for the strength, resilience, and diversity of our Franconia District community. The many religious and cultural observances celebrated during the break—and throughout this season—beautifully reflect the richness of our shared community. 

In my family, we share the Mexican/American cultural tradition of coming together and partaking in a slice of “La Rosca de Reyes.” This year it was a joy to share it with staff members in the Superintendent’s office, School Board office Clerk staff and School Board Staffers. The sweet bread is made in the shape of a crown, signifying the day the Three Kings arrived with gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. A baby is baked into the bread and whoever receives it will be blessed with good luck for the entire year!

This month, we also honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and service continues to inspire us. His vision reminds us of the power of compassion, courage, and collective action in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Whether you marked special holidays, honored cherished traditions, or simply took time to rest and recharge, this season reminds us of the values that connect us all: kindness, gratitude, and togetherness. As we begin a new year, I look forward to continuing our work together to support one another and further strengthen the Franconia District community.

Best Regards, 

1/5/2026 - FCPS School Board Audit Committee Meeting As a member of the School Board Audit Committee, we reviewed the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) annual report and discussed the important role the office plays in promoting accountability and continuous improvement. Board members noted that an increase in hotline reports reflects growing awareness and confidence in the reporting process. When concerns fall outside fraud, waste, or abuse, OAG ensures callers are thoughtfully redirected to the appropriate offices for support.

1/6/2026 - FCPS School Board Governance Committee Meeting As a new member of the School Board Governance Committee Meeting, I was able to take part in the discussion of several policies related to capital improvement programs, facilities, and human resources.

📍 Superintendent’s Proposed Boundary Changes

At the January 8 regular meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the School Board with her proposed boundary changes. The following documents were shared.

• Superintendent’s Presentation to the School Board – These slides detail Dr. Reid’s specific recommendations.
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Executive Summary – This document outlines the 16-month process, data analysis, and community engagement that informed the superintendent’s recommendations, as aligned with School Board Policy 8130.

You may explore and visualize how the superintendent’s recommendation affects boundaries by using our Boundary Explorer Tool. 

After feedback from the community, including testimony shared during the January 10 and 13 public hearings, the superintendent is amending her initial recommendation, as discussed during Tuesday’s (January 13) work session and public hearing. Dr. Reid’s updated recommendation for proposed changes, including an amended presentation and executive summary, may be viewed on Boarddocs and the FCPS website.

🔈Final Public Hearing on January 22

The School Board has scheduled an additional public hearing on the Superintendent’s proposed boundary changes on January 22, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. To sign up to testify, or for any questions, please contact the office of the Clerk of the Board at (571) 423-1075. You may also sign up online. Only live testimony via in-person or Zoom is permitted. Sign-up closes at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. For additional details, please see the School Board’s website. The School Board Office will notify speakers (via email) the morning of January 21, 2026.

After the public hearing, the Board is scheduled to vote on the proposed boundary changes that same evening during their regular meeting. Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at the meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

The public hearing and regular meeting 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.

For Spanish speakers, to watch recorded School Board meetings or live during regular meetings, visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

Note: If you have questions about the comprehensive boundary review, please contact Donna Nelson at dmnelson1@fcps.edu. 

Focus on Franconia

John R. Lewis HS

On January 14, I was honored to participate in a student-focused listening session at Lewis High School. Students participating in band, sports, advanced academics, and various student-led clubs shared their invaluable perspectives on how FCPS can strengthen its programming at Lewis. I was moved by their thoughtful suggestions and school pride as they advocated for more support and resources. 

I was also at Lewis High School on January 9th to attend the conferring of IB Diplomas to students. I was honored to be asked to stand on stage to personally congratulate each student as they received their diploma. 

Hayfield SS Helping Students Find Their Voice in a Second Language  In November 2025, several Hayfield Secondary School AP Japanese students participated in the J.LIVE Talk competition. J.LIVE Talk is a national TED Talk-style event that challenges students to present complex ideas entirely in Japanese.  At the center of these students’ success is their Japanese teacher and program sponsor, Kyoko Vaughan, a 2025 FCPS Individual Impact Award winner and a 20-year veteran of the school. Read about the students and their inspirational teacher.

