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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.

Hello, Springfield District,

I hope everyone has been safe and warm during our snowy weekend. This is an important time of year to remind families how decisions about school closures are made! We do our very best to get school closing information to families as quickly as possible, but please don’t forget that you can get weather updates directly from the new FCPS mobile app as well. 

The last few weeks have been busy for the School Board. From boundaries and our capital improvement program to a start towards the FY27 advertised budget, I have a lot to share with you. In addition to the quick blurbs below, please keep reading for more resources!. 

Boundaries: At last Thursday’s meeting, the Board passed the Superintendent’s proposed boundary adjustments, marking FCPS’ first comprehensive boundary review in more than 40 years. The motion passed 8-3. This work is an important first step toward aligning school boundaries across FCPS. Throughout the last 18 months, our community worked together to engage with this process. While no process of this scale is perfect, staff worked diligently to incorporate feedback at every stage.

Click here to read the superintendent’s final boundary recommendations.

Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget:  Also at last Thursday’s regular meeting, the Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2027 Proposed Budget, a needs-based plan that prioritizes our students and staff while navigating ongoing fiscal challenges. The proposed operating budget totals approximately $4.1 billion, reflecting a 5% increase over the FY 2026 approved budget. This proposal reflects the real costs of operating one of the nation’s largest school divisions, including enrollment pressures, rising benefit costs, and our commitments to the collective bargaining agreement, which ensures fair compensation and working conditions for our educators and staff.

This budget focuses on sustaining excellence and stability; there are no new program expansions, and departments were asked to both maintain prior year cuts and continue to maximize existing resources. This year’s budget also reflects significant financial pressures, including rising operational costs, economic uncertainty, and continued gaps in state funding that require difficult but responsible choices. Our next work session is on February 10th, and I look forward to continued community engagement as we work to align our budget with our values and advocate for the resources our schools need to succeed.

Click here to see a summary of the proposed budget or to view the full proposed budget book.

You can find more information about both of these items and more in the details below. 

I will be in touch soon, 

Sandy

This newsletter includes information on the following issues:

• Upcoming School Board Meetings
• School Board Work
• Superintendent Updates
• Springfield Scene
• Student Opportunities
• Community News
• Family and Student Resources
• In Case you Missed It
• Quick Links

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Meeting information and materials will be posted to BoardDocs.

• February 10 at 11:30 a.m. - Work Session: Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Proposed Budget, Policy 8542, Environmental Stewardship

• February 10 at 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing: FY 2027 Proposed Budget

• February 11 at 6 p.m. - Public Hearing: FY 2027 Proposed Budget (if needed)

• February 12 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: Fall 2025 VHSL and Team Recognitions, Superintendent’s Final Recommendations for New Western High School Naming, FY 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program, etc.

• February 17 at 4 p.m. - Governance Committee Meeting

• February 19 at 3 p.m. - Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting

• February 19 at 5 p.m. - Work Session: FY 2027 Proposed Budget

• February 23 at 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting

• February 24 at 3 p.m. - Joint Board of Supervisors and School Board Committee Meeting: FY 2027 Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools Advertised Budgets

• February 26 at 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting: School Anniversary Proclamations and Recognitions, Strategic Goal Three: Academic Growth and Excellence, FY 2027 Budget Adoption, etc.

Please note that times and topics are subject to change.

Forums, work sessions, public hearings, 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.

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

Visit the Community Participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.

Are you interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.

Please contact the board clerk if you need language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting. Find your school board members and learn how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español

Para ver las reuniones de Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español.

School Board Work

Comprehensive School Boundary Review

At the January 22 regular meeting, the School Board voted to approve boundary changes for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) as proposed by the Superintendent. The divisionwide review of school boundaries, which aligns with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, was the first of its kind in more than 40 years.

As approved, the boundary changes affect an estimated 1,700 students across 46 schools. These adopted school boundary changes will be implemented in the upcoming (2026-27) school year.

