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Dear Community Members,
Attend my Community Engagement Summit on March 10!
This summit will offer information about school funding, an update on school facilities and renovations, a review of state legislation impacting public education, and a focus on the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in FCPS.
Time is provided for participants to talk together and make connections, and to ask me questions. All are welcome!
To attend, please register using this form. This event is in-person only, though a recording should be available afterwards.
This will be the third summit I’ve offered in the past 12 months, and a testament to the investment I’m making to engage you - because I can only take it so far to advocate for the public education we want for our children and Fairfax County!
Keeping in mind that it’s people who matter most, I am thinking of many Fairfax residents who have loved ones abroad that face war and international conflicts. Continued strife in the Middle East weighs on us. I have been thinking about the first childcare provider for my oldest child, an Iranian-American woman, who fled to Virginia now about 40 years ago. Her dream was to open a childcare center in her home, for the youngest children. She helped me learn how to be a parent during the first 15 months of my daughter’s life. I cried for a week when my daughter outgrew care there!
Years later, I learned that she had been incarcerated for five years in Iran, before emigrating to America, where she then established her family and had children. Here, she obtained a job working in a school cafeteria, in FCPS, and purchased her dream house with a space for her business. Together, we celebrated Nowruz in her home. I will forever be grateful to and in awe of this woman, who had strength I can only imagine and boundless love to give. I hope such strength is with those who seek peace and freedom.
School Board Updates and Recent Work
Crafting School Board Policies that Communicate Promises to the Public
✨New Policy for Innovative and Intentional AI Use
As Governance Committee Chair, I’m creating space for the Board to thoughtfully consider the promises and values we want captured in the first-ever policy about the use of AI in our schools. I facilitated discussion about how we will define “AI Literacy”; identify needed safety parameters ranging from data privacy to children’s health and well-being; ensure engagement with parents, educators, and students about the evolution of AI’s role in learning; and evaluate the success of AI for instructional benefit. The recording of our initial discussion is here, from February 17. Governance next meets on March 17 and April 14. The goal is to produce the policy by the final Committee meeting of the school year, May 19, and then transmit it to the full Board for final approval by the end of June. Governance Committee meetings are live streamed and recorded like all other public School Board meetings; no opportunity for public comment is provided but the public can attend the meeting to observe. The current policy proposed by the Superintendent is found here.
As I’ve met with dozens of parents to listen and visited schools to learn how educators are considering and using AI to support their instructional preparation, I’m hearing the following themes:
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Students must prepare to use AI after high school, for college and the workforce. Often the next comment is about whether using educational technology and AI itself is the way to get there. I’ve often heard reference to FCPS’ Portrait of a Graduate skills as the kind of learning experiences students need to be savvy users of AI.
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A rising number of parents want to opt their children “out” of technology, namely, remove one-to-one devices. Parents want more information about the programs their children are using and how much time they’re spending on devices at school. Some parents also challenge the notion of “presumed use” of technology in learning. I understand this perspective and that it comes from a place of wanting to protect our children. I think it exemplifies why engaging conversations are needed to inform FCPS’ usage and how families are kept in-the-know, especially about safety in every aspect.
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What’s different about AI, compared with other technology, is the ability of AI to remove the hard work of learning - thus the heart of education itself. This is a special case for children, whose cognitive development depends on the very experiences of critical thinking and even struggling, so their brains are ready to discern the positives and negatives of any situation, including AI. An educator at our Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology addresses this in his recently-published, short essay, here.
Ultimately, we should be able to see data about how any educational resource provides an instructional benefit to students’ learning. Show me why it’s worth putting in front of kids.
🗓️ Need for Five-Day School Weeks Prompts Calendar Policy Review
The School Board has heard from many families regarding the negative impact of the lack of five-day school weeks this year. The instructional interruptions and scrambling for childcare at random times must be improved for the upcoming school year and beyond.
And so, I am leading the work to revise the calendar policy, which is overdue for review and leaves unanswered many questions about the establishment of the student school year calendar. Key is to have a policy stipulating that the five-day instructional week be prioritized when the Superintendent designs the student calendar.
I also absolutely continue supporting teachers’ time to plan and work - this is one of the first things I sought to improve when arriving on the Board in 2020, especially for elementary school educators and staff. What I am seeking is how to retain the time so it meets staff’s needs, but have it be configured so more five day weeks remain intact. I see options to consider.
My goal is to have the calendar beginning in SY 26-27 slightly adjusted to increase the number of five-day school weeks. I think it’s possible, without drastic changes. In further years, I’d like to see some additional improvements adopted. I’ll keep the community updated as work proceeds.
🪙Get the Money for our School Buildings
Action is needed by the Fairfax County Executive for a realistic plan to address the ever-growing list of buildings and facilities needs in this county. These are spaces where children and tax-paying adults learn, work, and play.
We have some amazing public services in Fairfax. However, I’ve seen no substantial action to address the now 45-year building renovation cycle that our schools are in. Industry standard says that within 25 years, capital components reach the end of useful life and fail, resulting in breaking HVACs, mold and floods in buildings, and old designs that don’t serve community needs today - not to mention achieve sustainability goals to preserve natural resources and save money.
I’ve heard the AAA (“Triple A”) bond rating touted by county leaders as a priority for savings. I challenge this. Maybe it did in the past. But now, when the county can’t fund renovations (or new buildings!) according to the industry standard for safety and cost effectiveness - and we have building components failing that require expensive, emergency repairs - residents deserve to know what the plan is other than growing the list and time for delayed projects. This FFX Now article features more information.
Fulfilling our Promise of Transportation for Students 🚌
The School Board voted on February 26, to strip FCPS school bus service to middle and elementary school students in select grades affected by the recent school boundary changes, despite being provided the choice by School Board policy to remain at their current school or be reassigned.
The Board had unanimously voted in July 2025, via a motion I led for a second time with Dr. Ricardy Anderson of Mason District, to provide a narrow population of students’ families with choice. This was meant to smooth boundary change assignments that would uproot children in the final grade levels of elementary school and the end of middle school - seeking to allow stability with instruction, friends, teachers, and activities. This was a time distinct offering, happening mostly in the next 1-2 years.
However, with a minimal amount of notice to the School Board before the vote, the Superintendent proposed that only next year’s 12th grade students impacted by boundary changes would receive a school bus if they chose to remain at their current school and not the newly-boundaried one.
I worked to uphold the commitment of the boundary policy, and proposed with Dr. Anderson, a funding solution to pay for the buses for students’ choice. However, the majority of the Board denied using some of the $8 million in the School Board’s reserve funding that’s available for flexible use, to pay for the $3.1 million needed. Further, the majority of the Board and Superintendent denied looking at any other possible areas to reduce funds and apply that to the bussing cost.
The Board ultimately expanded the Superintendent’s proposal, to include students in 10th and 11th grades for next year. I voted to support this because at least more students than initially proposed would receive bussing.
Now, elementary and middle school children who in policy have this choice, do not. They only have the choice if their families can provide their own, private transportation to school every day.
Hundreds of children - from ages 10 through 13 - will spend their final year of elementary school or middle school in a new school. I am now hearing especially from families re-boundaried from Kilmer Middle School to Thoreau Middle School who are confused and unsure of how to proceed, yet must decide in a few days where their children will attend.
I hope you’ll watch my remarks, here on my YouTube channel, because I want you to know the way this latest Board vote came to be.
Skyview High School: Update on Boundary Work🚀
In preparation for decisions about Skyview HS’ boundaries, phasing, and transportation, I am challenging the Board to understand the implications of the February 26 vote for the new high school. Please note that at this time, the following remains undecided about Skyview:
- Boundaries beginning in SY 2026-27;
- Phasing of grades into the school over the years ahead - currently only 9th and 10th are confirmed by the Board to begin in SY 2026-27; and
- Transportation for phased students.
I am leading the Board’s public Work Session on May 5, to discuss the proposed Skyview boundaries. No other aspects listed above have been scheduled yet by the Board for discussion or action.
I appreciate the advocacy and support of those who showed up and spoke up at the Board meeting, and who wrote emails to advocate for doing right by kids. Your continued presence is needed. Thank you.
Upcoming Public School Board Meetings
Regular School Board Meetings (Luther Jackson Middle School)
- Thur, Mar 19, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- Executive Limitations 13: Safety and Security
- Thur, Mar 26, 7pm - Regular Meeting
- FY26 Third Quarter Budget Review
- Strategic Goal Two: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered
- Winter 25-26 VHSL Athlete Recognitions
Committee Meetings (Gatehouse Administration Center)
- 🍀Tues, Mar 17, 4pm - Governance Committee
Recognizing Excellence in Student Athletics
Madison High School
Two young women won statewide honors this season! Laila Chadwick was recognized as the Class 6 Virginia State Player of the Year and Gatorade Virginia Volleyball Player of the Year, while Marleigh daSilva shattered the Virginia Girls 11-Dive record with an impressive series of flips. Let’s go Warhawks!
South Lakes High School
The South Lakes High School Boys and Girls Indoor Track and Field teams won first place at the VHSL Region 6D Championships on February 11, scoring a dominant 105 points. As of the date of this article, the athletes were still competing at the VHSL Class 6 State Championships, which were held on March 2-3 at Virginia Beach.
Oakton High School
Congratulations to Oakton High School on becoming the first-ever FCPS Girls Flag Football Champions, in November 2025! 🏈 This historic win marked the inaugural season of girls flag football in Fairfax County Public Schools. With college scholarships available and Olympic inclusion coming in 2028, the future is incredibly bright.
The team was proudly recognized at a School Board meeting as the Fall 2025 FCPS Championship Team. Go Cougars!
Marshall High School
Freshman Adrian Canales became the first freshman VHSL state wrestling champion in Marshall High School history, beating out athletes who were older and more senior. Congratulations also to Abyan Chowdhury and Riffat Pathan for earning third place in the state championships.
Hunter Mill Happenings
Baking 💘Valentine’s Day Cookies at Davis Career Center 🍪
What better way to spend a day than with the crew at the Davis Career Center at Marshall High School! These young adults know their way around the kitchen and receive culinary arts training to help prepare them for more independent living and careers in the food industry. My team joined me for the occasion as we prepared Valentine’s Day cookies and chicken pot pies.
Principal Chad Clayton and his educators showed much care for the students and my team. This is public education!
🤖Langston Hughes Robotics Team Keeps Winning
The Langston Hughes Middle School robotics team, Technosaurus Rex, beat out many high schools to advance to the Chesapeake Regional Championships. The Hughes FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics program, as part of the Middle School After-School Program (MSAS), gives children fun and enriching opportunities.
This is a worthwhile investment from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which in the past has funded access for all students to enriching afterschool learning opportunities. Funding for the upcoming school year is still being determined.
FCPS Honors Region 1 Outstanding Principals
Our schools depend upon a strong group of dedicated principals, who work long hours to guide and mentor educators and students alike. Region 1 recognized two principals for their exceptional leadership and professionalism:
Outstanding Principal of the Year: Dr. Herman Mizell, Langston Hughes Middle School.
Outstanding New Principal of the Year: Allison Hoak, Cunningham Park Elementary School.
These principals stand out for the culture they nurture. They show positivity, empathy, and vision to uplift the adults and children around them. Let’s give them our hearty congratulations!
Student Artists Shine with ARTiFAX Competition 🎨🖌️
Talented student artists from Hunter Mill District were recognized through ARTiFAX, Fairfax County Public Schools’ new visual arts recognition program for students in grades 7–12.
ARTiFAX honors artistic excellence, creative growth, and student voice across FCPS. This year, 299 student artworks were recognized across multiple categories, highlighting not only technical skill but also authenticity, creativity, and meaningful artistic expression.
Please join me in congratulating the following awardees from our district:
Hunter Mill District ARTiFAX Awardees:
Madison High School: Baiteli Aibek, Nora French, Xuan Hanson, Audrey Kapitan, Sharon Lautz, Charlie Linnemann, and Beiwei Sullivan.
Marshall High School: LA Clutch, Beatrice Coe-Mullin, Lucy Kesler, and Anirudh Tambar.
Westfield High School: Allison Cai and Ananya Ravula.
Langley High School: Jacob Todd
Thoreau Middle School: Nisa Aydin, Coen Dahiya, and Noella Malacki.
Langston Hughes Middle School: Louise Balck, and Grace Clements.
Cooper Middle School: Xanakee Vang
Cedar Lane School: Felix Reges
Teachers at Westfield High School and Aldrin Elementary School Receive Grants from Western Governors University
Western Governors University delivered resources to educators at Westfield High School and Aldrin Elementary School to help with classroom instruction. The materials include laboratory kits for Allie Castaneda's science classroom at Westfield HS, which allows students to work with more advanced materials that are usually cost prohibitive. At Aldrin ES, Karen Hovell received glow in the dark drumsticks that will help students with music education! I appreciate the University and their Fund My Classroom Campaign for supporting FCPS!
FCPS CARES Recognition: Allie Greene, Fox Mill Elementary
During a South Lakes High School band trip to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in early December 2025, an unexpected situation highlighted the quick thinking and compassion of Allie Greene, a 4th grade special education teacher at Fox Mill Elementary School. While waiting in line for food at the USS Missouri, an elderly woman appeared faint. Dan, Ms. Greene’s husband and former EMT, helped move her out of the sun, and Ms. Greene supported the woman, holding her safely in her lap while 911 was called. They remained by her side until EMS arrived. Their calm, decisive actions reflected genuine care and concern for others.
Moved by Allie’s dedication and courage, I submitted this story for consideration to the FCPS CARES Program, which allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. Learn more about FCPS CARES and how you can recognize good acts throughout the school division by visiting the website.
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Hunter Mill Super Volunteer Honored as Mother of the Year
Renee Small (pictured right) has been named 2026 Virginia Mother of the Year by American Mothers! Renee is an extraordinary partner in education and community leadership, serving as my appointee on the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (SY 2024–25) and now on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (SY 2025-26).
Beyond her work in education, Renee is a dynamic leader in her professional and community efforts. I celebrated this well-earned recognition with her, along with fellow resident, Vonda Hampton. Congratulations, Renee!
Read more about Renee Small at the American Mothers website.
📖Reading Across America at Aldrin Elementary School 🧑🚀
On March 2, in celebration of Read Across America, my Staff Assistant, Esperanza Holmes, and I joined other community and FCPS leaders to read with students throughout the day. We joined students at Aldrin Elementary School to promote the joy and importance of reading.
We had the pleasure of sharing meaningful stories, which Esperanza provided in both English and Spanish. Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that encourages children to develop a lifelong love of literacy and celebrates the power of books to inspire young minds.
🏫FCPS Schools Celebrate Historic Milestones
The School Board recognized 28 schools for their milestone anniversaries, during the February 26 Regular Meeting! What a testament to the staying-power of our public schools as foundations in our community, and records of living history about Fairfax County.
I brought forward and read the proclamation to recognize McNair Elementary School for its 25-year anniversary. With her leadership team, Principal Elizabeth Watson joined us and brought their ever-present positive attitude. Also remarkable is the 100-year anniversary of Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean!