Walt Whitman MS Walt Whitman Middle School Wildcats welcomed future Wildcats as they gave them a glimpse into the future.

Edison HS Quentin, Josie, and Drew competed on It's Academic!  Students  and their Coach Mr. Pandin from Thomas Edison High School; St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C.; and Osbourn High School in Manassas, VA square off on IT'S ACADEMIC! Watch the show here!

Celebrating Excellence among our Franconia Staff:

December & January Submissions for FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition. 

FCPS News You Need

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar: Academy Open Houses FCPS high school academies are holding open houses for interested students. Open houses are a great opportunity to visit classrooms and labs, and meet instructors and academy counselors.  An academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Academy elective courses provide students with various career experiences, including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.  Students can explore more than a dozen career fields through FCPS academies! Watch this video to learn more about academy programs.

View the calendar of all Academy Open Houses. 

Franconia District Academy Open Houses:

✨ Availability of, accessibility to, and student enrollment in coursework in the arts, STEAM, career and technical education, trades, technology, and world languages is one measure of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity.

☑️Course Selection and Curriculum Nights for Middle and High School Students

Rising 7th to 12th grade students are meeting with their counselors soon to discuss course selection for the next school year. Check your middle or high school’s website for information on upcoming curriculum nights. These events provide families with the opportunity to learn more about course offerings and programs. 

School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions about how to best set their student up for long-term success.

🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning

Planning which courses to take needs considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.  

The curriculum webpage may also be helpful. However, students and families should refer to their school’s website for their school-specific course catalog and course selection information.

✈️Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation at the Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs. 

🏆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. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.

Complete this form to nominate an administrator, a staff member, or a student who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Nominations close February 20, 2026. For more information, email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family Resource Center- February Webinars

• Early Childhood Identification Services: Supporting Young Children and Families
  • Friday, February 6 from 10-11:30 a.m.- Register Here
• Part 2 - Safe and supporting Learning Environments 
  • Wednesday, February 11 from 10- 11:30 a.m. - Register here
• The Social Lives of Twice-exceptional (2E) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity
  • Friday, February 20 from 10-11:30 a.m.- Register here
• You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup: Tips for Self-Care- Kinship Series
  • Friday, February 27, 2026, from 10-11:30am- Register here

Mental Health in Military Families Virtual Workshop  Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - Zoom 6 to 7 p.m. Military families face special challenges and stressors during their service to our country. Deployments, frequent moves, and the demanding nature of military life can be stressful on spouses, children, and service members alike. These challenges can often lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or burnout. The mental health and emotional well-being of our military families is important. This workshop will provide insights and resources to help build resilience during difficult times. Representatives from Military OneSource, Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), and the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Department of Special Services (DSS) will present and share information during this workshop.  This virtual event will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. Please fill out this Google form to register and receive the Zoom link.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

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

• Superintendent Updates on Boundaries and AI
• Healthy Habits to Avoid Illness
• Access Schoology to Support Your Child

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

January is 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

Calendar Reminders 

• January 28- End of Second Quarter - 2-hour Early Release
• January 29- Student Holiday (Staff Development Day for Staff)
• January 30- Student Holiday (Teacher Workday for Staff) 

It's a New Year — With New Learning Opportunities!

Get the skills you need to advance your career in the trades!  Learn on your own schedule with flexible career training programs that combine expert instruction with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets for "hands-on" realistic simulations and practice! From Die Setting to Welding, there are 15 new manufacturing and skilled trade VR courses available from FCPS Adult & Community Education to give you an immersive learning experience that bridges the gap between flexible, online learning and real-world training. Click here for more information and to register today!

SAT testing season is fast approaching! Be at your best to get in to the college you want by ACEing your SATs with Test Prep courses from FCPS Adult & Community Education.  Offered at convenient locations and times near you, ACE Test Prep courses for Math and Writing are an affordable way to become prepared and confident to make your college dreams a reality!

Want to keep someone's heart beating this Valentine's Day? You and your love (or just a friend!) can learn to save a life together with a BOGO ½-OFF offer on CPR Classes from FCPS Adult & Community Education.  Choose from the five special classes scheduled during Valentine’s week (February 9-13) and you'll receive 25% off your tuition. Register yourself and a friend (or Valentines' date, spouse, significant other, etc.) and you'll both receive 25% off, making this a Buy-One-Get-One ½-OFF Tuition special! Use the code HEARTSAVER at www.fcpsace.org when you sign up for these special CPR/AED/First Aid classes and learn how you can be a real Heartthrob this Valentine's Week!

Student Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunity for Latino/Hispanic FCPS Seniors!🎓

The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship, awarding several $1,000 scholarships to first-generation Latino/Hispanic seniors in Fairfax County Public Schools who will be the first in their families to attend college, university, or a technical program. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, academic commitment, and clear goals for their future.

🗓️Application Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026 (by midnight)

🏆Scholarship Celebration: May 4, 2026

🏅Award: Several scholarships of $1,000 each

📌How to Apply:

Students should contact the HLA Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Jane Cruz, to request the application form and submit all required materials, including the completed application, personal statement, résumé, transcript, current class schedule, and two letters of recommendation.

📧Email: jane.ellen.cruz@gmail.com

All application materials must be submitted by the deadline. I encourage eligible students and families to reach out, apply, and share this opportunity with counselors, teachers, and student organizations.

For more information visit the Hispanic Educator Association website: https://sites.google.com/view/fcpshea/home

Fairfax County Youth MOVE is Recruiting Youth MOVE is looking for youth, aged 14-22, with lived experience navigating social service and mental health services.  Youth MOVE members receive an hourly stipend, assistance with transportation or childcare, training on leadership and advocacy, and many other marketable experiences. Please share the attached flyer with any you know who youth who may be interested.

💉Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website. 

Community Opportunities

Resources for Older Adult Jobseekers

The Jewish Council for the Aging‘s (JCA) Career Gateway, CareerTech, and Virtual 50+ Employment Expos provide coaching, training, and networking opportunities for older adult jobseekers.

Career Gateway, JCA’s award-winning job search training program, helps jobseekers aged 50 and over with intensive skills training and mentors who provide them with individualized support. Participants receive help refining and rewriting resumes, using LinkedIn and other social media in their job search, navigating online applications, and strengthening their interview skills, elevator pitches, and self-awareness. Each session provides five days of small group, live, online training with a skilled facilitator. There are four Career Gateway sessions scheduled for January through June 2026. The next session will be held Jan. 12, 14, 16, 21, and 22 on Zoom.   Additional details and all session dates are available at accessjca.org/career-gateway. 

Tuition for Career Gateway is only $99. Space is limited to 22 participants, and registration is first-come, first-served. To register, call 301-255-4215 or email Career.Gateway@AccessJCA.org. Visit virtualexpos.accessjca.org to see the 2026 schedule and to register.

Read and Feed Library Food Drive Throughout the months of January and February, FCPL is collecting donations of food for local organizations to distribute to those in need. Community members can drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items to any FCPL branch during regular hours. Learn More

Care Navigation

Support is just a heartbeat away! 💓 Care Navigation creates a single point of access for local mental health and substance use services for children and young people. Reach out and grow stronger together! Call 703-468-0040 or email youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org to connect to someone who can help, or search https://fxcobehavioralhealth.findhelp.com/. Care Navigation flyers are available in English and Spanish to share with families. 

School Board News 

Keeping You In the Know

School Board Seeks Applicants for Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Community Member

The Fairfax County School Board is seeking five community members with expertise in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting/procurement, land use planning, or development to serve on its Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. The committee supports the School Board’s capital planning and facility maintenance efforts and meets monthly for approximately two hours.

Applicants must reside in Fairfax County, not be current FCPS employees, be independent of FCPS day-to-day management, and be knowledgeable about FCPS facilities policies and procedures. Appointments will be made to staggered terms ending in June 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Application materials include a cover letter, completed application with written statements of interest, and a resume.

Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• January 22, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. - Superintendent's Revised Proposed Adjustments to School Boundaries (Public Hearing)
• January 22, 2026 at 7:00pm - Regular Meeting 
• 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.

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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

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

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