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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.
Dear Dranesville Families:
It’s hard to believe this weekend is the start of Daylight Saving Time, and we’re already through the first week of March. I am hopeful spring weather is here to stay. March is a busy month for the School Board with work on SY26-27 SR&R (see the Work Session presentation below) and the FY27 Advertised budget.
I need your help to address our current and hopefully bridgeable FY27 budget gap by sharing your family’s priorities, especially if we can’t meet the budget gap. On February 26th, the School Board approved Dr. Reid’s FY 2027 Advertised Budget. You can view the details of the FY 2027 Proposed Budget presentation and document on the FCPS website and an overview below. The Fairfax County FY27 Budget information can be found on their website.
Over the next 10 weeks, there will be multiple ways to share your thoughts with me, FCPS, our Virginia elected officials, Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and Dranesville’s Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. Please join a Dranesville Budget Town Hall on March 23rd or 25th to learn more about the budget and share your priorities. As we get closer to the final budget votes by the Board of Supervisors and FCPS, share your and your student’s priorities.
If you have family and friends across Virginia, please encourage them to share with their Virginia elected officials how the Commonwealth must correct the long-time underfunding of education to benefit every Virginian school district. Governor Spanberger kicked off a Commonwealth Listening Tour on how we can highlight successes and work together to strengthen public education by supporting educators and students. We are waiting for the Northern Virginia date and location, but please fill out the below survey sharing how students can thrive and Virginia’s role in their success. Please share the survey widely across your neighborhood, school, and Virginia.
Our Dranesville students impress me every day with their involvement in activities and their achievements, see the School News and Student News below. I have enjoyed watching the hard work and success of our winter athletes as they finish their season and congratulate those student athletes who won Districts, Regionals, and then made it to the State Championships. I look forward to attending the spring sports season and the upcoming spring musicals across Dranesville. Finally, if you are planning traveling over spring break, please read below on how to ensure your family’s safety.
Regards,
Robyn
2026 IAD Youth Art Walk. Provides young artists with a unique opportunity to showcase their work to travelers from around the world.
In this newsletter,
Calendar Reminders
March 8: Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 20: Eid al-Fitr | No School
March 30 - April 3: Spring Break | No School
FCPS 2025-26 School Year Calendar
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Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2027 Advertised Budget
At the February 26 meeting, the School Board voted to adopt FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget.
“This proposal focuses on essentials — restoring at least in part, critical supports, honoring our commitments to appropriate compensation, and continuing strategic investments that directly benefit students,” said Superintendent Michelle Reid. “It is a disciplined, responsible plan that keeps our attention where it belongs: on delivering strong outcomes for every student.”
Over the past 10 years, FCPS has implemented reductions, including staffing, cost avoidances, and fee enhancements of more than $800 million to align with the funding levels provided.
Read more about FCPS’ FY 2027 Advertised Budget.
Share Your Feedback on the Budget
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn how you can share feedback and provide input on the county’s FY 2027 Budget. Engagement opportunities for the county budget in March and April include public hearings and town hall meetings.
The FCPS FY 2027 Approved Budget is scheduled to be adopted by the School Board in May. Follow the budget process.
Dranesville Budget Town Halls
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March 23, 7 p.m.- McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean)
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March 25, 7 p.m.- Herndon High School (700 Bennett St, Herndon)
FY27 Budget Timeline
March 17- Board of Supervisors advertises tax rate
April 14-16- Board of Supervisors public hearings on the budget
April 28- Board of Supervisors' budget markup and determines the budget package and tax rates
May 5- Board of Supervisors adopts the budget, tax rates, and transfer to FCPS
May 7- Approved budget presented to the School Board
May 12- School Board holds a public hearing on the budget (May 13 if needed)
May 14- School Board budget work session
May 21- School Board adopts approved budget
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates for School Board meetings.
Custodian and Food and Nutrition Worker Appreciation Month Proclamation.
February 26, 2026 School Board Meeting
Watch the full meeting.
Action Items
Boundary Change Phasing and Transportation
The School Board voted to direct the Superintendent to provide transportation to non-boundary (current) students for high schools consistent with the phasing policy, and that end of year funding be utilized if the existing transportation budget cannot fund all associated costs. View more on BoardDocs.
Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget
The School Board voted to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 Advertised Budget as detailed in the agenda item. View more on BoardDocs.
Strategic Plan Goal 3 Report: Academic Growth and Excellence
The School Board voted to approve the Goal 3 Strategic Plan Report for the 2025-26 school year. View more on BoardDocs.
Presentations
FCPS Black Excellence video tribute
Academic Matters- Dr. Reid discussed the Benchmark Advance K-6 Writing Curriculum. The curriculum is now in its second year of use and is improving reading and writing skills for students across grade levels. Watch a video to learn more about our writing curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade.
2026 School Anniversary Recognitions
Region 1 Schools (top), Region 5 Schools (middle), Chesterbrook ES Proclamation (bottom).
During the February 26th Regular Meeting, the School Board recognized schools celebrating anniversaries in 2026. I presented a proclamation celebrating Chesterbrook ES's 100th Anniversary.
The Board celebrated these Dranesville student schools' anniversaries:
- Armstrong ES- 40 years
- Forestville ES- 45 years
- Herndon ES- 65 years
- Herndon MS- 65 years
- Lemon Road ES- 70 years
I want to recognize the following schools for their anniversaries in 2025.
- Haycock ES- 70 years
- Hutchison ES- 50 years
- Langley HS- 60 years
- Longfellow MS- 65 years
- McLean HS- 70 years
- Spring Hill ES- 60 years
- Thomas Jefferson HSST- 40 years
- Westfield HS- 20 years
March 3rd Work Session
Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered
Materials
Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)
Materials
FCPS School Board Approves FY27-31 CIP
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027–31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a comprehensive five-year roadmap for capital investments that will strengthen learning environments, support student success, and address critical facility needs across the school division, at its meeting on February 12. A CIP is a working budget document that shows timing and costs of improvements to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools.
The FY 2027–31 CIP reflects the School Board’s strategic priorities to modernize aging infrastructure, expand capacity where needed, and ensure that every student learns in a secure, accessible, and inspiring environment. The approved plan builds on efforts to maintain and enhance FCPS facilities in alignment with long-term enrollment projections and infrastructure planning.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.- Swearing In of New Braddock District Magisterial Representative, Tom Dannan
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Thursday, March 19, 6:45 p.m.- Public Hearing: North Springfield ES Advanced Academic Program
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Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m.- Regular Meeting
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Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m.- Regular Meeting
All times and topics are subject to change. Please check the School Board meeting schedule for the latest times and agenda updates.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak:
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.
FCPS Updates
Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to local cases that have occurred in Northern Virginia or who have traveled through our airports in the Washington Metropolitan area. In addition, we have seen outbreaks across the country, including South Carolina where over 950 people have become ill.
The best way to protect yourself or your child from measles is by getting the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Receiving two doses of MMR gives protection from becoming ill 97% of the time.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad, or if you are traveling to an area in the United States with high measles activity, please ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending your travel plans, your healthcare provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. This is a safe and important precaution that is at times overlooked.
Skyview High School Boundary Development Update
Following the completion of FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review, the process is now underway to establish an attendance boundary for Skyview High School in western Fairfax County. The School Board is expected to adopt the boundary in June 2026.
Establishing a boundary for a new high school affects surrounding schools and pyramids. The following high school pyramids will be included in this process: Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield.
Elementary and middle schools that currently feed into these high schools will also be part of the analysis. This ensures aligned school pathways from elementary through high school whenever possible.
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New Visitor Management System
Our schools are now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS).The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. Visitors who choose to download the and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check in at school. If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact your school’s front office.
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Spring Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our division is critical to Dr. Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities to share your thoughts and ask questions. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
Events will be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted, on:
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Tuesday, March 17, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest ES
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth ES
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View ES
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate ES
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood ES
FCPS Summer Camps and Classes
Career and Technical Education and Fine and Performing Arts Camps
Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5. 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.
Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Register your child today!
Kindergarten Readiness
FCPS recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
Kindergarten Open Houses
Kindergarten open houses are being held this spring to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at their school. View an alphabetical list of open houses. Contact your school directly with questions.
Community Updates
Commonwealth Listening Tour on Education
Per Executive Order 4, issued by Governor Spanberger, the Secretary of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall host a statewide listening tour to hear directly from students, parents, educators, school leaders, superintendents, school board members, and community members about the challenges and successes facing their schools. The Secretary and the Superintendent are directed to summarize the findings of these listening sessions and report back to the Office of the Governor.
List of Tour dates- 5 locations pending at this time, including Northern Virginia
Can’t make the sessions?
We welcome your feedback in other forms! Please complete this online survey by April 10, 2026 to share your insights with state leaders.
- FCPS is in Region 4.
- Survey intended for students, parent/caregiver, school and district staff, and community members.
Dranesville Budget Townhalls- March 23 & 25
Please attend a community townhall on the Fairfax County and FCPS budgets.
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Monday, March 23, 7 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean
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Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Herndon High School
700 Bennett St, Herndon
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Active Transportation Prioritization Round 2: Dranesville- Share Your Priorities
In partnership with District Supervisors, the Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has identified potential projects in areas with high walking/biking activity, socioeconomic need, and near key destinations like schools, parks and transit stops. These projects (including projects near Forestville ES, Churchill Road ES, and McLean HS) were initially identified based on community and stakeholder feedback collected since 2019, recommendations identified in area and corridor studies, and other improvements identified by staff during site reviews.
FCDOT invites residents and commuters to review the potential projects and share feedback by Tuesday, March 31, 4:30 p.m., to aid with prioritization of potential projects for funding.
FCDOT is also hosting two virtual public meetings:
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
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Thursday, March 12, 2026 @ 7 p.m.
Dranesville Supervisor Bierman's Newsletter
Sign up for Supervisor Bierman's Thursday Dranesville Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date on Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
"Flushable" Wipes Clog Sewage Pumps
A major sewer line that carries wastewater from Fairfax County is undergoing emergency repairs. Wipes clogged several pumps during maintenance, reducing capacity and contributing to a wastewater overflow. Thank you for doing your part.
Please help protect the Potomac River:
- Only flush toilet paper
- All wipes, even “flushable” ones, belong in the trash
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Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County
2026 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County (Picture by Marget Fisher)
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County encourages everyone to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. The recipients generally have a common desire to bring kindness into the world around them, whether within their schools, their community, or on a larger scale. Their specific goals and methods may or may not reflect the views of the volunteers or sponsors of the Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, but we celebrate their intention to seek the peaceful resolution of challenging issues.
2026 Student Peace Prize Dranesville Student’s Schools Recipients:
- Herndon HS- Fredis Alexander Guillen Ayala
- Marshall HS- Lucia Castellon Soria
- McLean HS- Chloe Jeong
- Westfield HS- Student Equity Ambassador Leaders
80 FCPS Students Named as U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates
Eighty Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been named as 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates. They are part of a group of 5,000 students from around the country, and more than 38% of Virginia’s candidates, selected for the honor. This recognition reflects not only the extraordinary accomplishments of these students, but also the power and promise of public education.
Congratulations to these Dranesville students:
- Langley HS:
- Oscar Anderson
- Megan Connery
- Abigail Davis
- Virginia Gao
- Eesha Kaushik
- Elizabeth MacLay
- Meredith Yu
- McLean HS:
- Pengmu Wang
- Kalan Warusa
- Jeffrey Yin
- Thomas Jefferson HSST
- Hrishi Bhooma
- Rachel Du
- Daniel Feng
- Rohan Honganoor
- Aarushi Kanigicherla
- Anna Kim
- Justin Kim
- Elizabeth Courtenay Klein
- Noam Nikolich
- Nishka Shah
- Ayla Zhang
- Ella Zhang
- Lucas Zhu
17 FCPS High Schools Named to 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
The College Board announced that 17 FCPS high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. Schools can earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum distinction.
Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Congratulations to these Dranesville student high schools:
- Silver Distinction Schools
- Platinum Distinction Schools
- Langley HS
- McLean HS
- Thomas Jefferson HSST
Two FCPS Schools Selected for 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award
Two Fairfax County public schools, Chantilly HS and McLean HS, are among 26 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. This is the twelfth consecutive award for Chantilly and the ninth consecutive award for McLean. The schools will be honored at the Journalism Education Association- National Scholastic Press Association Spring National HS Journalism Convention.
FCPS Student Teams Win Five of Top Eight Awards in Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition
Student teams from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) won five of the top eight awards in the Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition, held recently at Robinson Secondary School. The regional competition combines the Fairfax, George Washington, and Northern Virginia MATHCOUNTS chapters of the state of Virginia.
Winning Dranesville teams
- Northern Virginia Chapter
- First- Cooper Middle School: Ian Cheng, Jeremy Ku, Henry Le, Ethan Zhang; Estelle Xi, coach.
- Second- Longfellow Middle School: Yeeyung Li, Michelle Lin, Alice Wang, Shunyao Yan; Patti Freeman, coach.
The top-scoring Dranesville school students in each chapter, with their rankings in parentheses:
- Northern Virginia Chapter
- First- Ethan Zhang, Cooper Middle School.
- Second- Eric Yuan, Longfellow Middle School.
- Fourth- Ian Cheng, Cooper Middle School.
Seizing the Moment: Students Use AI to Design Solutions to Real-World Problems
Grand prize winner, McLean High School student Emmanuel Beakal (right), designed MyCompass, an AI-powered therapy app.
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.
Real Food For Kids 2025 Winner now Judge
Last year, Fairfax County student Sidney Ide and her teammates from Herndon High School won the 2025 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge. This year, she’s coming back as a judge! That full-circle moment says everything about what this program can spark.
Culinary Challenge
The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge has provided students the unique experience of mirroring the responsibilities of school nutrition professionals by creating delicious, healthy school meals that represent the diverse culinary traditions in our school communities.
School News
Longfellow MS
All District Band- 21 band students from Longfellow participated in the VBODA District 12 Middle School Honor Band. They rehearsed for three days with a guest clinician and then performed a concert on Saturday afternoon.
Bright Beats- students volunteered with Bright Beats, a youth-led nonprofit providing inclusive music programs for children with diverse learning and communication needs. At Franklin Sherman ES’s Enhanced Autism Classrooms, student volunteers supported sing-alongs, rhythm activities, and instrument play.
Cooper MS
Cooper’s Debate Team qualified 44 students for WASDL Metro Finals, March 13-14, 2026. A record number! Our students won 4-0 in one tournament or 3-1 in two tournaments. Good luck in the Metro Finals!
Lemon Road ES
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) Regional Competition- five teams representing 36 Lemon Road students competed at our Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition. Three of our Division 1 teams placed. Here is a link to the results.
Kent Gardens ES
Kent Gardens' Students Talk Sports Injuries, Mobile Gaming, Mental Health in Public Speaking Program- Thirty students gather at this McLean, Virginia, elementary school before the school day starts several times a month to hone their presentation skills and get feedback from teachers and peers on refining their very own TED Talks. On February 26, this group of students addressed a crowded room full of classmates, teachers, and families to show off the public speaking skills they’ve acquired.
Herndon ES
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.
Haycock ES
Congratulations to Clark Levine, 6th grade teacher, named the McLean Pyramid Outstanding New Elementary Teacher. We are so lucky to have Mr. Levine at Haycock!
Coates ES
We are proud to celebrate Ms. Travis at Coates Elementary School for being recognized as the Region 5 Representative for Outstanding Professional Employee! Ms. Travis serves as one of our Behavior Resource Teachers and works tirelessly to support students in developing plans that set them up for success. She also coaches teachers on effective strategies for supporting student behavior in the classroom, helping create positive learning environments across our school.
McLean HS
McLean Visual Art Scholastics Winners: Region-At-Large East- fifty-three students who were recognized in the Regional Scholastic Art Competition! McLean HS students received more awards than any other FCPS High School and rank in the top 10 of awards recipients in their region. Go Highlander Art!
McLean Drama Club Finishes First at VHSL One-Act Competition- They will travel to Charlottesville for the State Competition on March 7th. Three McLean HS students, Garrett Hodder, Hayden Schwikert, and Nicole Sterner received Top Actor Awards!
Langley HS
Langley HS Boys Basketball vs. Centreville HS.
Congratulations Langley Speech Team- recently competed in the VHSL 6 C&D Super Regional. Top finishers was the team of Caden Peng and Kylie Pereira Kim with winning medals, who finished in First Place in Humorous Duo Interpretation and will move on to States on Mar 28. Inger Logan finished in 5th place in Impromptu Speaking and Veda Jackson was sixth in Poetry.
Congratulations Gold Mock Trial Team- an outstanding showing at the Northern Virginia Regional Tournament on Saturday, competing in three rigorous rounds and qualifying for the state competition in Richmond.
Herndon HS
Readers Are Leaders: How Herndon Students Are Building Confidence, One Book at a Time- Each week, members of the boys basketball team from Herndon HS trade in their practice shoes for storybooks as they travel down the road to Herndon ES to read alongside their younger buddies. The Readers Are Leaders initiative is a program designed to strengthen literacy while building meaningful relationships between students of different ages.
National Women’s History Month
Every March is designated Women’s History Month, by presidential proclamation, to honor the contributions of women in American history. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
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Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety.
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Music In Our Schools Month®- is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music.
Theatre in Our Schools Month is a celebration of theatre in our schools and schools in our theatres. The goals of TIOS are to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs in and out of school for all students.
McLean Project for the Arts- Youth Art Shows
Join MPA for Youth Art Shows featuring work by FCPS McLean and Langley Pyramid students from elementary through high school. The McLean Pyramid show runs in the MPA MCC galleries March 5 to 15, 2026, and the Langley Pyramid show run March 19 to April 6, 2026. Please join MPA as we celebrate these talented young artists!
2026 Dulles Youth Art Display
With nearly 100 unique pieces from Pre-K through high school artists, many from Dranesville, this curated collection is now on display on the ticketing level, opposite the TSA PreCheck checkpoint. Photos- at the top of the newsletter.
National School Social Work Week - March 2-8
Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential.
National School Breakfast Week- March 2-6
Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. Nutrition Services has printable menus available.
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Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)- March 8
On Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! Remember, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark.
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Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz (evening only observance day, holiday)- March 20
Thursday, March 19, Eid al-Fitr, which begins at sundown and is an evening only observance day. Friday, March 20, is a holiday and all schools and offices are closed for Eid and Nowruz.
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Semiquincentennial Events
Commemorate America's 250th Anniversary
Our Semiquincentennial, a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, has no better place to celebrate than right here in Fairfax County. Explore the rich heritage and historic landmarks throughout the region, immerse yourself in stories that shaped our nation, and experience celebrations that honor America’s journey. For a list of upcoming events and activities, visit America's 250th Commemoration.
Fairfax County History Trail Pass
Explore Fairfax County's wide range of historic and cultural attractions through the mobile Fairfax County History Trail Pass app. For every site you visit and check in to, you'll receive an entry to win the monthly prize.
Fairfax County History Conference- April 18
Join historians, educators, and community members for a day of exploration highlighting Fairfax County’s role in the American Revolution. 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.
Opportunities Include:
- Volunteer (Greeter, registration, hospitality, wayfinding, etc.)
- History Showcase Display: Create a display about Fairfax County history tied to your school or community.
- Trivia Show Contestant *HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY* (High School Students vs. School Board Members — format subject to change)
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Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
MCC Youth Ambassadors High School Visual Art & Writing Competition
Commemorating America's 250- Now Accepting Submissions
The McLean Community Center Youth Ambassadors invite local high school students to participate in a Visual Art & Writing Competition exploring the theme Freedom Through My Eyes. This competition is open to students in grade 9-12 who reside in or attend school within the MCC tax district. Students are asked to reflect on what freedom, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, means to them today. Due on Friday, March 13, 5 p.m.
