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Budget Town Hall, Fairfax History Conference, Student Achievements, and More!
Dear Neighbors,
Before we dive into this week’s update, I want to share this resource again about how the Superintendent navigates weather-related school closure decisions. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we navigate another winter storm.
This edition of our newsletter highlights celebrations of culture and student achievement, including the annual Chinese New Year Festival, as well as remarkable accomplishments by Providence District students across academics, the arts, and innovation.
You’ll also find information about upcoming opportunities to engage, from the Providence Budget Town Hall and key budget dates to the Black History Month Celebration, Fairfax County History Conference, and Congressman James Walkinshaw’s annual art competition.
Thank you, as always, for staying connected and for your continued support of our students, educators, and schools.
In service,
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Table of Contents
Annual Chinese New Year Festival
It was an honor to attend the Asian Community Service Center’s 17th Annual Chinese New Year Festival at Luther Jackson Middle School. This year’s theme, “Return to Tradition,” brought the community together to celebrate the Year of the Horse and reflect on the enduring value of Filial Piety. The event was a wonderful showcase of culture, tradition, and community spirit.
Black History Month Celebration
Join us on Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School, as we celebrate Black History Month, celebrating Black history, culture, and excellence through reflections on the experiences of students and staff, as well as community partnerships that continue to shape our school division.
Providence District Budget Town Hall
On Monday, March 9, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., I will join Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik for our annual Budget Town Hall at Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. [More Information and Register Here]
2026 Congressional Art Competition
Calling all high school artists from Virginia’s 11th congressional district: Congressman James Walkinshaw invites you to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition! The competition is open to all high school students, each of whom may submit up to two pieces, including artwork from an existing portfolio. Please note that all entries must be received by the close of business on Tuesday, March 3. For additional information or to complete this year’s application, click here.
Fairfax County History Conference
Students, teachers, and community members are invited to participate in the Fairfax County History Conference. Participating students are eligible for service hours, while participating teachers are eligible for Continuing Education Credits.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Fairfax County Government Center
Opportunities Include:
- Volunteer (Greeter, registration, hospitality, wayfinding, etc.)
- History Showcase Display: Create a display about Fairfax County history tied to your school or community. Individual and team projects are welcome.
- Trivia Show Contestant *HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY* (High School Students vs. School Board Members — format subject to change)
Tell Us How You’d Like to Participate - REGISTER HERE
Join historians, educators, and community members for a day of exploration highlighting Fairfax County’s role in the American Revolution. As part of #Fairfax250, the conference examines the causes, conflict, and consequences of the Revolution—and how Fairfax both shaped and was shaped by this pivotal era. Don’t miss dynamic panels with George Mason University faculty and students, interactive activities, hands-on archaeology, genealogy sessions, digital research tools, student exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local history organizations.
Gap Year Fair (Virtual)
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the virtual Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families 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.
Marshall Grad Brings Home the Gold
What a thrill it was to watch Ilia Malinin, a Marshall High School graduate, compete on the Olympic stage. Though I can’t imagine anyone missed it, Ilia helped Team USA clinch gold in the team event and finished eighth overall in the individual men’s competition — an extraordinary achievement at the highest level of the sport. It’s always wonderful to see our graduates shining out in the world!
Providence District Student Achievements
Brandon Sang-Zheng, a 10th grader at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was named a National Finalist in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Senior Piano Duet Competition. Congratulations to Brandon and his duet partner, Megan Lai, an 8th grader at Luther Jackson Middle School, who are moving on to the National Finals to compete against the top duet teams in the country.
Ishan Mohanty, a 4th grader at Mosaic Elementary School, and Spriha Mohanty, an 8th grader at Luther Jackson Middle School, were the third-place winners in the ages 9-11 and ages 12-14 divisions, respectively, in the National Park Service Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest for students to learn the transformative power of language that Frederick Douglass experienced as a young man. Congratulations to Ishan and Spriha for rising to the challenge of memorizing and performing an excerpt from a Frederick Douglass speech before a panel of judges.
