Students take a break during recess at Fairhill Elementary School.
š« Superintendent to Present Proposed Budget to School Board
The School Board will hold its next regular business meeting tomorrow, Thursday, January 22, at 7 p.m. Among other agenda items, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Proposed 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget. Learn more about the budget process.Ā
Board to Vote on Proposed Boundaries
The superintendent amended her January 8 recommendation for proposed boundary changes after listening to additional feedback from the community. This feedback included testimony shared during the public hearings held on January 10 and 13.
View the amended presentation with revised recommendations for changes to school boundaries. Changes are noted in red. The amended executive summary has also been updated to include additional sites to be reviewed by January 2027, as well as those to be reviewed during the next boundary review cycle. Find more information on Boarddocs.
On Thursday, January 22, at 6:15 p.m., the School Board will hold a public hearing on the superintendentās revised proposed changes to school boundaries at Jackson Middle School. The board is scheduled to vote on the superintendentās amended recommendation for proposed boundary changes and implementation later that evening. View the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
Please note: The boundary review for the new western high school will begin after the School Board votes on the current comprehensive boundary review.
š¬ Reid Reflects: Science Scholars Shine Across Fairfax CountyĀ
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Dr. Reid shared that she visited Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) last week for an event honoring students named to the list of 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars (Regeneron STS). The prestigious list includes eight students from TJHSST and one student from Chantilly High School. Read more in Weekly Reflections.
TJHSST Student Named Finalist in Regeneron STS Search
Aashritha Penumudi, who attends TJHSST, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search. She is among 40 finalists and is the only one from Virginia. This is the third consecutive year TJHSST has had a finalist. Read more about this competition.Ā
š± More News and Updates ā on the Go ā With the FCPS AppĀ
Gone are the days of digging through emails or hunting for bookmarks. The FCPS app provides a custom experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Here is how it makes life easier:
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Customized for Your Family: Do you have students at two (or more!) different schools? You can "follow" multiple schools to get a feed of news, notices, and events.
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No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly ā no password to remember, no login required. (Access to services like SIS ParentVUE does require a password for security purposes.)
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Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates ā including weather delays or closures ā ensuring you never miss an important announcement.
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Everything in One Place: From bell schedules and staff directories to athletic event locations and school menus, the app is a central hub for all things FCPS.
To ensure every family stays informed, the app supports automatic translation for more than 100 languages. Learn more about the app, or download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Volunteers Needed
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 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.Ā
FCPS families are invited to register to attend this yearās conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.
Families are also invited to register to serve as event volunteersĀ by Friday, February 20. Volunteer hours will be awarded to student volunteers.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.
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From Ninth-Grade Novice to Nationally Ranked: Woodson Student Shines in Shot Put
When Barrett Pullen first picked up a 12-pound metal ball at Woodson High School in ninth grade, he didnāt imagine it would lead to widespread recognition. Now one of the top-ranked high school shot putters in the country, Barrett is making his mark through dedication, discipline, and pride in representing his school. Read about Barrettās journey.
š« Exploring Courses for Next Year? Academy Open Houses Continue
FCPS high school academy open houses for interested students continue into February. Open houses are a great opportunity to visit classrooms and labs, and meet instructors and academy counselors.Ā
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 offer students diverse career experiences, including shadowing, mentoring, and internships with local businesses.Ā
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 Academy Open Houses.
Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication
Teens skip things that donāt interest them, including lectures from their parents. How do you connect with your children and really know what's going on in their lives? How can you become āunskippableā?
Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.
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Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
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Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you donāt agree.
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Ask āhowā questions instead of "what" questions to get them talking about their experiences.
Find more tips on talking with your teen about difficult subjects like fentanyl and learn how you can Become Unskippable.
š Teacher Recognized for Building Student Self-Esteem
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FCPS CARES gives parents, caregivers, staff, and community members the opportunity to recognize employees who go above and beyond to help others. Among Novemberās CARES of the Month recipients is Ruby Brown, a math teacher at Stone Middle School.Ā |
āIt is abundantly clear she relishes her role as a servant leader, as evidenced by her sacrificing her time after school daily to provide a moment of connection for my daughter, who is socially isolated,ā her nominator stated. āHer willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond the scope of her own duties, to mentor and build the self-esteem of her students, is commendable.ā
Other FCPS CARES of the Month recipients include:
- Luis Cardona, Gatehouse Administration Center
- Sam Kobman and Stephanie Keller, Stonecroft Transportation
- Robert Snell and Preeti Singh, Forest Edge Elementary School
- Phillip Isberner, Cameron Elementary School
- Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Bryan Villalobos, Hayfield Secondary School
To recognize an employee with an FCPS CARES, please visit the submission page.
šļø Calendar Reminder: Quarter End
Wednesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter and an early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 29, for a staff development day, and Friday, January 30, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable for students and parents during end-of-quarter updates from Wednesday, January 28, at 4 p.m. until Thursday, February 5, at 6 a.m.
āļø 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, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
Take $26 OFF New Learning with the FCPS ACE New Year Sale
Itās a new year, with new learning, for a new you! Whether youāre looking to upgrade your current skills or learn something fun, you can get $26 off any class purchased from FCPS ACE on Monday, January 26! Register for as many classes as you'd like and receive $26 off each one! Use code TWACE26. Get more information, register for a class, and view restrictions.Ā
School Building Asbestos Management Plans Available for Public Review
Asbestos was discontinued in most building materials after 1977, and all schools constructed after 1986 should be asbestos-free. FCPS has worked to remove asbestos-containing building material during renovations of older schools.Ā
Per federal requirements for all schools ā even schools constructed after 1986 ā an inspection for asbestos-containing building material is conducted each year, with an Asbestos Management Planning maintained for the site.Ā Ā Ā
FCPS has completed the required Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (A.H.E.R.A.) asbestos reinspection and surveillance of all school buildings for Fiscal Year 2025. Updated asbestos management plans for each building are available for review in the main office of every building during regular school hours.
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