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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 Braddock Neighbors,
Last month, I was honored to take the oath of office as your new Braddock District representative on the Fairfax County School Board. It’s an honor to step into this role, and I do so energized and ready to hit the ground running in service of our schools and our kids.
If you haven’t gotten the chance to meet me yet, my name is Tom Dannan, and I’m the proud father of two young kids in FCPS. I’m also a former PTA president, a small business owner, and the proud son of a union educator. I have a deep commitment to ensuring FCPS continues to improve. Like so many families that move to Fairfax County, the schools were a major factor for my wife and I, and I stepped forward to run for school board because I want to ensure FCPS remains a top-rated system.
I’m grateful for the work of my predecessors, Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Megan McLaughlin, in advocating for our kids, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the school board for the benefit of our students, educators, and community.
A friend and local advocate texted me when I won, half joking, "Looking forward to giving you a hard time from the other side of the dais." I genuinely welcome that. In the words of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell: "In democratic government, elected officials do not have power. They hold power - in trust for the people who elected them."
Democracy is a beautiful thing, but it is difficult, and I know that we will have earnest debate and disagreements among the board and in the community. I also know that we will be doing so in good faith, centering our kids' best interests.
It is fitting that I was elected on March 3rd, 19 years to the day when I left home to serve in the Peace Corps. Nineteen years later, I am once again embarking on a new journey of service, and I am committed to approaching it with the same spirit: with idealism and hope, and by listening to those on the ground doing the work.
Thank you all for putting your trust in me. I look forward to meeting you at our schools or in the community and advocating for the best for our students together. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at tfdannan@fcps.edu
Below you will find information from our Thursday, March 19 and March 26 Regular Meetings, public hearings, events, and opportunities to address the School Board.
Yours in Service,
Tom Dannan
In this issue
March 19 - Swearing in, Budget Review, Walk to Read, and more
 On Thursday, March 19 I was honored to be sworn into office for the Braddock District as your new School Board Member. We were joined by family and friends, other members of the School Board, Superintendent Dr. Reid and the leadership team, as well as state Delegate Vivian Watts and Senator Saddam Salim.
 After being sworn in, we immediately got to work to address many of the topics I have already heard about from Braddock families. The full agenda is available online along with a video recording of our Regular Meeting. First, we passed the following proclamations and resolution:
We then heard from community members and our Student Representative. I sincerely appreciate their perspective, having spoken in front of the school board myself, and I’m grateful that our Student Representative speaks first—helping center us and set the tone for our meeting.
Next, we went over a presentation on Executive Limitation 13 - Safety and Security, where I asked the Superintendent about the how we can best support our school safety and security staff. I also inquired about feedback she’s heard from teachers and staff about our new ERB devices.
We also got updates on FY 2026 Budget Review, Goal 2 - discussing "Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered" and how that ties into Middle School Performing Arts. Finally, in the Academic Matters presentation, we heard about Walk to Read pilot, and I inquired with Dr. Reid about what we need to support this program in the future.
Our Consent Agenda included additional School Board appointments - adding me to the Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee (CPDC), the Audit Committee, and as a Liaison to the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) and to the Successful Child and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT). At-large School Board member Kyle McDaniel, who I had the opportunity to work with when I was PTA president, was also added to the Budget Committee. We also discussed multiple contracts, including one for Stadium Turf Replacement at West Springfield High School which I believe many Braddock District students will benefit from. I am looking forward to working with my fellow CPDC, Audit, ACSD, and SCYPT members to keep improving FCPS for all students!
 I am thankful for a warm welcome and productive first meeting with my new School Board colleagues and look forward to the robust dialogue we will have in future meetings. I am ready to ensure FCPS remains one of the best education systems in the country.
March 26 - North Springfield Elementary School AAP Center, Inclusion and more
 Just one week later on March 26, I was happy to attend my second regular school board meeting. It certainly has been a quick pace, but that was due to Spring Break the following week. The full agenda is available online along with a video recording online. First, we passed the following proclamations and recognitions:
We also discussed Goal 2 - Safe, Supported, Included and Empowered. I was happy to discuss inclusion with Dr. Reid and her leadership team, and making sure every student feels welcome and supported. After that I was honored to make my first motion as a member of the school board — to establish an AAP Center at North Springfield Elementary School, which I have heard from many constituents about. I’m grateful for the tremendous work done by FCPS staff, leadership, and my colleague from the Mason District, Dr. Ricardy Anderson to make this happen.
VHSL Class 6 All-State Football Team
 Hearty congratulations to the four Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Football team!
Go Lions! Go Spartans! Go Bruins! Go Rams! And all together, go Class 6!
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Offensive Lineman Davon Tolson Jr. from Fairfax HS |
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Running Back Dillan Wickham from West Springfield HS |
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Tight End Zach Hibner from Lake Braddock Secondary School |
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Kicker Ethan Jacobs from Robinson Secondary School |
VHSL Class 6 All-State Golf Team
 Congratulations to two Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Golf Team! Go Rams!