Emmanuel Beakal, a 9th grader at McLean High School, was the grand-prize winner of the Seize the Moment Student AI Innovation Challenge for his project, MyCompass, an AI-powered bot designed to support users through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques. The challenge encouraged students to become critical creators of technology rather than passive consumers of AI. Congratulations to Emmanuel, and to the more than 1,100 FCPS students from 25 high schools who took part, highlighting the depth of talent and forward-thinking across the division.
SEPTA Award Nominations
Celebrate the people making a difference in our special education community! Nominations are now open for Fairfax County SEPTA’s Annual Awards Ceremony, honoring the FCPS students, staff, and community members who go above and beyond to support and empower students with disabilities. These dedicated champions create opportunities, foster growth, and ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. Anyone can submit a nomination—you do not need to be a SEPTA member to nominate someone or to be nominated. Submit your Nomination by March 13.
Key Budget Decision Dates
The school division’s budget funds the world-class educators, rigorous academics, and future-ready learning experiences that make our schools among the best in the nation. Read our budget story — what makes us exceptional and how important adequate funding is for the excellence our community has come to expect. Help us write our next chapter by understanding the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Make your voice heard and help strengthen our schools, students, and community.
Key Budget Decision Dates:
- February 26: School Board adopts the FY27 advertised budget
- April 14: School Board presents FCPS’ budget to the Board of Supervisors (BOS)
- May 5: BOS adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS
- May 7: Approved budget presented to the School Board
- May 21: School Board adopts FY27 approved budget
Winter–Spring Theatre Schedule (for Schools Attended by Providence Students)
Mark your calendar to join us in supporting the arts in our community by cheering on the incredible work of our students and educators:
Marshall High School
- Fri, Apr 24 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Apr 25 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
- Thu, Apr 30 | 7:00 p.m.
- Fri–Sat, May 1–2 | 7:00 p.m.
Falls Church High School
- Thu–Sat, Apr 23–25 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sun, Apr 26 | 3:00 p.m.
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Student Directed One-Act Festival (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
Oakton High School
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A Night of One Acts (Tickets available at the door)
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Little Shop of Horrors [Tickets]
- Fri, Mar 13 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Mar 14 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
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Anything Goes (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
- Thu, Apr 30 | 7:00 p.m.
- Fri–Sat, May 1–2; Wed–Sat, May 6–9 | 7:00 p.m.
Woodson High School
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Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. The Musical [Tickets]
- Fri, Feb 27 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Feb 28 | 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Madison High School
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Zombie Prom [Tickets]
- Thu–Fri, Apr 23–24 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Apr 25 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Fairfax High School
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Something Rotten (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
- Thu, Apr 30 | 7:00 p.m.
- Fri, May 1 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, May 2 | 1:00 p.m.
- Thu–Fri, May 7–8 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, May 9 | 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
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Anastasia: The Musical (Ticket Link Coming Soon)
- Thu–Fri, Apr 16–17 | 7:00 p.m.
- Sat, Apr 18 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
- Wed–Thu, Apr 22–23 | 7:00 p.m.
- Fri, Apr 24 | 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Careers with FCPS
Many in our community have lost their jobs serving us in the federal government, where they played critical roles in scientific advancements, national security, law enforcement, and other vital areas. FCPS welcomes their expertise to help shape the future of our students. Visit our careers website for more information about current job openings, job fairs, and recruitment events.
School Bus Driver, Transportation Attendant, and Transportation Van Driver Job Fairs
All sessions are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with no pre-registration required.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Regular Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Work Sessions (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- Tuesday, March 3, at 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, April 7, at 11:30 a.m.
All meetings are broadcast live on Channel 99 (Verizon channel 11) and on the FCPS website. Meetings are also recorded for future viewing and posted to the FCPS YouTube channel. Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at regular meetings or public hearings.
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.
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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