Fourth grade students work together as they stack cups during a Speed Stacks competition in physical education at North Springfield Elementary School.
Fairfax County School Board Adopts FY 2027 Advertised Budget
At its 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.
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 for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held this spring (from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services.
Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
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. View the full list of high schools.
Two FCPS Schools Selected for 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award
Two Fairfax County public schools — Chantilly and McLean high schools — are among 26 schools nationwide selected as recipients of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. This is the 12th consecutive award for Chantilly and the ninth consecutive award for McLean. Read about this honor.
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 cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected.
Children 12 months and older should have one or two doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.
Read Across America Week
This week, we recognize the importance of reading with Read Across America Week. Reading is a foundational skill for academic success. The FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3 includes reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Read below for some of the ways we are achieving this goal.
Benchmark Advance Literacy Curriculum Improving Skills Across Grade Levels
In Academic Matters at last Thursday’s School Board meeting, 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.
Teachers and school leaders report that student writing is stronger, more detailed, and more organized than in previous years. This progress is visible in classroom work and in student assessments. Read more about these substantial improvements in Weekly Reflections.
Reading Specialist Embraces Opportunities to Learn
Reading specialists like Amanda Bontzos at Mantua Elementary School — who was recognized as a finalist last year for Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee — are dedicated to helping our students succeed and our teachers feel supported.
Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast
Multiple studies show that school breakfast is 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.
This National School Breakfast Week, March 2 to 6, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.
2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School.
Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event.
If you registered before the date change, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration
The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.
Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered a spirited keynote speech. The FCPS Black Excellence video tribute was another highlight of the night.
Read more about the Black history event.
Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event 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 FCPS. Register to receive the event link.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Read more about the registration process.
Activist Dolores Huerta Encourages Students to Take Charge
Labor rights leader Dolores Huerta marched alongside Rep. John R. Lewis during the civil rights movement. Recently, she made a memorable and inspiring visit to the school that now bears his name. Read about her inspiring message for students.
Removing Barriers So Students Learn and Do Their Best
This week, we recognize School Social Work Week. The goal of every FCPS school social worker is to make sure every student can succeed. They assess and address social, emotional, and behavioral factors that may stand in the way of students learning and doing their best. Read how School Social Worker Megan Jackson approaches her work with students, families, and colleagues at Burke School.
Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair Call for Judges
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held on Saturday, March 14, at Robinson Secondary School. Each year, more than 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in categories ranging from astronomy to plant science to biomedical engineering.
Judges should hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic and/or professional experience in the category for which they apply. Parents, teachers, and family friends are not allowed to judge in categories in which their child, student, or family friend’s child is competing.
Qualified individuals who are interested in judging should click “Create Account” and register as a judge by Sunday, March 8.
Magnet Schools for Science, Technology, and the Arts
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.
Registration for the 2026-27 elementary magnet lottery is open through Friday, March 27. Learn more about Elementary Magnet Schools and find out how to apply to the Magnet School Lottery.
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.
Special Education and STEM In-Person Job Fair
FCPS will be hosting an in-person 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 9 a.m. to noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Register to attend.
Calendar Reminders: Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up, and to not run into the street or cross between parked cars.
Adult ESOL Spring Semester Scheduling Now!
FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers affordable, in-person classes for adult English language learners, from basic English for beginners to advanced specialty courses for career advancement.
These classes are available at convenient locations across the county at far less cost than college programs or private language schools. If you, or someone you know, is interested in strengthening their English language skills, please register for the ACE Adult ESOL class.
Nominations Open for A. Heath Onthank Award of Merit
Nominate a standout Fairfax County operational employee for the A. Heath Onthank Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions that strengthen public service across county government and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Last year, Kara Payne, office assistant at Katherine Johnson Middle School (pictured above with members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors), received an Onthank Award. This is Fairfax County’s highest honor!
Anyone may nominate a full-time FCPS operational employee with at least one year of service (teachers and instructional assistants are not eligible). Awardees will be recognized at a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting and receive a plaque and $2,500.
Nominations will close Friday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m. Visit the Fairfax County Onthank page to learn more and submit a nomination.
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