🏆 Celebrating Our Students, Summer Camp and Learning Opportunities

Students participate in the Lunar New Year parade at Haycock Elementary School.

School Board Approves “Skyview High School” for New High School Name

The School Board unanimously voted to name FCPS’ new school “Skyview High School” at its February 12 meeting. Read about the new name and school.

Reid Reflects: Celebrating Student Achievements

Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s Weekly Reflections to learn about her work throughout the week. Her latest issue includes reflecting on the Mountain View High School winter graduation ceremony, pictured above.

Students Celebrate 100 Years of the Living Rhythm of Black History

Music Teacher Riccardo Emilien grew up in New Orleans and passed on to his students the “living rhythm of Black history,” drawing from his own experiences in marching band and growing up in New Orleans. Read how Riccardo shared his musical experiences and background with his students.

Black History Month Celebration

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

FCPS Teams Win Five of Top Eight Awards in Regional MATHCOUNTS 

Student teams from FCPS won five of the top eight awards in the Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition. The regional competition combines the Fairfax, George Washington, and Northern Virginia MATHCOUNTS chapters of the state of Virginia. Read about the MATHCOUNTS competition.

Proposed Changes to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R): Survey Closes Friday

All FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students were invited by email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey for suggested changes to FCPS’ SR&R for the 2026-27 school year. The survey closes on Friday, February 20. 

To take the survey, please check your email (including your spam folder) and ask your student to check their FCPS email. You may also access the survey at this link.

Seizing the Moment: Students Use AI to Design Solutions to Real-World Problems

More than 1,100 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students from 25 FCPS High schools demonstrated ways to shape the future of our communities as part of the Seize the Moment Student AI Innovation Challenge.

The grand prize winner, McLean High School ninth grade student Emmanuel Beakal (pictured at right above), developed MyCompass, an AI-powered bot that provides users with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Emmanuel received a $1,000 Amazon gift card funded through a generous grant. 

Read about the AI challenge and projects.

Magnet Schools for Science, Technology, and the Arts

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. A magnet school information night will be held for both Bailey’s Elementary and Bailey’s Upper on Thursday, February 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. 

Registration for the 2026-27 elementary magnet lottery is open from Friday, February 27, to Friday, March 27. Explore the Elementary Magnet Schools page to learn more about the programs and find out how to apply to the Magnet School Lottery.

Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host a virtual Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. 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. Contact Pamela White with any questions.

🚀 Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Fine and Performing Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Fine and Performing Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools. 

Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

• Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas.
• CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
• Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
• Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theatre. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well.
• Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp. Read about last year’s camp. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. 

Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s Online Campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 5. 

Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.

From Shoebox to Showcase: Students Design Future Classrooms

In a Teachers for Tomorrow  (TfT) classroom at Chantilly Academy, shoeboxes become miniature learning labs, complete with reading nooks, flexible seating, calm-down corners, and photo labs.

High school juniors and seniors are designing classroom dioramas that reflect the learning environments they hope to create. The project asks students not only to imagine what their future classrooms might look like, but to think deeply about how space, structure, and student needs shape teaching and learning. Read about the recent project. 

TfT is an approved Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) program offered to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. Learn more about the program and where it is offered in FCPS. 

Back to Fairfax Prepares Students for Employment With FCPS

In the Academic Matters portion of last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed Back to Fairfax. This Grow Your Own initiative aligns with career and technical education, work-based learning, job shadowing, and internship experiences that build early career awareness and prepare students for future FCPS employment. Read more in Weekly Reflections.

Greenbriar East Elementary Goes for the Gold in Olympics-Inspired Physical Education Classes

As soon as the cauldron is lit, the games begin in the gymnasium at Greenbriar East Elementary School. Students gather in teams of four to race across the floor in “bobsleds” made from gymnastics mats stacked on top of scooters. Read about how Greenbriar East is bringing the Winter Olympics to their students.

TJHSST's Baseball Team Debuts Adaptive Clinic for Young Players

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) baseball players are partnering with students from all over Northern Virginia to practice their baseball skills. Read about the clinics and the students who inspired the program. 

Supporting Students and Families With Digital Tools

In the Strategic Plan Update portion of the recent School Board meeting, the topic was Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships. In particular, the presentation focused on the FCPS Department of Information Technology (DIT). 

Dr. Reid shared a video highlighting how DIT supports students, educators, and families through reliable systems, responsive support, and accessible digital tools. Read more in Weekly Reflections.

Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS website, individuals can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.

🧪 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.

Calendar Reminders: Divisionwide Spirit Day

All FCPS students, teachers, and staff are invited to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19. 

⏰ Early Release Wednesday

On Wednesday, February 25, elementary schools in the following pyramids will release three hours early:

• Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Hayfield, Justice, Lewis, Mount Vernon, Oakton, Robinson, South County, Westfield, and West Potomac.

Find out more about limited early release Wednesdays.

Quick Links

• Educate Fairfax 
• Family Academy
• FCPS CARES
• FCPS News
• Job Openings
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• School Year Calendar
• SIS ParentVUE

Web | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | X