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Dear Sully District Families and Community Members,
Spring activities and athletics have officially kicked off and the excitement in our schools is palpable. Longer sunlit days and warmer temperatures are on the horizon, and I'm all charged up for a fantastic spring! 🌷☀️🌱
March is #WomensHistoryMonth, a time to recognize and celebrate the many ways women have shaped our society through their leadership, innovation, and dedication.
The theme for Women's History Month 2026, chosen by the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA), is "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future". This theme highlights women's leadership in creating long-term sustainability across environmental, financial, educational, and societal systems, addressing global challenges like climate change and economic insecurity by designing blueprints for a resilient and equitable tomorrow.
I would especially like to recognize the remarkable women making a difference in our schools, my colleagues on the School Board and across the FCPS leadership team. Women represent approximately 75% of the teaching workforce in our nation, and their dedication, resilience, and passion are truly the foundation of our education system.
Finally, I welcome your feedback, observations, suggestions, questions, and celebrations. Don't hesitate to reach out to me through this School Board contact form or you can call or email me. I look forward to seeing you in our schools in the upcoming weeks.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and inspiring spring season.
In partnership,
Seema Dixit
Sully District School Board Member
Inside this Newsletter:
Sully District Happenings
 2026 Student Peace awards
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. Every year, the high schools in Fairfax County are asked to select one junior or senior, or a group of students, whose work has promoted peace. The project is organized by volunteers and funded by donations from 16 secular and religious sponsoring organizations.
Congratulations to Sully students Sheba Ahmadzai, Advait Kothuri, Ved Patil, Athri Cheboli, Pranav Adivi, Rishi Guharoy, Nikhil Vaidy.
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. Congratulations to Centreville High School and Westfield High school who were in the Silver Distinction category and Chantilly High School in the Gold.
Congratulations to Chantilly High School who was among 26 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. This is the twelfth consecutive award for Chantilly High School.The award recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach, and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content. More information about the First Amendment Press Freedom Award is available online.
Congratulations to Ria Goel from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, won First Place in the Information and Artificial Intelligence category. Read Ria’s letter on the environmental impacts of AI data centers.
Congratulations to Heidi Hager who was one of the four student to receive an award in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition. These students are part of a group of more than 700 YoungArts award winners that were selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process.
Four FCPS teachers are among 13 public middle and high school teachers to receive grants from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Wolf Trap’s Grants for Performing Arts Teachers fund music, dance, and theater projects in public school classrooms in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Congratulations to Meghan Pafumi, Rocky Run Middle School, for Middle School and Macbeth: Appearance vs. Reality and Christine Maxted, Westfield High School, for Youth and Senior Collaborative Storytelling Project
Congratulations to the Westfield High School Boys Basketball team on winning the State Championship! What an incredible season for the Bulldogs. After capturing both the District and regional titles, the team finished strong by defeating Landstown to claim the state championship. We are so prod of these student-athletes, their coaches and everyone who supported them throughout this amazing run, GO BULLDOGS!
 
At the Regular meeting on January 22nd, the Superintendent presented the School Board with the FY 2027 Proposed Budget. This Proposed Budget reflects FCPS’ unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence for our students, staff, and community.
As documented by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the Commonwealth’s K-12 funding formula does not accurately reflect the true cost of operating our schools. We will continue pressing the state to implement JLARC’s recommendations—reforms that could deliver more than $500 million annually to public education and lessen the financial strain on our local community
We are currently facing a $43 million shortfall driven largely by ongoing challenges in state funding. The budget process will continue through May, and we remain fully engaged in refining and advocating for a responsible path forward. I encourage you to continue sharing your perspectives by emailing us and other elected officials, and by participating in public hearings. Your voice truly matters, and community engagement plays a vital role in this process
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey.
As we move through the next phase of the budget process, I encourage you to watch the remaining work sessions and attend public hearings. As the Budget Chair, I look forward to ongoing collaboration as we strive to align our financial priorities with our shared values and secure the resources our schools need to thrive.
 Seema Dixit visit to Rocky Run
Visit to Rocky Run
During my visit to Rocky Run Middle School, I had the opportunity to observe several after-school clubs in action, and I was especially impressed by the level of student engagement and creativity. Students were actively participating in variety of clubs that provided both academic enrichment and opportunities for self-expression. It was inspiring to see how these clubs create inclusive spaces where students can connect, build confidence, and develop new skills. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the building highlighted the important role these programs play in fostering a strong sense of community and enriching the overall student experience.
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Boundary update |
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. We encourage your active participation in this important work. Below is an overview of the timeline and engagement opportunities:
March – Kickoff Meeting We invite you to join our kickoff meeting, where we will outline what to expect, review criteria guiding boundary development, answer questions, and gather your input on key themes related to boundary planning. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Westfield High School. You may register to participate in person or via Zoom.
Phase 1: April – Boundary Scenario Development FCPS consultant will develop three draft boundary scenarios (maps) based on established criteria and community feedback received during the kickoff meeting as well as previously collected feedback.
Phase 2: Week of April 27 – Community Meetings The consultant will present the three draft scenarios for the Skyview boundary. Meeting participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback using the Boundary Explorer Tool. Additional details, including meeting dates and locations, will be shared soon.
Phase 3: Late May – Community Meetings Revised boundary scenarios will be shared with the community for additional feedback. The consultant will use this input to further refine the maps in collaboration with FCPS leadership.
Phase 4: June – Superintendent’s Recommendation FCPS’ superintendent will present a final recommendation to the School Board for consideration and action at a board meeting.
Please note that dates are subject to change.
Your feedback is essential, as we work together to develop a boundary that best serves our students, families, and the community. For more information, please visit our Skyview Boundary Development webpage.
April Statewide Election
April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.
SEPTA AWARDS- Due March 27
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The SEPTA Awards highlight the extraordinary dedication of school staff and community members who support students with diverse learning needs. Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and others who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.
Nominations can be submitted online at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/awards/
The award recipients will be honored during the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate the individuals helping create more inclusive and supportive school communities. Event registration will be forthcoming.
To learn more about Fairfax County SEPTA and its programs, visit: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/ |
Kindergarten Registration
Do you have a student that's headed to Kindergarten for the upcoming school year. There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten.
A virtual event is designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
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 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.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy Posters
The Career and Technical Education office is excited to offer Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy as part of our summer enrichment programs for 2026. Both of these enrichment programs offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and engaging environment.
As a way to help promote these valuable enrichment opportunities to students and parents, posters will be mailed to every school. Please display promotional materials in an area accessible and visible to parents and also in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) hallways (if applicable) from March to May.
More information for Tech Adventure Camp can be found here, and information for CTE Summer Academy can be found here.
Mental Health Resources for Families
This month's theme:
Go to Action for Happiness for ideas to help you take action for a happier and kinder world.
 Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies
Feeling super stressed? Worried about a friend's mental health—or your own? Get tips to help manage your emotions and see what to do if you are in crisis.
Mental Health and Resiliency
Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.
FCPS Family Resource Center
Staff is available by phone 703-204-3941 or email frc@fcps.edu to help! The FCPS Family Resource Center offers free workshops, consultations, a lending library, and more to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities.
No Cost Virtual Therapy for High Schoolers
Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Get started with CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
George Mason University’s new Center for Community Mental Health (9900 Main Street, Fairfax) provides evidence-based, accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. The Center sees children as young as age 5, and works with community members of various ages, including addressing the mental health needs of veterans.
The center’s Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in both English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
 12 FCPS School Board members at the dais
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Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
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Tuesday, April 7, 11:30 a.m. - Work Session at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
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Monday, April 20, 4 p.m. - Public Engagement Committee Meeting at Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600
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Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School, Auditorium
Please note: Times and topics are subject to change.
Visit the community participation webpage to sign up to speak at a regular meeting. Visit BoardDocs for more meeting logistics, agendas, and handouts.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
The work sessions 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.
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
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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 o escanee el código QR.
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Contacting Me
To contact me, it is most helpful if you can please use the official School Board Contact Form. This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look up that information in My Neighborhood.
To keep up with updates between newsletters, be sure to follow me on Facebook.
Quick Links
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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