The comprehensive boundary review was initiated by the Board’s update to the Boundary Policy 8130 in July 2024. The policy provides guidance to help ensure that enrollment, facilities, programming, and student well-being remain consistent with the needs of an evolving community. 

The boundary review involved an 18-month process grounded in deep collaboration, extensive data analysis, and significant community feedback. It represents a key step in advancing FCPS’ pledge to create an environment where every student can reach their greatest potential. 

The comprehensive review aimed to address long-standing challenges within the current boundaries, including split feeder patterns, attendance islands, and enrollment imbalances. Throughout the process, FCPS engaged families, staff, and community members through nearly 50 community meetings and a variety of interactive tools, understanding that community voice is critical in shaping boundary decisions. Feedback from the Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee also informed the draft boundary scenarios, and ultimately, the superintendent’s recommendation to the School Board.

As shared at the end of the superintendent’s amended Comprehensive Boundary Review Executive Summary, some schools and communities will be studied further within the year, with recommendations presented in January 2027, while others have been flagged to be considered as a priority during the next boundary review cycle in about five years. The school division will actively engage the affected communities in this future phase of the boundary review process.

Visit FCPS’ website for more information about the Comprehensive Boundary Review. 

View the meeting materials online.

Ratification of a Tentative Bargaining Agreement Between FCPS and FCFPSA

Also at the January 22 meeting, the 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.

Proposed Fiscal Year 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program

At the January 13 work session, the Board discussed the Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program CIP.  ​The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a planning and fiscal management tool used to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of capital projects over five years. The FCPS CIP is updated annually to reflect changing conditions within our schools and communities and builds upon the previously approved program of capital expenditures. This includes the development of a five-year membership projection set, facility capacity evaluations, an annual update to the schedule, funding of capital construction cash flow, and a facilities management program. 

The updates in the FCPS Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-31 CIP identify current and anticipated funding from general obligation bond referendums for the following capital projects as outlined below. 

Five years:

• ​​New School Construction: Construction of Dunn Loring Elementary School, planning/design and construction of modifications to the Western High School, and the planning/design and construction of the Silver Line Elementary School.
• Renovations: Construction of Bonnie Brae, Bren Mar Park, Brookfield, Lees Corner, Armstrong, Willow Springs, Herndon, Dranesville, and Cub Run elementary schools and Falls Church High School; the planning/design and construction of Union Mill Elementary School; the planning/design of Centre Ridge, Poplar Tree, Waples Mill, Sangster, Saratoga, and Virginia Run elementary schools and Franklin and Twain middle schools; and the planning/design and construction of Centreville High School.

View the meeting materials.

World Languages

The School Board also held a forum to discuss world language programming at the January 13 work session and agreed to hold further discussion at an upcoming work session.

School Board Seeking Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Community Member

Fairfax County Public Schools invites applications from community members interested in serving on the School Board Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of Fairfax County.  The Board will be appointing five committee members to staggered terms.  

Applicants cannot be a current FCPS employee and must have expertise in architecture, construction, engineering, facilities management, capital financing, permitting and procurement, land use planning, or development. Applicants should be knowledgeable about FCPS (or school district) facilities policies and procedures. The deadline to submit an application is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Get more information and apply.

🏆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 School Board’s 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.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, or student who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools.

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

Proclamations and Recognitions

I was pleased to support the following proclamation at the Board’s January 8 regular meeting.

• Fairfax County Public School Volunteer and Mentor Week
• Principals and Administrators Appreciation Month
• 30th Anniversary of the Directly Elected Fairfax County School Board

Superintendent Updates

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

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. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.

🗣️ Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages

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. 

Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.

Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.

👍 Be Inspired! Follow Us and #FCPSTeacherTuesday

Learn why our teachers join the profession and be inspired by their stories, including this one featuring Sara Eichmeier. Sara is a fifth-grade teacher at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. Follow FCPS on Facebook and Instagram.