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Raquel Walker from Robinson Secondary School, on par (72) |
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Armaan Osterman from Robinson Secondary School, +2 (74) |
VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Cross Country Team
 Congratulations to four Braddock district students who were named to the VHSL Class 6 All-State Girls Cross Country Team! Go Rams and Go Cavaliers!
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Karina Baird from Robinson Secondary School |
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Hadley Vanek from Woodson HS |
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Alexandra Bird from Robinson Secondary School |
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Keira Arenholz from Woodson HS |
Senator Pekarsky's 2026 Youth Leadership Program
 Congratulations to the students who were accepted into Senator Pekarsky's 2026 Youth Leadership Program! Through the program, high school seniors and juniors visit the General Assembly in Richmond for the legislative session and learn about political leadership on the state level. Students have been observing committee hearings and floor debates, participated in panelists with lobbyists, advocates and political leaders and met with lawmakers and their staffs. It has been a great opportunity for students interested in government, politics and law. You can view Senator Pekarsky's introduction of the students online. Congratulations to the following Braddock District students, all from Robinson Secondary School:
- Gabriella Perrin
- Shivani Ghattu
- Caelan Heron
Thank you to Senator (and former School Board Member) Stella Pekarsky and our school staff who supported these exceptional students in their pursuit of civic education.
Inaugural ARTiFAX Winners
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has launched ARTiFAX, a new art recognition program created exclusively for FCPS teen artists in grades 7–12 enrolled in visual art programs. Designed to honor artistic excellence, creative growth, and student voice, ARTiFAX highlights the depth and diversity of visual arts education across the school division.
From the Braddock district, 40 students won ARTiFAX awards, listed below by school.
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From Annandale High School:
- Renna Charles, Identity, Emerging Artist
- Ellanor Lee, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Artistry
- Mikayla Nguyen, Lady Lachrymose, Best in School, Artistry
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From Cedar Lane School:
- Elliot Smith, Portrait of the Soul, Best in School, Emerging Artist
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From Fairfax High School:
- Sabrina Velasco, St. Sawyer Concept, Emerging Artist
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From Frost Middle School:
- Calder Cronkhite, Turtle Island, Emerging Artist
- Zachariah Kumbang, Cartoon Bacon, Creative Process
- Maylee Lim, The Weight Of Being Young, Creative Process
- Mila Patel, Sweet Dreams, Artistry
- (Joseph) Kyle Reynolds, MEGA Bean, Thematic Concept
- (Joseph) Kyle Reynolds, TRON Roller Coaster, Creative Process
- Kathryn Wu, Mystical Creature, Creative Process
- Brittany Yee, Old Clock, Best in School, Artistry
- Seoyeon Yoon, Lily Print, Thematic Concept
- Shirley Zheng, Jester's Tango, Creative Process
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From Katherine Johnson Middle School:
- Arina Pavlenko, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, Best in School, Cultural Context
- Elizabeth Sheremetinskiy, Text Portrait, Thematic Concept
- Elizabeth Sheremetinskiy, The judge, Reflective Voice
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From Lake Braddock Secondary School - HS:
- Lana Hines, Draclo, Poseable Dragon Toy, Creative Process
- Alison McCarthy, Anxiety Paralysis, Artistry
- Olivia Moran, Solace, Creative Process
- Olivia Moran, Panoramic Protections, Cultural Context
- Skyler (Annabelle) Moran, Arsty Arturo, Artistry
- Jasmine Virk, Women: Past, Present and Future, Cultural Context
- Connor Clayton, Dumpster Diver, Artistry
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From Lake Braddock Secondary School - MS:
- Laila Glover, My Mini Dream Room, Artistry
- Celeste Massaro, Cubism Portrait, Thematic Concept, Emerging Artist
- Gabriela Vargas Gamon, Chill Room, Artistry
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From Robinson Secondary School - HS:
- Leo Lydon, I Know How To Peel a Banana, Reflective Voice
- Vincent (Dorothea) Sheridan-Kuchmek, Andrew's Adventures in Amaze-O Land, Thematic Concept
- Rachel Choi, Under Pressure, Artistry
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From Robinson Secondary School - MS:
- Genevieve Taphorn, Compass of the Mind, Best in School, Artistry
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From Twain Middle School:
- Benjamin Romero Smith, Little Skeleton, Best in School
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From Woodson High School:
- Maddie Cho, My Eyes, Portfolio
- Maddie Cho, Like an Open Book, Best in School
- Kara Lee, Bigoted Outcast, Artistry
- Adria Nguyen, SuperEgo, Artistry
- Kyrie Phan, Aligned, Cultural Context
- Anna Ryder, Floral Cafe, Emerging Artist
- Caroline Tso, Can You See Me?, Thematic Concept
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 Hearty congratulations to the five high schools Braddock district students attend which were part of the 17 high schools across Fairfax County that were named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. Those five schools were:
Silver Distinction - West Springfield High School
Gold Distinction - Fairfax High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School
Platinum Distinction - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Woodson High School
Thank you to our outstanding principals - Dr. Patrick, Dr. Aye, Ms. Kearns, Mr. Mukai and Mr. Great - and all of the teachers and staff who helped foster supportive environments for our students to achieve this feat.