MCC Governing Board Call for Candidates
The McLean Community Center is looking for district residents to serve on its Governing Board. The volunteer board provides oversight to the McLean Community Center through policy guidance, strategic planning and financial stewardship. Board members have a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life for Small District 1A-Dranesville residents. For more information, please visit 2026 Call for Candidates – McLean Center
- Adult openings:
- Four adult board seats: one to serve 2 years of an unexpired term and three to serve for a 3-year term.
- Youth openings:
- Two youth board seats- Langley HS area and McLean HS area
- Must be 15-17 years old on May 16, 2026 (McLean Day)
Students: Share Your Ideas With the Superintendent
The inaugural FCPS Student Summit is a superintendent-led leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voice across FCPS. It will take place on Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Skyview HS (2949 Education Dr, Herndon).
The Student Summit will bring together high school students to share ideas, perspectives, and recommendations directly with the superintendent. Students will engage in meaningful conversations on important topics, including access to programs and resources, skill-building and micro-credentials, AI literacy, and other student-identified priorities.
Call for EQAC Student Members!
Fairfax County’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2026 through June 2027 term! The application is open to all interested high school sophomores and juniors who are in good standing. Eligible public school, parochial, private school, and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply. Apply by April 12, 2026.
High School Students Invited to Join the SYEC
The Superintendent's Youth Environmental Council (SYEC) was founded by students for students and represents students from across the division who are dedicated to making FCPS a global leader in sustainability. SYEC would like representation from every high school! If you know a high school student or you are a FCPS HS student, email superintendent@fcps.edu with name, school, and contact information to join.
NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest
Calling all K-12 student artists! The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking students to design posters for the 2026 Youth Poster Contest. The theme for this year is ‘Soil. Where It All Begins.” Students may enter hand-drawn, digital, braille, and additional assistance categories. Entries are due June 30, 2026. Learn more about the poster contest categories and guidelines and download your entry form here.
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. Qualified individuals who are interested in judging should click “Create Account” and register as a judge by Sunday, March 8.
Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza
Interested in joining the community-wide effort to save local trees from the invasive plants that are threatening them? All are invited to participate in the Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza taking place March 21 to April 12. Registration is required. More than 40 events will soon be listed on the Fairfax PRISM website, where you can also learn about other ways to help or to get help with this work.
Disclaimer: Opportunities and events 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 that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.
Please confirm dates, times, and locations as they may change.
Learn To Ride a Bike Event- Sign up March 11
10 a.m.- On April 1, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Dolley Madison Library (1124 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean) offer a children's bike education class. This program is for beginners, ages 4 to 12. Adult participation is expected and required. Registration opens March 11th and is required. If you are in need of a helmet or bicycle, email Andrew Sheldon, Andrew.Sheldon@fairfaxcounty.gov, FCDOT’s Active Transportation Planner.
FCPS's Family Resource Center March Webinars
Stuff the Bus!- March 14
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.- The buses are fueled and ready to roll as Stuff the Bus returns for a one-day food drive. Support our local nonprofit food pantries by donating non-perishables or gift cards.
Dranesville District Locations:
- Herndon Giant (2425 Centreville Rd.)- Benefiting Cornerstones
- McLean Giant (1454 Chain Bridge Rd.)- Benefiting Share of McLean
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Special Education and STEM Job Fair- March 14
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.- FCPS will be hosting a job fair specifically for special education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching positions. The hiring event will take place on Saturday, March 14, from, at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Rd, Burke).
Library of Congress: Family Day: Mapping a New Nation- March 14
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.- Create your own map as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States! Get inspired by maps from the colonial era and the early years of independence, and explore the fascinating world of early American cartography with experts from the Geography and Map Division.
Recycle E-Waste- March 21
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.- The Community E-Waste Collection Event is a pilot program for residents to safely recycle electronics and reduce landfill waste. County resources are available to help you understand what can be recycled, upcycled, or safely disposed of beyond this event.
Learn More Before You Attend:
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Fiesta Del Sol- March 21
Get ready because Fiesta del Sol, the McLean Community Center's Latin American & Caribbean festival, is back! On Saturday, March 21, 5-10 p.m., enjoy live music, great food, adult beverages, and art, and even learn Latin dance steps from professional instructors (or show off what you know). Free admission. Drink and food tickets sold onsite.
Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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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
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