🧑‍🏫 Instructional Job Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools wants you to be a part of our team!  We are seeking educator talent with strong student engagement skills and a passion for having a positive influence on our school communities. We are hosting an In-Person Instructional Job Fair on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Braddock Secondary School. 

Find more information about the Fair and register to attend.

🚌 School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Drivers Job Fairs

Join us for one of our school bus driver job fairs and be part of our team! We host school bus driver job fairs on the following dates and locations. All job fairs will be held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No pre-registration is required to attend.

• Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Lorton Center
• Friday, February 6, Stonecroft Transportation Center
• Friday, February 20, Lorton Center

View a list of all upcoming FCPS job fairs and recruitment events.

Apply Today!

Contact 571-423-3000 or driveforfcps@fcps.edu with questions.

🧪 Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair Call for Judges

The 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.

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.

Qualified individuals who are interested in judging should click “Create Account” and register as a judge by Sunday, March 8.

💻 Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology. 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit this webpage for Schoology for Parents.

📱 More News and Updates — on the Go — With the FCPS App

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:

• 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.
• No Sign-In Required: Access essential content like district-wide announcements, live updates, and school calendars instantly — no password to remember, no login required. (Access to services like SIS ParentVUE does require a password for security purposes.)
• Real-Time Notifications: Get push notifications for urgent updates — including weather delays or closures — ensuring you never miss an important announcement.
• 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.

🚨 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. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. Submit questions online to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.

🆕 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. Find more information and register today! As a bonus, all classes purchased on January 26, 2026, may receive a $26 discount. Register for as many classes as you want and get $26 off each class! But only when you register on 1-26-26 and use code: PRACE26.Some restrictions apply, so be sure to see all the details. Add classes to your shopping cart and APPLY PROMOTION CODE PRACE26 to see your discount applied at checkout. Offer valid only from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on 1-26-26 Eastern Time.  $26 taken off the tuition of each class purchased.  Cannot be combined with any other discount. Does not apply to Gift Card purchases.    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 Valentine's 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!    📄 FCPS Policies, Regulations, and Notices Available Online Virginia’s Standards of Quality require all school divisions to notify the public annually of the availability of the school system’s policies. A continuous review process ensures ongoing examination and revision of each policy, regulation, and notice as needed. View Fairfax County Public Schools policies.  Any citizen who requests a hard copy of a directive has a right to receive it and should be provided the most current version printed from the website. The School Board office, at Gatehouse Administration Center, maintains the historical records of all directives. Please call 571-423-1075 for more information.

Springfield Scene

Shout out to Centreville High School’s Danny Glynn for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Boys Cross Country team and to senior Aliza Murray for scoring her 1,000th point in her high school basketball career! Centreville’s Vivien Berg developed SOLace to support student success. SOLace allows students from grades 3-12 to prepare for any math, reading, or science SOL using interactive practice tests. The website is fully not-for-profit, with zero fees or sign-ups, so students can start practicing in seconds in the classroom or at home. SOLace uses past test questions from officially released SOLs and contains intuitive explanations for each question, helping students learn and grow through their practice. Its user-friendly design and advanced accessibility features make it suitable for all students. Visit learnsolace.org today to see how SOLace turns practice into progress. Way to go, Vivien!

Chantilly Academy Dental Careers 1 students spent time in the clinic learning one of the most essential skills in dental assisting: the proper cleaning, packaging, and sterilization of dental instruments. Students walked through each stage of the process and learned how to operate key pieces of equipment, including the ultrasonic cleaner for removing debris and the autoclave for final sterilization. Additionally, Dental Careers 2 students have worked on their orthodontics unit and have been practicing placing orthodontic wires and bands.

Chantilly Academy welcomed Nathan Mitchell, DVM, a veterinarian and Chantilly High School alum, as a guest speaker for their Veterinary Science students. Dr. Mitchell shared the SIMON medical simulation system that he and his brother created to simulate ultrasounds and eye exams on animals. Students had the opportunity to test out various technologies, gaining hands-on experience with ultrasound and eye exams.  

Read more in FCPS News.

Fairfax Academy Fashion Careers students have worked on styling their own items and rendering a sketch of their garments.

The Fairfax High School Chorus sang at the Washington National Cathedral for the Cathedral Choral Society’s program, Joy of Christmas.

Kudos to Fairfax marketing teacher, Kay Walters, for her nomination for the Virginia Association of Marketing Educators (VAME) Teacher of the Year award. This award honors outstanding marketing educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, schools, and communities. This recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond to support and elevate the field of marketing education in Virginia. 

Fairfax Nutrition and Wellness students competed in a Chopped competition for their final. Students had to incorporate the mystery basket ingredients of chicken, zucchini, and cheddar cheese. There were four judges: Principal, Dr. Aye, Henry Riedy (a hospitality professional), Chef Hugh Cossard (a knighted chef), and Fairfax grad and Food Network Chopped show winner, Tanya Cauthen (owner of Belmont Butchery). The student Chopped winners made chicken pupusas and zucchini pupusas with curtido and a pepper cheese sauce. 

Irving Middle School recently welcomed a bit of “extra chatter” to their school with the addition of three chickens! They have a lovely new setup in the school courtyard and are bringing joy to the students. The new feathered friends will offer unique, hands-on opportunities for our students to learn about responsibility and stewardship.

Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Morgan Williams for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Volleyball team!

The Lewis Museum of Service is being hosted in the Key Middle School Library for the first two weeks of January. This student-created, traveling museum highlights powerful stories of service and community impact. Librarian Monisha Blair has ensured that this museum experience is accessible for Key Center students by including adaptations such as picture symbols and visual supports. Students from the Key Center 17–22 program contributed a special exhibit honoring disability rights advocate Judy Heumann, which became a valuable addition to the museum. Read the full story and see how our students engaged with the exhibit in this feature on the Key Center website.

Shout out to Oakton High School’s Danielle Rubano for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Field Hockey team!

Rocky Run Middle School’s Spanish 2 classes with Ms. DeRusso worked in groups to design dream houses for fictional families, using vocabulary and verbs they are learning in class. Based on the needs and interests of each fictional family member, students designed rooms in the house and brought them to life using materials from the library’s Inspiration Studio. While students extended their class learning, they also worked on collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. The finished products are incredibly creative and reflect a deep understanding of the material.

Shout out to South County High School’s Alex Featherly for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Boys Cross Country team! The achievements continue at South County, with the JROTC Drill Team winning five trophies, including first in Squad at the DC Best of the Best Drill Competition!

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology announces the appointment of Rachel Worsham as Head Football Coach. Coach Worsham brings more than 17 years of experience as a player and coach across youth, high school, collegiate scouting, and professional football. Her work within the Fairfax County Public Schools community reflects a strong commitment to education-based athletics, student safety, and long-term program development.

Congratulations to West Springfield High School’s Anna Dierks for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Volleyball team and to Asher Kim for being named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Boys Volleyball Team! Additionally, Allie Horner and Reagan Leone were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Cross Country Team! Shout out also to Coach Stephanie Noriega for being named VHSL Class 6 Girls Volleyball Coach of the Year!

🏅 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 16% increase in Commended Scholars for FCPS compared to the previous year. 

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. 

Congratulations to the following Springfield District students!