Go Spartans! Go Lions! Go Bruins! Go Cavaliers! And Go Colonials!
FCCPTA 2025-2026 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Awards
 A hearty congratulations to the four outstanding Braddock students who have received gold level awards and will advance to the VA PTA competition for the arts.
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Film Production: Primary - Intermediate - Kate Detrick, Terra Centre Elementary School PTA
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Literature: Primary - Lennon Wetzel, Wakefield ES PTA
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Music: High School - Chetana Srinivasan, TJHSST PTSA
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Photography: Intermediate – Baiden Vu, Canterbury Woods ES PTA
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
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.
Sixth Grade All-County Choral Festival
 Save the date! Friday and Saturday, April 17-18
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax General Music Educators Association (FGMEA) are pleased to announce the 2026 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival.
Over 700 6th Grade students from over 100 elementary schools participate in the All-County Choral Festival. Students are selected by audition at their elementary school. Once selected, they participate in many months of extra choral rehearsals with their general music teachers.
Students come together for two days of intensive rehearsals with a nationally acclaimed conductor who specializes in working with children’s choirs. The choral festival culminates with a spectacular concert by the students consisting of 10 challenging songs that feature student and staff instrumentalists.
April Sibshops and SibTeens
📅Date - Saturday, April 10, 2026
📍Location -Gum Springs Community Center
8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA
The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. Play games and have fun.
Register here
SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences.
Register here
Please contact FCPSSibshops@FCPS.edu for follow up questions about either program.
🎭Theater Productions around the Braddock District!
 We are very fortunate to have some of the best high school theater departments in the state in the Braddock district. I invite you to save the date on your calendar and see any of the shows below (you can click on the links for shows with ticket purchases available already):
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A Midsummer Night's Dream at Annandale HS
- Thursday, April 23 at 7pm; Friday, April 24 at 7pm; and Saturday, April 25 at 2pm and 7pm
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Something Rotten! at Fairfax HS
- Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 1pm; Thursday, May 7 at 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 2pm and 7pm
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Cabaret at Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Thursday, April 30 - time TBD; Friday, May 1 - time TBD; Satuday, May 2 - time TBD
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Mean Girls at Lewis HS
- Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 2pm and 7pm
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Legally Blonde the musical at Robinson Secondary School
- Friday, April 24 at 7pm; Saturday, April 25 at 2pm and 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 2pm and 7pm
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Mama Mia! at West Springfield HS
- Thursday, April 30 at 7pm; Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 7pm; Thursday, May 7 at 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 7pm
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Sweeney Todd at Woodson HS
- Friday, May 1 at 7pm; Saturday, May 2 at 1pm and 7pm; Friday, May 8 at 7pm; Saturday, May 9 at 1pm and 7pm
🎨High School Pyramid Art Shows
 Save the date for the High School Pyramid Art shows below across the Braddock District. At each pyramid art show you will see student works from the elementary, middle and high school levels within that high school's pyramid, student music will be played and light refreshments served. Enjoy an an evening or morning of FCPS students' artistic expression:
- Annandale HS on April 14 form 6 to 8pm
- Fairfax HS on April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30pm
- LBSS on April 8 from 6 to 8pm
- Lewis HS at Key MS on April 23, from 6 to 7:30pm
- Robinson Secondary School on April 9 from 8am to 2:30pm and from 6 to 8pm
- WSHS on April 15 from 5 to 8pm
- Woodson HS on April 14 & April 15 from 6 to 8pm
📅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.
💲County Seeking Budget Input
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.
2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
 The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
Kindergarten Registration
 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 if it is not included in the list.
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.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Register your child today!
💉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 1 or 2 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.
Virginia’s Governor Wants to Hear From You About Virginia’s Public Schools
The Virginia Department of Education offers a survey for Virginians to submit feedback on public schools. Let our governor know what a successful school looks like to you, and what challenges or barriers are currently preventing students from thriving. The survey will close on Friday, April 10.
- Inaugural TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Clinic (FOX5)
- Cursive is back. But should students be learning the skill? (NPR)
- Fairfax County High School set to giveaway prom dresses (WUSA9)
- Thomas Jefferson HS Sponsors Clinic for Students with Disabilities (WJLA)
- TJ High School Hits Home Run With First Adaptive Baseball Camp (Arlington Magazine)
- Inaugural TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Clinic (Yahoo News)
- Fairfax County student ranked among top shot-putters in the country (FOX5)
- Virginia coach comes out of retirement to lead one high school's girls wrestling renaissance (WUSA9)
- Chantilly Graduate Gives Back to High School (Fairfax Times)
- Rosenwald Schools Taught A Generation of Early Civil Rights Leaders (WTOP)
- Fairfax County students get hands-on lesson in financial literacy (WUSA9)
- Thomas Jefferson High School hires 2 women to lead boys' sports teams (FOX5)
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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