Here is the complete list of schools recognized:
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Cedar Lane School (1956)
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Forest Edge Elementary School (1971)
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Armstrong Elementary School (1986)
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Crestwood Elementary School (1956)
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Lemon Road Elementary School (1956)
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Navy Elementary School (1956)
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North Springfield Elementary School (1956)
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Herndon Elementary School (1961)
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Herndon Middle School (1961)
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Glasgow Middle School (1961)
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Keene Mill Elementary School (1961)
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Mantua Elementary School (1961)
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Marshall Road Elementary School (1961)
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Whitman Middle School (1961)
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Olde Creek Elementary School (1966)
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Shrevewood Elementary School (1966)
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Quander Road Elementary School (1966)
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Key Middle School (1971)
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Robinson Secondary School (1971)
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Forestville Elementary School (1981)
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Cub Run Elementary School (1986)
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Union Mill Elementary School (1986)
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Montrose Alternative Learning Center (1991)
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Stone Middle School (1991)
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Waples Mill Elementary School (1991)
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Eagle View Elementary School (2006)
Cornerstone’s Work Continues with New Leadership
Congratulations and a warm welcome to Shannon Steene, who is the new Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstones, beginning on April 13. Shannon brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently as Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter in Northern Virginia. We look forward to his leadership, as we bid a fond farewell and “thank you” to retiring CEO, Kerrie Wilson.
For more than 55 years, Cornerstones has been a vital source of support in Northern Virginia, helping individuals and families access stable housing, food assistance, and critical community services. Their work strengthens our region by partnering with local organizations, faith communities, and volunteers to meet real needs with compassion and care.
Cornerstones’ impact will be celebrated at its annual Cornerstones of Our Community gala on Thursday, April 9, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Reston. This special evening brings together community members and partners to honor decades of service and invest in the important work ahead.
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Other Info of Interest
Celebrating Lunar New Year with the Community
Fairfax County residents celebrated Lunar New Year with a festival. Performances included the lion dance from a Vietnamese troupe, Korean drummers, Chinese meditation, Indonesian dance, hip hop, and breakdancing. The organizers invited me to participate in a Hanbok fashion show, and I wore a gorgeous traditional Korean dress.
Our County is truly a melting pot; 21 percent of residents identify as Asian American, with large Korean and Vietnamese diasporas who commemorate Lunar New Year. The rich diversity is one of the best parts about living in Fairfax County, and I'm grateful for the hardworking volunteers who made this possible, including the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia (CAPAVA) and Make Us Visible Virginia.
🦅Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports Team Hosts 9th Annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament🏀
On February 14th, my family and I cheered on youth athletes at the Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports Team game! It was our first time attending a wheelchair basketball game, and it was as competitive as any high school varsity match we've seen! The tournament is in honor of Pete Corapi, and his parents host it to continue the opportunity to play that their son loved. Athletes come from around the DMV and West Virginia to play with the Falcons, and teams travel in from elsewhere generally from the mid-Atlantic area.
Read more about the Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports Team on their website.
Due March 13: Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship Applications
Scholarship applications are being accepted for the Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship, which is open for FCPS seniors planning to enroll full-time at a 2-year or 4-year accredited university. Applicants must identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Apply by March 13, using this Google form.
By March 13: Nominate Contributors to the Special Education Community
Nominations are now open for Fairfax County SEPTA’s Annual Awards Ceremony on May 2, 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 at https://tinyurl.com/AwardsSEPTA2026
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March 23: FCPS to host Student Summit
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 9am to 1pm at Skyview High School.
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.
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By March 27: Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Seniors
The Kimmy Duong Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Program, with the application window closing on March 27. Eligible students include Vietnamese American citizens and permanent resident high school seniors who will be attending college in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. For more information, please visit the website.
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Due June 1:🦀Chesapeake Bay Girls STEM Camp
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The Bay Eco-Camp: Girls in STEM is a five-day environmental program for girls aged 13–14, taking place from August 3 to August 7, 2026. Participants will travel to Port Isobel island to conduct scientific investigations, habitat testing, and ecological analysis within the Chesapeake Bay. The registration deadline is June 1. For more information, visit the website. |
🎊2026 Graduation Dates
Contacting Me
I prioritize responses to Hunter Mill constituents, so please be sure to identify yourself as such if you contact me. If you are unsure of your county magisterial district, you can look that information up here.
To contact me, it is most helpful to please use the official School Board contact form via my website (click "Submit a Question"). This form prioritizes emails to me from constituents, and helps me track communication so I can be sure you receive a response. Thank you for your cooperation.
Best,
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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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