Centreville High School

James Anderson

Ella Hartman

Milan Jovancevic

Gene Kim

Emma Parkinson

Lenild Ramirez

Nathan Solomon

Simon Waldmon

Chantilly High School

Mila Basto

Aarna Bhamidipati

Sarah Chang

Matthew Chu

Jinlae Kim

Conor Kirby

Aaditya Prajapati

Lucien Santana

Edison High School

Lily Newman

Fairfax High School

Peter Choi

Laura Johnson

Samuel Park

Noelle Sackie

Siddharth Shankar

Ashley Shin

Sheryl Zhang

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Aviva Cohen

Christine Dang

Michael Day

Nathan Hyde

Mackenzie Jackson

Jaejin Jun

Bryce Karns

Sae Kim

Zion Kim

David Niculescu-Maier

Brandon Pang

Alexandar Ploetz

Victoria Simmons

Rachel Tran

Langley High School

Elizaveta Godlevskaia

Oakton High School

Mumtahina Ahmed

Devan Charaipotra

Amrith Jayanth

Joshua Kline

Dohye Lee

Brinda Patel

Yelyzaveta Sharova

Irena Tan

Borna Tarishi

Ziheng Wang

Robinson Secondary School

Isaac Alemayehu

Dominic Chutuape

Andew Erbrecht

Alexandra Price

Lillian Schermer

Isabel Sears

Robert Wible

South County High School

Shazi Hanania

Ryan Horn

Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology

Zoie Bantasan

Eric Cai

Kevin Chen

Ella Clarke

Sydney Eom

Hayden Fecteau

Austen Ji

Sribhaavya Jilludumudi

Kara Kim

Dina Kurdi

Owen Murphy

Aditi Narayan

Isaac Park

Aryaa Sharma

Samuel Stankiewicz

George Taylor

Dylan Truncellito

Medha Velluri

West Springfield High School

Matthew Alexander

Aeden Bennett

Michael Castellano

Alessa Ciccarello

Aaron Dierks

Sina Endale

Lorenzo Feline

Helen Jiang

Leah Kim

Wonjun Kim

Taiyo Lloyd

Dat Mai

Victor Mancilla

Whitney Moffa

Matthew Pedrotty

Nina Schweigert

Sawyer Smith

Trey Whitton

View the complete list of Commended Scholars.

🎭 Upcoming School Performances

Don’t miss the many upcoming school performances featuring our outstanding Springfield District students! Among them are:

Fairfax Academy

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

January 30 - February 7

Buy tickets

Irving Middle School

Between the Lines, Jr.

February 6 - 8

Buy tickets

Oakton High School

Clue

February 12 and 13

Buy tickets

Robinson Secondary School

Mean Girls Jr.

February 13-21

Buy tickets

Lake Braddock Secondary School\

Legally Blonde the Musical

February 19-21

Buy tickets

Fairfax Academy Dance Benefit

Grounded

February 20, 7 p.m. in the Fairfax High School auditorium

Admission is free, conations are welcome

South County Middle School

Seussical, Jr. The Musical

February 20-22

Buy tickets

Woodson High School

Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. The Musical

February 27-28

Buy tickets

Student Opportunities

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools not assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parents or guardians before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity. Families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

📝 E.B. Henderson Essay Contest

The Washington Wizards, in partnership with INROADS, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and the Leonsis family, are now accepting entries for their annual high school senior essay contest. Open to students across the DMV area, the competition honors the legacy of D.C. athletic pioneer Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, inviting participants to showcase their writing while reflecting on his historic impact. Enter for a chance to win a scholarship of $5,000. Find more information and submit your essay by February 1, 2026, to be eligible.

⚾Thomas Jefferson High School Adaptive Baseball Camp

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!

Camp details:

📅 Dates: Saturday mornings, February 7, 14, and 21

⏰ Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

🧒 Ages: 6-16

💲 Cost: $25 per session, for $60 for all three

📍 Location: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology gym

Spots are limited. Sign up online. Play ball and make awesome memories! ⚾

💲Hispanic Leadership Alliance 2026 Scholarship Program

The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship is for a first-generation Latino/Hispanic student from Fairfax County Public Schools. A first-generation Latino/Hispanic student is one born abroad or to immigrant parents in the United States. The student must be the first one in their family to attend a post-secondary educational institution. HLA is a non-profit organization of Fairfax County Public Schools employees, retirees, former students, and residents. Among the goals of HLA are to develop partnership relationships with school-based Latino/Hispanic clubs; provide leadership training opportunities to club members; encourage student participation in advanced academic programs, leadership activities, and school completion; and support Latino/Hispanic graduating seniors with scholarship opportunities.

Find more information and apply by midnight, Tuesday, February 20, 2026.

🏫 College Partnership Program

The College Partnership Program focuses on closing the opportunity gap by preparing students for college readiness and success through academic advising, college visits, family engagement, and preparation beyond high school. CPP’s goal is to ensure that students capable of completing a college preparatory path will succeed in a rigorous curriculum, actively participate in the school community, enroll in a four-year college or another post-secondary program, and become responsible participants and leaders of society.

 Would you benefit from the following elements?

• Attending monthly meetings during Stallion Time to learn about colleges, careers, and a variety of pathways to postsecondary success
• Going on field trips to visit colleges and universities
• Getting and staying motivated to succeed in school

Do you fit into ONE or more of the following categories?

• First in your family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
• Need financial support to attend college
• Current GPA of 2.5 or above
• Determined to go to college
• Willing to take some advanced courses and put in the necessary work
• Good attendance record

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, then CPP might be for you! 

Additional information about CPP is on the FCPS website, and students with questions are encouraged to speak with their school counselors.

Students must be logged into their fcpsschools accounts to use this link and access the application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

🧑‍💼 Application for the 2026 Student Representative to the School Board

Each year, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of 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 will vote to elect the representative to the School Board.

Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11, residents of Fairfax County or Fairfax City, and students in Fairfax County Public Schools are eligible. To be considered for the Election, students are required to provide:

• A written component; due Monday, February 23, 2026.
• A 30-second candidate video statement; due Monday, March 16, 2026.

Find more information and apply online.

📄 SAT Test Prep

SAT testing season is fast approaching! Be at your best to get into 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!

Community News

🎶 Woodson High School Chorus Fundraiser

The Woodson Chorus Valentine’s Day See’s Candy fundraiser is in full swing. Order online before Saturday, January 31, 2026, and the goodies will ship directly to you at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting their chorus while shopping for Valentine’s Day!

Family and Student Resources

🤧 Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very 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. 

💉 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 made available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 

🍴 Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals

The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure that every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.

FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.

🤖 Chatbots & Check-Ins: Keeping Kids Safe in the AI Age

Common Sense Media’s 2025 report explains that AI companions (chatbots designed to feel like digital friends) are becoming increasingly common for teens, who use them for entertainment, curiosity, advice, and sometimes emotional support. While these tools may seem helpful, the report raises concerns about teens sharing personal information, forming strong emotional connections, and sometimes turning to AI instead of trusted people in their lives. Because safety protections and age safeguards are still limited, the report recommends that AI companions are not appropriate for users under 18 at this time. As a parent, one of the most important steps you can take is to talk openly with your teen about whether they’re using AI companions, why they’re using them, and how it’s affecting their emotions and relationships. I also encourage families to set clear expectations and boundaries for technology use at home while continuing to prioritize real-world friendships, healthy coping strategies, and face-to-face communication. Read the full report.

🗣️ Connect With Your Kids: Simple Steps to Stronger Communication

Teens skip things that don’t 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 “unskippable”?

Effective communication can build trust and understanding, but it takes thought, planning, and effort.

• Ditch distractions and create a safe space where your child feels comfortable opening up.
• Listen actively and validate their feelings, even if you don’t agree.
• Ask “how” 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.

💓 Fairfax County Care Navigation Services

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/. 

✨ Transition Fair Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students with Disabilities

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School, join Career and Transition Services (CTS) and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future. You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, and postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination. This event also includes a session led by middle school employment and transition representatives (ETRs). A question/answer session will follow. 

Register online.

🗣️ 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. 

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.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.

🖼️ Morning at the Museum Smithsonian Accessibility Program

The Smithsonian Accessibility Program invites families to attend a Morning at the Museum program at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 8 to 10 a.m.

This special early-morning event gives visitors time to explore the entire museum. Guests will also be able to visit the soon-to-open exhibition, “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs.”

Registration is required. Families may sign up through the museum’s ticketing platform. For questions or help with registration, families should contact the Smithsonian Accessibility Coordinator by email at KunynskyjL@si.edu.

🙏 How to Foster Gratitude in Children

Although the holiday season is behind us, the most enduring gift we can give ourselves and our children is the practice of gratitude. This is a mindset that involves recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives, no matter how big or small they may seem. By taking a moment to be thankful and appreciate the “why” behind our celebrations, we can begin to transform holiday stress into joy. 

Far from being just a seasonal sentiment, gratitude is a core pillar of positive psychology, which looks to shift the focus away from fixing what’s wrong with individuals to building on top of what’s right (those strengths and virtues that allow individuals to thrive). By studying happy, healthy people, researchers have identified key qualities that lead to a more fulfilling life…and gratitude consistently tops the list. 

Read more in the Healthy Minds Blog.

💤 Strategies for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is also true for your child. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, memory consolidation, and their overall mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. 

Read about how much sleep a person needs and get sleep strategies you can use with your family.

Free FCPS Military Family Events

Join Family Partnership Specialist, Military-Connected Youth & Families, Katie Server, and Emily Fitzpatrick, Military Outreach Liaison, for the following military family-focused events.

• January 27, 6 - 7 p.m. - Mental Health in Military Families Virtual Workshop

• February 3, 6:30 p.m. - in-person at the Gatehouse Administration Center Café, Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council

• March 11, 12:30-2:30 p.m. - in-person at the National Museum of the United States Army, Bridges to Success. Find more information in the January Military Families Newsletter. To register, please contact Laureen DuPree at laureen.t.dupree.civ@army.mil. 

Free Workshops and Events from the Family Resource Center and Family Academy

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC). Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

The Family Academy is a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and learning opportunities for families. The Family Academy offers in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families in our learning catalog. Sign up for the Family and School Partnerships newsletter or visit the Family Academy catalog for classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families.

January and February offerings include:

• January 29, 9 a.m. - noon - in person at the Jim Scott Community Center, Sibshops and SibTeens 

• February 6, 10-11:30 a.m. - Early Childhood Identification Services: Supporting Young Children and Families

• February 11, 10-11:30 a.m. - Trauma Informed Care Part 2 - Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

• February 13, 10-11:30 a.m. - How to Develop Flexibility with Your Child

• February 20, 10-11:30 a.m. - The Social Lives of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity

• February 27, 10-11:30 a.m. - You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Tips for Self-Care Kinship Series

In Case You Missed It

• January 7 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
• Celebrating the Best of 2025 in FCPS
• Course Selection and Curriculum Nights for Middle and High School Students
• Graduation Requirements and Planning
• Academy Open Houses
• See Something, Say Something: Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline
• January 14 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
• Safeguarding Student and AI Learning
• FCPS Gap Year Fair
• Cell Phone and Device Policy Reminder
• January 21 FCPS This Week shared updates on the following topics and others.
• Academy Open Houses Continue
• Quarter End Calendar Reminder
• School Building Asbestos Management Plans Available for Public Review
• Adult & Community Education Newsletter
• January Audit Buzz Newsletter
• January Early Childhood Family Newsletter
• January Early Childhood Identification & Services Updates Newsletter
• January Family Academy Newsletter
• January Military Families Newsletter

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

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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

Contact: Sandy Anderson  |  571-423-1080

Executive Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Sheridan | 571-423-1065